The 17 Competencies

The 17 competencies / Teaching and learning strategies / Competency 10

ADI Part 3 teaching style: coaching versus instruction

The form asks: Did your teaching style suit the pupil?

Part 3 isn't a coaching-only test. DVSA describes coaching as an addition to good instruction, not a replacement. Not helping a pupil who needs it is a fault in its own right, called under-instruction.

What earns marks

What loses marks

The common mistake: Open questions to a pupil who's lost at a complex junction. Give a clear instruction now and talk it through once you've stopped.

Go deeper

Chapter 12 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.

Previous: Safety-critical incidents debriefedNext: Pupil analysed problems and owned learning

Get the printable self-scoring sheet

One page, all 17 competencies, DVSA's own 0–3 scale. Score your next lesson and see where you stand. Free.

We'll also send you a few short emails with Part 3 tips. Unsubscribe any time. See the privacy notice.