The Road to Becoming a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor UK

DVSA Trainee Licence The 17 Competencies

Part 3

Relevant history – It is worth being aware that the systems governing PDIs, ADIs and ORDIT have changed ‘recently’ (2017)

The Part 3, and therefore the approach to training instructors, was PST (Pre Set Test) based. These were subject-based lessons where the examiner played the role of the pupil. This was less than ideal as it didn’t allow a PDI to truly demonstrate their skills or be tested as it was very limited in scope.

Since 2017 the ‘new Part 3’ has been an assessment of a lesson with a real pupil. This can be anyone that has not passed the ADI Part 2. The assessment criteria are the same as the Standards Check, and the Part 3 assessment form (ADI26) can be downloaded here.

Our recommendation is to make every lesson fit this structure and then the test will genuinely become just another lesson.

The Test

The Part 3 is 1 hour (40 minutes under COVID-19 restrictions). You need to take:

  • Your photocard driving licence (Passport and licence if you have a paper licence, or Photocard and Counterpart if a Northern Ireland licence)
  • Your trainee licence (Pink badge) if you have one
  • A suitable car
  • A pupil

The lesson must be car-based and designed to meet the requirements of the designated pupil.

The examiner will ask for your trainers ORDIT number. While it is not a requirement to use an ORDIT trainer, the DVSA recommend that you do. These trainers have passed an additional assessment with the DVSA and are potentially more accountable. We are told that the DVSA want to make ORDIT compulsory for trainers … but we have been hearing that for a very long time.

They will ask to see your training records (Logbook) – this can be paper or digital – detailing your training. They will also be interested to see any pupil records for the person taking the lesson (Again, paper or digital – e.g. MyDriveTime which is free to PDIs)

This is your opportunity to outline the pupils experience, needs and where you are in the training. If they do not know then they cannot take it into account, mention anything relevant like learning needs or concerns.

Then it is over to you!

Do what you have practised, deliver what you have learnt and adapt to what happens!

Top Tip: If the examiner doesn’t see or hear it then it doesn’t count! Recap anything from the journey to the test, this includes goals, safety warnings, agreements or risk management.

At the end the examiner will usually step away to summarise their notes, then return to give you the result. Generally they will be happy to discuss the outcome, but not debate it! Take the opportunity to ask questions and listen to answers, they will help you develop – Pass or Fail.

Examiners are generally very helpful, if you have concerns or questions firstly speak to your trainer then consider asking the local ADI Enforcement examiner.

If you fail the third attempt at the ADI Part 3 you must wait 2 years from when you originally passed the ADI part 1 test before you can take it again.

The 17 Competencies

There are many courses and resources dedicated to the Part 3 test. The following is a general breakdown by the DITC’s Chris Bensted, before you read further, get a printout of the Part 3 form (ADI26) as well as some paper to make notes and rewrite the wording. This is a simple overview, should you want to explore it further Chris provides 1:1 Zoom sessions for ADIs and PDIs to discuss the sheet, what it means to them and how to get the best out of it.

DVSA Trainee Licence The 17 Competencies

Posted by Chris Bensted

April 10, 2021

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