The Test Of Driving Ability - Part Two

This is a 60 minute driving test which will test the potential driving instructor’s driving ability.  The candidates must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety and apply this in their driving.

• Eyesight Test. Candidates must be able to read a motor vehicle registration number plate containing letters and figures from a distance of 26.5 meters with the aid of contact lenses or glasses, if required.
• Able to answer 2 vehicle safety questions.
• Test of driving ability. The purpose of the driving ability test is show that the potential driving instructor’s skills are at a very high standard.

The test of driving ability requires candidates to demonstrate all of the following:

• Expert handling of the controls.
• Use of correct road procedure.
• Anticipation of the actions of other road users and taking appropriate actions.
• Sound judgment of distance, speed and timing.
• Consideration for the safety of other road users.
• Skill in a number of manoeuvres including all 3 reverse exercises.

The driving ability test demands a very high level of driving skill and faults are assessed under the 3 categories mentioned below :

• Driving faults – these are minor errors that would spoil a perfect drive.
• Serious or potentially dangerous faults – faults that could cause danger or damage and in different circumstances could lead to a serious situation arising.
• Dangerous faults – faults that cause actual danger.

To pass the driving ability test the potential driving instructor must have no serious or dangerous faults and cannot score more than six driving faults.