ADI Part 3 - Pre Set Test Or Pre Set Lesson?

Test or lesson, what do you think?

We'd like to offer you a different view of part 3. A view that may just set it in context and remove much of the confusion and anxiety

The part 3 test is a test of your instructional ability. In order to assess your performance, the SE pretends to be a learner and you give them a driving lesson. That is all there is to it. You want to be a driving instructor, and you want to be able to teach people to drive, so the part 3 test represents just what you want to do for the rest of your career. There is no reason to feel fear or confusion about part 3. It really is very simple in concept

The words we use are extremely powerful, even when we simply chat to ourselves in our minds. There are sections on communication techniques in this site that give you an insight into how our language affects how we feel and what we do

One of the most powerful words for learner drivers, trainee instructors, and just about anyone else who needs to pass an eventual assessment is 'test'. The very word strikes fear into the heart of many of those who have to take part

When a trainee says "my part 3 test is tomorrow morning", they usually display a look of stress and apprehension. The word 'test' brings thousands of memories and feelings flooding through their brain, the vast majority of which they are never even aware of. That's the way the human brain works. We associate words, emotions, sounds and images to create the values and beliefs that make us unique people in a very varied world. Throughout our lives, the word 'test' has been associated with nerves, discomfort, failure and even fear

Yet, if I were to call anyone of you reading this page right now, and say "Hi, it's Dave. Sorry to bother you, but I've made a mistake and double booked. Can you help me out? I have a new learner in the morning. Just for half an hour. She needs to do the controls lesson. Then, straight after that, there's a young lady who's near test standard. She just needs brushing up on crossroads for 30 minutes. Any chance you can take those two lessons for me?". I can almost guarantee that you'd have a different reaction

Once you're qualified, giving a lesson will be no stress to you at all. It's what you've trained to do. It's what you want to do . . .

Part 3 is absolutely nothing but a driving lesson, dealing with the subject that the SE picks as your Pre Set Test
It really is that simple. Many trainers will tell you otherwise, but I'm afraid that they are not correct

Trainers regularly say that part 3 is nothing like a 'normal' driving lesson. That point is true, but only because the standard of a 'normal' driving lesson is very often poor, to say the least

On part 3 you can't give a poor lesson. You are not expected to be exceptional, but the lesson must be structured with firmly set objectives, you must actively teach and transfer learning to the student, you must spot faults, analyse them and offer the correct remedial action. Sadly, these components, and many more, are often completely missing from a 'normal' driving lesson with a real learner

The only unusual aspect of the part 3 lesson is that the learner is a highly qualified person undertaking role play, and that they learn very quickly if you teach them well. There are also other slight differences, caused by the time constraints on the SE

The overall truth is that part 3 should be approached as an everyday driving lesson, not a test

If you keep that attitude and see part 3 for what it really is, you'll have a much greater chance of success

keep it simple, and there's nothing to fear

ADIT team