Driving Instructor Training
You will need to pass three tests to become an Approved Driving Instructor. Part 1 is a theory test, and there is no substitute for systematic personal revision. I offer training for Part 2 and Part 3 tests.
During my time with DSA, I conducted many of these tests, so I have a detailed knowledge of the standards required.
ADI Part 2
This is a driving test, lasting about an hour, and covering a variety of road and traffic conditions.
Before you start your drive, there will be an eyesight test and five vehicle safety questions. The test includes left and right reverses, a turn-in-the-road, and a reverse parking exercise. There will also be an emergency stop, an angle start, an uphill start and a downhill start.
A brisk and eco-friendly drive is expected. The required standard is high, and you will need to maintain your level of performance for the whole of the drive. The better your standard of driving, and the greater your background knowledge of driving, the easier you will find the next stage of qualification.
Part 2 tests are assessed to a much higher standard than the L-test. A single serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail, and no more than six minor faults will be allowed. In a test that lasts an hour, this standard of driving is not easy to maintain.
ADI Part 3
This is the final test in the process of becoming an ADI. The examiner will play the role of your pupil. You will be required to deliver two short lessons in about an hour. The first lesson will be to a beginner or partly trained driver, and the second will be to a driver who may be a full licence holder, or who has an L-test booked in the near future.
The First Phase
During the first phase, the examiner will act the part of a new or partly-trained driver. The examiner will nominate the topic that you will teach, and he or she will give you a short description of their driving history.
You are expected to give a short briefing about the subject of the lesson, followed by the delivery of positive on-road instruction. You will only have about thirty minutes to cover a lot of ground. Your examiner will then bring the first phase to a close.
While the examiner is making some notes, you will have time to gather your thoughts, and plan the next section of your test.
The Second Phase
In this phase, the examiner will play the role of a driver who has a greater level of ability: an experienced learner, or possibly a full licence holder. Again, the lesson subject and a description of the driver will be given to you. It is your job to give positive instruction at an appropriate level.
After the second phase has concluded, the examiner will retire to the office to go through the assessment procedure. This will probably take about ten minutes. You will then receive your result.
Training
It is conventional to base training for the Part 3 around the preset tests that are used by the examiner. Unfortunately, this method completely misses the point.
The ultimate purpose of completing the qualification process is to become an Approved Driving Instructor. We will work together so that you master the essentials of instruction. You will then be able to cope with any issues that you encounter as an instructor, whether during an examination, or as part of your day-to-day work.