- Approved Driving Instructor
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Approved Driving Instructor (or ADI) is a UK term for a trainer of car driving who has been tested and registered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). UK law requires driving instructors be thus qualified before they can charge for their services.[1][2]
Free tuition or supervision may however be given by any individual over the age of 21 who has held and continues to hold a full licence in the same class of vehicle as that being used for at least 3 years.[3] The UK has no law requiring the compulsory use of an ADI but research shows that nine out of ten learners who passed their theory and practical driving tests first time were taught by an instructor.[1]
Contents
Register of Approved Driving Instructors
To be entered on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors one must:[4]
- Hold a full UK or European Union (EU/European Economic Area (EEA) unrestricted car driving license
- Have held it for a total of at least four out of the past six years prior to entering the Register after qualifying
- Not have been disqualified from driving at any time in the four years prior to being entered in the Register
- Be a “fit and proper” person; all convictions are taken into account when entering your name on the register, and enhanced level criminal record check is required
- Pass two qualifying practical examinations within two years of passing the theory examination
- Apply for registration within 12 months of passing the final part of the examination.
Qualifying
If your application to start the qualifying process and join the Register as a Potential Driving Instructor is successful, you will need to prepare for the qualifying examination.
The qualifying examination is in three parts:
- theory (part one) - a multiple choice section and a video-based hazard perception section
- driving ability (part two) - an eyesight test followed by a practical test of driving technique
- instructional ability (part three) - a practical test of your ability to instruct
You must pass all three parts of the examination in this order and must complete the whole examination within two years of passing the theory test (part one).
Theory (part one)
The theory test is the first of three tests you will need to pass before you can register as an ADI. It is made up of two elements:
- a set of multiple choice questions
- a hazard perception test
You will need to pass both elements of the theory test in the same sitting to get an overall pass result. The overall pass mark for the multiple choice part of the test is 85 per cent - i.e., 85 out of 100 questions answered correctly. However, you must reach a minimum mark of 80 per cent - 20 correct questions out of 25 - in each of the four categories:
- road procedure
- traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- driving test, disabilities, and the law
- publications and instructional techniques
This means it's possible for you to get an overall mark of 85 per cent or higher, but still fail the exercise because you did not gain at least of 80 per cent in any one - or more - of the four categories.
For the hazard perception test, the pass mark is 57 out of a possible 75.
Driving ability (part two)
Part two of the qualifying test for potential driving instructors is a practical assessment of your driving ability. It involves separate assessments of your eyesight, and your driving technique. You must pass both parts of the test at the same attempt.
To pass the test, you must drive to a high standard of competence, demonstrating a well-planned, positive, progressive drive, sticking to - and reaching - national speed limits when safe and where possible.
During the test, you are allowed to make six driving faults at the most. Seven or more faults mean that you fail. One or more serious or dangerous faults will also result in your failing the test.[5]
Instructional ability (part three)
The third part of the ADI examination assesses:
- the quality of your instruction
- your ability to pass your knowledge on to pupils
The test is in two parts - each of which lasts about half an hour. You will be asked to show your knowledge and ability by giving practical instruction to the examiner, who will play the role of a pupil.
The examiner will play two of the following roles:
- a beginner or partly trained pupil
- a pupil who is about test standard
- a qualified driver taking driver development training
To pass, the candidates must achieve at least a grade 4 in each.
Parts 2 and 3 must be passed within two years of the successful part 1 attempt. In addition to this, parts 2 and 3 are limited to three attempts in any two year period. If you do not qualify in this two year period you must re-apply and re-take all the examinations.
An instructor must display proof they are legally allowed to accept pay for driving training. They must:
- Display a green badge in the left side of the windscreen of the training vehicle showing their photo, name and confirming their entry on the Register. (Nb This is not required in Northern Ireland at present)
- Display a red/pink badge as a licensed trainee instructor provided they have passed their part 2 and have undergone a minimum amount of training. This licence is only valid for six months and is designed to give prospective instructor valuable experience for their part 3 examination. (Nb This is not required in Northern Ireland at present)
Maintaining ADI registration
Registered ADIs need to take a test of their 'continued ability and fitness to give instruction' during their period of registration. These are commonly known as 'check tests'.[6]
Check tests are carried out by a supervising examiner from the DSA. They are designed to make sure that ADIs are keeping up the proper standards of instruction. The tests normally take place during normal working hours from Mondays to Fridays. The test lasts for about an hour, with a 15 minute debrief afterwards.
ADIs are legally obliged to take check tests. A check test usually involves the examiner assessing the ADIs instructional ability by watching a lesson they give to a real pupil. If the ADI doesn't have a pupil available, they may give instruction to someone who holds a full driving licence, but they will need to make their level of instruction right for their ability. If the ADI isn't able to get a pupil for the check test, the examiner can act as the pupil and carry out a role-play check test.
The ADI will be given a grading at the end of the test - grade one being the lowest grade and grade six the highest. If they get grade three or lower, they will usually be asked to retake the check test.
Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development (CPD) can be both formal and informal professional development, based on an individual's needs.
To maximise individual potential and retain credibility within the profession it is essential that ADIs maintain high levels of professional competence.
ADIs can make a commitment towards professionalism by keeping up to date and continually seeking to improve their knowledge and expertise.
The DSA is currently working with representative organisations and other stakeholders to develop a structured CPD scheme in preparation for a public consultation on modernising driver training.[7]
References
- ^ a b Choosing a driving or riding instructor : Directgov - Motoring
- ^ Road Traffic Act 1988, s.123
- ^ Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999, regulations 16&17
- ^ Road Traffic Act 1988, s.125
- ^ Part two of the Approved Driving Instructor test - driving ability: Business Link
- ^ Take check tests to maintain your Approved Driving Instructor registration: Business Link
- ^ Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Business Link
External links
Categories:- Driving
- Driving techniques
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