How to teach security
Locking the car, valuables out of sight and leaving the vehicle safely.
What to teach
- Check mirrors and the blind spot before opening the door, and use the far hand to open it.
- Show how the central locking and any alarm work.
- Keep valuables out of sight and never leave keys in the car.
- Explain parking somewhere well lit and legal.
Faults to watch for
- Opening the door into the path of cyclists.
- Leaving phones and bags on the passenger seat.
- Treating security as too obvious to mention.
Practice between lessons
Ask the learner to practise the far-hand door opening every time they get out of a car.
Common questions
What is the Dutch reach?
Opening the car door with the hand furthest from it, which naturally turns your body so you look over your shoulder for cyclists.
Is security part of the driving test?
Not directly, but it is part of the DVSA syllabus and part of being a safe, responsible driver.
