Part 3 – Ability to teach

The Part 3 – Ability to Teach test to become a driving instructor is considered to be the hardest test.

If you’re reading this, then you have probably passed thebecome-a-driving-instructor Part 1 and 2 tests, so there is no reason why you cannot pass the Part 3 as long as you receive the right training. That’s why the DVSA only allow three attempts on each test – to ensure the standard of the PDIs getting through to the final stage are high. Unlike the learners test, which you can learn by failure, you get just three attempts on your Part 3, so you should only use them wisely and when you are ready.

The Test

• The test slot you will be given is 1 hour long.
• You should know the area you are taking your Part 3 in well, as you will need to demonstrate good lesson planning and score at least 7 marks on the Risk Management section of the test.
• You will be expected to provide your own pupil for the day of the test. Your chosen test centre will not provide a pupil for you, nor will the examiner do role play for you like the old Part 3 – PST format Pre-December 23rd 2017.
• From 23rd December 2017, the PST style Part 3 test will be discontinued and the new Part 3 standards check will be tested.

For more information about the standards check – click here.

Most of the information you need regarding the Part 3 is now the same as the Standards Check.

How we will prepare you for the Part 3

• We suggest a minimum amount of training – 40 hours. You need to do at least 40 hours to obtain a trainee licence/PDI licence.
• Although the old PST part 3 test has been discontinued, one areas that will be transferred over and applied to the new test is the core competencies. Fault, Analysis, remedial action. This will be integrated into your teaching throughout your part 3 training.
• Initially, your training will be based on role play. Your trainer will act as the pupil, and you’ll teach them a chosen topic.
• As you get more comfortable, they’ll start adding in extra faults that aren’t connected to the chosen subject at the beginning of the lesson. You’ll need to pick these up, correct them, and decide whether you need to change your lesson plan.
• Once you’re confident across a range of topics and can adapt your lesson to suit the pupil, you’ll get the chance to practise with a real learner. This could be someone your trainer provides, or someone you already know who wants to learn to drive.
• The Part 3 test format requires you to provide your own pupil for the test day, So going out there and practising with real life pupils would benefit most trainees. Once you are at this stage of your training, you may decide to go onto a trainee licence.
• The trainee licence isn’t compulsory. You can still take your Part 3 test without one.

The general lesson theme categories we will be training you on are:

Minimum requirements for your Part 3 test

• On the day of your Part 3 test, you will need to ensure your car is insured for the purpose of the Part 3 test.
• You should provide your own pupil on the day of your Part 3 test.
• Your car should be roadworthy with valid tax and MOT.

You can’t use any of the following vehicles on the test:

• BMW Mini Convertible
• Ford KA Convertible
• Toyota iQ
• VW Beetle Convertible
• Any 2 seater car

If you are unsure if your car is suitable for the Part 2 or 3 test, you should contact the DVSA, especially if your car is a convertible or panel van.

The marking sheet

The marking sheet is split into 3 categories:

• Lesson planning
• Risk management
• Teaching and learning strategies

The marking sheet looks very similar to the Standards Check form, the main difference is the colour and a few areas at the top that concerns your trainer and record keeping for your 40 hours training and any supervised/additional training.

Download Marking Sheet