The next steps - Training

The next steps – Training

Having decided that I wanted to be a driving instructor again, I have to re-register with the DVSA, DBS check and pass 3 tests.

The DBS Process

I fill out my DBS application form via the DVSA website https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-check-become-driving-instructor?step-by-step-nav=80bd32e4-9708-4214-bc0f-50358223bb09  for the cost of £8.22, I had to take the form to the Post Office along with my ID etc. I submitted my forms 5th of June 2023, the first few steps were process very quickly… until it was left with Kent Police, weeks past and I was very eager to get going… my DBS was with Kent Police 62 days… 10th November2023 my DBS check was complete and certificate was printed.

Part 1 – Theory Test

As I had been a driving instructor before, I had to speak to the DVSA PADI department to let me book my Theory Test for the sum of £81, which I passed on the 22nd November 2023. The Driving Instructor theory test (ADI part 1) has 100 results, broken down in to 4 categories

1)     Road Procedure.

2)     Traffic Signs & Signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge.

3)     Driving test, disabilities, and the law.

4)     Publications and instructional techniques.

For me section 4 was the hardest, and I would recommend spending more time than I did to study.

If you visit https://www.gov.uk/adi-part-1-test/revision-practice?step-by-step-nav=80bd32e4-9708-4214-bc0f-50358223bb09 you can see what publications apps are recommended for Driving instructors, this is not only for your Part 1, but Part 2 & Part 3.

Part 2 – The Driving Test

Having passed my Theory test I was able to book my Part 2 https://www.gov.uk/adi-part-2-test, having looked online Ashford had no spaces available, nor did Hernebay, Maidstone… in fact nothing was available in the whole of the UK! I had to play the game… checking online for cancellations or join the waiting list and wait for a date from the DVSA.

By searching regularly, I managed for get a test in Maidstone in Feb 2024 for the cost of £111… however I am far to impatient for that and found a test a few days later in Cambridge – 30th November was that date. The week building up to the 30th, I drove everywhere within the speed limits, checked every mirror, signalled when needed and ensure I read the road and signs... no auto pilot for me.

The 30th came round soon enough, I woke up early and headed of to Cambridge, having never been there before I wanted to have a little drive around and familiarise myself with the area.  I was in for a shock, I didn’t realise how busy Cambridge was, how many cycle paths there was, 20 mph speed limits.. having found the test centre I decided to pop to Tesco and have some lunch in the café. 1:30pm rolled soon enough, I was sitting in the waiting room and the Examiner came out and called my name.

We went outside, Eyesite checked, walked over to my car, done some show and tell me questions, I was asked to get in the car whilst the examiner walked around my car. The examiner told me her name was Karen, she asked if I had been an instructor before as my badge number was an old number, so I told her that I had previously qualified in 2007, Karen said that she had also passed her instructor test then as well.

We headed out of the test centre, nerves had kicked in, I went past a 20mph road work sign a bit to fast (23mph) and slowed down, a light change from Green to Amber and I braked a bit to hard… all this within the first 4 minutes… it was not a good start.  So I made a little joke to Karen about understanding why pupils feel nervous and make random mistakes…. Karen was lovely and chatted to me after, not to much but enough to make me forget I was on a driving test and I was just out driving around a city that I had never been to. We spoke about some of the old teaching methods, old manoeuvres that are not in the current test and how I felt about them being part of a test.

The hour flew by and before I knew we was back at the test centre, Karen asked me how I thought I got on. I replied well it wasn’t the best of starts, but after I felt comfortable and drove much better. Karen agreed and said that I picked up just 2 minor faults and I had indeed past my Part 2. Karen wished me all the best for the future, I thanked her for her time and drove back to Ashford a Happier man.

Now with the Part 2 part complete I was looking at my Part 3 – The Instructional ability test.. and I had some thinking to do as to what route to go down – join a national driving school and pay a high price for training, find a local trainer…. Or the unheard of route… teach myself!!