LTD – Look. Tell. Do.

MSPSGL sounds like a printer jam. LTD actually means something.

LTD stands for Look, Tell, Do – a simple, flexible model that puts the learner at the centre of the process. It works for both instructors and learners, and unlike MSPSL or MSPSGL, it actually makes sense without needing a glossary.

This LTD system is often attributed to me. I believe that many instructors have naturally found their way to this or something similar, but I do take credit for the reasoning, championing and understanding behind it. Here is a toe in the water to the world of Look, Tell, Do.

For Reference: MSPS(G)L = Mirror Signal Position Speed (Gear) Look but the DVSA have never said we have to use this in fact they state “…a safe, systematic routine such as Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (MSM)” and we should remember that MSM dates back to the early days when Instructors instructed and pupils did it because they had to in order to pass.

🔍 LOOK

What are you looking for? Where are you looking? What’s changing around you? What does this tell you? What can’t you see?
This includes mirrors, blind spots, hazards, road layout, behaviour of others, and wider environmental awareness.

🗣️ TELL

What are other road users telling you? What are you telling them? Are you being clear, or misleading?
This means more than just signalling (indicating) – it’s about communication through indicators, positioning, speed, eye contact, vehicle language, situation and intent.

🚗 DO

How do you execute the action smoothly and safely?
This includes speed control, gear choice, position, clutch control, braking, steering – the physical doing part of the drive.

Why LTD?

  • It’s logical, modern, and memorable
  • It focuses on pupil understanding, not just repetition
  • It’s built for coaching, client-centred learning, and independent thinking
  • It works in every context – junctions, overtakes, roundabouts, manoeuvres

LTD doesn’t just describe a process. It reflects how people actually learn.

And it’s not just for learners.

LTD for Instructors and Trainees

LTD is just as powerful a tool for instructors and trainee instructors. It fits naturally into the rhythm of a lesson and aligns with how effective feedback and intervention works.

Imagine an instructor says, “At the end of the road, turn left.”

  • You LOOK at the pupil to see if they’ve acknowledged or acted
  • If there’s no response, you TELL them clearly (e.g. “Start preparing to turn left”)
  • If there’s still no response or safety is at risk, you DO – use duals, intervene, or physically guide the outcome

This mirrors the core competencies of instruction:

  • Identify → Analyse → Remedy
    Or as it’s often summarised: See it. Say it. Sort/Solve it.

When I first entered the industry I had the pleasure of meeting Trevor Wedge, then Chief Driving Examiner at the DVSA. He told me something that changed everything I’d been taught “We never said who had to Identify, Analyse and Remedy”. Instructor lead fault analysis was born of trainers and tests, not of design.

LTD is a versatile framework for:

  • Lesson delivery
  • Risk management
  • Coaching conversations
  • Peer reflection and instructor development

It adapts to the situation – whether you’re in the driver’s seat, the instructor’s seat, or training someone to take that seat themselves.

Managing Questions

A common issue especially new instructors face is getting tongue-tied or knowing what level of question is needed, and when to instruct not question at all.

Another way LTD can be used is to represent a Green, Amber, Red risk based system for questions. This is structured around how much time you have.

Time to Discover (Look for it)? Describe (Tell me)? or Dictate (Do it)?

It works like this:

When risk is low (Green Zone), use a ‘Look’ question – “What can you see ahead?”

When risk is developing (Amber Zone), use a directed ‘Tell’ question – “What are you going to do about the….?

When the risk is high (Red Zone). take action ‘Do’ – “STOP!” (Verbal or physical as needed)

Delivering risk aware questions while teaching to drive, standards check or part 3

So what about MSPS(G)L?

MSPS(G)L – Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, (Gears), Look) – is used widely and still has its place. It’s a syllabus tool, designed for structured, step-by-step instruction. As a foundation model, it offers useful scaffolding for instructors delivering technical input in early lessons or specific tasks. Often more suited to the instructor than the learner.

But it still suffers from:

  • Over-complication with arbitrary letters (and no memorable order)
  • Narrow definitions (e.g., ‘Mirror’ instead of total awareness)
  • Outdated terminology (‘Manoeuvre’ isn’t user-friendly)
  • A rigid structure that doesn’t promote exploration or deeper understanding

MSPSGL is for giving. LTD is for discovering.

The Verdict:

Use the tool that fits. BUT if you’re teaching people to think, question, and grow  behind the wheel – LTD is the model that delivers.

Look. Tell. Do.
That’s how you Learn.
That’s how you Teach.
That’s how you Drive.

And yes – LTD still stands for Learn To Drive.