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emergencies, such as changing a flat tyre on the hard shoulder or safely waiting for help in case of a breakdown.
First of all, I’d like to say that I feel extremely lucky and privileged to have Chris as my instructor.
Chris, when I came to you, I had already failed my first attempt at the dreaded part 3 test. I thought that I was strong enough to have passed the test, but the reality was that I had very little understanding of how a part 3 should be tackled.
Once I had signed up to my training and I had made the decision to become an ADI. I received a phone call from Chris to go over what the process entailed and what was expected from me. We arranged our first meeting and I remember being put at ease straight away.
Maneuvering is defined by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) as any car movement that involves reversing or turning. We all do it regularly without thinking, such as reversing on or off our driveways, parking behind our neighbour's car, or having to turn around when we enter a cul-de-sac by mistake! The manoeuvres required on the driving test are set to simulate these everyday occurrences.
On the ADI part 2 test, you will be expected to carry out the above maneuvers and either the parallel or bay park (not both!). On the DL25 marking sheet, the examiner (SE) may record faults for either Control or Observation under each heading. As instructors, we teach both and look for accuracy, which would be marked as control if not achieved on the driving test. Let’s examine these elements to gain a deeper understanding of how to achieve success.
During any manoeuvre, you must make good, effective observations all around. Pedestrians may not be looking for the reverse lights, may not be paying attention, and may not expect the car to move backwards. They will see a car pointing in a specific direction and choose to walk behind it when crossing the road. When looking around, you are not just checking for approaching vehicles but also for pedestrians, so footpaths are just as important.
Provide Clear and Accurate Explanations to Learners: Instructors must explain the meaning of road signs and markings and their impact on learners' driving decisions. An instructor with a deep understanding of these rules can communicate effectively, helping learners understand the “what” and the “why” behind each instruction.
A New Path to Success: Becoming a Driving Instructor
Embarking on a new career is an exciting challenge, and few offer the independence and personal satisfaction of becoming a driving instructor. This journey allows you to be your own boss and set your own hours, but it's not a path to be taken lightly. True success in this field is built on a solid foundation of knowledge, skill, and an unwavering commitment to professional development.
While you may have years of experience behind the wheel, becoming an instructor requires you to move beyond simply driving. You'll need to develop a profound understanding of road safety, vehicle dynamics, and effective teaching methods. This is an opportunity to enhance your existing skills and master a new craft, enabling you to guide others not just to pass a test, but to become safe and confident drivers for life.
The Art of Focused Learning
Dedicating time to study is one thing; making that time count is another. Effective study time is the cornerstone of your training. Imagine trying to learn a new piece of music in a noisy room—it's nearly impossible. Your mind needs a dedicated, quiet space to absorb complex information. This means creating an environment where you can minimize distractions and fully engage with the material.
Before you begin, gather all your resources—from the latest edition of the Highway Code to your notebooks and pens. A well-prepared study session prevents you from wasting valuable time searching for materials. Structure your learning into manageable blocks, taking frequent breaks to avoid mental fatigue. This method isn't about simply clocking in hours; it's about giving your mind the space it needs to process and retain what you're learning.
Beyond Memorization: Building True Expertise
Your training and future exams aren't just a test of what you can remember—they're a measure of what you truly understand. The knowledge you gain from books, instructional videos, and practical lessons is the bedrock of your future career. Shortcuts and half-hearted efforts will only lead to frustration and costly retakes. By focusing on deep comprehension rather than surface-level memorization, you are not just preparing to pass an exam; you are building the fundamental expertise that will define you as a skilled and trusted professional.
The path to becoming a driving instructor is an investment in yourself. Every hour of focused study, every challenge you overcome, brings you closer to realizing your goal. This isn’t just about a new job; it’s about mastering a skill, building a business, and helping to make our roads safer, one new driver at a time.
Results and a full diary can help judge success as a driving instructor!
ADI Remedial Training
Chris Deane, what can I say?
Hi, my name is James, and I recently passed my Part 3 instructional ability test at Burton test centre. I started my course in 2011, just before Christmas, with the AA. I was assigned Chris as my trainer, and once I had my books and spoken to him on the phone, I met up with Chris to talk about the course and the revision I had been doing.
"I've been so pleased with my training. Chris always listened to what I had to say each lesson and responded in a way which put me at ease and helped me to overcome my concerns. He has a really personal approach to training which meant that I felt the lessons suited me really well to develop my skills in a way I was happy with.
After an interesting 8 month process, I passed my Part 3 test on the 11th April 2014 (2nd attempt.)
