The Day of Your Part Three Test

Please note that throughout this document, there may be references to ‘he’. This convention is used simply for convenience. The person is just as likely to be a ‘she’.

Your Part 3 test is like a job interview

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, the Examiner will quickly assess if you are driving instructor material.  It’s up to you to help him make the right decision.

Some of the contents may seem obvious. Yet time and again I encounter people who through lack of adhering to a few simple rules waste their time by taking their test too soon or with lack of preparation.

How to use this document

Even if you think you already know what I am telling you, read through from cover to cover. At the very least, you will have had confirmation that you are on the right track.

There are certain essential processes which you should complete before you can become a driving instructor. In particular, you should work through the sections on analysing your skills and abilities. By the time you have done this, I hope that you will feel ready for a positive attack at passing the DSA test and going on to have a good driving instructor career.

Try to familiarise yourself thoroughly with the contents of this document and keep it by your side for reference during training.

The advice given is well tested. Nobody can pass the test for you. You have to do that yourself. However, all the necessary tools to carry out the task are described on the following pages.

Organising yourself

Passing your Part 3 test is just like passing any other test, but if you really want it you have to work hard.

You should have been used to working hard in a structured, systematic way in your previous career. Imagine what would have happened if you had failed to do your job properly, maintain equipment, be in the right place at the right time, report to your immediate superiors etc

Manage your time.  Give yourself a strict timetable. Serious training starts on a stated day, the sooner the better.

Structure your day, so that certain hours are spent in training activities and try to stick to this.  Allocate attainable targets. E.g. each week complete one or two briefings or PST’s.

Set up office

This may be difficult while you're still training but you should try to find somewhere quiet, a workspace way you can be free of external distractions.

Keep records

Of all pupils contacted, trainee licences applied for, interviews with prospective Driving Schools etc.

Have a filing system

It may only be a cardboard box. You must be able to locate copies of all documents received and sent.

The start of the test is by nature an un-natural situation. Within a short time the Examiner will decide whether you are fit to be an instructor.

You may imagine that the Examiner is there to prevent you from passing.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  Most examiners are desperately hoping that the next person to walk through the door will fit the bill, it is up to you to make sure that you are the right person, so match yourself to their requirements.

Try looking at things from the Examiners point of view.  His problem is that he needs someone to do a particular job.  You can solve that problem for him. 

Think of the test as a meeting; a two way conversation between two people, both with problems:

·                 The Examiner needs to test individuals

·                 You need to pass your test

·                 Both are capable of solving the others’ problem

You need to remember that when the Examiner tells you that you have passed, you will accept most things that he says; take your pass certificate then leave the test centre. If you are unsuccessful, the Examiner will need more time explaining to you the relevant points that occurred during the test. Time spent in the Test Center will be uncomfortable for both parties. The Examiner will then have to make a comprehensive report of everything that took place during the test this could run into pages of information.  There is also the chance that you may complain about how the test was conducted.

Don't assume anything, particularly regarding the culture of the Part 3 test and the DSA.

There are no right answers that you must learn by rote. You treat each question, not as a test to see whether you can come up with the text book answer, but as an opportunity to sell yourself as the best PDI he has seen all week.

Look outwards not inwards. Project yourself into the Examiner's mind. If you do your homework you will have all the factual data you need at your fingertips and you will be free to concentrate on answering the real questions.

You still have to deal with the questions asked, whether you think them relevant and to feel confident they you can deal with them. Whenever practical, avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no. Expand the answer, don't ramble but go on to reveal those qualities that proves that you are a winner and the most suitable candidate for a pass.

Speak your answers aloud, be positive and sell yourself.

Prior to your Test

Make sure that your car is clean, both inside and out, clean all windows and mirrors.  Make sure the car is hoovered.

Have a good look at your car the day before, check; water, fuel, oil, tyre pressures, bulbs, and carry spares.

Time spent prior to the test can greatly enhance your chances of success

Research

Find out as much as you can about the test you're about to take.

Call the Test Center a few days before your test to confirm that you have the correct date, time and location.

You may know somebody at the Test Center who already works there, if not, without making a nuisance of yourself, you can always phone and if possible make an appointment with the Senior Examiner at the Test Centre where you are about to take your test.  This will be seen as a sign of commitment, not weakness. This has many benefits:

·               You will have face to face talks with the person who may take your test, at least on the day of your test when you approach the Test Center you can put a name to a face.

·               The Examiner will see you, and he will know that you are taking an interest in your test and your future.

·               You'll get to see, in advance, the office where the start of your test will take place, it alleviates the mystery

Preparation

Arm yourself with:

An idea of what the test requires, and how your skills and abilities match those requirements.

Questions and answers

During the test it is likely that several reasonably predictable questions will be asked about you, your training and your ambitions. You should think about the following typical questions, and any others that occurred to you, and have the answers up your sleeve.

Tell me about yourself?

The Examiner doesn't want your life history.  He wants to hear what experience you have had that is relevant to the test.  Tell a happy story, be positive

Did you enjoy your training?

Of course you did. This is not the time to indulge in criticism. Tell him what you enjoyed in particular, and make sure it relates to the test

Why do you want to be a driving instructor?

Let’s be clear about one thing, it’s not because you're redundant or you're desperate for a job, you should avoid giving any negative messages.  It’s a time of opportunity for you, a chance for new experience.

What are your Career objectives?

This is a tricky one; you must balance your immediate needs with your long term ambitions.

Documentation

On the day of the test take the following documents:

·               Driving licence. (Plastic and counterpart)

·               Passport if necessary (Photographic proof of identity)

·               Trainee license (if you have one)

·               ADI 21AT (Completed, if on a trainee licence)

·               If it's your second or third attempt, you need a five-hour declaration of training.

Make sure your car is fit for Test:

·               L plates. (Front and rear)

·               Interior mirror (for the instructors use)

·               Headrests are in location or in the boot

On the day of your test

The main rules can be briefly condensed as follows:

Your examiner could be out for a walk between tests, so as you approach, act professionally, it’s no use speeding up to the test centre,  screaming into the car park then wiping mud off your mirrors, removing items hanging from the interior mirror and putting empty beer cans into the dustbin.   This will not give a very good impression.

Don't go into the Test Centre until a maximum of 20 minutes and a minimum of 5 minutes before time.

Give yourself plenty of time to get there. You can always get a cup of coffee and read through your notes if you arrive in the vicinity early: you will be harassed and flustered if you're late.  If you know you're going to arrive late always call the Test Centre telephone number provided and explain any unforeseen delays.

Dress so that you feel you're looking your best - if in any doubt; be too conservative rather than too flashy.  Don’t wear a suit and tie if you don’t normally, as long as you are smart and comfortable.  Make sure you are well presented, i.e. shower and shave. 

Get a good night's sleep before hand.

Turn your mobile, Sat-nav and radio off.

Only have items in your car that will assist you in your test, remove everything else.  Take a spare pair of glasses, just encase.

Use the facilities at the Test Centre, re-comb your hair, and freshen up. Very few scruffy individuals set a good impression.

Remember the individual who collects you from the waiting room may be asked later what their impression of you was. Be polite and friendly but not over familiar and never flirtatious.

Glance around the office when you go in (don't develop tunnel vision.) this is natural behaviour in strange surroundings; you may pick up clues about the test.

Greet the Examiner by their surname; don't use there first name, even if yours is used, unless expressly asked to do so.  Do not call the Examiner mate.

It is usual to shake hands in greeting but not vigorously. If you are nervous and sweaty palmed, wipe them before you go in. Offer a firm, brief clasp.

Sit only where and when invited to do so.  Be relaxed, attentive and alert, sit upright. Settle your backside firmly into the back of the chair that is offered, and do not slouch.  Look the Examiner in the eye.  Remember to smile now and then.

Avoid smoking even if offered a cigarette.

You will be asked to read and sign the insurance declaration on the ADI 26, try to do so without shaking.

Be positive and enthusiastic.  Convey to the Examiner your belief in your ability to do the job well. Show real desire for the test. Do not express doubts or show negative feelings.

Listen to everything that is said; ask relevant, well considered questions.

Make sure it is obvious you are listening with interest, both by words and by your physical alertness.

Don't let the question and answer pattern flow only one way.  Ask questions about the test if need be.

When you are answering, stick to the essentials.

Let him know that you know your subject and have adequate experience.

If you have taken a test before, do not run down your last examiner or trainer.

Don't waffle, and don't give personal details that are not asked for, unless you think it will benefit the test.

Make sure it's realised you have done your preparatory work and do know something about the test.

Try to override the “never speak well of yourself” habits you've been trained in since childhood.  If you don't say how effective your training has been, who's going to?

Please, please don't give one and two word answers to real questions. This is an examiners misery and