Driver Instructor Training
Information for prospective ADI's
The following information is a brief outline of the ADI training we offer and of the relevant Driving Standards Agency regulations.
We offer a flexible approach to training according to a candidate's ability and circumstances. In all matters relating to training we undertake to abide by the code of practice of the ORDIT directory.
No brochure or web-site can answer everyone's queries and you are welcome to telephone at any time to discuss the services we offer and your career prospects as a Driving Instructor.
Please note that before commencing a course it will be necessary for you to meet for an informal interview so that we can assess your suitability for ADI training and to give you a chance to put any questions you may have about us.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please contact us to arrange a convenient time to meet.
Introduction
Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) requires a substantial commitment of your time, effort and money. It is important that you do not make this commitment without very careful consideration of what your training establishment is offering you. The following notes outline the requirements for becoming an ADI and are summarised from the Driving Standards Agency booklet ADI14 'Your Road to Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor'. A copy of this booklet will be given to you when you attend for interview. You are strongly advised to read this booklet thoroughly before committing yourself to a course with any training establishment.
The Register Qualifying Examination
The examination is in three parts;
Part 1 Test of Theory
A computer touch-screen theory test consisting of 100 multiple choice question (see example paper at the back of this brochure). The pass mark is 85% but questions are banded into four main areas and a minimum of 80% is required in each band. It is therefore possible to get a mark greater than 85% overall and still fail. It is a very demanding examination and the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recommend you take a proper training course. In addition, trainees will have to take a hazard perception test immediately after completing the Theory Test. The Hazard Perception test comprises 14 video clips containing a total of 15 developing hazards that the trainee must identify within a time window. Both tests need to be passed at the same time before candidates can proceed to part 2 of the Register Qualifying Examination. Once you have passed the part 1 exam you must pass the next two parts of the Register Qualifying examination within two years.
Part 2 Test of Driving Ability
A practical test of driving ability. This is not simply a slightly more difficult "L" test but is of an advanced nature in which you must demonstrate a very high standard of competence. You must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety and that you can apply them in practice. The DSA recommend you take a proper training course as more than six minor faults on test will result in failure. You are allowed only three attempts at this part of the examination within a two year period. If after three attempts you have not passed you must wait until two years have elapsed and start again with the Part 1 Theory Test.
Part 3 Test of Instructional Ability
The instructional ability test is designed to show whether you can give worthwhile instruction to a pupil in a clear, concise and easily understood manner. The test is in two parts, each lasting about 30 minutes. You must pass both parts at the same time. You will be asked to give instruction to an examiner who will in the first part take on the role of a novice pupil and in the second part a pupil of about test standard. The DSA strongly recommend you take a proper training course for the Part 3 examination. You are allowed only three attempts at this part of the examination within a two year period. If after three attempts you have not passed you must wait until two years have elapsed and start again with the written test.
- The Register Qualifying Examinations are not easy to pass.
- On average fewer than 1 in 10 of those who apply to join the Register will qualify.
Which Training Establishment?
Choosing a training establishment used to be a rather haphazard affair with no guidelines other than a list held by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). This list was simply of those people who had informed the DSA that they undertook ADI training. However, the DSA and professional Driving Instructors organisations were concerned about the standards of training and unrealistic promises of high salaries being offered by some training establishments. In 1992, to deter unscrupulous trainers, Driving Instructor professional bodies in consultation with the DSA established two new directories of training establishments, the Approved Driving Instructor Training Establishments (ADITE) and the Driving Instructors Association Recommended Training Establishments (DIARTE).
These two directories have now been consolidated into one body: The Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT), administered by the DSA and regulated by representatives of the Driver Training Industry. Although there is currently no legal requirement for ADI Trainers to be registered, A.T. Driving Instructor Training is ORDIT registered and follows its code of practice. We will:
- Clearly inform all prospective customers in writing of the services provided, with particular reference to trainers' qualifications, costs, venue, duration and content in relation to the ADI examination structure. Make adequate provisions to acquaint clients with the establishment's terms of business and have a complaints procedure.
- Take all reasonable care, skill and diligence in training clients in all relevant aspects of traffic and driver education, taking account of individual training needs and ensuring the safety of students.
- Not discuss information disclosed by a client during training with any other party, except where under obligation in law. Not discuss the client's progress or driving or instructional standard with any other party, except for normal consultation within the establishment. Where the lessons are being paid for by another person or company, the third party shall have the right to this information, providing this is given with the client's knowledge.
- Ensure all vehicles used in training are maintained in a safe and satisfactory condition, and are properly insured, taxed and where appropriate certified as roadworthy.
- Apply an honest, moral and professional approach in all business practice and avoid improper language, suggestion or physical contact with the clients whilst maintaining proper standards of personal hygiene and dress.
- Ensure that professional ADI training complies with the current legislation particularly in respect of business premises and practice, staff, vehicles and public liability. Abide by ORDIT's Advertising Code and other requirements for the provision of a professional service.
About our Staff
At present John Wells, John Preston and Maria Dyer undertake and/or manage instructor training at this establishment.
John Preston is an experienced driver trainer with additional qualifications in fleet training, PCV, LGV and Forklift training, Manual Handling training/examination and RoSPA observer/examiner. John trains potential driving instructors for both the Part 2 Driving Ability Test and Part 3 Instructional Ability Test.
Maria Dyer has 23 years experience in the driver training and testing industry and is a former DSA ADI examiner. As a DSA ORDIT trainer Maria specialises in the training of potential driving instructors and continuing professional development for ADIs. Maria is a RoSPA Gold Advanced driver and an Emergency Response driving instructor.
Dr. John Wells is well known in the industry as a specialist author of ADI and PDI training materials. These are used nationwide by independent instructors and training establishments (including ORDIT Registered establishments) and several are recommended by the leading trade bodies in the industry, The Motor Schools Association, and Driving Instructors Association. John has provided a consultancy service for those wishing to register with ADITE/DIARTE/ORDIT, advising on training techniques and quality, and worked extensively with the newly established Driving Instructors Register of Ireland, writing approved training materials as Eire moves towards compulsory registration of driving tutors.
Together we pride ourselves on giving a high quality personal service. We offer a flexible approach to training according to a candidate's ability and circumstances.
Our training is cost effective and our experience ensures your success!
Training for the Register Qualifying Examination
The following information is for those seeking a complete training course for all three parts of the Register Qualifying Examination. The number of hours training required can vary between trainees but experience has shown that on average up to 10 hours for part 1, 20 hours for part 2, and 50 hours for part 3 training is usually sufficient. Your trainer will of course advise you if extra tuition is necessary for any part of the examination. Additional training is charged at our standard hourly rate.
We also offer shorter courses for those who wish to study for individual parts of the examination, improve their ADI skills or retrain after Check Test failure.
Part 1 Theory Test:
We will provide you* with a series of home study workbooks covering the Part 1 syllabus and all the necessary reference books. Commencing with an assessment test, the part 1 study course is self-contained and can be easily managed in your own time with minimal reference to your trainer. The course is structured in such a way that you can assess your own progress but still have the facility to contact your trainer if you have difficulty with any particular area. Assignments are structured to build your knowledge progressively and will help you study at home to good effect. You should aim to study at home for at least 10 hours per week to prepare for the Part 1 Test of Theory. Your progress will be monitored by your trainer and mock tests given at appropriate intervals. Where necessary, extra assignments may be given to reinforce what you have learned. Up to 10 hours of your trainers time is available on a one-to-one basis for Part 1 training.
In addition to the theoretical element of the part 1 test, we will provide you with Video and CD ROM training materials to assist you with the Hazard Perception Test. If you do not have access to video or computer equipment at home, suitable equipment is available on the premises for your use. It will also be necessary for you to take some driving training, with emphasis on forward planning and observation skills. Time spent on this initial training forms part of your overall allowance for part 2 training. You will be advised when your trainer believes you are ready to apply for the Part 1 Test of Theory.
Part 2 Test of driving ability
Part 2 training may be in one of our cars or, if you prefer, your own vehicle (providing it is suitable). Part 2 training comprises an initial assessment and the required tuition. After your initial assessment the trainer will advise you of driving faults which need to be corrected and plan your training with you accordingly. You will be provided* with a guide to the Part 2 test which outlines the training which you will undertake and the objectives for each part of the course.
Trainees can expect to receive up to 20 hours of advanced driving tuition and will be advised on when they will be ready for the test of driving ability. Your trainer will expect to see you regularly for at least 3 hours per week over 6 weeks (and pro rata for longer periods) to ensure that you are learning effectively. Each training session will be followed by a debrief that counts toward the hours of training you receive. After each lesson you should practice what you have learned in your own vehicle. Your trainer will ensure that validation has taken place by asking you to perform driving tasks to the required standard. You will be given one or more mock tests, sometimes with a different trainer, to ensure that you are ready for the examination.
Trainee Licence
Once you have passed the part 2 test it is possible to take out a licence to instruct, to help you prepare for the part 3 test of instructional ability. There are conditions that must be adhered to by trainee licence holders, and licences will only be issued to suitably sponsored applicants, working from a driving school. As a general rule we do not promote use of the Trainee Licence scheme. We find it is no substitute for thorough training and can in some instances have a negative effect on the PDI. However, we recognise that in some instances the Trainee Licence may help some individuals gain their qualification. We will be happy to discuss whether a Trainee Licence is suitable for you at the appropriate time.
Part 3 (The test of instructional ability)
Part 3 training comprises both in-car and home study work. You will normally use one of our cars but may use your own vehicle if you prefer (it must be suitable, have dual controls fitted and be insured for driving tuition). It is difficult to assess teaching ability and there is no formal initial assessment of trainees. However, you should attend an introductory session with your trainer who will advise on how to prepare a subject for a driving lesson. Your trainer will assess your ability to teach and communicate as the course proceeds and your training will be planned accordingly.
Your trainer will advise you on the lesson content and presentation that you need to learn, and will ask you to prepare lessons in advance. You will be provided* with a guides to the part 3 examination and suitable training aids for use in the car. For much of the time your trainer will role play a "pupil" for you to practise your driving tuition and guide you with question and answer technique. Other training sessions may avoid role-play where this is unsuitable for the syllabus e.g. to help with your observation and planning skills or to instruct you in using the dual controls.
You can expect to receive up to 50 hours of training in preparation for your part 3 examination. Your trainer will expect to see you regularly for 4-6 hours per week over 8-12 weeks (and pro rata for longer periods) to ensure that you are learning effectively. You will be given a full debriefing after each in-car session. This is essential to your training and will allow the trainer to build on what has been learned during the in-car session. You should note that the debrief session counts towards the hours of training you receive.
Most of your in-car part 3 training will be on a one-to-one basis with the trainer if this is the most suitable learning method for you. However, if the trainer feels that you will benefit from observing, or sharing a session with another trainee, this facility is available. Experience has shown considerable benefit can be obtained from a shared in-car session.**
As well as personal tuition, we offer two other methods of learning which you should find useful in your preparation for the part 3 examination:
a) Group sessions:
Where practicable, several trainees and one or more trainers or ADI's will hold a group session to cover particular subjects or teaching techniques. The aim of these sessions is to promote self-confidence in the trainee in a relaxed and informal environment, with the guidance of a trainer. In our experience, group discussions raise some very interesting observations from both trainees and existing instructors. Additionally, we find that the self-conscious trainee benefits tremendously from being able to contribute to a worthwhile discussion with their peers. There is no fixed timetable for these discussion groups but you will be advised in good time if a session is being planned - and you can always request a session if you have a particular problem or query to resolve!
b) Lesson observation;
By arrangement, trainees studying for the part 3 examination may observe actual driving lessons with CITY School of Motoring instructors. This can be helpful in several ways. You will see how real pupils compare with the pupil "role-played" by your trainer. You will also see that every instructor has his own individual style and that there is no fixed way of teaching the same subject to different pupils.
Post-Qualification
Whilst there may be opportunity to join a School of Motoring, unlike some training establishments we do not make dubious promises of a 'guaranteed job' when you qualify. The reality is that most instructors work for themselves, trading under their own school name, or take a franchise with an established school. Either way, once qualified you will effectively be self-employed. This requires business skills ranging such as marketing, record keeping and accounting. We will give you such advice as we can whether you are taking up a franchise or starting your own school.
What we do promise, however, is that you will be prepared and confident to give worthwhile tuition to members of the public in all areas of learner driver training. We will not simply teach you to pass the examination.
In association with GRADE SIX SUPPLIES we can provide you with all you need to set up your own school or promote your business within a franchise. We can also provide advice and/or refresher courses for that all-important first Check Test.
Residential Courses
We offer residential training courses for parts 2 and 3 subject to availability of the trainer and accommodation. Part 2 courses are arranged over a five day period with a refresher day to correspond with your appointment for the test. There is a substantial amount of information to be learned for the part 3 examination and in our view it is impossible to cram this into an intensive residential course. Experience shows that trainees benefit from 3 consecutive 5 day sessions, with a refresher day to correspond with your appointment for the test. This allows the trainee sufficient time to prepare lessons and fully organise the information they learn. Further details available on request.
Check Test Training / Re-Training / ADI Skills Check Test Training
We can tailor a course of training to suit your individual need on an hourly rate basis or all-inclusive package. Courses will only be arranged after suitable assessment of your needs and are priced accordingly. Please telephone for further details.
* Training manuals for parts 1, 2 and 3 are only provided free of charge to those who undertake a complete training course.
** Where two trainees share an in-car session, each trainee will be considered to have taken 75% of the trainer's time. So if two trainees are in the car for a two hour session, you will be deemed to have taken 1½ hours of training. For each classroom discussion you attend you will be considered to have taken up to 1 hour of a trainer's time.