ADI Check Test Help
Below is a recent testimonial
from a newly qualified ADI on his first check test:
How do you
view the ADI check test? Do
you welcome it like a friend or fear it like a foe?
I would like to share my personal experience of my
first Check test.
After qualifying in January 2008 I, like many new
Independent ADIs was faced with the reality of
developing a business which at first seemed to leave
little time for the task of teaching students to
drive.
I gave little thought to the possibility of
receiving a check test, so as you can imagine it
came as a bit of a surprise to receive an invitation
to attend a Check test one month after I received my
green badge (the ink had only just dried). The test
was scheduled for the beginning of April 2008.
Unfortunately due to illness I had to postpone this
as I was unable to work at the time. In May I
informed the DSA I was back to full fitness and
working again.
My new Check test date was given for August 2008.
My initial thought was how efficient the check test
appointment system was. I accepted the new date
returning the tear-off slip stating I would provide
a student, even though I had few to choose from at
the time.
My next step was to contact Colin Scott of Driving
Innovation who had prepared me for my part 3 (the
six hour round trip is always worth while). Colin’s
first advice was not to worry and to carry on as
normal (sound advice). We arranged some training
sessions for the beginning of August to prepare me
for my Check test.
Preparation
My first session with Colin Scott was spent
discussing the background to the test along with the
procedures of what would happen on the day…I had a
list of questions as long as my arm. Colin took time
to fully explain all aspects of the test. It was at
this point the check test became a friend and I felt
excited about doing it. I left the session with a
plan of what I needed to achieve prior to the test,
which included which of my students to take.
In my second session with Colin we reviewed what
preparation I had carried out and cleared up any
areas of doubt on my part. We again discussed what
topic I might cover, however we could not set the
objective at this stage as it all depended on how my
student progressed prior to the day. We then
practiced the procedure from start to finish
selecting a topic that might, or might not be used
on the day. I left this session feeling fully
prepared and excited for my check test.
The Student
I chose a student for my test as apposed to role
play. My reasons were simple, I likened it to
playing a chess match against a novice I’ve taught
to play, as apposed to a grand master I’ve never met
(made it up, I don’t play chess). Your student
should be more predictable plus the interaction
should be more natural creating a relaxed
atmosphere. I deliberately chose a student that
would present a challenge.
The Subject
The subject I chose was “Making safe progress on
rural/open roads” I didn’t know this until four days
prior to my test. The reason for this is because it
all depended on what the student needed (the last
lesson). The lesson prior to my check test was
“Speed on approach to roundabouts” which concluded
in a short rural drive which highlighted an area to
be developed; this then became my subject…simple.
The Lesson (check test)
The day of the lesson I picked my student up and I
drove to the test centre. I left my student in the
car reading the vehicle owners handbook on the
heating/ventilation controls.
I waited in the waiting room, green badge in hand.
The SE came through and after introductions we went
to a quiet area to discuss the lesson.
The SE was engaging and interested in what I had
planned and how I had came to decide on what to
teach. I offered some information about my student
and again the SE was interested to hear their
development to date. We took a stroll to the car
continuing the conversation.
After introducing my student we all took our
positions in the car. From here on it was just a
normal lesson. I recapped the previous lesson
finishing of with how we arrived at today’s lesson.
I then stated the objective “Making safe progress
on rural/open roads” and used Q+A to establish what
was required filling the gaps in knowledge where
necessary. Cockpit drill complete (including rear
passengers door/seatbelt/head restraint) it was then
on to the practical.
The lesson went well; I had planned the route to
include some roundabouts at the start to confirm the
key learning points from the previous lesson. This
required minor prompts but not enough to deviate
from the planned lesson (although I was prepared
to). Once out on the open roads the hesitancy
previously demonstrated was evident. I then set
about the core comps to change driver behaviour
using a combination of praise and Q+A.
By the end of the drive the student was up to speed
giving commentary on his decision process, although
prompts were still needed his driving had shown a
significant improvement.
During the drive I completely forgot it was a check
test and was relishing the challenge of improving my
students drive.
Once back at the test centre I debriefed my student
using reasoning questions, enabling him to work out
the areas which needed improving. This process set
the objectives for his next lesson, this concluded
the test.
My Debrief
My student was sent for a well earned coffee and the
SE and I again went to a quiet area to discuss the
lesson. The debrief was a two way conversation
which again involved a discussion about the student
and how I might take his training forward. I found
the whole process enjoyable. It was nice to have
another opinion on one of my students. The debrief
concluded with my result, which was a grade six
across all categories… happy doesn’t begin to
describe my feeling.
Lessons learnt
- The check test should be welcomed and embraced
like a friend and not feared like a foe.
- Preparation is Key; the guidance from Colin Scott
was invaluable. Colin’s guidance focuses on making
you a better instructor (better instruction gets a
better grade).
- My check test was delivered as I do all my
lessons; I use the same format on a daily basis.
This meant that the student was fully at ease as
there was no change on the day.
I hope fellow ADIs awaiting their first Check test
find this info useful.
All the best
Jim Egan ADI
-
Nexus Driver Training
-
To
improve your understanding of the check test
requirements or to improve your current ADI grading
select
'ADI Check Test Help'
from the list of options on the contact us page.
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