Study Material Information for Aspiring ADI's

In preparing for the Stage 1 examination you should in the first instance contact the RSA ADI unit  or visit their website, see links below.  Many people wishing to become a driving instructors, have a love for all things driving  and feel that they are good drivers, however good drivers do not necessarily make good teachers... so preparation is the key word. The RSA has a list of recommended reading  for those wishing to become a registered driving instructor, other titles and teaching aids could be suggested and will assist to reaching your goal, ideally be guided by a knowledgeable driving instructor trainer.

The RSA has a list of trainers on their website, that said, there are others that will train you as competently. 
Cost is a big factor in becoming a driving instructor.  Beware of companies that offer you a job at the end through a franchise,  if it seems too good, or easy to be true... it probably is,  so seek minimum guarantees of income, hours offered, after all you will have paid out for this training, you need to know how and when you may recoup these costs in order to fulfill a business plan. 

Do Some Research
Ask around by doing some research, seek advice from other driving instructors, seek out driving instructor forums etc, on the web, research now may save in the future. Set out a business plan, factor in instructor training, recommended and suggested reading, exam fees, registrations, tuition vehicle, tuition insurance, dual controls, roof signs, advertising, accountancy fees, wage, etc., etc.,   

Training
It's not impossible to train yourself however, it is recommended to undertake instructor training, as mistakes can often be more costly, in financial and indeed confidence terms . Sometimes a mix of both may suit for example, learn and inform yourself as much as you can and in tandem, use a pay as you go, instructor training course, remembering that in many cases (not all) a local driving instructor may tutor you, if not at least assist you. One thing is certain, it won't happen without a serious commitment on your part!!

Consider a Trainee Licence
The trainee licence scheme is intended to provide mentoring opportunities to new driving instructors coming into the industry –

Conditions
  • A trainee licence can be held for a maximum of six months. 
  • Only having successfully passed the driving test or Stage 2 may an applicant apply for ADI trainee licence, which is subject to certain conditions namely:
  • That the applicant had not previously held a trainee licence
  • That the applicant has an RSA Registered ADI to sponsor and supervise his/her training under the scheme
  • That the supervised lessons follow the pre-determined RSA syllabus of learning/practice for the trainee ADI
  • That the sponsoring ADI will maintain a record of all training given under his/her supervision
  • It should be noted that the trainee licence is granted to allow an applicant ADI to develop his/her teaching skills in preparation for the teaching ability (Stage 3) test
  • The sponsoring ADI may only have one trainee under his/her supervision for the duration of the licence
  • A minimum of 20% of the training given by a trainee licence holder must be under the direct supervision of the sponsoring ADI
  • The trainee licence must be clearly on display in the vehicle during all tuition sessions, whether or not the trainee is being supervised at the time
  • At the end of the six-month period of the trainee licence, it must be returned together with the training record to the RSA
  • Note – Trainee licence holders may not provide training under either the EDT or IBT schemes. However it would be in order to accompany a qualified ADI during either type of lesson providing the learner is in agreement

Recommended or Suggested Reading for New ADI's
It is difficult to recommend or suggest individual titles as all books or material listed will assist and would be required and useful throughout the examination process and indeed will become reference material when you are qualified and teaching for reward.  That said, some material is more important at different stages. We are mindful that some may be budget dependent or wish to learn in stages, i.e. stage 1 before stage 2 etc., As individuals we all learn at our own pace, you as a person may require more or fuller information, as reference to make sense of what you are reading currently, meaning all books should be at hand. The following is advised as necessary, however as all books cross over, as the theory examination is based in different sections of required learning. (see theoretical test subject matters below).

All This to Raise Your Awareness and Driving Standards
Another example of this cross-over is reading these theory titles in learning to become a driving instructor you will most probably have to raise your own standard of driving see stage two and indeed learn how to explain, driving and procedures in the correct manner, which will hone up your knowledge after all, teaching another to drive is not about imparting your own style of driving, it teaching the correct style of driving!

Essentially these are a must!
Some of the following are issued free by the RSA ADI or by visiting their website
See Web Links Over>>>
  • The Rules of the Road (RSA),
  • Driving Instructor Handbook
    (This is a shortened version of the full Kogan Page Driving Instructor Handbook)
  • Driving The Essential Skills’ (related to category of ADI Licence being sought
  • Standard Procedures for the Driving Test (RSA)
  • Marking Guidelines for the Driving Test (RSA)
  • Ricability Book on Vehicle Controls for Adapted Vehicles (RSA)
  • Preparing for your Driving Test (RSA)
  • Official Driving Theory Test Book (please check website for current version)
  • Learner Permit Application Form
  • Initial Basic Training (IBT) Information Booklet
  • Essential Driver Training (EDT) Information Booklet
  • The Motor Car (Mechanical principles a modern guide)
  • Learner-Driving Test Report Form

    See below for books as stated above and below from the RSA

Books Included from the RSA ADI Unit Upon Application
The information pack forwarded by the ADI Unit is designed to help you to prepare for the three ADI qualification stages, it contains the following information.
  • ADI Information Booklet
  • Standards of RSA Service Providers
  • Our Commitment to You
  • Assessment Form Stage 3 Guide
  • Applying for ADI registration on the basis of existing qualifications
  • Sample stage one Theory Test questions
  • Ricability Car Controls: A Guide for older & disabled people
  • Standard Procedure for Driving Test
  • Marking Guidelines for Driving Test
  • Preparing for Your Driving Test
  • Garda Vetting Invitation Form and Guidelines on the e Vetting 2 stage process
  • Essential Driver Training (EDT) Information Booklet
  • Initial Basic Training for Motorcyclists (IBT) Information booklet
  • ADI Voluntary Code of Practice
  • Learner Permit Application Form (D.201)

Suggested / Recommended Reading Stage One (Theory)
  • The Rules of the Road
  • The Driving Instructors Handbook - By Kogan Page ISBN 978-0-7494-8393-7
  • Driving the Essential Skills
  • Theory Resource Work Books 1 to 4
  • The Motor Car (Mechanical Principles a Modern Guide)
  • All RSA ADI Exam Resource Material Issued as above.
  • Always obtain the most recent publication and be guided by the latest recommended reading of the RSA ADI unit for your category of test

The purpose of this test is to examine knowledge of the Rules of the Road as well as general road safety and driving instruction matters.  The structure of the test is similar in format to the existing theory test for learner drivers. There will be varying number of questions depending on the categories of instruction being applied for and you will receive a pass or fail report on your performance at the end of the theory test. 

Remember you must pass Stage 1  before you can continuing to Stage2 (Own Driving) and pass Stage 2 before Stage3 (Tuitional Ability) The number of attempts permitted for the Theory Test is not restricted. However, all three parts of the examination process must be completed within two years of successfully completing the Theory Test.

Theoretical Test – Subject Matters
  • Road Safety precepts and practice
  • Rules of the Road
  • RSA ADI Scheme (as outlined in this booklet)
  • Driving techniques and handling the vehicle and controls
  • Use of correct road procedure
  • Vulnerable road users
  • Pedagogical techniques and assessment of pupils
  • Dealing with pupils who have learning or language difficulties
  • Dealing with pupils who have physical disabilities and familiarisation with common vehicle adaptations
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of the Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme (where appropriate)
  • Knowledge of the Initial Basic Training (IBT) programme (where appropriate)
  • Correction of pupils driving faults
  • Knowledge of basic mechanics of vehicle and maintenance
  • Driving for life, beyond the practical driving test
  • Scene of accidents
  • Driver Testing Procedures and Documentation including the Driving Test Report form
  • Other matters as considered appropriate from time to time by the RSA

Suggested Reading Stage Two (Own Driving Ability) 
  • The Rules of the Road
  • The Driving Instructors Handbook - Kogan Page ISBN 978-0-7494-8393-7
  • Driving the Essential Skills
  • Theory Resource Work Book (Driving Ability)
  • The Motor Car Mechanical Principles -A modern guide
  • All RSA ADI Exam Resource Material Issued as above.

    * Always obtain the most recent publication and be guided by the latest recommended reading of the RSA ADI unit for your category of test

Suggested Reading Stage Three (Tuition)
The final of the three tests will examine your ability to instruct pupils on how to drive. During this test your examiner will assimilate  two different types of pupils, the first a beginner pupil, the second a novice pupil. The three areas of this test will include core competencies, instructional techniques and instructional characteristics.
  • The Rules of the Road
  • The Driving Instructors Handbook- Kogan Page ISBN 978-0-7494-8393-7
  • Driving the Essential Skills
  • Instructor Training Manual
  • Practical Teaching Skills
  • Tuitional Ability Resource Work Book
  • All RSA ADI Exam Resource Material Issued as above

    * Always obtain the most recent publication and be guided by the latest recommended reading of the RSA ADI unit for your category of test

Teaching Aids Stage Three (Tuitional)
The use of modern teaching methods and material is of the utmost important to the impartation of information transfer, as its not the message that's said,  but the message that's understood, so getting directly to the point with a teaching aid is the key... If a picture paints a thousand words... Then why say them, use a teaching aid instead. What comes to mind as I write this is, "KISS, keep it simple stupid 

Recommended Teaching Aids
  • The Colourfile Professional
  • Irish Road Sign Trainer
  • Irish Road Markings Trainer
  • Lesson Prompt Cards  for Phase One & Two
  • Colourfile Professional Mag Board.
Once you’ve passed all three exams you can then begin work as a fully qualified driving instructor. At Driver Education Supplies, we sell everything you’ll need to become a driving instructor, from dual controls, roof signs, driving school websites, training materials, printing, business cards, leaflets etc., 

Having Passed all Three Exam's
This is the time you need to consider if you haven't already, thought of a driving school name, a tuition vehicle type or marque, dual controls, roof signs, printing, spend some time in considering these. Driver Education Supplies have the full range of products that are required to put you on the road and look professional you may  Enter Our ADI Store Here for the full range of ADI products.

Suggested Reading and Teaching Aids for the Check Test 
The RSA ADI Unit introduced a Check Test for all ADI wishing to remain on the live register of driving instructors, essentially to ensure that instructors impart driver education in the most effective manner.  Essentially, it is a test that assesses your ability in three areas:
  • Lesson Planning
  • Risk Management
  • Teaching and Learning Skills
In preparing for a Check Test, you will get to choose the pupil, the route and the topic of tuition. Ideally prepare a good lesson plan in advance and select a genuine pupil that is not a fully licensed driver, as the more work or input you put into the driving lesson, the more the examiner sees and hears, the better the lesson marking.  Upon conclusion, is also an ideal time to discuss the marking sheet and ask questions, not just on the Check Test but any other question or query on motoring matters you may have etc.,

Assisting You on Your Check Test
  • The Rules of the Road
  • The Driving Instructors Handbook- Kogan Page ISBN 978-0-7494-8393-7
  • Driving the Essential Skills
  • Check Test Guide - A Resource Work Book for ADI's attending a Check Test
  • The Colourfile Professional
  • Irish Road Sign Trainer
  • All RSA Check Test Resource Material Issued 

    We hope this article has been of some assistance however, it has been placed here for information purposes only. Readers are advised to go to the RSA website and obtain the most recent and updated information pertaining to the topics above, before proceeding further.    

  • Published Sept 2020 & Reviewed Jan 2021

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