Overcoming Challenges in Passing the ADI Part 3 Test

Successfully navigating the ADI Part 3 test is a formidable challenge, with official DVSA statistics revealing a staggering 65% failure rate. This instructional ability test is a critical component of the driving instructor qualification process, requiring candidates to deliver a client-centred lesson while being evaluated by an examiner.

 In the following sections, we'll delve into the difficulties faced by adi part 3 test-takers and explore strategies to increase the chances of passing on the first attempt.

Challenges and Common Mistakes:

The ADI Part 3 test presents unique challenges, as demonstrated by a pass rate of only 35.3% according to DVSA data from March 2022 to 2023.

 This figure contrasts with the 60% pass rate for Part 2 and the 45% pass rate for Part 1 during the same period.

The three recurrent themes contributing to failures are poor planning, inadequate risk management, and unsatisfactory teaching techniques.

    Poor Planning:

 A key mistake is planning a lesson in advance and adhering to it no matter what.

        Examiners expect a client-centred lesson that addresses the current needs of the pupil, not an instructor-led one. This is not what the examiner wants to see. As a result, you’ll probably be told you delivered a lesson that did not meet the needs of the pupil. The examiner will fail you on the basis that the lesson you deliver must meet the current needs of the pupil.

Don’t deliver an instructor-led lesson, your examiner needs to see a client-centred one!

• Roundabouts – Pupil keeps stalling
• At junctions – No RLR – Lorry on corner -only looked right
• E-Stop – Every roundabout – asking which lane

    Bad Risk Management:

        Allowing a pupil to drive unsafely is a sure path to failure.

        Effective intervention is crucial, but many fail by not ensuring the pupil fully understands the risks involved.

Above all else, this means being ready to jump in to prevent your pupil from affecting other road users or causing danger.

Even after they’ve stepped in to help, many potential driving instructors can still fail the test because they don’t take the time to help their pupil fully understand the risks of the mistake they just made. (Fault Analysis)

Remember that is ok to ask your pupil to pull over so that learning can take place.

Just get to the point, don’t get side tracked talking about things that are unrelated to what just happened. After a minute or two, get moving again once you’re sure they have understood what needs to happen differently next time.

        Balancing support while encouraging independent problem-solving is essential.

    Unsatisfactory Teaching Technique:

  Providing incorrect information is a common error.

Cant overtake on double yellow lines – Side road 30 then this road faster – Hands 10 to 2

 Seeking guidance from an experienced ADI trainer and adhering to current standards is crucial. Avoid telling your pupil what they already know. How do you feel when people try to explain something, that you already know about?

 Instead, ask questions about that topic to help them draw upon their knowledge and apply it to the current situation.

Your pupils will develop skills more quickly if you encourage them to solve problems by themselves.

By doing this, you will better prepare them for when they are drive on their own. After all, this is the ultimate goal of driver training

Encouraging pupils to solve problems themselves fosters quicker skill development.

30 on this road – How know

Top Five Tips for Success:

To overcome these challenges and increase the likelihood of passing the ADI Part 3 test on the first attempt, consider the following recommendations:

    Get a Good Driving Instructor Trainer:

 Seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of the Part 3 test.

        Online courses offer flexibility and cost savings.

        Expect to invest for training, a relatively small amount compared to the future earning potential as a qualified ADI where you will earn £35-£45 per hour

    Plan Your Part 3 Lesson Around Your Pupil:

        Prioritize the individual learning needs of your pupil over personal strengths.

        Tailor lesson plans to address specific learning moments identified during a drive.

Driving fault or serious?

        Adapt the lesson as needed, focusing on immediate improvements.

Watch Your Pupil and Adapt the Lesson:

        Constantly assess your pupil's performance; adaptability is key.

        View mistakes as learning opportunities and swiftly address them using recommended fault-fixing strategies.

 Give Your Pupil the Tools to Succeed:

        Equip pupils with coping strategies relevant to their needs. = MSPSGL – POM – LADA – What if?

        Share tools to help with common situations, reinforcing your readiness to teach.

        Utilize tools provided by a reputable trainer during lessons.

    Coach Rather Than Instruct:

Encourage learning to emerge from the pupil. - TNT

Teach Not Tell - Try and draw knowledge out of the student - What, When, Why, Where and How

        Avoid unnecessary instruction; focus on joint problem-solving.

        Foster confidence and ability by engaging pupils in the learning process.

By understanding the challenges posed by the ADI Part 3 test and implementing these proactive strategies, aspiring driving instructors can enhance their preparedness and significantly improve their chances of passing on the first attempt.