The format of the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 qualification test and the ADI standards check have been in place for several years. I believe they are a significant improvement on the previous assessments.
They provide an opportunity for ADIs and trainee driving instructors to show their skills and how they can help pupils better prepare to drive safely and independently. However, it’s time to think about whether we need to make further changes to ensure all pupils are getting the highest standards of instruction from all ADIs.
This survey asks for your feedback on the proposal to raise the pass mark of the standards check from 31 out of 51 to 33 out of 51. The pass mark for the ADI part 3 test will remain the same at 31.
I want to use this blog to explain the reasons behind the suggestion and how I feel it can help to raise the standard of teaching for your pupils.
Teaching should improve with experience
It’s reasonable to think that as driving instructors become more experienced, their skills and competencies will improve and they should become better instructors, providing a higher standard of training to their pupils.
We recommend that driving instructors undertake regular continuing professional development (CPD) throughout their career to support their growth as professionals. You can find driving instructor training on GOV.UK
As a result, we would expect experienced ADIs to perform at a higher level than an inexperienced potential instructor taking their qualification test.
The proposed increase in the standards check pass mark is very achievable. It would help us all to continue raising standards within the driver training industry. It would also show to learner drivers and their parents that, once qualified, instructors not only maintain their skills but develop and improve them.
Other measures to help raise standards
Last year we introduced an engagement call for candidates with ADI examiners before standards checks.
We recently added a compulsory engagement call to the official register of driving instructor training (ORDIT) assessments as well.
This has had a positive response from those who have been able to take advantage of this opportunity. The impact of any increase in the standard check pass mark would feature in these conversations alongside support and advice on how to best prepare for the assessment.
Have your say
You can fill in the survey here.
I encourage all ADIs to read it and share your thoughts with us, not just on raising the standards check pass mark but also on how we can best continue to raise professional standards of driver training.
Improving the standard of teaching is an ongoing process and we need your support to help us make the right changes to offer the best level of training to your pupils.
8 comments
Comment by Alex Orchiston posted on
Can you categorically state how this will improve the standard of ADI's? The only thing I can see happening is more ADI's failing and feeling aggrieved towards the examiner.
Comment by Kristie (DVSA) posted on
Hi Alex, thanks for your comment. We would expect ADIs once qualified to undertake regular continuing professional development. The score for the part 3 test is 31 so would expect an experienced instructor to perform at a higher level on their standards check to demonstrate an improvement in their skills. Kind regards.
Comment by Mandefro Alem Adamu posted on
I strongly believe the current Standards Check does not add up any knowledge to ADI and passing or/and failing it does not the exact level of ADI. I think what matter is education so, providing course to ADI once or more a year may have massive difference. Without appropriate education there will be no standards improved I guess. Or ADI applicants may need to have sort of education background such as a degree.
Comment by Kristie (DVSA) posted on
Hi, thanks for your comment. The standards check is a practical assessment of instructional ability and is used to ensure driving instructors meet the minimum required standard. Education is also an important part of raising standards and DVSA launched the engagement call in 2021. This is an opportunity for an ADI to engage with a DVSA examiner to discuss their up and coming standards check and ask any questions they may have. The examiner will also discuss continuing professional development and encourage the ADI to seek ongoing development with an ORDIT registered trainer. ADI’s will also be signposted to resources and materials such as the National Standards for Driver and Rider training. Kind regards.
Comment by Shaun posted on
More work is required to find out why standards are dropping. There is nothing being taken in to account with the work demand on instructors. There have been changes to the Standards Check and covid, all of which will effect pass rates. Also to say that the current system is good enough is wrong. There is no clear information of how the marking system is done. What a 3 in each section looks like. CPD's are too expensive, with many companies offering poor service and charging a lot. DVSA needs to have easy access to what good looks like. Definite explanations of what makes an action a 1, 2 or 3 in each competency. More respect to ADI's, and more communication with us, not at us. More ownership of the drop in standards and less blame of others, which is the current culture in the DVSA. I've spoken to several of you members and have been very underwhelmed. a 9 month delay in a response to an email, then the answer was just factually wrong.
Comment by Kristie (DVSA) posted on
Hi Shaun, thanks for your comment. The standards check is a practical assessment of instructional ability and is used to ensure driving instructors meet the minimum required standard. Education is also an important part of raising standards and DVSA launched the engagement call in 2021. This is an opportunity for an ADI to engage with a DVSA examiner to discuss their up and coming standards check and ask any questions they may have. The examiner will also discuss continuing professional development and encourage the ADI to seek ongoing development with an ORDIT registered trainer. ADI’s will also be signposted to resources and materials such as the National Standards for Driver and Rider training. Kind regards.
Comment by Rajaji Thikkireddy posted on
That very good idea. I would like that, but it should be 35 out of 51. Because much more quality of teaching instructions, increasing the pass rate, good drivers on the roads and finally reducing the waiting list. Thank you for giving this opportunity.
Comment by Kristie (DVSA) posted on
Hi, thank you for your comment! We appreciate the feedback. Kind regards.