Instructor Training Part 3 – The Need To Know Changes

The process of becoming a qualified driving instructor is changing with the DVSA using the Standards Check format for the Part 3 section of the test. Following these changes as they have been discussed can be done using the Driving Instructors Association website https://www.driving.org and their discussion forums and magazines. The aim is to bring the Part 3 section of the test more in line with conducting a real lesson with a real student.

Ensuring you are teaching to the very best standard requires maximum understanding of Part 1 and Part 2. Making sure you develop your knowledge of the Highway Code and demonstrate you can apply it gives you as a trainer a solid foundation to teach. Do not leave this to the responsibility of the person or company training you, take on your on initiative.

When I took my Part 3 I could not imagine what it would be like to teach a real lesson. Looking back in hindsight I can now appreciate just how far apart the two things were. Having taken a Standards Check with the new system introduced in 2015 to ensure instructor standards, I am very happy that the Part 3 is changing.

Some of the benefits:

  • As close to a real life lesson as is possible, making the jump a little easier to handle
  • Training can be delivered to ensure you control your lesson, not just pass Part 3
  • You plan the Part 3 to your strengths rather than luck of the draw with the PSTs

Discussing with a fellow Instructor Trainer, one of the possible draw backs is having a readily available student or client available to sit the test with you. Further thinking and planning may be required from you the candidate and your trainer.

The format of the Standards Check means that a easy to follow and simple check list is available. Applying the skills you have learned through all the different stages now come to be applied in one. This allows for greater accuracy in training and preparation.

Make sure you plan using the test sheet and apply key words and phrases to help the examiner give you the best grade possible. A copy can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/approved-driving-instructor-adi-part-3-test-report

For more information on Instructor Training from First Drive, follow this link https://www.firstdrivesouthwest.co.uk/instructor-training