Understanding How to Plan Your ADI Standards Check or Part 3 Assessment: A Strategic Approach to Pass

Understanding Your Training Area: Identifying Critical Control Points

Before you even consider what subject to deliver, take a close look at your training area. Every location has what I call “Critical Control Points”, locations or road features where risk increases and your pupil is likely to need extra support. These include junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, meeting situations, complex traffic environments, or changes in speed limits that can easily catch an inexperienced driver off guard.

Example: Complex Roundabout with Multiple Exits

• Hazard: Lane discipline and signalling errors.
• Mini Lesson Plan:
  • Briefing: Explain the rules of roundabouts, especially the importance of correct lane positioning.
  • Practice: Start with simpler roundabouts, then build up to the complex ones.
  • Coaching: Use commentary, driving, and Q&A to check understanding and encourage anticipation.
• Linked DVSA Fault Guide:
  • Junctions – Approach speed or positioning (Serious if consistent).
• NSDRT Reference: Unit 3.1 – “Planning a journey – Positioning and speed.”

Example: Tight Residential Roads with Parked Cars (Meeting Situations)

• Hazard: Misjudging clearance, speed, or priority.
• Mini Lesson Plan:
  • Briefing: Discuss clearance, priorities and eye contact with other road users.
  • Practice: Controlled route through narrow streets, coaching decision-making.
  • Technique: Use ‘What can you see? What can’t you see? What might you expect?’
• Linked DVSA Fault Guide:
  • Clearance/Obstructions – A close pass or forcing a way through.
• NSDRT Reference: Unit 2.3.2 – “Anticipate what other road users may do.”

Anticipating Driver Errors: Tailoring Lessons for Your Pupil

No two learners are the same. Your chosen pupil should be familiar to you, and you should have a good understanding of their common errors. Linking these anticipated issues to your critical control points makes for a robust session.

Let’s say your learner tends to struggle with lane discipline and shows nervousness at meeting traffic. You’ll want to plan a route that intentionally incorporates these issues — not to trip them up, but to help them learn and develop.

Error: Late Lane Selection at Roundabouts

• Location: Dual-lane roundabout with unclear markings.
• Error Trigger: Learner chooses wrong lane due to signage confusion.
• Solution:
  • Mini Lesson Plan: Use diagrams and on-site walkthroughs to help them visualise. Practise verbal planning.
  • Coaching Prompt: “What signs are we looking for before we approach this?”
• DVSA Link: Marked under “Junctions – Incorrect positioning or turning from the wrong lane.”
• NSDRT Link: Unit 2.3.1 – “Use road markings and signs.”

Error: Failing to Anticipate Oncoming Traffic on Narrow Road

• Location: Row of parked cars with few passing places.
• Error Trigger: Learner doesn’t give priority when required.
• Solution:
  • Mini Lesson Plan: Discuss priority, patience and using pull-ins.
  • Prompt: “If that car moves off now, what would you do?”
• DVSA Link: “Meeting situations – Causes oncoming vehicles to slow or stop unnecessarily.”
• NSDRT Link: Unit 3.2 – “Making progress – Knowing when to go and when to hold back.”