Becoming an advanced instructor
Discussion
pauldrummer1975 said:
I'm a driving instructor and have been toying with the idea of becoming an advanced trainer. Truth is, I haven't the foggiest where to start. Any advice woulfd be greatly appreciated.
Paul,
Have a look here;
www.iam.org.uk/
Look under Groups for your nearest ...
BOF
Paul,
As with most things driving there is more than one type of advanced instructor. The IAM and RoADA instructors are all volunteers and many don't have ADI qualifications, so can't take a fee for providing training. As a result any training done for these organisations (other than fleet work done by IAM Fleet) is for free (other than the annual subs etc). The DIA have their own advanced tests, which mirror very closely the DSA ADI Part 2 and Cardington Tests. You can become an instructor for these tests via the DIA but they aren't especially well-known and judging by the number of test passes I see reported, far fewer people take these than the IAM/RoADA tests.
The other option is the more performance-oriented driver training. It's not an easy field to get into and is heavily staffed by ex-Police class I and Police Driving School instructors (and more than a few still-serving Police officers - e.g. RideDrive). That said, I managed to get into it (albeit with a civilian Police background) and although the pay isn't great (but probably better than teaching novices) the satisfaction is enormous and you can guarantee that your client base is enthusiastic and always want to learn.
As with most things driving there is more than one type of advanced instructor. The IAM and RoADA instructors are all volunteers and many don't have ADI qualifications, so can't take a fee for providing training. As a result any training done for these organisations (other than fleet work done by IAM Fleet) is for free (other than the annual subs etc). The DIA have their own advanced tests, which mirror very closely the DSA ADI Part 2 and Cardington Tests. You can become an instructor for these tests via the DIA but they aren't especially well-known and judging by the number of test passes I see reported, far fewer people take these than the IAM/RoADA tests.
The other option is the more performance-oriented driver training. It's not an easy field to get into and is heavily staffed by ex-Police class I and Police Driving School instructors (and more than a few still-serving Police officers - e.g. RideDrive). That said, I managed to get into it (albeit with a civilian Police background) and although the pay isn't great (but probably better than teaching novices) the satisfaction is enormous and you can guarantee that your client base is enthusiastic and always want to learn.
softtop said:
pass your advanced driving test, be a member of the Institute of Advanced motorists and then train to be an instructor.
No! No! No!
IAM and RoSPA don't have instructors. Rather, they have "observers". Observers are simply people who themselves have passed the IAM or RoSPA advanced test and, after some further training, provide "guidance and assistance" to help others do the same.
Now, I know that some (but not all) observers can be very knowledgeable. However, they aren't formerly trained in coaching, principles of learning and all the many other skills required of a professional instructor.
Paul - If you're interested, I'd suggest the best route is to join your local RoADA group (see www.roada.org.uk ) and get your RoADA Gold test out of the way. If there's no local RoADA group, you have no choice but to do the IAM Skills for Life programme instead. Then do a 1-week RoADA Diploma course through RoSPA:
www.rospa.com/drivertraining/courses/advanced_instructors/advanced_driving.htm
(If you've only done the IAM, you may have to do an extra day's pre-course training.)
The RoADA Diploma is a professional instructional qualification in advanced driving; as an ADI with a RoSPA Diploma, you are then qualified as an advanced instructor (and suitably accredited to register as a Fleet Trainer too, if you wish).
Hope this helps,
Mark
>> Edited by Mark_SV on Friday 14th October 18:25
volvos70t5 said:
Is there regulation of the advanced driving instruction industry? i.e. what courses/licenses are needed in order to be a proper "qualified" instructor?
Sounds like a closed shop to me, unions all over it, tight definition of trade, guilds membership, the usual.
Must explain the high fees that Dave was going on about.
7db said:
Is there regulation of the advanced driving instruction industry? i.e. what courses/licenses are needed in order to be a proper "qualified" instructor?
Sounds like a closed shop to me, unions all over it, tight definition of trade, guilds membership, the usual.
Must explain the high fees that Dave was going on about.
The fees don't seem that low from my point of view! Doesn't mean the wages are good or that it scales well though
Still I think its a worthwhile investment. Of course I'm yet to meet Dave so may change my mind
I started from down in Essex, so we didn;t go around *that* corner - although I found a few more for him to try...
As for the question about Guilds/Unions/etc there isn't one for advanced instructors - any ADI can describe themselves as such. The DSA have made the odd rumble about it, but they don't really have the expertise to judge what is advanced training let along what the syllabus should be and how to measure it. It's a bit of a knotty problem that which is why ex-Police instructors tend to make the most money - they've plenty of experience of what it really is. It's particularly amusing when one of them goes for an ADI (you don't need one as a Police instructor) and has a blazing row with the supervising examiner over what is 'proper' driving.
As for the question about Guilds/Unions/etc there isn't one for advanced instructors - any ADI can describe themselves as such. The DSA have made the odd rumble about it, but they don't really have the expertise to judge what is advanced training let along what the syllabus should be and how to measure it. It's a bit of a knotty problem that which is why ex-Police instructors tend to make the most money - they've plenty of experience of what it really is. It's particularly amusing when one of them goes for an ADI (you don't need one as a Police instructor) and has a blazing row with the supervising examiner over what is 'proper' driving.
It's a gray area - the law says that anyone giving instruction for money 'or money's worth' in driving needs to be a registered ADI. Of course there are those who argue that they aren't giving instruction, merely providing advice. Personally, I'd rather not be the test case for the DSA and risk losing my livelihood - hence the reason I took the ADI - even though the supervising examiner was the one and only novice pupil I will every teach!
softtop said:
Dont get hung up on terminology!The world is so PC!
Hi,
That's not what I meant. IAM and RoSPA observers aren't trained in training. (Not to anything like a professional level, anyway.) I've observed for the IAM and am profesionaly involved in both training and coaching.
There are considerable amount of skills involved in training, instruction, coaching and adult learning. In general, IAM and RoSPA observers have very few of these skill sets, whereas a professional instructor is likely to have many of them. (Obviously, as in any area, there are always individual exceptions on both sides.)
In the car world, you have to be an ADI to charge money for any sort of driving lesson, be that learner or advanced. So you can get ADIs with absolutely zero advanced expertise (or qualifications) teaching "advanced" driving. However, a non-ADI with a RoSPA National Diploma in Advanced Driving Instruction can't legally charge a penny for advanced tuition, unless they are also an ADI. Make of that what you will.
In biking, anyone can call themselves and advanced instructor. Thus, occasional IAM observers and many RoSPA observers call themselves "advanced instructors" - complete with wearing "advanced instructor" livery! Hardly comparable to professional instruction from the likes of Rapid Training, MAC Rider Training or UK Advanced.
Cheers
StressedDave said:
I started from down in Essex, so we didn;t go around *that* corner - although I found a few more for him to try...
Hi Dave,
Hope all's well with you
This wouldn't be a certain corner on the B66* would it?
Cheers
PS Dan - I'm sure Dave will fill you in on what he thought of ADI driving standards
You'll definitely have a great time with him, even though he drives a diesel.The diesel went 4 months ago - it was upsetting too many GT3 owners 
I'm back in an MX-5 again.
*that* corner isn't the one on the B66* - it's on a totally different B-road the other side fo St N**ts and you can measure observation skills by the level of sharp intake of breath (or in extreme circumstances the muttered expletive)
I'm back in an MX-5 again. *that* corner isn't the one on the B66* - it's on a totally different B-road the other side fo St N**ts and you can measure observation skills by the level of sharp intake of breath (or in extreme circumstances the muttered expletive)
StressedDave said:
The diesel went 4 months ago - it was upsetting too many GT3 owners
Glad you've seen the light and got a sensible car again
Ah, it's one of the St N**** corners.
Currently working on improving my biking, but will no doubt be back to Club events in time. Although you'll have to excuse me if I lean round corners and change gear with my foot
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