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The Driving Ability Test  (Part Two)

The practical test of Driving Ability consists of  eyesight, show & tell questions and driving techniques. The test lasts for approximately one hour.

You must:

Be able to read a motorcar number plate at a distance of 27.5m (90') where the number and letters are 79.4mm high.

The test is more than a slightly difficult 'L' test. It is of an advanced nature, with a very high standard of competence expected.

 

You will need to demonstrate:
  • Expert handling of controls
  • Use of correct road procedure
  • Anticipation of actions of other road users
  • Sound judgement of speed, distance and timing
  • Consideration and safety of all other road users

The test routes will include all types of road conditions, including motorways, fast dual carriageways, country roads and built up areas.

Our training consists of:

For this part of the course each trainee is assessed and then taught individually by an ORDIT, grade 6 instructor. The training will be conducted in accordance of the principles laid down by the Driving Standards Agency. (DSA) The number of hours required will depend on the individual trainees abilityand circumstances, although usually 20 hours.

Each lesson is strictly on a one to one basis and usually lasts 2 hours

This part of the training can be financed on a lesson-by-lesson basis or as preferred.

You are allowed 3 attempts at this test, if you fail all three (which is very rare), you will have to wait 2 years from the date of passing the theory exam before you can try again.

As with part one, we do expect and encourage trainees to adhere to a course of private practice as recommended by your trainer.

Alan's success rate 2005, 84% of trainees passed compared to a national average of 44.6% (DSA statistics April 2004-March 2005)

The Instructional Ability Test  (Part Three)

The object of the test is to assess the value of the instruction you give to the pupil. The test is in two parts each lasting approximately 30 minutes. You must pass both parts of the test at the same time. You will be asked to instruct an examiner taking on the role of a pupil as a beginner / partly trained pupil and then someone of test standard ability or a qualified driver ( from March 2006).

The examiner can choose from 10 pre-set tests, covering the syllabus of learning to drive.

Candidates will be told of the result at the end of the instructional ability test.

How do we train for this exercise?

An experienced ORDIT inspected, grade 6 instructor trainer will conduct this part of the training.

As with part two, the training will be on a one to one basis, or as the trainer recommends, meaning the trainee will have an opportunity to practice and demonstrate their ability on every subject.

The training will include all 10 pre-set tests for both novice and test standard pupils, but importantly incorporates the teaching techniques, such as Fault assessment, Communication skills and the use of Question &  answer techniques. These skills will be need to be employed effectively day to day whilst teaching.

We invite our trainee's to support their individual training with passive learning by means of supporting and observing qualified instructors whilst they are instructing.

Alan's success rate over last seven years 70-90%, compared to national average of 28.1% (DSA statistics April 2004-March 2005)

You have up to three attempts at this test, if you fail, either of the first two attempts, then a further 5 hours training must be taken before attempting the test again. When you qualify you will be entered on to the official register as an Approved Driving Instructor, A.D.I.

Alan's Instructor Training lesson plans / visual aids can be supplied for trainee instructor's use.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How long will it take to qualify?

To become an ADI, you have to pass three exams, one written and two practical. You have a two year time period starting from the date you pass the theory exam. The time taken will depend on the candidates ability and personal circumstances. Obviously there are examination timetables to be aware of, although the course can be completed on average between four to eight months.

Can I pass the Theory test without attending the 27 hour training course?
 
Whilst it may be possible to pass the test, initially saving money, it is our experience that candidates do so with a lack of understanding that therefore hinders progression, costing more time and money. Alan's can supply all the recommended reading materials and Hazard Perception CD-Roms or DVD's.

Can I make mistakes on any of the tests?

Yes. On part one the overall pass mark is 85%, on part two a maximum of 6 driving faults are permitted and with the instructional exam it is graded between 1 through 6, with grades of three and below being sub-standard.

Will I have to do any other tests?

Yes. Having qualified, you will throughout your 4 year registration have whats called a 'check test'. The frequency of the check test depends on your standard of instruction.

How much will the training cost?

The cost will depend on the candidates ability and the DSA exam fees at the time of booking the tests. As this will be reflected in the trainees ability further details can be obtained direct from Paul for an individual quote.

Telephone (01268) 72 55 55 or e-mail instructor.training@alansdrivingschool.com

The course fees can be financed on a pay as you go basis, payable per lesson or through credit terms. Alan's Instructor Training is registered as a Training Provider with the Department of Education and Skills and as such are able to help you arrange a Career Development Loan if necessary. (www.direct.gov.uk/cdl)

Will there be additional costs?

Should you fail any part of the exam, you will of course have to pay for further tuition if required. The one exception being part one, then any trainee requiring further guidance, will be invited to train as often or little as necessary without further charge. The DSA examination fees, Trainee  and Approved Driving Instructor  Licences must be paid for by the candidate. 

Can I teach before I qualify?

Yes. Having passed your part two, you have the option of applying for a trainee licence. This will allow you to instruct, thus gaining experience before taking the part 3 exam. Conditions apply, which include completing 40 hours of instructional training, which is of an acceptable standard before the issue of the licence with a further 20 hours required when the licence becomes valid or whilst the trainee licence is being used, 20% of your paid lessons must be supervised by an ADI.

These are the minimum conditions set out by the DSA, however, each individual will be guided by the trainers to reach Alan's high standards.

Will I be guaranteed a job?

Although Alan's Instructor Training will not guarantee you a placement with Alan's Driving School , every endeavour will be made to take on our trainees. Over 70% of our successful trainees now work with the school. In any event we would give assistance in gaining a position with an alternative driving school.

What kind of living can I expect?

This will depend on your own requirements, however, simply multiply the price of an average lesson by the number of hours you work and you can expect to earn in excess of £25,000 per year, based on a 40 hour working week. Do not forget to allow for petrol, insurances and franchise fees; these along with training costs are allowable against income tax.

What qualifications will I obtain?

You will become a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (car), responsible for teaching safe driving for life.

Alan's believes and promotes continuing professional development and so encourages its instructors to strive for further qualifications in teaching, advanced driving as examples.

Is there anything more I need to know?

If you are positive that this is the direction you wish to head in, or if you have further questions that you feel the need to ask or should ask so please feel free to contact us using the contact form or telephoning (01268) 550 360.

ON BEHALF OF ALAN'S INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING US AS PART OF YOUR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.

 
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