Having failed miserably at my first check test and struggling with my own business, what a difference a year makes, the retraining was fantastic, I am happy, graded and working with a professional company with a flexible workload that fits around my children and home life, I can't wait until the children are old enough for me to go fulltime !
Karen
The path to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) involves approval onto the Driving Standards Agency Register and undertaking three tests.
Part 1
A computer based theory and hazard perception test. This is broken down into four categories:
- The rules and regulations for driving on our roads
- Mechanical principles
- Teaching techniques
- Dealing with disabilities
The
test consists of 100 questions split equally between the four
categories and you must get a minimum of 20 correct answers in each
category, plus an extra 5.
So you can score 94% and still fail, or score 85% and pass.
Part 2
A
test of your eyesight and driving techniques. You will need to be able
to read a number plate at a distance of 27.5 metres with glasses or
contact lenses, if required.
A one hour advanced driving test where a maximum of six driver faults are allowed.
You must satisfy your examiner of your:
- Expert handling of the controls
- Application of correct road procedure
- Anticipation of the action of other road users and taking the appropriate action
- Sound judgement of speed, distance and timing
- Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
You
are allowed 3 attempts to pass Part 2. If you are unsuccessful after
the third attempt then you have to wait two years from the date
of passing your theory test. If you wish to continue you will have to
restart your training from the begining.
Part 3
The test of ability to instruct. The test lasts for an
hour and is conducted by a Senior Examiner ADI. As an important part of driving instructor training it will test your ability to pass on your knowledge to pupils with different levels
of ability through your practical teaching skills.
The test is conducted in 2 parts:
- In Phase 1 you teach a beginner or learner driver with limited driving skills
- In Phase 2 you have to make an assessment and give guidance to a learner driver who is around test standard.
- Extra element for Phase 2 - driver improvement
You
are allowed 3 attempts to pass Part 3. If you fail all 3 attempts then
you will have to wait until a two year period from passing your theory
test has elapsed before you can apply for Part 1 again.
At
SWDIA we have a very high pass rate at Part 3, mainly due to the high
quality training skills and individual attention afforded to each
trainee.
