ADI Standards Check

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for a single student aged 17 and over preparing for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Standards Check. It aligns with the National Curriculum for England’s emphasis on employability skills, health and safety understanding, and professional development for vocational learners. This session will develop the student's professional competence, knowledge, and practical assessment skills necessary to meet the national professional standard required by the DVSA.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Explain and demonstrate the key professional behaviours expected from an ADI during the Standards Check, including communication, professionalism, and safety.
2. Identify the structure and content of the Standards Check - specifically the Driving Ability, Driving Instruction, and Behaviour and Attitude components.
3. Apply risk assessment and hazard awareness techniques appropriately in a mock Standards Check scenario.
4. Demonstrate reflective practice by analysing their own performance against the national competencies outlined by the DVSA.
5. Prepare confidently for the practical elements of the Standards Check, utilising feedback and self-evaluation techniques.

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National Curriculum Alignment

• Employability Skills and Personal Development
  • Fosters professional skills and self-reflection (Personal Development Goal 3: Active citizenship)
  • Supports health, safety, and risk management knowledge (Science & PSHE links for understanding risk and responsibility)
• Workplace Preparation
  • Develops skills for vocational progression and professional qualifications (Framework for vocational learning and professional competencies)
• Health and Safety
  • Reinforces safe working practices in transport and driving professions (Precautions and hazards comprehension)

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Resources and Materials

• DVSA Standards Check assessment criteria handout
• Mock lesson plan template
• Vehicle or driving simulator if available
• Reflective journal or worksheet
• Scenario cards focusing on hazard perception and professional conduct
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Breakdown

0-5 mins: Introduction and Overview

• Brief student on the aim of the Standards Check.
• Share the session plan and key learning objectives.
• Recap of the ADI Standards Check components (Driving Ability, Driving Instruction, Behaviour and Attitude).

5-15 mins: Key Professional Behaviours and Competencies

• Discuss the professional behaviours the DVSA expects, such as:
  • Clear communication
  • Ethical standards
  • Safe and competent driving
  • Managing learner anxiety and engagement
• Use scenario cards to explore examples and non-examples.
• Student role-plays responses to professional challenges.

15-30 mins: Mock Standards Check – Driving and Instruction

• Student delivers a short mock driving lesson focusing on:
  • Conducting a risk assessment
  • Applying hazard awareness
  • Giving clear, concise instructions
  • Managing learner behaviour
• Use in-car activity or driving simulator, or discuss decisions verbally if no vehicle available.
• Instructor notes key strengths and areas for development according to DVSA criteria.

30-40 mins: Reflective Practice and Feedback

• Student completes a reflective journal based on the mock session.
• Discussion on perceived strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to improve.
• Focus on meeting professional standards, particularly communication and safety.

40-45 mins: Summary and Action Planning

• Recap key points from the lesson.
• Agree on personal goals and preparation strategies for the real Standards Check.
• Discuss importance of continuous professional development beyond passing.

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Assessment and Evidence

• Formative assessment through observation of the mock driving lesson and professional communication.
• Reflective journal analysis to evidence understanding of the DVSA competencies.
• Scenario discussion to assess hazard perception and risk management skills.
• Verbal questioning during recap to confirm comprehension of professional standards.

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Differentiation and Adaptation

• For learners with additional needs, scenarios can be adjusted for accessibility.
• Use visual aids or simplified language where necessary.
• For higher ability, introduce complex scenario challenges such as managing difficult learner distractions or unexpected road hazards.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

• Assess effectiveness of scenario activities in promoting learner understanding.
• Note student confidence in verbalising professional behaviours.
• Identify any resources or time adjustments needed for future sessions.
• Reflect on innovative approaches used, such as role-play, to enhance engagement.

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This lesson integrates practical experience with professional standards, helping student ADIs meet and exceed DVSA expectations while equipping them with lifelong skills valuable within the transport sector and beyond.