You must have held a full driving licence for at least 4 years
Be able to read a car number plate from a minimum distance of 90 feet
Your licence should be free of endorsements, although certain allowances may be made. Anybody with serious criminal convictions cannot be accepted.
You must pass a searching three part examination.
This comprises of theory, driving and instructional ability.
You must have your name entered on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Once you have satisfied all of the above criteria, you will then be a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
You must then send in your registration fee, and you will receive your 'green badge'. This must be displayed whilst giving lessons for reward. Display it in the lower left corner of the front windscreen.
Your registration will last for 4 years,you can renew the registration on payment of a fee, however your continued fitness and ability to instruct is monitored.
The ADI exams
The ADI exams are in three parts:
Part 1: Computer-based theory and hazard Perception tests.
Part 2: Practical test of driving ability.
Part 3: Practical test of instructional ability.
You must pass each part before the next exam can be taken, and you must complete all three parts within two years of passing the first part.
Be one of the best
The 1st Time Pass course is about more than helping you pass. It aims to make you an excellent driving instructor and prepare you to run a successful franchise. As a 1st Time Pass-trained ADI, you'll be one of the best.
Our training has been researched, developed and designed by training professionals. It consists of a combination of learning techniques and styles, including:
home study
practice sessions
1:1 support
in-car training with a driving instructor trainer
The course is an easy to follow modular structure so that you can fit your training around your life. The course should take between six and eighteen months to complete. Parts 1 and 2 (theory and driving ability) can be studied together to reduce the time it takes to finish the course.
You can choose to pay for all three parts up front and receive fantastic discounts or spread the cost by purchasing each part as you progress.
Theory (DSA* part one)
Working at home using your theory course workbook, CDs and manuals supplied by the us you will work through the course and arrange the test when you are ready. The test has 100 multiple-choice questions, of which you need to get at least 85 right.
You will also need to achieve minimum marks of 80% in four areas:
road procedure
traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
driving test, disabilities, law
publications, instructional techniques
Hazard perception test
As part of the theory test, you will be shown 14 video clips, each containing at least one developing hazard. One of the clips will have two hazards to identify. You need to get 57 out of a maximum of 75 marks to pass.
We're here to help
You may be working at home but you are not alone. Advice and help will be on hand from your trainer when you need it.
Practical ability (DSA* part two)
This part of the course consists of 15 hours of 1:1 in-car training to bring your personal standard of driving to the high level required by the DSA. Our Driving Ability workbook will also help you through your course.
Instructional ability (DSA* part three)
So far you will have shown you are a very good driver. Now you'll need to show you can teach others.
You will receive 40 hours of in-car training to prepare you for the final test: two half-hour driving lessons where the examiner acts as a pupil. The course programme for this part is outlined in the Instructional Ability workbook.
After you've passed
Once you become a fully qualified driving instructor with the 1st Time Pass, and receive your coveted DSA green badge*, we guarantee you the option of taking up a 1st Time Pass driving school franchise.
Future prospects with 1st Time Pass
Once qualified, nobody in the driver training industry can offer you better opportunities for career advancement than 1st Time Pass. Once you have got some miles under your wheels as a 1st Time Pass instructor, you can upgrade your skills further and command a higher hourly income. And as the 1st Time Pass instructor network expands, openings arise in management and tutor training. Where possible, we like to recruit from within the network.
This is an exciting time to be entering the driver training industry. The standard of training that the Driving Standards Agency requires of driving instructors is rising steadily. The sophisticated European approach to driver training (i.e. off-road training centres and compulsory professional training) is beginning to be taken seriously in the UK, and those driving instructors who are leading the industry by the most modern methods at the top end of the market will thrive whilst those stuck in the past will fall by the wayside.
And where do you find these leading instructors? Working with 1st Time Pass, of course.
More Advice from 1st Time Pass...
DON'T Pay A College For Part 1 Training....
To prepare for both parts of the theory test we recommend that all trainees, regardless of driving experience, use the resource material available. Any college that charges for Part 1 training is not giving the full picture. With the correct resource material - you can study at home for this test.
How The ADI Part 1 Theory Test Works...
Multiple Choice
You will be expected to answer 100 multiple choice questions within 90 minutes. These questions cover 4 main areas:
Road Procedure
Traffic Signs/Signals, Car Control, Pedestrians, Mechanical Knowledge
Driving Test, Disabilities, Law
Publications, Instructional Techniques
Some of the questions are common sense - others, you will need to buy reading matter to learn.
To prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test - there are specific books known as the source material. The book titles are listed in the DSA ADI starter pack.
To order the ADI Starter Pack call us
The complete set of theory test questions and answers is also available in book format from the DSA ADI section or most good bookshops.
Important...
Part 1 is NOT just ‘stepping stone’ to Part 2 and 3...
YOU WILL NEED THIS KNOWLEDGE FOR YOUR EXAMS & WHEN TEACHING.
The theory test is the foundation of the whole course. The knowledge that you gather here is used throughout the rest of the syllabus AND when you start teaching for real.
Time and time again during the Part 2 training we see trainees who've passed they’re Part 1, but still have little or no knowledge of the Highway Code! They are unable to identify simple road signs or road markings when asked to do so!
It's vital that you absorb the information during the theory stage...
...Don't take any short cuts!
Hazard Perception
Just like anyone who takes the driving test - you will need to do the hazard perception test.
You will be shown 14 video clips from a drivers point of view. These have various developing hazards (pedestrians, vehicles etc.) - each clip is worth up to 5 marks. To score marks - you need to click a button on a computer mouse when you think the developing hazard is about to effect your speed/direction.
The pass mark for this test currently stands at 57 out of 75. There are many products available to buy for the preparation of this test. We would recommend that among them you should use the official DSA guide.
The DSA has developed a modular, multi-media training resource for the hazard perception test. This resource adopts a structured approach by covering:
Defining Hazards
Looking for clues
The ‘mirror-signal-manoeuvre’ routine
Scanning and Planning
Prioritising
Cutting down the risks and responding to hazards
The DVD also has a number of interactive example hazard perception video clips. This training resource is available in DVD and VHS video format and is called ‘The official guide to hazard perception’ (Formally known as ‘RoadSense’).
Start Studying For Part 2 While Learning Part 1
Some colleges will not start studying for the Part 2 test (The Test of driving ability) until after the Part 1 Theory Test has been passed - this is ridiculous! A pupil learning to drive will start driving lessons before the Theory Test because they compliment each other - instructor training is no different!
Part 2 Advice
The practical test of driving ability lasts for about one hour and consists of:
An Eyesight Test
Safety Questions
Driving Technique
You are allowed 3 attempts only to pass the part 2 test. If unsuccessful - candidates must wait until 2 years from when they passed the theory test before starting the whole process again.
Identification
When you arrive at the test centre you will be expected to show both parts of your photo-card licence. If you have an old-style driving licence you must bring the paper counterpart and your current passport (From 1st November 2005, no other form of photographic identification will be accepted).
The Eyesight Test
You must be able to read in good daylight (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn), a motor vehicle registration plate containing letters and figures:
79mm in height and 50mm wide at a distance of 26.5m
79mm in height and 57mm wide at a distance of 27.5m
If you don't pass the eyesight test, you will not be allowed to take the driving ability element. The test will be marked as a fail and will count towards your three attempts.
Safety Questions
This part of the test was introduced on the 10th August 2005. The examiner will ask you to describe how to perform a check on the condition and safety of three components of the vehicle. You will also be expected to demonstrate an actual check on the condition of a further two components.
The components will be chosen from the following list:
Tyres
Steering
Brakes
Lights
Reflectors
Direction indicators
Audible warning device
The liquids used in the braking system, steering system, engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a coolant, lubricant, cleaner or otherwise
Test of Driving Ability
This is an advanced driving test and a very high standard of competence is required. You must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety. You must satisfy the examiner on all or any of the following subjects:
Expert handling of the controls
Use of correct road procedure
Anticipation of the actions of other road users and the taking of appropriate action
Sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
The routes used for the test will include roads which may carry heavy and/or fast moving traffic; they will also cover a range of road and traffic conditions, including urban and rural conditions.
What do I need to do in order to pass?
You must show the ability to perform any or all of the following manoeuvres including all three of the reversing exercises:
Move away straight ahead or at an angle
Overtake, meet or cross the path of other vehicles and take an appropriate course without undue hesitancy
Turn left-hand and right-hand corners correctly without undue hesitancy
Stop the vehicle in an emergency
Drive the vehicle in reverse gear and whilst doing so enter limited openings to the right and to the left, taking effective all round observation
Turn the vehicle to face in the opposite direction by the use of forward and reverse gears taking effective all-round observation
Reverse park the vehicle into the space behind a parked car, within the space of about two car lengths and close to and parallel with the kerb, taking effective all round observation
or
Reverse park into a parking bay, with due regard for other vehicles or pedestrians, while taking effective all-round observation
The Test Vehicle
It is your responsibility to provide a legally roadworthy car:
It must be properly taxed and insured
It must be a saloon car or hatchback/estate car in good working condition
It must have seat belts in working order
It must be capable of the normal performance of vehicles of its type with a manual transmission
It must have Right-Hand steering
It must have a readily adjustable seat with a head restraint for a forward facing front passenger
The car must not display L plates
You also need an adjustable interior rear view mirror for use by the examiner
If your vehicle does not meet the above requirements, it will not be possible to carry out the test.
Remember to ask your Training College whether they supply a car to use on this test and whether there is a charge for the hire of the vehicle.
Again...
This is NOT simply a ‘stepping stone’ onto the next part...
This element of the qualification process is critical to the Part 3 Test. The standard of driving becomes a model from which you teach. You will need to be able to draw on the experience you gain here to teach others to drive like you.
Part 3 Advice
The object of this test is to assess the quality of your instruction and ability to pass your knowledge on to pupils. You will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and ability by giving practical driving instruction to the examiner. Candidates are allowed 3 attempts at this test.
The test is in two parts, each of which lasts about half an hour. The correct name for the 2 parts is ‘Phase one and Phase two’. You must pass both parts on the same test.
Phase 1
The examiner will take on the role of:
A pupil who is a beginner
A learner driver with limited driving knowledge
Phase 2
The examiner will take on the role of:
A pupil who is near test standard
A full licence holder who requires driver improvement training
The examiner will explain everything to you at the time.
The Exercises
For each of the two roles the examiner will choose one of the exercises given below as the basis for your 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 close to 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 find it helpful to establish the depth of the ‘pupil’s’ knowledge in each phase, by asking questions and observing the ‘pupil’s’ performance just 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 maintain control of the lesson. You should be patient, tactful and give encouragement to the ‘pupil’ at all times. What is assessed is the relevance of your instruction for the ability of the pupil to the road conditions on the day of the test.
The best advice we can give is...
You MUST be prepared for this test!
It's very important when picking a company for your ADI training that you find out how many hours of training they provide. The part 3 training is where you will need most help from your college.
