The Training Process

To become a driving instructor you need an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualification issued by The Driving Standards Agency. Once you have enrolled on a course you will need to apply to join the provisional register of Driving Instructors. To apply for registration you will need to meet a number of basic criteria:

  • Have held a full UK or EU license for 3.5 out of the last 6years.
  • Read a normal size number plate from 27.5 meters (90 ft).
  • Have less than 6 penalty points on your license.
  • Be free from any serious offence committed in the last 10 years.

To achieve the ADI qualification you must complete three stages of exams:

  • Part One - A multiple-choice theory and hazard perception test
  • Part Two - A driving test
  • Part Three - A test of your ability to instruct

Here is a little more about each of the tests. Please feel free to call us on 0800 567 7669 to discuss these tests in more detail.

Part One - The Theory & Hazard Perception Tests

This test comprises of two elements. Firstly a multiple choice theory test. You will be asked a total of 100 questions about driving, road procedures, etc and need to achieve an overall pass rate of 85%. You will then move on to the Hazard Perception test which involves watching 14 short video clips filmed from inside a moving car. Your task is to simply click the mouse whenever you see a hazard developing ahead. By a hazard we mean anything that could cause your vehicle to have to change speed or direction. You will be scored depending on how early you spot the hazard (ie, if you spot it early enough you will get 5 points, followed by 4 points for a slightly delayed reaction, and so on). You need to achieve a total of 57 out of a possible 75 points to pass this part. Both the theory and hazard perception tests must be passed on the same day to achieve an overall pass.

For part one we provide a comprehensive home study pack, which includes several reference books, and a CD ROM. We also include the official DSA book, which contains every possible question you could be asked along with the corresponding answers. Key Instructor Training help you with your part one study by providing regular telephone consultations to assess your progress. We also provide mock test papers, which we ask you to send in for marking along with printouts of your CD ROM mock test results. These will be analysed on a regular basis by one of our qualified trainers who will then offer you advice on how to increase your score. Whilst most people find part one relatively straightforward we also offer additional training on a one to one or classroom basis at our training centre FREE of charge for anyone who feels they need some additional help.

After the test you will be given the results immediately.

Part Two - The test of your Driving Ability

Once you have passed part one we can then move on to your in car training for part two. Your part two training will be structured to help you become a safe, advanced driver. You will be taught how to improve your driving so that it is at a consistently high standard.

The part two test is broken down into three main parts. Firstly the examiner will check your eyesight. To do this he or she will ask you to read a number plate from 26.5 metres (for old style number plates) or 27.5 metres (for the new style). You will then be asked a few basic questions about the safety and maintenance of your car (for example how to check the oil level, or how to check the lights are working). This is called “show me, tell me”. The next part if the actual drive.

The drive lasts for about an hour and during this time you will be asked to drive on a variety of road types and conditions. Obviously the examiner will be looking for a higher standard of driving than he/she would expect to see from a learner driver. Your part two training is specially structured to ensure that you drive naturally to this higher standard, so all you need to do is relax and confidently enjoy the drive (but remember to concentrate at all times!).

As part of the drive you will be asked to carry out a number of reversing exercises (for example reversing round a corner to the left and right, turning the car around in the road, reverse parking etc). You will also be asked to carry out an emergency stop (otherwise known as a controlled stop). Don’t panic if you can’t park a car or reverse very well at this stage. Your trainer will show you some easy to remember ways of getting them right every time!

If you make a few mistakes don’t worry! You are allowed up to six minor driving errors during the test. You won’t however pass if you get more than six faults, or if you commit any serious or dangerous faults. After the test the examiner will inform you of your result and have a brief chat about your drive (both the good points and any areas he/she feel you could do with improving).

After you have passed Part two you may be able to begin work as a driving instructor before you take your part three test by joining the trainee licence scheme (see below for more details).

Part Three - The test of your instructional ability

Once you have passed part two we will then begin your part three training. The part three test lasts for about an hour and is broken down into two halves (phase one and phase two). During each phase the examiner will pretend to be a pupil. For phase one he/she will take the role of a pupil who is a beginner or partly trained and you will usually be teaching that pupil a set subject for the first time (they won’t have ever done it before). The examiner will tell you what subject you are to teach. The time will fly by and soon you will be told that it is time for phase two. The examiner will now become a totally different pupil and advise you on the next subject. For this phase you will be teaching a trained pupil (for example the pupil may have just failed their test because of their approach to junctions). Your job is to identify why this happened and help them to work on their faults.

At the end of the test the examiner will take a few minutes to assess the session and then give you the result. He will mark areas such as your methods of teaching, your fault identification, what you did about the faults, your attitude towards the pupil and so on.

You will be graded from 1 to 6 for phase one and 1 to 6 for phase two. Scoring 1,2,or 3 is a fail, scoring 4,5 or 6 is a pass. To achieve an overall pass you need to score at least a grade 4 for each phase.

Despite what some say, part three is relatively straightforward providing you receive the right amount of training and that the training is correctly structured to your individual requirements. The reason for such a high national failure rate at part three is simply because most people are not well enough prepared and most people just don’t understand what it is about. Here at Key Instructor Training, we are particularly proud of our part three training programme. Our success rate is excellent. You will be trained to fully understand what is expected of you and to feel confident in delivering a driving lesson. Our support both during your training sessions, and over the telephone between sessions is unrivalled and we are proud of our achievements with all of our clients at part three stage.

The Trainee Licence

Another option to consider is taking a trainee licence after you have trained for your part three test but before you actually sit the final exam. This is often a great way of gaining valuable experience with REAL LEARNERS and also earning REAL MONEY before the final test.

There are certain terms and conditions as laid out by the DSA involved with taking this route and indeed it doesn’t suit everyone. However if it is the right thing for you to do we are usually able to offer a position as a trainee driving instructor. Please ask your trainer for more advice.

The truth is that with or without a trainee licence, our pass rate for part three is excellent. Don’t buy a training course just because you are “sold it” on the grounds of taking a trainee licence. It really does help many people but equally isn’t for everyone. We are proud to eb able to sponsor trainee instructors and happy to do so because it really can be invaluable to many but we believe in being honest and transparent. If we don’t think it is right for you we will inform you of this.

How can we help?

If you are considering training for a new career as a driving instructor please give us a ring, we would be delighted to offer any help and advice you need. 0800 567 7669.

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