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News Item 2

Approved Driving Instructor: the basics

Introduction

If you want to work as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Glasgow or elsewhere in Britain, you'll need to be registered on the Register of ADIs at the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). You will then hold what is known as a ‘green badge’. The only exception to this is if you hold a trainee licence (known as a ‘pink badge’) to give instruction - issued by the ADI Registrar.

Once registered, an instructor may work for a driving school, or become self-employed. This article explains the basics of being a driving instructor and the tests you'll need to take.

What is an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)?

Deciding whether driving instruction is the right career for you

As an ADI, your job will involve mixing with all sorts of people. You will need good people skills, patience and understanding, The nature of the job means that you may have to work unsociable hours to fit in with your customers' needs.

You will be responsible for your own safety, that of your pupils and of other road users. This requires a high level of concentration throughout your working day.

The benefits of becoming a fully qualified instructor are that:

  • you can be self-employed;
  • you can choose what hours you work; and
  • the job can be very satisfying, because you will be starting new drivers on the road to safe and enjoyable motoring.

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An ADI is someone who has passed all three parts of the ADI qualifying test and holds a green badge which is currently registered with the DSA.

The three qualifying tests are:

  • a theory test and hazard perception test;
  • a driving ability assessment; and
  • a test of instructional ability.

If you want to become an ADI, you will need to apply to the Registrar before you start the qualifying tests. You must also take a criminal record check (you will need to re-apply for a criminal record check when renewing your registration or rejoining the Register). Once you have applied to the ADI Register and received a personal reference number, you can apply to sit your ADI Theory test and Hazard Perception test. Only when you have passed both theory and hazard perception tests can you sit your second qualifying exam on your driving ability. Once you have passed the second part of the qualifying examination - the driving ability assessment and completed 40 hours additional training - you can apply for a trainee licence. This allows you to be legally paid for giving driving instruction on a pink trainee badge issued by the DSA. The pink trainee badge is only valid for six months. To gain a green badge and become a fully qualified ADI, you must pass your third test of instructional ability.

Once registered, an ADI must also pass 'check tests' at certain intervals. These are to satisfy the Registrar that the ADI still meets the DSA's standards for ability and fitness to give instruction.

 

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News Item 1

Changes to the Theory Test

The Driving Standards Agency ( DSA ) have announced that they are to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in the theory test.

This will take effect from 1st January 2012. It has been advised that in September 2011 the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will change the format of all its books and other learning materials that are available to help pupils prepare for theory test. This will take place at the same time as the introduction of more challenging case studies.

This is to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind the driving theory test rather than just memorising the questions and answers.

This move follows on from the introduction of independent driving into the driving practical test and the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) decision to stop publishing the test routes that took effect from October 2010.

Other companies which at the present time publish products containing the Driving Standards Agency theory test questions will also no longer have access to the questions being used in the tests.

Mike Penning Said:

"The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road - good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.

"No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.

"I believe that this - along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime - will lead to better drivers and safer roads."