Overtaking on the approach to a junction is fraught with danger and shouldn't be attempted. Particular guidance needs to be given about the unusual course a large goods vehicle may need to take in order to negotiate the junction safely.

Questions that require a simple 'yes' or 'no' are of limited value. To be effective, you should ask searching questions based on 'what', 'when', 'where', 'why' and 'how'. The power of effective questioning as an aid to learning is sometimes overlooked; it can help to motivate pupils.

If the number of points on a new driver's licence (including any points gained as a learner) reaches six or more within two years of passing their first practical driving test, their licence will be revoked. To regain a full driving licence, both the theory and practical tests will have to be retaken.

When teaching your pupil the turn-in-the-road exercise, you should explain that having the car under control is only part of the procedure. They also need to be aware of other road users and know how to deal with them safely.

If a pupil isn't responding to a particular part of the learning programme, with a bit of help they'll normally be able to say what's going wrong. In saying what's wrong, they'll often be able to tell you what it will take to get over the problem.

If your pupil's driving is below the required test standard, it's your responsibility as a professional instructor to advise them not to take the test. As soon as you become aware of a possible problem, you should discuss this with your pupil and positively encourage them that, in their interest, and for other road users as well, it would be far better to postpone the appointment. If you can't dissuade them, then you should withhold the use of your vehicle. Ultimately, it's the pupil's test and an instructor can't prevent them from taking it in someone else's vehicle.

If you need to use the dual controls, you must make sure the pupil understands why you've done so. If you need to use the dual controls often, it suggests that you've overestimated your pupil's ability and are asking too much of them. If you don't recognise this, your pupil may lose confidence and the trust between you may begin to break down.

Always check the label on any medication you take, as some medicine can make you feel drowsy and slow your reactions. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to give you advice about possible side-effects of both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.

Traffic congestion is an inevitable consequence of the increasing volume of traffic on the road. To help reduce the volume of traffic, you could try
- sharing a car
- walking or cycling
- using public transport.

Avoid drinking and driving. Just one drink could dangerously impair your judgement and reactions, as well as put you over the legal drink-drive limit.

Only drive if you're fit to do so. Some medication can affect your concentration, your ability to stay awake and your judgement when dealing with hazards. Driving while taking such medication is highly dangerous.

The key attitude to develop in driving is active responsibility. For most pupils, and adolescents in particular, responsibility needs to be learnt. You should encourage learners to practise taking responsibility at the earliest opportunity.

While a driving instructor should have a prepared plan for each lesson, there needs to be flexibility in how it's delivered. If one teaching method isn't successful, then other methods need to be tried to find one that works for the pupil.

All-round observation is essential throughout any manoeuvre. Drivers should use their mirrors and pay particular attention to the direction in which they're moving, to vulnerable road users, and to what might be happening in any blind spots.

If a serious incident occurs that requires you to use the dual controls, it's vital that the pupil fully understands what happened and how they could have avoided the situation or dealt with it better.