The 17 ADI Part 3 competencies, explained
Part 3 and the Standards Check are marked on the same 17 competencies, in three groups. Each is scored 0 to 3, for a total out of 51.
You pass with 31 or more (Grade B), and 43 or more is Grade A. Whatever your total, you fail automatically if you score 7 or less in risk management, or if the examiner has to stop the lesson for safety.
| Group | Competencies | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson planning | 4 | 12 |
| Risk management | 5 | 15 (need 8+) |
| Teaching and learning strategies | 8 | 24 |
Competency wording is paraphrased from DVSA's Part 3 test report form. Explanations are based on DVSA's guidance for examiners.
Lesson planning
1. Did you identify the pupil's learning goals and needs?
Find out what the pupil actually needs, listen to the answer, and keep checking as the lesson goes on.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 3 of the book.
2. Was the lesson structure right for their experience and ability?
A plan the pupil agrees with that stretches them without overwhelming them.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 4 of the book.
3. Were the practice areas suitable?
A route with plenty of chances to work on the goal, inside the pupil's competence zone.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 5 of the book.
4. Was the plan adapted when it needed to be?
Change the plan for a clear reason, including when the pupil is doing well, and explain why.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 6 of the book.
Risk management
5. Did the pupil understand how responsibility for risk would be shared?
Agree who does what, including the dual controls, and restate it whenever the plan changes.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 7 of the book.
6. Were directions and instructions clear and in good time?
Few, early, clear instructions, with little after-the-fact correction.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 8 of the book.
7. Were you aware of the surroundings and the pupil's actions?
Watch the road and the pupil at once, and respond before situations develop.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 9 of the book.
8. Were interventions timely and appropriate?
Use the lightest input that works, and step in physically only when the pupil can't cope.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 10 of the book.
9. Was there enough feedback on safety-critical incidents?
Stop somewhere safe, let the pupil work out what happened, and agree what they'll do next time.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 11 of the book.
Teaching and learning strategies
10. Did your teaching style suit the pupil?
The right mix of direct instruction and coaching for this pupil, today.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 12 of the book.
11. Was the pupil encouraged to analyse problems and own their learning?
Give the pupil time to think, and let them find answers where they can.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 13 of the book.
12. Were opportunities and examples used?
Use what happens on the road to make learning points stick.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 14 of the book.
13. Was technical information accurate, appropriate and comprehensive?
Accurate, relevant and timely. Wrong information that risks a safety-critical situation is an automatic fail.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 15 of the book.
14. Was feedback appropriate and timely?
Specific, honest feedback close to the event, without a running commentary.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 16 of the book.
15. Were the pupil's questions answered?
Invite questions, park them safely while driving, and always come back to them.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 17 of the book.
16. Was your manner appropriate and non-discriminatory?
Ask how the pupil wants to be addressed, avoid physical contact, and never run down other road users.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 18 of the book.
17. Was the pupil encouraged to reflect at the end?
An honest self-review that leads to a clear next step.
What earns and loses marks. Covered in full in Chapter 19 of the book.
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