Overview
What the Part 3 test involves
The ADI Part 3 instructional ability test is a real teaching session, lasting about 45 minutes. A DVSA examiner observes the lesson and scores you against 17 teaching competencies across three areas: lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning strategies.
You bring your own pupil, who can be a partly trained learner, a fully trained learner or a full licence holder. You agree the lesson goals and risk management with them at the start (no more than 3 minutes), they drive for about 40 minutes, and at the end you give them no more than 3 minutes to reflect on their performance.
The DVSA expects ADI candidates to use a client-centred, coaching approach rather than a prescriptive teaching style. This means asking questions, adapting to the pupil's responses, and encouraging self-reflection - not simply telling the pupil what to do at every stage.
Competencies
The 17 DVSA competencies
Each competency is scored from 0 (no evidence) to 3 (demonstrated in all elements). You need at least 31 out of 51 overall, and scoring 7 or less in risk management is an automatic fail.
Lesson planning
Did you identify the pupil's learning goals and needs?
Was the agreed lesson structure appropriate for the pupil's experience and ability?
Were the practice areas suitable?
Was the lesson plan adapted, when appropriate, to help the pupil work towards their learning goals?
Risk management
Did you make sure the pupil fully understood how the responsibility for risk would be shared?
Were directions and instructions to the pupil clear and given in good time?
Were you aware of the surroundings and the pupil's actions?
Was any verbal or physical intervention timely and appropriate?
Was enough feedback given to help the pupil understand any potential safety critical incidents?
Teaching and learning strategies
Was the teaching style suited to the pupil's learning style and current ability?
Was the pupil encouraged to analyse problems and take responsibility for their learning?
Were opportunities and examples used to clarify learning outcomes?
Was the technical information comprehensive, appropriate and accurate?
Was the pupil given appropriate and timely feedback during the session?
Were the pupil's queries followed up and answered?
Did you keep an appropriate non-discriminatory manner throughout the session?
At the end of the session, was the pupil encouraged to reflect on their own performance?
Note: These are paraphrased competency descriptions. The full DVSA competency framework is available in the ADI standards check documentation.
Teaching Approach
Client-centred learning explained
The biggest shift for most Part 3 candidates is moving from an instructor-led style to a pupil-centred, coaching approach. The DVSA describes client-centred learning as adapting your teaching to the individual needs, abilities, and goals of the pupil - not following a rigid curriculum regardless of how the lesson is going.
Instructor-led approach (penalised)
- “Do exactly as I say - check your mirrors, signal, move off.”
- Providing commentary on every action taken
- Not asking questions or seeking the pupil's input
- Ignoring pupil progress and sticking to a fixed plan
Coaching approach (rewarded)
- “What do you think went well there? What would you do differently?”
- Asking questions to develop understanding
- Adapting the lesson as the pupil's needs become clear
- Encouraging the pupil to self-evaluate and reflect
Common Pitfalls
Common pitfalls in Part 3
Over-instructing - telling the pupil everything rather than asking and coaching
Failing to adapt the lesson when the pupil's needs change mid-session
Not intervening when the risk level becomes too high (waiting too long)
Intervening unnecessarily when the pupil has the situation under control
Giving feedback that is too vague or too late to be useful
Neglecting to recap or check understanding at the end of a topic
Poor lesson structure - jumping between topics without clear progression
Prepare for your standards check with Orbit
The 17 DVSA competencies assessed in Part 3 are the same ones used in the ongoing standards check every qualified ADI must pass. Orbit's standards check preparation tool helps you understand each competency, practise reflection, and build the coaching habits that examiners are looking for - both in Part 3 and throughout your career.
FAQ