Hi, this is first of a number of articles on breaking down the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training. I will try to explain what we have to do as driving instructors to meet this standard in more simple detail to understand, as like me a few of you were probably confused with the detail when you first read it.
Being aware of this standard is important as it’s what DVSA ADI examiners assess when we are completing an ADI Part 3 or standards check.
The first page of the National Standard for Driver and Rider, standard explains what as instructors what we should already know or be capable of.
This is to have a full and current licence for category of vehicle we are teaching in. Also, that driving or riding should be of an excellent standard and that you’re driving should be of a higher standard when compared to L- Test standard. This is where the ADI Part 2 comes in and taking further qualifications like advanced driving tests through the Royal Society for the prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
It also, explains another standard for our driving, which we need to be aware of, which is the ‘National Standard for Driving Cars and Light Vans’. This is quite a long document that covers all aspects of safe driving. I especially like Role 5 of this standard as it explains about continuously reviewing our driving, learning from experience and keeping up with changes in road law and vehicle technology etc.
Ok, let’s explain the first section of the standard which is called, “Prepare to train learner drivers/riders- meet all legal requirements”.
The first section says this unit is confirming that you meet all the legal requirements before you start delivering training. These cover
. Your status as an instructor.
. the vehicle or machine you intend to use.
Ok, let’s explain your status as an instructor.
1/ When you apply to become a driving instructor you need to have a current valid driving license with no more than five penalty points on it. If you get any driving convictions, you need to contact the register within seven days of receiving the conviction.
2/ You got to have the category of vehicle of the vehicle you are teaching on your licence (makes sense, how can you do trailer training if you don’t know how to drive or reverse a trailer!). Also to be aware of the limitations of any licence they are using, for example weight limits for LGVs.
3/ You must either a current and in-date ADI or PDI licence, which needs to be displayed in the window of the vehicle you are using for training in.
4/ Be seen as a fit and proper person who doesn’t have for example major convictions for violence or fraud. For example, speeding or driving convictions should be reported to the register within 7 Days! So, they decide whether you still fall under the fit and proper person criteria.
Approved driving instructor (ADI) register guide – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
5/ Be medically fit to drive as you shouldn’t be fainting or having seizures whilst teaching people to drive. Be able to read a number plate at extended distance of 26.5m(this is 20m on a L-Test).
Ok, Let’s explain you’re the vehicle or machine you intend to use.
1/ Your vehicle needs to meet the minimum test requirements. For example, not using convertibles. Use this link for minimum requirements- Driving test: cars: Using your own car for your test – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
2/ The correct markings on the vehicle being shown, like L plates of the required dimensions being seen from the front and the back of the vehicle.
3/ Extra requirements like dual controls or sat-nav are legal. For example, no dual accelerator pedal being fitted (you can have for driving lessons, but not one for test). Sat- Nav not being placed so it blocks the view for the driver outside the windscreen.
4/ Valid insurance for purpose of teaching drivers and for practical driving tests to drive is in place. This is different to normal major insurance.
5/ Valid MOT and taxed if the vehicle is more than three years old. Also, vehicle being used should be serviced in line with manufacturers requirements.
This is the link to use if you wanted to read the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training-
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-standard-for-driver-and-rider-training