Driving Instructor Training & Qualifying Process

ProScot's ORDIT Training Programme has ensured our PDI instructors success

Stages 4 to 6 is where your training really takes place to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). ProScot's Driving Instructor Training has a track record for proven success. The training builds on what you're doing correctly - not what you're doing wrong, this positive based teaching and coaching style builds your confidence while developing your instructional skills.

All ProScot's driving instructors have undertaken ProScot's in house driving instructor training course with John Macdonald. This ensures the quality of the driving lessons they will deliver as ProScot driving instructors are maintained. ProScot driving instructors appreciate the quality of our training, and how it has helped them to become the successful driving instructors they are today. ProScot believe in complete transparency, and we encourage you to speak to our office staff, other PDI’s or any of our ProScot Instructors to find out more about us and the job before you even start your training.

DVSA ADI QAULIFYING EXAMINATION IS IN THE THREE-PARTS

Part 1 - Theory Test

Part 1 is a Theory Test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test. Your knowledge in areas such as driving principles, legal issues, instructional techniques, and vehicle maintenance are assessed. There's no limit to the number of attempts you can have to pass the Part 1 Theory Test.

To pass the multiple-choice part, you must get both:

1. An overall score of at least 85 out of 100

2. At least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories of questions

You will fail if you get an overall score of 85 or higher, but do not score high enough in each of the 4 categories.

To pass the hazard perception part, you need to score at least 57 points out of 75.

We will recommend the training materials you need to assist you with the Hazard Perception Test and also advise you on the books you may consider purchasing. ProScot recommend the use of the theory app "Theory4All"

Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must qualify as an ADI in that time, otherwise you’ll have to start the application process again.

Part 2 - Driving Ability

In the Part 2 test, the examiner will assess your ability to drive to a consistently high standard, showing a high degree of car control and roadcraft. The test lasts approximately 1 hour and covers a wide variety of road and traffic conditions including manoeuvres. It is not an advanced test, it is based around the current learner test. The main difference being that the Part 2 test lasts about 20 minutes longer and a lower number of total minor driving points is required. If you get more than 15 minor faults in the L test or record a serious or dangerous driving fault it results in a fail. In the Part 2 driving test you must score no more than 6 minor faults as over 6 minor faults or a serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail. A maximum of three attempts is allowed for Part 2.

For your Part 2 training and test, you have the option of using your own vehicle or one of the ProScot vehicles.

Part 3 - Instructional ability

Part 3 is a test of your instructional ability.

Previously the part 3 test was developed to ensure you could train a student from novice standard right through to test standard.

The test lasted approximately 1 hour and was split into two 30-minute phases. In the first phase, the examiner role-played a pupil in the early stages of learning to drive. In the second phase, the examiner role-played a pupil in the later stages of learning to drive or a full licence holder who needs further training. Your overall aim was to improve the 'pupil' by correctly identifying, analysing, and remedying their driving faults. In those days it was not necessary to take out a trainee licence and ProScot did not recommend its use. This was because the Part 3 test consisted of role play with pre-set tests. Your trainer John Macdonald was able to role play these pre-set tests and role play the typical faults that you would be expected to deal with in a part 3 test. The part 3 test was totally different from real L test lessons and for that reason the trainee badge could hinder performance in the part 3 test.

However, to bring the part 3 test in line with the latest Standards Check for driving instructors and to give a more realistic assessment with a real pupil the Part 3 test was restructured. You are now marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:

1. Lesson planning.

2. Risk management.

3. Teaching and learning skills.

The 17 areas of competence are listed in the ADI standards check report form. You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out your grade.

0-30 Fail Your performance is unsatisfactory

31-42 Grade B You’ll be able to enter on the approved driving instructors (ADI) register

43-51 Grade A You have demonstrated a high standard of instruction and you’ll be able to enter on the ADI register

You’ll automatically fail if:

You get a score of 7 or less in the ‘risk management’ category

The examiner stops the lesson because you’ve put yourself or someone else in danger

The test now lasts approximately one hour (although currently due to Covid restrictions, this has been reduced to approximately 45 minutes). You are required to present a real pupil. So, this is just like a real driving lesson that would be expected from a fully qualified driving instructor during a Standards Check. For this reason, ProScot fully support and encourage the use of a trainee licence to gain vital real pupil experience and build up the skills required to pass the part 3. Your chances of passing part 3 without the additional experience gained whilst in a trainee badge are reduced considerably.

Trainee Licence - Earn while you learn

Once you've passed the Part 2 test and completed a minimum of 40 hours of Part 3 training (ProScot give 48 hours on our intensive course), you can instruct on a trainee licence. This enables you to earn while you learn and prepare for the Part 3 test of instructional ability. You will train real pupils and in real lessons and you will have the opportunity to put all your training into practice. A trainee licence is valid for 6 months, you must pass your part 3 test within this time frame. It is possible to apply for a second licence under certain circumstances.

At ProScot, we now feel that this is the best option and gives you the best possible chance of success. We usually recommend that our trainees do no more than about 30 to 35 instructional hours per week maximum. This still leaves additional time to continue your part 3 training by reflecting and analysing your performance.

John Macdonald will also sit in on some of your lessons and give you at least 20 additional hours of support and further training within 12 weeks of going on the trainee licence or before your first attempt at Part 3 whichever comes sooner.

Based on our current fees and a 35-hour week, our PDI's can still earn in excess of £40,000 in their first year. After car payment, insurance, franchise fee and fuel this is still more than £800 per week. This approach enables you to gain valuable experience whilst you “earn while you learn”. It also means that when you do qualify you already have a full diary of students.