At the second set of lights, turn right!
Does this sound like a simple instruction to give a learner driver in a busy district in downtown Hobart, Tasmania? It was my first year as driving instructor and I learned a valuable lesson - everything has to be taught.
As you know, it’s good to give early warning of a turn to allow ample time for lane-changing, if necessary. But what does ‘at the second set of lights’ mean? My client, a plumpish Filipino lady and a family friend, obviously had trouble with it. She understood the idea to get into the correct lane, but where does that second set of traffic lights fit in?
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, some people find it hard to ask, what do you mean? After many, many lessons (all at a discount rate, when I should have added a surcharge!) she got her licence and the problem was revealed:
She had understood that a set of traffic lights means, the first set is on the near corner and the second set means the one at the far side.
Why did I take so long to learn my lesson and explain things better?