Part 3 Testing and Standards Checks

Introduction

There have been a number of posts and comments in various places about the old Pre-Set Tests (PSTs) and the new Standard Check (SC). So we thought it might be a good time to have a closer look at what might be the differences.

Pre-Set Tests

Those of us who have been around a bit longer will remember these. It might be said that to a large extent it was a knowledge based test where you had to know your stuff and how to apply it.

You would report to the examiner’s test centre and they would role-play according to a pre-set agenda. Each exam would have two phases chosen from three types of pupils:

• Beginner
• Part trained
• Trained

And you had to know 20 subjects which were given out in 10 possible combinations.

In short you had to know your stuff and be able to apply it with a role-playing examiner.

As an ADI you would then be subject to check tests where you would take a pupil out with a Supervising Examiner sat in the back. They would then see how you would be applying your recently won knowledge in the real world. You had your badge and a chance to settle into your role.

Standards Check/Part 3

These came into being on 7 April 2014. The purpose of these is to, and I quote “the examiner will assess whether your instruction helps a person to learn in an effective way, you can best show this by giving a normal lesson to a real pupil.”

So we moved from a knowledge-based test to a skills-based one. That skill being, can you get your pupil to drive safely?

Differences

So in practice what might the differences be?

Perhaps the biggest one is that you are coaching a real pupil, but you do have the examiner sitting in the back. So rather than the examiner being part of the process as they were with the PST’s they are now observers of the process. An immediate consequence of this is an increase in pressure on the PDI.

Basic knowledge of your subject and its application which used to be assessed on Part 3 under the old PST system is now no longer done. Decent trainers will of course make sure it is done, but it is not tested as it would have been under the old PST system.

A stage is missed out, meaning a PDIs standard of knowledge of driving as tested is now not much greater than what is required for a learner. You might say the ADI 21T still makes this requirement of going over the subjects as it has not changed since the PST days.

But how often do you hear people saying that the ADI 21T is completely outdated? As an industry are we happy with the fact there is not much difference between a learners theory test and a PDIs theory test?

The next biggest difference might be that with the old PST’s the role playing examiner was choosing the route and managing the risk, this is now done by PDI. This effectively means that PDIs must be moving and managing the route. Your choice of route is now crucial. Too easy or difficult and the pupil is not learning.

The marking has changed from knowledge of your subject to your skill in imparting it and making it stick with the pupil. This has meant that rather than telling a pupil you are now so long as it is safe, asking. A simple way of looking at it is:

• Where does the pupil need help and what do they need to know?
• Is it safe?
• Are they learning something?

Consequences

It has become more difficult to pass. It would be very difficult to pass if not impossible without having had a trainee licence.

With the current waiting times for Part 3 tests, should second and third licence extensions should be granted as a matter of course (subject to normal quality standards), so that the PDI has a reasonable chance with real pupils of having their allowed 3 attempts?

Let us know what you think of that one.

You are now expected to have this knowledge and be able to apply it in real terms with real pupils. The game has been upped and rather than being eased into the job you are now required to hit the ground running.

Routes are crucial, too easy and they are not learning, too difficult and they are also not learning and sometimes only just surviving. Wrong route for the subject and see how that goes through your competencies.

© Liam Greaney
driving-pro.com