The object of this test is to assess the quality of your instruction as a driving instructor and your ability to pass your knowledge on to pupils. The part 3 test is in two parts, each of which lasts about half an hour. You must pass both parts on the same test.
You will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and ability by giving practical driving instruction to the examiner who will first take on the role of a pupil who is a beginner, or a learner driver with limited driving knowledge, and then a pupil who is about test standard. The DSA driving examiner will explain everything to you at the time.
The part 3 exercises
For each of the Part 3 Test of Instructional Ability two roles the examiner will choose one of the exercises given below as the basis of the instruction:
- safety precautions on entering the car and explanation of the controls
- moving off and making normal stops
- reversing and reversing into limited openings to the right or left
- turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite
- direction, using forward and reverse gears
- parking close to the kerb, using forward and reverse gears
- how to make an emergency stop and practical instruction in the use of mirrors
- approaching and turning corners
- judgement of speed, making progress and general road positioning
- dealing with road junctions
- dealing with crossroads
- dealing with pedestrian crossings and giving correct signals in a clear and unmistakable manner
- overtaking, meeting and crossing the path of other road users, allowing adequate clearance.
The instruction you give should be tailored to the time available and to the standard of the ‘pupil’ being role-played by the DSA examiner. You will probably find it helpful to establish the depth of the ‘pupil’s’ knowledge in each phase, by asking questions and observing the ‘pupil’s’ performance as you would with a real pupil you had not taught before.
How will I be assessed for the part 3?
In assessing your performance, the DSA examiner will take into account:
- the method, clarity, adequacy and correctness of instruction given
- the observation, analysis and correction of faults committed by the pupil
- your general manner
You will be expected to maintain control of the lesson, be patient and tactful and give encouragement to the ‘pupil’ at all times. What is assessed is the relevance of the instruction for the ability of the pupil and to the particular conditions on the road on the day of the test.