15 Important questions to ask ...

The national average pass rate for the Part-Three of the ADI examination hovers around the 28% mark. You must pass this part of the exam in order to become fully qualified.

Beware of 'overall pass rate' claims.

Some companies now take an average pass rate across the three parts of the exam and advertise it as their 'pass rate'.

Example: If their pass rate for Part One is 70%, their pass rate for Part Two 50% and their pass rate for Part-Three 5% they could claim an average, or overall pass rate of 41.6% - however, their Qualification Rate would only be a wretched 5%.

Also ask about 'first-time pass rate'. Ask for documented, written evidence (word of mouth evidence will be of no use if you have cause for complaint later on).

Make sure you see, and have a copy of, documented evidence of a company's Qualification Rate and an explanation of how it is calculated.

You should take written conditions away and study them before signing any agreements. This is much easier that trying to recoup money through the courts later on as several people have found to their cost.Are standard 'terms and conditions' and all training/career agreements provided in advance, in writing?

• Do advance fees carry any refund guarantee?
  
• What are the conditions for training postponement?
  
• What help is given if you fail one of the examinations and at what extra cost?
  
• Are exam fees included in the price?

If the person who is interviewing you is pressing you for a decision, beware. They were advertising last year and they will be advertising next year ...

Comments such as "I can only guarantee this price if you sign up today" are generally untrue. If you decide to train with a company, they will be glad of your custom - whether it's today or next week!

All well planned driving instructor training courses should have a detailed syllabus showing the aims and objectives of the course are and how they will be attained.

Full official information about the requirements of the qualifying examination can be found in the ADI 14 Starter Pack. You can get this from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

You will need several standard publications (as recommended by the DSA). Your theory course should contain more than a series of exam questions and should guide you step-by-step through your study.

If it is suggested that all you need is a set of exam question papers, politely make an excuse ... And leave!

Some companies recommend study books as part of their course but do not include them in the fee - this is often a good idea because you can source pre-used books from Amazon or e-bay and save money.

If classroom training is included in the course, what will it consist of.

Much classroom training simply involves lectures and written tests - you can gain the same information by reading a book at home!

What proportion of the course is classroom based - do the classroom sessions mean reduced time in the car?

Make sure that you are not going to be 'left to get on with it'!

A telephone, internet and/or postal advice service will help maintain your motivation and speed your learning.

NOTE: Even if you attend a classroom course there will still be a need for extensive home study for the first part of the exam (about eighty to 100 hours study for the average person).

Have the trainers qualified over and above the standard driving instructors' (ADI) qualification?

You should look for 'DIAmond Instructors' or those holding a 'City & Guilds' adult training certificate (or equivalent).

Your trainer should be a 'Grade 5' or 'Grade 6' driving instructor with at least three years experience. Be aware that some companies use newly qualified or low graded instructors to do instructor training. Ask to see the instructors Check Test report sheet which states the grade.

You will need somewhere in the region of 50/60 hours practical in-car training (in addition to your theory training). If training is too far ahead of the exams you will probably lose the benefits by exam time and need extra training (at extra cost).

Where ever possible, practical training should take place two or three weeks before your examinations. Some companies cut training provision by up to 50%, or delay training, if they cannot team you up with a training partner.

Note: if you intend to take out a Trainee Licence (a licence to gain practical experience) you must complete a statutory number of training hours (see the DSA booklet 'ADI 14' for details). It is your responsibility to ensure that this training is given. If your trainers suggest that it is simply a formality, complain to the DSA.

Ideally, you should be looking for two-to-one training (a ratio of two students to one trainer). This maximises the time spent in the car.

If the school has two-to-one as standard, find out if there provision for one-to-one training to troubleshoot problems - and how much extra will it cost?

Some trainers work on a one-to-one basis - this can be a good way to learn but will cost more and be tiring. You also miss out on the benefits of sharing with a training 'buddy'. With an inexperienced or poor trainer, one-to-one can be very 'intense'.

Three or more students per car is usually uncomfortable and hinders effective learning.

Make sure that training is supervised by a fully qualified trainer and that you are not paying for practice sessions with other trainee instructors.

While all practise is valuable, time spent with an inexperienced 'Trainee Instructor' is certainly not worth the £30/£35 fee per hour that a good trainer would normally charge.

Included in the syllabus outline there should be a full written programme for Part-Three (the instructional element of the training).

This should include sessions on basic skill development such as structuring your lessons, giving route directions, etc., not just practice lessons.

The 'Trainee Licence' is a limited period licence (six months) to instruct, granted after the second part of the exam has been passed. It is designed to enable new instructors to gain practical experience before taking the final part of the exam.

Think very carefully before giving up your current job to work on a Trainee Licence - if you fail the final part of the exam three times, you will be left unemployed.

With well structured driving instructor training, most people should be able to pass the exam without the need for a Trainee Licence (although you may need a little more training time in order to do this).

Some people will benefit from experience on a licence - although you might not need it, make sure that the provision is available so that you can take up the option if, for example, you fail your first attempt at Part-Three.

Is the training location within traveling distance? If not, can accommodation be provided and at what extra cost?

Because of the 'intensive' nature of full-day training courses, you should avoid journeys greater than about one-and-a-half hours to and from the training location.

The best driving instructor training courses will generally require you to take some time off during the working week (to gain practice in 'standard' traffic conditions).

Is the course flexible enough to fit in with your work schedule? It is strongly advised that you don't give up your current job until after you qualify (see Trainee Licences above).

Ensure that you obtain specific information about refunds of any advance fees if you decide to withdraw from the course.

Only about 33% (Nationally) of all Part-Three exams result in qualification.

Many students never even get to Part-Three.

Many courses offer no refund or a very small refund. The most expensive element of your course is practical training for Part-Three - this should carry the largest refund as a proportion of fees paid.

Ideally, you should 'pay as you go'. Although the course may be a little more expensive this way, you will lose less money if you pull out.