The vice-chairman of the National Automobile Union, Jan Heitzeer, emphasizes that the first and most crucial ability for new drivers is mastering controlled maneuvers. This skill enables quick, correct responses to unexpected obstacles on the road. To build it, Heitzeer recommends additional practice at an active driving school where emphasis is placed on real-world scenarios and consistent technique.
“Many people can push the accelerator and reach high speeds, but not everyone appreciates that controlled driving means being able to perform a deliberate maneuver at the exact moment it matters. When an obstacle appears without warning, this is the foundational capability young drivers must rely on,” Heitzeer notes.
The expert argues that extra driving lessons help learners tune their perception, timing, and feel for the vehicle. The return on this investment is significant: safer driving reduces the risk of accidents and the expensive costs that come with repairs, insurance, and legal consequences later on.
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In the broader safety conversation, ongoing training is seen as a practical path to building confidence behind the wheel, minimizing surprises on the road, and fostering responsible driving habits from the outset. Marked citations from safety authorities underscore that structured practice, feedback from instructors, and gradual exposure to varied driving conditions help new drivers translate theory into reliable, automatic responses when it counts.