Please do not get me wrong here, a lot of the information I was taking on board has helped me. The problem was much of it was too advanced for what I actually needed. Many of the videos I watched, at the time, seemed priceless but on reflection, although they showed me what to do and how to do they never explained why! This without doubt very much hindered my progression.

My dad always said do not run before you can walk and he was so right!

If I could go back now and restart my journey there would be some massive changes made. The Part 1, theory test was not difficult for me. Fortunately, the books provided when I signed up for training along with the exercises in the workbooks prepared me well. However, sadly once passed I did put them to one side to gather dust and as a result, my first attempt at the test of driving ability was not as successful. The training I received also lacked something I have discovered over the years but at the time knew no better. The final hurdle part 3 was a big struggle and took me the three permitted attempts to pass.

All simply because I put the books away! Received inadequate training! And took on a trainee licence (3 in fact) to practice at being poor as an instructor!

Part 1, Theory and Hazard perception test!

Read, read and read again all the books and understand what you are reading, Do not learn it simply by rote! Keep going back to those books even when that first hurdle has been successfully passed. Years down the road I still have them by the bed and they are well-read and have been replaced many times and will continue to be used.

Part 2, Test of driving ability!

Those books you should be reading really help you crack this one. Fully understanding road procedure and the rules set in the highway code set you on the right track and the bible for driving instructors, The essential skills will ensure you get the result you need but do not forget to have your driving assessed by an ADI trainer who knows what is required to pass the part 2 test. It is not assessed to the same standard as the L test. You have been warned!

Part 3, Test of instructional ability!

Do you know what I am going to say? Read those books and own the knowledge within them! Training that simply puts all its focus on the pre-set tests is not enough. Videos that show you what and how to do but fail to explain why will not fully prepare you for part 3. Driving instructor training should be exactly that, training you to be able to teach people how to drive and to be able to give your pupils a full understanding of what they are doing.

So the training you receive and the time you dedicate to it should do exactly the same and give you the ability to qualify and go on to be a very successful driving instructor and not simply to pass tests.

Time ticks by using it wisely!

Chris Deane ADI