What does it take to be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)?


The Theory and Hazard Perception tests


Here are a few things you should consider before ‘taking the plunge’: Do you have the right character? An ADI should possess the following qualities:


•Patience - with some student drivers you will have to keep going over the same things many times; •Understanding - you must be able to understand the student needs and feelings; •Good communication skills; •Inter-personnel skills - you must be able to deal with the public in a non- aggressive manner. •A lot of patience and study; •Your family must back you 150%


The rules:


To begin with, you must have held a full driving licence in category B (manual cars) for at least 3 1/2 of the last 6 years. You must not have been disqualified during this time. You must also be a ‘fit and proper’ person. This relates to convictions not spent under the ‘rehabilitation of offenders’ act.


The tests:


Before you can train people to drive, you must pass three main qualify- ing exams. You have up to 2 years to qualify from the date you pass the ADI Part 1 test.


1.Part 1: Theory and Hazard Percep- tion tests: 2.Part 2: Practical driving test 3.Part 3: Practical test of teaching skills


The Theory Test consists of 100 multiple choice questions. Each ques- tion has 4 possible answers, only 1 is correct. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the ADI Theory Test. The 100 questions have been banded into four main areas: 1.Road procedures 2.Traffic signs and signals; car control; pedestrians; mechanical knowledge: 3.The driving test; disabilities, traffic law 4.Publications and instructional techniques


The HPT consists of 14 video clips; the 14 clips will contain 15 develop- ing hazards.As the potential hazard develops into one requiring you to change speed or direction, you will have a time window in which to re- act. For each hazard you can score 5 points going down to zero. This gives a highest possible score of 75 for the test. The pass mark for potential driv- ing instructors taking the Part 1 will be 57.


The overall pass mark for the test is 85%. However, you must reach a minimum mark of 80% in each of the 4 subject areas. So you must get at least 20 out of 25 in each band. A score of 25, 25, 25 and 19 would give you 94% but would not be accept- able.


The test is taken on a touch screen computer monitor.


Books you will need to study for the Part 1 test:


•Driving - The Essential Skills; •The Highway code •Know your traffic signs •The Official Driving Test •The Driving Instructors Hand book •Instructional techniques and prac- tice


•Booklet ADI 1 *** •Form DL1 (gives details of driving license requirements) *** •Form DL9a Driving test report *** •Form DL3 Driving test application *** •Certificate DL8 (driving test pass certificate) *** *** These forms are part of an infor- mation pack from the Driving Stand- ards Agency, and can be obtained by phoning 0300 123 1126, or writing to: Driving Standards Agency P.O. Box 280 Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1FP


The starter packs currently cost £5.00


The other books mentioned, can be obtained from any good bookshop or online from Amazon.


Part 2: Practical driving test


The ADI Part 2 driving ability test, consists of an hours’ driving whereby you will need to display above aver- age driving skills. You will be allowed to make no more than 6 minor driv- ing faults within the test. As a bench- mark, learner drivers can make up to 15 driving faults, and still pass.


Part 3: Practical test of teaching skills


For the ADI Part 3 Instructional Abil- ity test, you will be given two Pre-Set Tests. For example, moving off/stop- ping a car, and meeting/crossing the path of other vehicles. Where a Supervising Examiner will role-play a leaner driver at various levels of abil- ity. You would need to show him/her that you have the necessary skill to train members of the public to drive safely. The Part 3 test last for an hour.


By Dave Toms www.ukdic.co.uk


For further helpful advice and tips visit the ADI and PDI pages www.ukdic.co.uk


The Instructor : September / October 2011 Visit www.ukdicmagazine.co.uk


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