Points in favour of the Standards Check replacing the Part 3

Let’s look at three points:

1. Training versus testing
2. Skills versus subject
3. Individual responsibility and client-centred learning

 

1. Training versus testing

The DVSA is responsible for setting and maintaining the standards in all categories of drivers and driver trainers. It has no responsibility for the training. Anyone, who applies to become a driving instructor and takes the three-part qualifying exam, can do so without ever once undertaking professional training. In the same way, anyone can sit the ‘L’ theory and practical tests without ever having training with an ADI.

The three-part qualifying examination to be an ADI is a summative assessment of the knowledge, skills and understanding the potential driving instructor (PDI) has of the National Driver and Rider Training Standard. These are the standards that are set by the DVSA, against which PDIs are tested.

Therefore, it follows, that the training (whether the PDI takes this formally or trains alone) must be around developing the knowledge, skills and understanding of the National Driver and Rider Training Standard.

1. Skills versus subject

Let’s focus on the training – not the testing – for a moment. The training currently unashamedly prepares the individual to pass the Part 3 test. The training usually consists of forty hours that focus on the ten pre-set test combinations (PSTs) of the Part 3 rather than a syllabus of training that matches the National Standard. There is no context.

If you are against the Standards Check replacing the Part 3 then you might be overly concerned about individuals learning the ‘content of subjects’, rather than recognising that the most important thing is the ‘skills that need applying’ to any situation – the ‘skills’ that are robustly assessed with the seventeen competences that make up the Standards Check. The subject is irrelevant. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for the candidate to prepare the subject they are most familiar with on a route they feel comfortable with – because they still must demonstrate ability in seventeen competences.

1. Individual responsibility and client-centred learning

Coaching and client-centred learning (CCL) is all about raising self-awareness and building self-responsibility. The trainee driving instructor must take ownership of their own learning and work out their individual development needs in becoming a driving instructor. If they do this successfully then they are more likely to recognise the importance of CCL when it comes to teaching people to drive. Raising awareness and building responsibility in newly qualified drivers will help keep them safe on the road – the starting point lies in the self-development of the PDI.

It is about looking at the bigger picture and keeping the context in mind.