Driving instructor says one unlucky scenario can't be taught during lessons

A driving instructor has shared the one scenario they are unable to prepare you for on the road - but it's something you could come across at any time when you're on the road

A driving instructor revealed the one crucial scenario they can't teach during lessons, despite knowing learners will inevitably encounter it on the roads. Examiner Ann, who goes by @onlinedrivinginstructor on social media, has used TikTok to highlight the single situation instructors simply cannot adequately prepare students for.

In her video, she explained: "One thing driving instructors cannot make happen during lessons is emergency vehicles on blue lights. If you need to practice roundabouts, we'll take you to various roundabouts. If you need to practice parking, we'll go to a car park. If you need to practice high speed roads, we'll take you to a national speed limit road.

"What we cannot do, is make a practical lesson on emergency vehicles and how best to deal with them as we cannot make this happen!"

Rather than hands-on experience, she suggests the sole method to master appropriate responses when emergency vehicles need to overtake is through self-education - watching real-world footage and observing how other drivers handle these situations.

According to Driving Lesson Success: "If you clock blue flashing lights behind you, then this is an emergency vehicle. Many don't know that getting out of the way can sometimes lead to a fine if done incorrectly.

"The standard principle dictates that upon spotting such a vehicle, you must reduce speed and move aside, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass unhindered.

"What you might need to learn is that whilst doing so, you must keep within the letter of the law.

"They advise the most sensible approach is to "move your vehicle to the side of the road and come to a controlled and safe stop.

"Nevertheless, they emphasised this must be achieved without breaching any traffic regulations and without endangering yourself or other road users."

Their guidance continues: "This means, no jumping red lights or stopping in yellow box junctions or bus lanes to make space, as you'd still be breaking the law and will likely be prosecuted."

Responding to her clip, one viewer remarked: "Luckily or unluckily for me I've had three come past me already and I'm still learning."

A second person chimed in: "My instructor would pretend and be like 'ambulance comes what do you do? When there's no other traffic nearby." A third commenter observed: "No, there's plenty of situations we can't conjure up.

"A van reversing off a driveway who can't see us approaching for example. We have to teach them to think logically and always be safe."