Confessions of a Driving Instructor

Today was the Part 2 test - a test of my driving ability

My test was due to start at 10am, so I left home at 8am for the hour’s journey. I arrived in the area just after 9am, so I spent a little while having a final practice of the left and right reversing manoeuvres. Happy that I was up to standard (and needing a wee!) I parked up outside the test centre.

I was sure I was more nervous for this test than I was when I first learnt to drive 14 years ago! After a half hour wait it was time for my test. I met the examiner and we went through the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions. Then we set off, and I was quite happy until about 45 minutes into the 1 hour test. We were on a national speed limit (60MPH) road when I suddenly spotted a 40MPH sign, just as I was about to pass it! I quickly applied the brakes, and apologised to the examiner, as he peeled his face off the windscreen

After that, I didn’t expect to pass, but I carried on to the best of my ability. At the end of the test, the examiner turned to me and said he was pleased to report I had passed I was over the moon, as I was sure I had blown it with the speed limit change. In the end, I had 5 minor faults (observation and control during a reverse park, coasting up to a junction, not indicating when changing a lane and not seeing the speed limit sign until late) - you are allowed up to 6 minor faults before failing.

Now the real work begins - learning to teach pupils to drive!

Today is ‘D-Day’ - my Part 1 Exam

I am very pleased to report that I passed I scored 93 out of 100 on the theory part of the test, and 59 out of 75 on the hazard perception - a score I am quite pleased with, as it is a higher score for the hazard perception part than I could manage during practice runs.

I am now 33% qualified as an ADI - Part 2 test here I come!