Trainee Licence
In 2017 the DVSA changed the format of the ADI Part-Three test. Before the change only around 30% of ADI Students took out the option of a Trainee Licence, now the figure is nearer 75%. The main reason for the increase in the Trainee Licence take up is that the new style test requires candidates to demonstrate a broad range of teaching skills in a dynamic 'live' environment, to do this well often needs a lot of practise with real pupils.
While a Trainee Licence is not absolutely essential, our best recommendation is that if your circumstances allow you to operate on a licence you should do so. Call us for advice about how this would work for you.
In 2019 we introduced our full Trainee programme. This gives an opportunity for you to operate on a licence for up to six months. The programme is independent and doesn't tie you in to a driving school (however we do have a driving school option if you wish).
Traditionally, in many driving schools, student ADI’s operating on a Trainee Licence have been given their additional training and then 'just left to get on with things' with very little ongoing support. While some companies are better than others many offer no support at all. Our programme ensures that you get the support that you need to help you get the maximum value from your licence period.
Before applying for a licence you must complete your Part-Three practical training and virtual classroom sessions in order to meet the training requirements set by the DVSA (full information here).
The Trainee licence package is designed to prepare you for your exam, for real world teaching and for business operation after you qualify (working on your own account or for a driving school). Sessions are both in-car and Virtual Classroom; subject to numbers, it might sometimes be possible for you to repeat classroom sessions.
We provide 12 hours training in-car to build on your previous training. This will normally consist of:
2x4 hour sessions within the 1st 12 weeks
1x4 hour session after 12 weeks
Each session comprises:
1 hour observation of teaching a student by our ADI Trainer
3 hours development training for you based on what was observed
Your trainer can also answer any questions about 'problem pupils' and give you general teaching information and advice, however, these sessions are designed for you and will be specifically tailored to your needs. We encourage students to 'set the agenda' and to be fully involved in the development of their own learning. With this in mind, after each session you will be encouraged to reflect on what has been learnt, what you will take away from the session and how you will implement those changes within your teaching practice.
Lesson planning
In addition to your time in the car we ask you to produce one lesson plan each week, deliver the lesson, reflect on it and then make any amendments necessary for improvements. While these are standalone 'solo' projects, Training Support will be happy to answer any 'planning' questions that you might have.
You will then submit each amended plan to Training Support for feedback from the ADI training team.
This session considers your business operation when working as an instructor.
Whether you work wholly self-employed with your own school or 'under the wing' of a franchise, you will still have business responsibilities. For many people the thought of having responsibility for tax/insurance and even day-to-day business like marketing and advertising can be quite daunting, however, just alike all of the new stuff you've learned so far it can be easily mastered- this session is your starting point.
In addition to this session we recommend that you 'dip into' the articles in ADI MasterClass Better Business.
Running a driving school
Sourcing pupils
Diary Management
Registering for tax
Book keeping, tax & NI
Operating as an ADI
The surgery sessions offer an opportunity for you to raise any teaching issues or general questions that you might have. You can share your experience with the other attendees and work out solutions together.
Each surgery is chaired by one of our expert tutors who will be able to answer questions and make suggestions to help with your study or practise.
For those who are on a trainee licence the surgeries offer a valuable opportunity to discuss 'problem' learners. If you are not on a licence the sessions are invaluable as you will often be able to learn from the experiences of other attendees.
Reflection of teaching practice
Dealing with issues
Problem solving
Review- Set Goals for teaching practice
Review- Set Goals for further study
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