ADI Training - Cardington Special Test

The Cardington Special Test is just for Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), who as part of their Continued Professional Development (CPD) want to show that they have an extremely high standard of Driving competence, which they have in mind to maintain.

As an Approved Driving Instructor you will find training for the Cardington Special Test much harder than Part 2. If you intend to pass with an 'A grade', then you need professional training from someone that has an 'A grade' certificate such as Byiast Driving Academy.

The Test Clarified

The Cardington Special Test occurs in the instructor's own vehicle, which must have a manual gearbox, an interior instructor mirror and integral head restraints for assessor and driver.

The test takes place at the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Training Centre in Cardington, Bedford by a member of the DSA training staff. The test includes around 90 minutes driving on every type of road, including motorways and in various traffic situations.

ADI's have to show a positive, polite attitude and the ability to control the position and speed of the car safely, systematically and smoothly. A very high and consistent standard of driving competence based on:

• Concentration
• Effective observation
• Anticipation and planning.

In particular, you must show:

• Expert handling of controls
• Using correct road procedures
• Anticipating actions of other drivers and taking appropriate action
• Sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
• Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users

Test maneuvers

You will be requested to show your ability in performing all or any of these maneuvers:

• Move away smoothly from rest, to include wherever possible, the ability to move off on reasonably steep uphill and downhill gradients
• Move away at an angle, having pulled up behind a stationary vehicle
• Overtake safely
• Meet and cross the path of other vehicles taking an appropriate course
• Turn right-hand and left-hand corners.
• Stop the car as in an emergency.
• Reverse the car and while doing so enter limited openings to the left and right.
• Reverse parking exercise (car park and road).
• Turn the vehicle around in the road to face the opposite direction using forward and reverse gears.

Commentary driving is not expected and there is no kind of theory test. Once the test has ended, the assessor will inform you of the result and give a quick explanation of any faults they recorded.

Written confirmation of the result along with a report of the test will be sent to the instructor. All successful instructors who achieve a Grade A pass mark will also be posted a certificate, which can be shown to their customers and put on display.

For more information contact Byiast Driving Academy who will arrange an assessment drive.

If you are an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and would like to book the Cardington Special Test, you should get in touch with the DSA Training Centre on 01234 744000.