Situational awareness is the number one factor in accident prevention. However, for new drivers, building this awareness is difficult because their cognitive load is maxed out by simply keeping the car in the lane. AAA Car Driving School utilizes a specific training method called “Commentary Driving” to accelerate the development of these observation skills. This technique involves the student speaking aloud everything they see, anticipate, and do while behind the wheel.
The process works by forcing the brain to process visual information actively. Instead of passively staring at the road, the student must identify hazards. Common commentary phrases include:
• “Scanning intersection, left-center-right.”
• “Brake lights ahead, easing off gas.”
• “Speed limit change, adjusting speed.”
• “Cyclist in bike lane, maintaining separation.”
• “Blind curve, anticipating oncoming traffic.”
Our team of Driving Instructors Santa Clara uses this technique to audit the student’s mind. If a student is silent while approaching a busy crosswalk, we know they aren’t looking for pedestrians. If they don’t verbalize a merging truck, we know they haven’t assessed the closing speed. This allows us to intervene and correct the specific “scanning error” before it becomes a dangerous situation.
Commentary driving also helps with focus. It is impossible to daydream or get distracted when you are actively narrating your drive. It keeps the driver present in the moment. It is particularly effective for students who struggle with attention issues or anxiety. By giving the brain a specific task—”tell me what you see”—we reduce the mental clutter that leads to panic.
Practicing this with a parent or mentor can be highly effective. Start on quiet streets. Ask the new driver to simply name the traffic signs they see. As they get comfortable, ask them to identify potential hazards (like a car door opening or a ball rolling). Eventually, move to complex environments where they narrate their decision-making process (“I see the gap, I’m accelerating to merge”). This turns a passive lesson into an active cognitive workout.
We recommend doing a “5-minute drill” at the start of every practice session. For the first five minutes, the driver must narrate everything. This primes the brain for alertness. Once the drill is over, the driver can go back to silent driving, but the heightened state of awareness usually persists for the rest of the trip.
To learn situational awareness from the pros, schedule a lesson with AAA Car Driving School.