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The Test of Ability to Instruct (Part 3)
What will I have to do to pass?
This test will assess the quality of your instruction and your ability to pass on your knowledge. The test is in two parts lasting approximately 30 minutes each. You must pass both sections on the same test.
You will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and ability by giving practical driving instruction to the examiner. For the first half of the test the examiner will take on the role of a pupil at the beginner stage. He will then take on the role of a pupil at nearly test standard, or post-test standard receiving driver development training.
The examiner will give you an outline of the pupil he is portraying e.g. Name, lessons had so far, characteristics etc. For each of the two roles the examiner will choose one of the following exercises as a basis for instruction :
Lesson Topics
- Safety precautions on entering the car and explanation of the controls
- Moving off and making normal stops
- Reversing into limited openings to the left or right
- Turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite direction, using forward and reverse gears (Turn in the road)
- How to make an emergency stop and practical instruction in the use of mirrors
- Approaching and turning corners
- Judgment of speed, making progress and general road positioning
- Dealing with road junctions
- Dealing with crossroads
- Dealing with pedestrian crossings and giving correct signals in a clear and unmistakable manner
- Over-taking, meeting and crossing the path of other road users, allowing adequate clearance.
The Examiner
The examiner will explain what is required for each part of the test. It's essential that you listen very carefully and ask if you are unclear about anything he has said. The examiner will happily repeat his explanation.
You need to tailor your instruction to the time available (30 minutes for each part) and the standard of the pupil being portrayed by the examiner. Ask questions to find out the depth of the pupil's knowledge and ability and listen carefully to the answers, as vital clues may be given. Observe the pupil's performance and act on what you are seeing just as you would under normal teaching circumstances. For example, poor clutch control on the way to a reverse corner may be a clue as to what is coming later - forget that they are an examiner!
Training aids and lesson plans
You are allowed to use lesson plans and training aids (e.g. diagrams). Brief notes and subject headings are acceptable but you should not read at length, word for word from notes or books.
The pupil must be given the chance to demonstrate what has been taught, and any faults must be corrected. Remember, time is limited for each section so time spent stationary for briefing should be kept concise and to the point. The first half of the test is likely to require more stationary work than the second.
Be prepared for the pupil to ask questions and take notice of what is asked and why.
How will I be assessed?
In assessing your performance the examiner will take into account:
- The method, clarity, adequacy and correctness of instruction given
- The observation, analysis and correction of faults committed by the pupil
- Your general manner
You will be expected to maintain control of the lesson, be patient and tactful and give encouragement to the pupil at all times. There are not necessarily right or wrong answers, it is the relevance of the instruction in relation to the ability of the pupil under the current road conditions that is being tested.
Your training will help you to prepare for this, but you will have to be flexible and adapt your training and technique to meet the situation on the day.
Common ways to fail
- Briefing too long or muddled
- Expectations of the pupil too high
- Unable to recommence instruction at a different point
- Faults or weaknesses in one or more of the core competencies
- Over-instruction
- Inability to adjust the content and level of the lesson to match the pupil's knowledge
- Demoralisation of the pupil
What sort of car do I need for the test?
It must be of the same standard and specification as for the part two test. It should be insured correctly for the purposes of the test and should display two "L" plates, which must comply with normal regulations.
What insurance will I need?
Your insurance must cover, for the time during which the examiner is driving, any liability which the examiner may have for all third party and damage risks and for liability to any passenger, including any official passenger. The insurance cover should not name a specific supervising examiner as the driver because the DSA cannot guarantee that a particular examiner will conduct the test. Your insurance should cover any Driving Standards Agency examiner. The DSA cannot accept responsibility for risks not covered by insurance including the loss of any no-claims bonus or the cost of repairing any minor damage.
If the vehicle itself or the insurance does not meet these requirements, the test will not take place.
If you hold a trainee licence
If you hold a trainee licence and have signed up for the training option, you must produce your ADI 21 AT, at the time of your first attempt at the part 3 test, if taken within the first three months of your licence. If you do not take your first attempt within three months then your ADI 21 AT must be sent to the DSA filled in by both yourself and your trainer. This is to confirm you have had the minimum twenty hours additional training as a requirement of your licence.
Should you require a second or third attempt at the test you will need to provide a declaration, signed by both yourself and your trainer to confirm that a minimum additional five hours training has been received following each test. Failure to produce any of the training declarations will result in the cancellation of your test and loss of the test fee.
Does the examiners supervisor come to the test as well?
Sometimes your examiner may be supervised whilst conducting your test. This is to ensure the test is properly conducted. The senior examiner will not interfere with the test. You may also request that your trainer sits in on your test if you wish.
National Pass Rates
- Theory Test 50%
- Driving Ability (ADI Part 2) 45%
- Instructional Ability (ADI Part 3) 28%
When is the test result be given?
You will receive the result at the end of the test along with a concise verbal debrief from the examiner. You will also receive a copy of the examiners mark sheet. Listen very carefully to the debrief especially if you fail as the advice given is invaluable.
Appeals
The process for appealing against a test decision is described earlier in the notes for the part 2 test.
Why Become a Driving Instructor?
Interested? Get a call back.
