Providing Driving Refresher Courses To Drivers Holding P Licenses
Although I provide driving lessons to students who possess L licenses, nevertheless, from time to time, I do agree to conduct “refresher” courses for students who possess “P” or provisional licenses too.
Some young drivers, who have just obtained their “P” license, discover that they are not competent enough to drive well. Parents, who are concerned with their children’s ability to drive safely, are therefore placed in a predicament upon discovering that their siblings are incapable to drive well. This is inspite of being given some 10 – 16 lessons or more by their previous instructor or instructors.
This was what led a Mdm. Yu, from Port Klang, who chanced upon reading my blog not too long ago. The above mother, a part time consultant with a logistics firm, contacted me about her son’s inability to drive safely and well.
It should be made known here that with 41 over years experience of giving driving instructions to students, I do not fancy giving “refresher” courses to students, except may be to my own students only.
Students who intent to do a refresher course take up a further 6 – 10 lessons under me to better themselves in the art of driving. I charge RM25 per hour for such classes. However, the charges for refresher courses can even go up to RM50 an hour.
A few years ago, I taught a housewife, from Kg. Delek, Telok Pulai, Klang, how to drive in her husband’s 2850 c.c. new Pajero. For readers’ information, teaching someone who is not competent in driving, especially in a big and powerful vehicle, such as a Pajero, is no mean task.
In fact, while tutoring the housewife mentioned above, my “boss”, Mat Saat, from Sekolah Memandu Mat Saat, saw me imparting refresher lessons in the Pajero, and hollered, “What on the earth are you doing?”, he inquired. “How in the world can you envisage doing such a thing?”, he said.
In reality, teaching refresher courses in a Pajero is indeed dangerous! For those who are unaware, the Pajero’s handbrake is located on the driver’s side, below the dashboard, next to the driver’s right knee. As such, an instructor, infact has no opportunity at all to use the handbrake to assist her when emergency situations arise.
It is hoped that other instructors who are reading this article would not contemplate doing what I have done. It is infact, a “stupid” act!
Readers may wish to know, what does a “refresher” course entail? First of all, permit me to tell readers that a “refresher” course can be done in 2 ways:-
1. Using the driving instructor’s driving school or institute’s vehicle to brush up or improve the student’s apparent weakness and defences.
2. Using a student’s own automatic car to better his or her ability to drive well.
The second alternative appears to be a better choice as it will provide a student the chance to get used with his or her vehicle eventually. Whatever it is, the rates for refresher courses remain the same at RM25 an hour. The maxim followed by many driving schools appeared to be, “it’s not whose car or vehicle were using. It’s the time, which we impart upon teaching you how to drive well that counts.”
What do I out on a mission of conducting refresher classes do upon meeting with a student for the first time?
Ideally, check the driving license to see if it’s valid, meaning, it’s not expired. Find out a few things about the student. Things like which driving school taught him, how many hours of driving did he or she undergo and has the student ever been given the opportunity to drive in towns or otherwise.
These are important things a good instructor should know. All these will go a long way to assist the instructor in preparing the student for a refresher lesson.
My observation upon “P” holders show that, amongst some of the major weaknesses of “P” drivers are:-
1. Incapable of stepping on the accelerator correctly, thereby causing the vehicle to stall.
2. Inability to take a corner correctly, thereby causes the possibility of a near collision.
3. Not ensuring that a vehicle is in “free” gear or otherwise before switching on the engine.
4. Unable to evaluate which correct gear a vehicle has to be in.
5. Many students tend to turn their heads to the rear when asked to ensure if there are vehicles approaching from the rear. They should infact use the side mirror instead.
6. Many “P” drivers are found to change gears incorrectly. They tend to enter gear 4 instead of the required gear 2, causing the vehicle to vibrate violently.
7. A tendency to leave up the clutch too fast thereby causing the vehicle to jerk abruptly. This pertains especially to gear 2 and 3 specifically.
8. Finally, it has been observed too that many “P” drivers fail to ensure that the coast is clear before they drive off.
The above are some of the weakness which many “P” drivers suffer from. During the “refresher” courses, a good instructor should emphasize upon the 7 or 8 weaknesses I have mentioned above. It is only through a determined effort, which will eventually improve a “P” driver’s ability to drive well.
Hi..I chanced on your blog while google-ing for tips on overcoming my fear of driving. I am now 25 years old and am severely “debilitated” by my inability to drive. I actually got my driving license on my first attempt at the age of 18 and was driving a few months after that. I found that the stress and anxiety being on the road was too overwhelming and I just abruptly stopped. Then I just gave in to my fear of driving and have not driven since then. After all these years of feeding into this fear, I am at a point that I cannot imagine ever driving again.
My main fear is that when I get into a car, it feels like the car is so big that it spills onto the other lanes. I also feel like I will hit the side of the car on something if I make a turn and I always feel like the car is too big for a designated parking space eventhough I know that it will fit. I also always worry of not reacting appropriately in sudden events like breaking when a car suddenly stops in front of me rather than just avoiding it etc..
I have driven 2-3 times in these past few years but only when the road is empty and I know there is a empty parking lot with many spaces. But still cannot imagine driving in heavy traffic; too bad I live and work in KL.
To make matters worse..I am a medical doctor and its hard for me to move around as I rely alot on others and have to take cabs wherever I go. Also my working schedule is packed that I rarely have time to initiate the learning process to drive again. And when I do have the time my fear gets the best of me and I just go…okay, maybe not today. Plus its embarassing to admit to ppl that I can’t drive…because its entirely due to my lack of will power.
I also have very poor support group as everyone around me drives and they totally do not understand why I cant. And I have tried to get some of my friends and family to help me but I find that most do not have the patience for my stupid reactions on the road. But I dont blame them cause I give up too easily too.
I was just wondering whether you have encountered such a weird story before and if you could advice me on this seeing that you have alot of experience in this field. Hope I am not intruding as I found your email address on a post that was for something else and I am emailing you for some other weird reason. Looking forward for ur advice. Thanks!
Psychologically, you have lost your confidence to drive. Try getting a good instructor to provide you further refresher lessons to build up your confidence slowly. Ideally, get a small automatic vehicle to start off. Your refresher course should begin in housing estates initially. Then, move on to less congested roads. later on, when you have become more confident, the instructor should then move on to more congested roads.
Hello Cikgu Yap,
I get my license L recently, and having the 8 hours practice.
But I am going to University, next month. Which means I can’t complete the JPJ test in time. :(
Yet, I heard people said once you get the license L, it will survive for 2 years, which means I have to finish the progress (of 8 hours practice to JPJ test) within TWO years. Is this true?
Does it really last for 2 years? And if no, what can I do? Do I have to go through the progress (from the Undang-Undang test) all over again?
Thanks at advance! :)
Undang-undang L license lasts 2 years. Try finishing your practical test by then.
Hi Cikgu Yap, I have not been driving since I got my license 5 years ago. I have lost confidence in driving and my skills are really bad. Wanted to go for refreshing course, do you think using own car is better (planning to buy an auto car) or using institute car is better?
Thanks for your advice in advance!!
You have to get a good driving instructor to help you. if you’re in Klang town area, we might be able to assist you.
I’m staying in PJ area. Got the price from one of the driving center… RM430 for 10-hours refresher couse. This is very expensive… Which part of Klang were you mentioning? Any good instructor that I can contact to?
The price asked, I feel is reasonable. Don’t forget, instructing one to drive is a dangerous task.
i am interested in the refresher course.can i know the duration and how much does it cost?Any contact number that i can clarify better on this?
Hi Shirley, I’ll contact you on your email.
Dear Cikgu Yap, I’m staying at Pelangi Damansara near The Curve, PJ. I am interested in the refresher course but don’t know where to get an instructor nearby this area. Do you have any instructor to recommend? Thanks
I’ll contact you on your email.
I have not been driving for the past 6 years. Though I don’t own a car yet, but I really want to pick up the skill again. I need a refresher course from a super patient instructor because I am rather timid behind the wheel. Any recommendations, Cikgu Yap? Preferably somewhere near Pantai Hillpark or UM area. Thanks.
I will contact you through your email.
Hi…I had only a year experience in driving about 20 years ago. And I really need to pick up the refresher course recently because I need to move to Selayang soon and I work in KL.
But I still have a fear & anxiety to drive like Rowina. Last year I have picked up the refresher course (RM100 for three hours), and the instructor said I was good enough to drive, in fact I still don’t believe in me. He said if I still lack of confidence to drive after I have an auto car, I can contact him again to catch up some classes again but using my car.
Honestly, I just covered up my fear during that three hours, after that I felt sick for a week, and my fear in driving is still with me, I am always feeling to hit the front car or I forgot to brake or something.
Do you have any good and super patient instructor to introduce for me, I am really sincerely wanted to overcome my fear, then only to consider to buy a new car to drive in the future.
Hi Cikgu Yap, I am trying to contact you through email, but still no reply.
Just to inform you that Mr. Wong is not available to teach on week ends, and he seems no confidence to teach student without young age, because when I replied him that I have my driving licence more than 20 years, but only a year of driving experience. Then he asked me how old I am?
Do you have any patient instructor to teach 40+ years old student?
Thank You.
Not all enquiries to us regarding refresher courses are contracted. The terms and conditions of the above course should first of all be agreeable to both parties, namely the instructor and the student itself. Hopefully all potential students who write in to enquire should always bear this important fact in mind.
Nevertheless, the question of not wanting to tutor a student of any age level does not arise at all. Allow me to repeat, we are professionals, so to say. We tutor everyone, irregardless of age. But terms and conditions apply.
Yes, Thanks Cikgu Yap.
I have finally called Mr. Wong directly, I guess he is a very passionate teacher. He is required student to use their own car, he will guide student especially for those are suffering mental issue in driving, how to recognise their fear barriers, and he will charge RM600 per 10 hours in Kuala Lumpur area because he is located in Klang, so PJ area is cheaper then etc.
I am almost disqualified for the above terms and conditions because I am not dare to buy a new car yet because I am not sure whether I can encounter my fears and it is very expensive for me. NVM I am appreciating your unconditional assistance.
And I bought your book-Driving Made Easy from Kinokuniya, K.L It is unique and not expensive.
Thank You.
Indeed wonderful to note that you now know the difficulties which we face. Mr. Wong and myself look eagerly to your joining us for your fresher course one fine day. Your support for our book is most appreciated.
Hi Cikgu Yap, I had not been driving for about 10 year now and after I got my licensee I haven’t drive until now because I got anxiety and nervous take over me when I wanted to drive, that has been holding me back for so long, but now I thought is really my time to pick up the skill again. I need a refresher course from a super patient instructor because my nerve take over me.
do you think I can still easily pick up my skill again?
and do you have any recommendation for me where can I find a good instructor in wangsa maju area?
I’ll contact you through your email.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
I have not been driving for 10 years and I am really nervous at the thought of getting behind the wheels again. My license is still valid, and I will need to use the car to get to my workplace and I desperately need a refresher course before I can do that. Any recommendations on where I can find a good and patient instructor in the Bangsar/Hartamas area, and the cost? Many thanks!
Cikgu Yap,
I have my refresher course today after 5 years i didnt drive after pass the driving test. The instructor charge me RM38 per hour. Is it reasonable? He come directly from shah alam to my house to subang at 2.05pm but drive to big area the time is 2.30pm and teach me driving. After finish teaching back my home at 3.35pm and he say he already teach me for 2 hours. I argued with him say he is not teach me fully 2 hours. He say it start counting the time from my house. I feel like kena tipu by him.
If you’re unhappy, you can always get another instructor. But remember, the policy of give and take must always exist.
Cikgu Yap, I have a valid license which I got many years ago. I have not been driving a car since I got my license though. Now, I’m planning to buy a car soon ( as I have been spending quite a lot of money on taxi fares for the past 2 years) but I need to brush up my driving skills first. May I know more details about your refresher course or do you have anybody you can recommend to me? I’m staying in Taman Desa, Off Jalan Kelang Lama (near midvalley).
Thanks! – Diana
Will contact you through your email.
Hi Cikgu Yap, I have valid license and its already 4 yrs and i have not being driving and I really want to start driving now since my office has been relocated. I wonder if you could recommend me and driving instructor or refresher course? Really appreciate your help. I’m staying in Jalan Ipoh. -AR
Your license invalid. Contact Putrajaya. Do the practical test all over again.
I will contact you via email.
Hi, Cikgu Yap, I had not been driving for about 16 year now and after I got my licensee I haven’t drive until now because I got anxiety and nervous take over me when I wanted to drive, that has been holding me back for so long, but now I thought is really my time to pick up the skill again. I need a refresher course from a super patient instructor because my nerve take over me.
do you think I can still easily pick up my skill again?
and do you have any recommendation for me where can I find a good instructor in serdang area?
Thank you.
I’ll contact you on your email.
Hi Sir, I’ve got my license last december but due to lack of confidence Im still not able to drive. I hope to get some refeshement course from you or any of your recommeded instructor in Pandan Perdana area. Thank you
I’ll send the details to your email.
Hi, Cikgu Yap. I’ve got my driving license almost 10 years ago but I hvnt got the courage to drive. I have the same fear of driving like others and I think this can be overcome if I manage to brush up my skill in driving. Can u give me contact of a good and patient driving instructor? I live in Klang area and I hv my own auto viva that can be use as training.
Will contact you through your email.
Hi Cikgu Yap, I have a valid driving license, but I do not drive for the past 8 years (since I got my driving license), I would like to sign up for a driving refresher course, any good instructor in wangsa maju to be recommended? Thanks so much.
I will contact you through your email.
Dear Cikgu Yap, i would like to sign up for a driving refresher course, could you please recommend a nice instructor around Wangsa Maju, Setapak area? Hopefully, not expensive. FYI, I have not been driving since i got my license five years ago. Many Thanks.
I’ll contact you through your email.
Dear Cikgu Yap,I am looking for a refresher driving course near by pavilion KL,your recomendation much appreciated.
I would like to register for a course which is not expensive and the person knows English well as I am forigner.
Please note I would like to get driving with auto kunchil .Meanwhile,I have not drive alot since I got my license on 2004
Will contact you via your email.
Dear Cikgu Yap,
I’m interested about your refresher course,May I know more details or could you recommend a nice instructor around Kelana Jaya area?
Please note I would like to get driving with auto car and hopefully it dont cost a boom.
TQ
I’ll contact you via your email.
Hi Cikgu Yap,saya ada lesen L tetapi boleh atau tidak kalau saya hendak berpindah ke driving centre lain untuk mencari instructor yang lebih penyabar untuk latihan 8 jam
Anda memang boleh berpindah institut. Jumpa institut lama, bayar RM10 wang process. Dapatkan rekod hadiran (Borang 4) dan surat pelepasan daripada mereka.
Hi Cikgu Yap! i was wondering if you are available to provide driving classes or a reference to any driving instructor who is super patience and willing to guide me…
saya boleh dapat refund x daripada institut lama sebab saya baru hadir kelas pertama(2jam) dalam latihan 8 jam
Hello Cikgu Yap,
I have not driven for more than 10 years and I know that I definitely need to take a refresher course, for my driving technique as well as for my confidence to drive again. I am situated in Subang USJ area, could you please help me, or perhaps recommend a good driving instructor for me? Thank you Cikgu Yap
I will contact you via your email.
Received your email. Thank you very much
Hi Cikgu Yap,
I am interested in the refresher course. I do have a fear of driving especially when it comes to parking in really tight spots. Can you recommend me an instructor who can teach on Sundays? I’m in Kota Kemuning.
I would like to use my automatic car for the lessons.
I’ll contact you via your email.
I’m interested in your refresher course. I’ve had a license more than 10 years ago but haven’t driven since I passed my exams. I’ve tried once but I crashed the car while parking. Since my career is very busy now I need to be independent and drive. Can you provide info on the refresher course offered. I stay nearby Taman Tasik Prima, Puchong.
Thank you.
I will contact you via your email.