Review of ADI training and qualifications.

In February 1998 Ross Silcock Limited, in association with BlTER (British Institute of Traffic Education Research) were appointed by DETR to undertake a review of the Training and Qualifications of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI). The objectives of the research contract were: (a) to assess the suitability of the ADI entrance exam as a test of an instructor's ability to teach learners to drive in today's conditions; (b) to consider whether changes are required to the entrance exam in the light of the introduction of the theory test and knowledge gained from the research; (c) to review the marking system used by examiners of ADIs and consider possible alternatives for specific parts of the entrance exam; (d) to consider the content of the entrance exam in relation to causes and circumstances of novice driver accidents and principal reasons for failure of the L-test; (e) to review the training currently undertaken by ADIs and develop new training methods where appropriate and to make recommendations for their implementation; and (f) to review the check test system and make recommendations for improvement. After an initial review stage, the research focussed on a number of critical issues, each of which is discussed in turn below. A Final Report has recently been submitted to DETR and is in the process of publication.