Opinion: Should ADIs Use Test Routes?

By David Allen, Qualified ADI Instructor @ A Grade Driver Training

Introduction

I have written this article in response to the practice of taking pupils on so-called test routes, whether they are learner drivers or ADI Part 2 candidates.

In the past, you may have been asked which routes examiners use at different test centres. These requests also appear on social media platforms such as Facebook. This is when a candidate wants to know in detail exactly which roads are used, so they can drive around the same areas in preparation for their driving test.

The rest of this article explains the advantages and disadvantages of this approach, followed by a brief summary of my conclusions.

Disadvantages

What are they?

Firstly, the DVSA no longer publishes test routes on its website or on any other platform. This raises the first question of how you would know what the routes are in the first place? The DVSA can change them whenever they feel it is necessary.

Secondly, there is a risk that pupils end up learning by repetition. Our goal should be to teach skills that allow pupils to deal confidently with a wide range of traffic conditions. They should be equipped to drive safely anywhere in the country, not just within the boundaries of a single test area.

There is also a concern when training future driving instructors. If we only get PDIs to drive around ADI Part 2 routes, will they then teach their pupils in exactly the same way? This creates a chain that starts with the ADI trainer, passes through the PDI, and eventually shapes the habits of each new learner. If a learner later chooses to become a driving instructor, the cycle repeats.

Shortcuts may appear to save time or money, but if a driver’s skills are not strong enough to manage unfamiliar roads or more complex situations, the consequences can be serious. They may have more collisions, face higher insurance costs, and end up with repair bills or time off work.

Most of us already support qualified drivers who want further development because they feel nervous or uncomfortable driving on certain roads for work purposes.

Advantages

If you sit in on your pupil’s driving test, you can see where the examiner takes them. However, the real benefit is not the route itself. The greater value lies in hearing how an examiner gives directions and instructions.

Watching a pupil drive under test conditions helps you understand that both skill and mental composure are being assessed. If nerves or anxiety have a noticeable impact, you may decide to develop your own teaching skills further so that you can better support pupils who struggle in these situations.

Sitting in the back also gives you the chance to see how faults are recorded. Observing this directly puts you in a stronger position to give accurate feedback at the end of the test.

Another advantage is becoming familiar with particular locations where pupils often make mistakes. Some areas are naturally more challenging. Even so, some instructors feel that a pupil should be able to drive anywhere in order to pass. The difficulty is that pupils cannot demonstrate competence in situations they have never experienced. It becomes a type of Catch 22.

If your pupils can drive to the required standard and handle different situations safely, there is no harm in letting them experience some of the areas they are likely to encounter on a test. Confidence often grows through familiarity.

Summary

Overall, I believe there are more disadvantages than advantages to focusing mainly on test routes. It is more beneficial to give pupils the skills they need to drive safely and confidently in a wide range of environments.

However, we also need to consider whether pupils have enough time and budget to gain experience in every possible situation they may face.

And finally, do shortcuts really save money in the long term? I will let you decide.

© David Allen
A Grade Driver Training