Why can't I take my test now?

W hy does my instructor keep telling me, I am not yet test ready?

Firstly, we are going to explain the DVSA grading for ADI's (driving instructors).

To be allowed to charge for driving lessons, an ADI must have what is known in the industry as a 'Green Badge'. This is the little square card you should see in your lesson vehicle that proves the instructor is qualified to teach.

For your instructor to obtain a badge, they have gone through some serious and rigorous training, generally costing £1000's and taking anything up to a full year of study and tuition.

Once they have earned their badge, it doesn't stop there. Every 4 years they will have to take what is known as a Standards Check. This maintains that they are still teaching to a high enough standard. If they fail this they lose their badge then have to retrain all over again.

'But how does that affect me taking my test?' You may be asking yourself.

Well, remember we just told you that they have to do a standards check every four years? That can be bought forward if the ADI has a low pass rate, or a pass rate with an unacceptable amount of minor faults.

In some cases, this can lead to your instructor losing his badge altogether, meaning he can no longer teach!

But more important than all of that, it is essential to remember, when you are driving, you are in control of over a ton of moving metal, electrics and fuel.

There are not many situations in your life, where you are in soul control of such a deadly machine, with so many thousands of adults, children, babies, animals and property at risk.

A driving instructor is fully aware of this, and will not consider you going for a test until you have proven that you have a complete understanding of the road and surrounding areas, and full control of the vehicle you are in, at all times. Also, that you have the ability to prepare yourself for any situation that may present itself to you, and be able to avoid any danger to yourself or others.

Whist you are having lessons, you have the reassurance that when you get in the vehicle, if you miss something, there is another set of eyes and another set of controls that can take over. Once you pass your test, from that moment on, you no longer have that reassurance.

Are you really ready for that?

If you feel you are, ask your instructor to perform a 'mock' driving test with you. In this way, he can grade your driving standard, and let you know of weaknesses that will hold you back from getting that much longed for, full licence.

DVSA advise that students whom pass their driving test first time, have generally had AT LEAST 40-50 hours with an ADI plus private driving in a vehicle they are insured to drive with a full licence holder present, to build up confidence.

So to sum up, we would say, trust your instructor, they have probably taught 100's of students and to be able to teach you right now, must have a high standard. That hasn't been reached by putting people forward for tests ill prepared!

If you would like to join Karen's or and make an impact with the community by teaching others to achieve high driving standards start on a road to a better life, contact us on 01268 558 926.

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Relevant topics:
Driving instructor career Thurrock
Keywords: learning to drive, driving instructors, learner drivers, transport, accidents, young motorists