Wednesday, 9 April 2008

Driving Instructor Testing (check tests)

A couple of days ago someone found one of my websites using the search term "how often do driving instructors get tested ". I do give the answer there, but it's somewhat buried in a mass of other information and having looked round the internet, there seems to be a lack of information that answers that question properly. Hopefully this will help the next person wanting to know :)

Once the third and final part of the Approved Driving Instructor qualifying exams is successfully passed you must pay the registration fee (currently £300.00) and apply to join the Driving Standards Agency Register of Approved Driving Instructors . Your registration will last four years, then you will have to pay again.

In that four year period you will also have to undergo at least one "check-test" on the quality of your instruction. This will be performed by a senior grade driving examiner (SEADI) and will consist of the SEADI either observing you during a lesson with a pupil, or, if you prefer, the SEADI can "role-play" the part of a pupil for you to teach (similar to the Part Three test).

The first check test is often referred to an an "educational" check test and is usually carried out roughly 6 months or so after you qualify.

You will have to undergo periodic check-tests as long as you are a registered ADI. The frequency between check-tests depends on what grade you achieved on the previous check-test - generally speaking, the higher the grade achieved, the longer the interval between checks. You must however, achieve a grade 4 or above.

If you don't get a standard grade 4 at your check-test, then you will be asked to take another check-test within a certain time limit. These are:
* grade 3 - further check-test with six months
* grade 2 - further check-test within two months
* grade 1 - further check-test within a month

If you're given a grade 1 after three check-tests, you will be formally told that you will be struck off the ADI Register.

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