Category: Train to become a driving instructor

1. ADI Part 3 update from DVSA

   Posted on 6:00pm Wednesday 16th Mar 2022

   Updates on ADI part 3 tests and standards checks

   DVSA has reviewed changes made to ADI part 3 test and standards checks.

   Keeping the current changes

   DVSA is keeping part 3 and standards check at 45 minutes across Great Britain. Tests carried out during the pandemic have shown that it gives enough time for instructors to properly demonstrate all of the required competences and use appropriate instructional techniques.

   There is no evidence that the shortened test has resulted in any detriment to standards. 

   Feedback from examiners carrying out the tests is that the shorter period has led to a more focused assessment.

   DVSA will also continue to ask that your pupil who you bring to these tests must be at least partly trained. 

   This is because beginner lessons tend to have a greater proportion of stationary instruction, and we need to be able to assess the instructor’s ability to control the lesson in a moving environment.

   Allowing trainers to sit in on tests

   Trainers are allowed to sit in on ADI part 3 and standards checks in England and are encouraged to do so.

   It is still not possible for ADI trainers to sit in on ADI part 3 and standards checks in Wales or Scotland as only essential car sharing can be undertaken under the Scottish and Welsh Government’s current guidance.

   We will keep this under review.

2. DVSA announces driving test changes from March 1st

   Posted on 7:00pm Monday 28th Feb 2022

   Driver testing services – lifting of COVID-19 driving test restrictions

   We are lifting COVID-19 restrictions affecting driving and theory tests in England from Tuesday 1 March in line with the government announcement that English restrictions ended on 24 February. The changes in England are: • face coverings will be a personal choice for practical and theory test candidates and examiners • driving tests will no longer end early unless the candidate’s driving is so poor it is a risk to their safety and that of other road users - in line with the pre-COVID-19 policy • instructors and accompanying drivers are able to sit in on driving tests • you no longer have to self isolate if you have COVID-19, but we encourage you to rearrange your test if you feel unwell for any reason You need to make your pupils aware of these forthcoming changes, especially if you have made their practical test booking for them. The current driving and theory tests safety measures in Scotland and Wales remain in place and we will let you know of any changes. DVSA guidance on GOV.UK will be updated shortly.   Face coverings Your pupil will have personal choice on whether they want to wear a face covering on their driving or theory test from 1 March in England. Candidates will no longer have to let us know if they cannot wear a face covering in advance of their driving test from 1 March. This also applies to bookings you make on behalf of your pupils. Our driving examiners can also make a personal choice to wear a face covering if they wish. Face coverings continue to be a personal choice for you and your pupils during driving lessons in England. Ending driving tests early From 1 March, our driving examiners will no longer end tests early and they can continue after a candidate has committed a serious or dangerous fault to give them the full-test experience. Tests will only be terminated early if the driving examiner assesses that the candidate’s driving is so poor it risks their safety and that of other road users. This is in line with our pre-COVID-19 policy. ADIs sitting in on tests We are lifting the restriction on ADIs and accompanying drivers to sit in on a driving test from 1 March. This means that driving examiners will ask your pupil if they want someone to: sit in the back of the car during the test be with them for the result and feedback ADI standards checks and ADI part 2 tests The lifting of restrictions for wearing face coverings on tests from 1 March also includes ADI part 2 tests and ADI standards checks. Standards checks will continue to last for 40 minutes. Clean vehicles We will no longer be cancelling driving tests if the inside of a vehicle is not clean. However, we continue to encourage you to clean and tidy the inside of your vehicle when presenting it for a driving test in line with good hygiene. It will be optional for examiners to wipe down surfaces in test vehicles or ventilate these vehicles during tests. Pupils testing positive for COVID-19 We encourage candidates testing positive for COVID-19 up to 5 days before their driving test not to attend their test to reduce the spread of the virus. You or your pupil should email us at [email protected] with the subject title ‘COVID-19 short notice cancellation’ to rearrange their test. You or your pupil will need to include the following information in the email: their driving licence number their driving test booking reference number We will then contact you or your pupil to help rearrange the test. Your pupil will not have to pay again.   Taking rapid lateral flow tests Until 1 April, we continue to ask your pupils to take a rapid lateral flow test before their driving test if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. We are asking that they do this on the day of their driving test, before they leave home. Find out more about taking a rapid lateral flow test before taking a driving test. Thank you for your support We know this has been a very challenging period for the driver and rider training industry. The changes we have made to our services have had an impact across the industry but you have shown resilience, supported our colleagues and responded positively to our engagement. We want to thank you for taking the necessary action to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, and protect our colleagues.

3. Whats it like to be a driving instructor with a difficult pupil?

   Posted on 8:00pm Sunday 29th Aug 2021

   That’s a very good question there is no doubting it is one of the most challenging aspects to become a driving instructor

   When a pupil is either unresponsive or just being difficult you have to try your best to just rise above it after all the reality is, that you are trying to help them to gain a driving license and to get their freedom by being able to drive.

   You are fully aware Learning to drive is an expensive undertaking and that you want to save them money and get them to test standard as quickly as possible, after all who wants to be waiting months and months and months to get to Driving test standard?

   The fact that you don’t want to listen to your instructor, or the most annoying part, is when they think they know more than you and as a result they feel they don’t have to do what you’re asking them.

   Recently we had a pupil who quite outwardly stated to their driving instructor that they didn’t like to be told what to do, well in that case why come to learn with the driving instructor if you don’t want anybody telling what you need to do?

   You’re paying us to teach you to drive and to hopefully if you follow what we tell you, pass your driving test first time, so how do you expect this to happen if you don’t like being told what you need to do it?

   So part of your role as a driving instructor is to try and reach an agreement with the pupil, in the fact of the way you teach, you’re trying to make your pupil bring the answers out for themselves by means of coaching rather than instruction.

   Also to take into account is that the pupil may not be trying to be difficult, but, may just be having a bad day or have things on their mind.

   Either way you grin and bear it and just keep thinking that tomorrow is a brand new day!

    

4. Driving instructor training to resume from 12th April

   Posted on 7:00pm Monday 22nd Feb 2021

   Driving Instructor Training – Latest

   A roadmap out of lockdown in England has been announced this evening by the prime minister, with close contact services (such as driver and rider training) expected to resume from 12th April. 

   Driving Instructor Training

   This was announced this evening – Monday Feb 22nd by the Prime Minister.

   The details of today’s announcement from the PM can be found on GOV.UK ‘Covid Response – Spring 2021’, with specific reference to driver testing on page 34, item 110:

   110. Additional premises will be able to reopen but should only be visited alone or with household groups: non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers, salons and close contact services; and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas (but not including saunas and steam rooms, which are due to open at Step 3). Overnight stays away from home in this country will be permitted and self-contained accommodation – those that do not require shared use of bathing, entry/exit, catering or sleeping facilities – can also reopen, though must only be used by members of the same household. The Government will open public buildings such as libraries and community centres. Activities such as driving tests may also resume.

   The overall lockdown ‘exit’ plan is divided into four stages with the promise that, after the first stage in March, further lifting of the rules will happen if certain conditions are met (i.e. if the vaccine rollout is going to plan).

   We are awaiting clarification from DVSA as to their specific plans for resuming testing services, more news on this expected some time tomorrow.

   So as long as the rates of infection etc, continue to stay steady and not rise sharply, the date of April 12th 2021 will be the date for resuming driving lessons and driving instructor training
   

5. Changes to the Standards Check, Part Two and Part Three Assessment in response to COVID-19

   Posted on 8:00am Thursday 12th Nov 2020

   Summary of Changes to the Standards Check, Part Two and Part Three Assessment in response to COVID-19

   Why are these changes needed?

   The industry already recognises that working in vehicles, in close proximity to pupils and candidates, carries a higher risk than in many professions. Because of this, standard operating procedures have been adapted across driver and rider testing and training to limit the risk of infection from COVID-19. As ADI and PDI assessments require three people to be in vehicle, extra precautions must be taken to limit exposure

   Why is it important to continue ADI/PDI assessments at this time?

   We mustn’t lose sight of the fact road risk is a public health issue too. Ensuring those delivering driver training are up to standard is an important factor in managing that risk. It is important we continue ADI assessments to ensure the quality standard of learning is maintained and these assessments are a regulatory requirement.
   Evidence shows a direct link between high performing trainers and pupil pass rates.

   To mitigate road risk, it is important we do not neglect instructor assessment and enforcement at this time

   Why not reintroduce role play?