The 17 competencies / Risk management / Competency 7
ADI Part 3: awareness of the surroundings and the pupil
The form asks: Were you aware of the surroundings and the pupil's actions?
Watch the road and the pupil at the same time, judge whether their actions suit the situation, and respond. DVSA calls this the heart of an instructor's skill, and says serious lapses are likely to score 0.
What earns marks
- Responding to hazards before the pupil reaches them
- Noticing tension, hesitation or silence
- Judging when to let the pupil cope and when to step in
What loses marks
- Being surprised by a visible hazard
- Missing obvious signs the pupil is struggling
- Looking at notes or the examiner instead of the road
The common mistake: Watching only the pupil's hands and feet. A weak awareness score usually drags the whole risk section down with it.
Go deeper
Chapter 9 of The 17 Competencies covers this competency in full: what a low and high score look like, common mistakes, and a rehearsal drill for your real lessons. Or score your last lesson on all 17 competencies, free.
Based on DVSA's guidance for examiners (section 3.24) and the Part 3 report form. Applies to Part 3 and the Standards Check.
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