Part 3 · Topic 12 of 37
Questioning techniques
How to use parked, on-the-move and follow-up questions, six coaching moments to watch for, and the shift from closed to open questioning.
Key facts
- Open questions such as 'What did you see in your mirrors before changing lanes?' teach more than closed questions such as 'Did you check your mirrors?'
Setting the scene
Questions transform lessons from a stream of instructions into meaningful conversations that build confidence and understanding.
Why bother asking questions?
Questions are the steering wheel of a good lesson. They guide the pupil's thinking, build rapport, and surface the emotional states that quietly shape driving.
Beyond the skill: attitude and behaviour behind the wheel
Nervousness, overconfidence, distraction and hesitation all show up in how someone drives. Open-ended questions let you explore the motivations behind the behaviour; yes/no responses never will.
Question styles: not one size fits all
- Parked questions (go deeper). "What was your plan there?" "How did that situation feel for you?"
- On the move (keep it sharp). "Is this your exit?" "What's the speed limit here?" "Show me how you'd handle this."
- Follow-up questions. "What do you think caused that feeling?" "Has this happened before?"
Three tips for asking like a pro: safety first, listen fully, time it right.
Real-world coaching moments
Six situations where the right question changes the lesson:
- When they seem nervous or hesitant. Signs: late decisions, excessive braking, avoiding roundabouts and junctions.
- When they're overconfident or rushing. Signs: speeding, poor observations, failing to anticipate hazards.
- When a mistake happens. Signs: wrong lane, missed signals, roundabout confusion.
- When they seem distracted or disengaged. Signs: lack of focus, zoning out, passive learning.
- When you want to build confidence. Signs: timid decisions, second-guessing, over-reliance on the instructor.
- When you're reviewing or reflecting at the end. Signs: the pupil is unsure how they performed.
Open versus closed questions
- Closed: "Did you check your mirrors?" Open: "What did you see in your mirrors before changing lanes?"
- Closed: "Did you feel ready?" Open: "What made you feel ready, or not ready, for that manoeuvre?"
Your challenge
Convert these closed questions into open ones:
- "Did you see that pedestrian?"
- "Was that the right speed?"
- "Did you feel nervous?"
- "Are you ready to try that again?"