Driving Instructor Training - Part Three Test

The purpose of the Part Three Test is to assess the quality of your instruction and your ability to pass your knowledge on to learners. The test is in two parts, each of which lasts about 30 minutes. You must pass both parts on the same test.

You will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and ability by giving practical driving tuition to the examiner who will first take on the role of a pupil who is a beginner, or a learner driver with limited driving knowledge, and then a pupil who is about test standard. The examiner will explain everything to you at the time.

The Exercises

For each of the two roles the examiner will select one of the exercises given below as the basis of the instruction:

• safety precautions on entering the car and explanation of the controls
• moving off and making normal stops
• reversing and reversing into limited openings to the right or left
• turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite direction, using forward and reverse gears
• parking near the kerb, using forward and reverse gears
• how to make an emergency stop and practical instruction in the use of mirrors
• approaching and turning corners
• judgement 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
• overtaking, meeting and crossing the path of other road users, allowing adequate clearance

The instruction you give should be tailored to the time available and to the standard of the ‘pupil’ being role-played by the examiner. You will should find it useful to establish the depth of the ‘pupil’s’ knowledge in each phase, by asking questions and observing the ‘pupil’s’ performance as you would with a real pupil you had not taught before.

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 sustain control of the lesson, be patient and tactful and give encouragement to the ‘pupil’ at all times. What is assessed is the relevance of the instruction for the ability of the pupil and to the particular conditions on the road on the day of the test.

The day of your Part 3 test

Please note: throughout this article, there may be references to ‘he’. This convention is used simply for convenience. The person is just as likely to be a ‘she’.

Your Part 3 test is like a job interview

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, the Examiner will rapidly assess if you are driving instructor material. It is up to you to help him make the right decision.

Some of the contents may seem obvious. Yet time and again I encounter people who through lack of adhering to a few simple rules waste their time by taking their test too soon or with lack of preparation.

How to use this document

Even if you think you already know what I am telling you, read through from start to finish. At the very least, you will have had reassurance that you are on the right track.

There are certain essential processes which you should complete before you can become a driving instructor. In particular, you should work through the sections on analysing your skills and abilities. By the time you have done this, I hope that you will feel ready for a positive attack at passing the DSA test and going on to have a successful career as a driving instructor.

Try to familiarise yourself thoroughly with the contents of this article and keep it by your side for reference during training.

The advice given is well tested. Nobody can pass the test for you. You have to do that yourself. However, all the tools to carry out the task are described in the following text.

Organising yourself

Passing your Part 3 test is just like passing any other test, but if you really want it, you have to work hard.

You should have been used to working hard in a structured, systematic way in your previous career. Imagine what would have happened if you had failed to do your job properly, maintain equipment, be in the right place at the right time, report to your immediate superiors etc.

Manage your time by giving yourself a strict timetable. Serious training starts on a stated day, the sooner the better.

Structure your day, so that certain hours are spent in training activities and try to stick to this. Allocate attainable targets. E.g. each week complete one or two briefings or PST’s.

Set up office

This may be difficult while you are still training but you should try to find somewhere quiet, which is a workspace where you can be free of external distractions.

Keep records

Keep records of all pupils contacted, trainee licences applied for, interviews with prospective Driving Schools etc.

Have a filing system

It may only be a cardboard box. You must be able to locate copies of all documents sent and received.

The start of the test is by nature an un-natural situation. Within a short time the Examiner will decide whether you are fit to be an instructor.

You may imagine that the Examiner is there to prevent you from passing but nothing could be further from the truth. Most examiners are desperately hoping that the next person to walk through the door will fit the bill, it is up to you to make sure that you are that person, so match yourself to their requirements.

Try looking at things from the Examiners point of view. His problem is that he needs someone to do a particular job and you can solve that problem for him.

Think of the test as a meeting; a two way conversation between two people, both with problems:

• The Examiner needs to test individuals
• You need to pass your test
• Both are capable of solving the others’ problem

You need to remember that when the Examiner tells you that you have passed, you will accept most things that he says; take your pass certificate then leave the test centre. If you are unsuccessful, the Examiner will need more time explaining to you the relevant points that occurred during the test. Time spent in the Test Center will be uncomfortable for both parties. The Examiner will then have to make a comprehensive report of everything that took place during the test; this could run into pages of information. Also, there is an opportunity for you to complain about how the test was conducted.

Don't assume anything, particularly regarding the culture of the Part 3 test and the DSA.

There are no right answers that you must learn by rote. You treat each question, not as a test to see whether you can come up with the text book answer, but as an opportunity to sell yourself as the best PDI he has seen all week.

Look outwards not inwards. Project yourself into the Examiner's mind. If you do your homework you will have all the factual data you need at your fingertips and you will be free to concentrate on answering the real questions.

You still have to deal with the questions asked, whether you think them relevant and to feel confident they you can deal with them. Whenever practical, avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no. Expand the answer, don't ramble but go on to reveal those qualities that proves that you are a winner and the most suitable candidate for a pass.

Speak your answers aloud, be positive and sell yourself.

Prior to your test

Make sure that your car is clean, both inside and out, clean all windows and mirrors. Make sure the car is hoovered.

Have a proper look at your car the day before: check water, fuel, oil, tyre pressures, bulbs, and carry spares.

Time spent prior to the test can greatly enhance your chances of success.

Research

Find out as much as you can about the test you are about to take.

Call the Test Center a few days before your test to verify that you have the correct date, time and location.

You may know somebody at the Test Center who already works there, if not, without making a nuisance of yourself, you can always phone and if possible make an appointment with the Senior Examiner at the Test Centre where you are about to take your test. This will be seen as a sign of commitment, not weakness. This has many benefits:

• You will have face to face talks with the person who may take your test, at least on the day of your test when you approach the Test Center you can put a name to a face.
• The Examiner will see you, and he will know that you are taking an interest in your test and your future.
• You will get to see, in advance, the office where the start of your test will take place, it alleviates the mystery.

Preparation

Arm yourself with an idea of what the test requires, and how your skills and abilities match those requirements.

Questions and answers

During the test it is likely that several reasonably predictable questions will be asked about you, your training and your ambitions. You should think about the following typical questions, and any others that occurred to you, and have the answers up your sleeve.

Tell me about yourself?

The Examiner doesn't want your life history. He wants to hear what experience you have had that is relevant to the test. Tell a happy story, be positive.

Did you enjoy your training?

Of course you did. This is not the time to indulge in criticism. Tell him what you enjoyed in particular, and make sure it relates to the test.

Why do you want to be a driving instructor?

Let’s be clear about one thing, it’s not because you're redundant or you're desperate for a job, you should avoid giving any negative messages. It’s a time of opportunity for you, a chance for new experience.

What are your Career objectives?

This is a tricky one; you must balance your immediate needs with your long term ambitions.

Documentation

On the day of the test take the following documents:

• Driving licence. (Plastic and counterpart)
• Passport if necessary (Photographic proof of identity)
• Trainee license (if you have one)
• ADI 21AT (Completed, if on a trainee licence)
• If it's your second or third attempt, you need a five-hour declaration of training.
• Make sure your car is fit for test:
• L plates. (Front and rear)
• Interior mirror (for the instructors use)
• Headrests are in location or in the boot

On the day of your test

The main rules can be briefly condensed as follows:

Your examiner could be out for a walk between tests, so as you approach, act professionally, it’s no use speeding up to the test centre, screaming into the car park then wiping mud off your mirrors, removing items hanging from the interior mirror and putting empty beer cans into the dustbin. This will not give a very good impression.

Don't go into the Test Centre until a maximum of 20 minutes and a minimum of 5 minutes before time.

Give yourself plenty of time to get there. You can always get a cup of coffee and read through your notes if you arrive in the vicinity early: you will be harassed and flustered if you're late. If you know you're going to arrive late always call the Test Centre telephone number provided and explain any unforeseen delays.

Dress so that you feel you're looking your best - if in any doubt; be too conservative rather than too flashy. Don’t wear a suit and tie if you don’t normally, as long as you are smart and comfortable. Make sure you are well presented, i.e. shower and shave.

Get a good night's sleep before hand.

Turn your mobile, Sat-nav and radio off.

Only have items in your car that will assist you in your test, remove everything else. Take a spare pair of glasses, just encase.

Use the facilities at the Test Centre, re-comb your hair, and freshen up. Very few scruffy individuals set a good impression.

Remember the individual who collects you from the waiting room may be asked later what their impression of you was. Be polite and friendly but not over familiar and never flirtatious.

Glance around the office when you go in (don't develop tunnel vision.) this is natural behaviour in strange surroundings; you may pick up clues about the test.

Greet the Examiner by their surname; don't use there first name, even if yours is used, unless expressly asked to do so. Do not call the Examiner mate.

It is usual to shake hands in greeting but not vigorously. If you are nervous and sweaty palmed, wipe them before you go in. Offer a firm, brief clasp.

Sit only where and when invited to do so. Be relaxed, attentive and alert, sit upright. Settle your backside firmly into the back of the chair that is offered, and do not slouch. Look the Examiner in the eye. Remember to smile now and then.

Avoid smoking even if offered a cigarette.

You will be asked to read and sign the insurance declaration on the ADI 26, try to do so without shaking.

Be positive and enthusiastic. Convey to the Examiner your belief in your ability to do the job well. Show real desire for the test. Do not express doubts or show negative feelings.

Listen to everything that is said; ask relevant, well considered questions.

Make sure it is obvious you are listening with interest, both by words and by your physical alertness.

Don't let the question and answer pattern flow only one way. Ask questions about the test if need be.

When you are answering, stick to the essentials.

Let him know that you know your subject and have adequate experience.

If you have taken a test before, do not run down your last examiner or trainer.

Don't waffle, and don't give personal details that are not asked for, unless you think it will benefit the test.

Make sure it's realised you have done your preparatory work and do know something about the test.

Try to override the “never speak well of yourself” habits you've been trained in since childhood. If you don't say how effective your training has been, who's going to?

Please, please don't give one and two word answers to real questions. This is an examiners misery and they get it too often. Volunteer relevant information if you think it will help.

Be confident and don't fidget.

Finally remember that your test is a conversation between two people seeking to establish that each can solve the other's needs.

If this is your 3rd attempt, let him know, don’t make it to obvious but be sure he is aware that this is your last attempt. Say something like ‘I hope this goes better than my last two attempts’ or ‘3rd time lucky’.

Body language

There is an adage amongst those involved in sales which asserts that, when putting over a message, effective communication depends:

10% on what is said

90% on the way it is said

This is almost certainly an exaggeration and the best possible advice to anyone attending a Part 3 test is, as far as possible be natural.

You should however be aware of non-verbal communication. How many of us, after seeing ourselves for the first time on film or video, have said “I never realised I did that”.

There is no doubt that your posture, facial expressions, voice and physical reactions say a lot about you.

Four important areas worth paying attention to are:

EYE CONTACT - look at the Examiner during conversation, without appearing to stare. Eye-contact is very important; it conveys listening, interest and honesty.

FACIAL EXPRESSION - smiling indicates that you are relaxed. Too much smiling and scowling looks like hysteria.

SEATING - sit well back in the chair, relaxed and comfortable. Not sloppy or slumped.

GESTURES - too much gesturing in the air is aggressive and detracts from the verbal message. No movement at all is considered rigid, passive behaviour; do not sit with your arms crossed.

All of this may be starting to sound too much - how are you going to remember everything? Don’t worry. The chances are that you already have 90% of the attributes necessary to pass the test. Just a little attention to detail can tip the balance.

Don't be afraid to practise sitting and talking in front of a mirror - actors do it all the time.

On the day - be natural, be yourself

Arriving at the test center

The first few minutes of any Test are critical for both you and the Examiner. The impressions you make during this period we'll have a lasting effect during the Test. On the other hand if the Examiner failed to make a good impression on you, your commitment will decline and the chances are that you may feel uneasy and defensive.

The problem is that you are moving into a new culture, the Examiner will most certainly do things differently from normal pupils.

Some Examiners will allow you a couple of minutes to settle in, however more often than not, you will be thrown in at the deep end. You need to get off to a flying start.

At the test center

You have just arrived at the Test Center and you need to get through the first few minutes as smoothly as possible to create a good impression, if you have any questions, ask them, unanswered questions tend to turn into mistakes, if necessary make notes, this could be useful and avoids you having to ask the same question several times, when he tells you his name write it down, also a make a note which PST you are doing.

Be on time obviously.

The Examiner needs to assure himself that you can do the job. If you don't show him how good you are, no one else will. This is not boasting, he needs to know.

Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is infectious. If you are enthusiastic about the test, the Examiner will be enthusiastic about you.

Be positive. Show the Examiner that you enjoy your work. Enthusiasm and interest are what he is looking for.

Your one aim at the test, is to pass

Registering as an Approved Driving Instructor

After you pass the Part 3 test you can apply to join the Register. You cannot give paid instruction unless you are registered, unless you still have a valid trainee licence.

You must apply within your one year of passing your Part 3 test or your qualification will become invalid and you would have to apply to start the qualifying process again.