AA & BSM Driving Instructor Training Course Insights

Gain insights in to the thought process behind the modules of our driving instructor training course from AA & BSM Driving Instructor Training Manager, Mark Born.

 

Module 1: The driving instructor’s workplace

It is easy to think of the DVSA ADI Qualification process as 3 different parts based on the ADI Part 1, ADI Part 2 and ADI Part 3 tests, however your training shouldn’t be. It is all about providing you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills to become an effective driving instructor.

 

When designing module 1 of the driving instructor training course, my goal was to ensure that our Potential Driving Instructors (PDI)/ Driving Instructor Trainees were able to:

 

+ Communicate their expectations and agree goals, considering any potential barriers that may come into play along the way in their journey to become a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)

+ Start feeling like a driving instructor, familiar with their future working environment and able to understand the importance of one of the most important skills a driving instructor needs – great communication skills.

+ Identify how independent learning supports their overall goal, by starting to develop skills and knowledge essential for your DVSA ADI Part 3 test.

 

The common theme between this module and the rest of the course is: Prepare | Learn | Practice

 

Within this module of the course, our Driving Instructor Trainees, combine:

 

+ In-car training

+ Virtual classroom

+ Practical private practice

+ Online DVSA ADI Part 1: Theory and hazard perception study

+ Virtual study groups

+ Training videos

 

As with the development of all 25 modules within the driving instructor training course, I make use of the most current learning and development tools in bringing our Driving Instructor Trainees together with the very best AA BSM Driving Instructor Trainers. Beyond in-car training, training can be accessed 24/7 across a range of devices: – PC, tablet,  smartphone.

 

Mark Born – AA/BSM Driving Instructor Training Manager

I qualified as a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor in 2005. After running an independent driving school, developing local driving instructors, I joined an international driving school, who single purpose was to develop driving instructors with the skills, knowledge and ability to help reduce young novice driver collisions on the road.

I have developed driving instructor training courses, and created teams of driving instructor trainers, in the USA, China, Canada and throughout Europe, who to this day continue to deliver outstanding driver training to the next generation of learner drivers. Working with world leading academics, skilled practitioners and industry experts, I have been fortunate to develop a wealth of knowledge and expertise in driver safety, training and education.

In 2017, with the changes to the DVSA ADI Qualification process being put into place, I took the opportunity to return to focusing on creating effective driving instructors here in the UK and started to work with BSM driving instructor training.

The AA BSM Driving Instructor Training Course

Driving instructors are helping pupils acquire not only skills and knowledge, but also the understanding and approach they need to drive safely and responsibly throughout their lives. This means that learning to drive is not just about passing the driving test but about developing responsibility and a willingness to continue to learn. Building a trusting and equal relationship with pupils is key to meet this objective.

So, along with the traditional skills and knowledge training, some of the content of the driving instructor training course involves learning how to build those trusting relationships and how to ask questions that encourage pupils to self-assess and self-correct their driving behaviour.

Redesigned in 2017 to fully align with the DVSA National Standards for Driver and Rider Training, our driving instructor training course, consists of 25 skill-based modules, using a client centred learning approach to combine direct in-car driving instructor training delivered by an AA BSM Approved Driving Instructor Trainer and working with real pupils; with interactive online classroom workshops, e-learning, virtual study groups, detailed guidance for independent learning and practice, all with 24/7 support through an online resource centre, interactive forum, regional mentoring team and our dedicated telephone support team.

With course duration designed around the requirements of our driving instructor trainees, the BSM driving instructor training course, aims to encourage up to 130 to 150 learning hours (direct training + independent learning) with the option to use the DVSA Trainee Licence where appropriate.