THE INSTRUCTOR
l
www.ukdic.co.uk
Congratulations, you have passed all your tests,
and you are now an Approved Driving Instructor.
But does your training stop there?
Infact, there is so much more you can do.
Rather than just being satisfied with your green
card, you now have the possibility to take your
skills and business much further.
All driving instructors when newly qualified
have to take the check test. Most groan about
this, but you have to remember it is there for a
reason. As reported last issue, the check test will
change in April 2014, and we will give an
in-depth analysis of what's new when we can.
You can also look at Continued Professional
Development (CPD), which keeps your driving
and methods fresh and up to date. There has
been talk of CPD becoming compulsory, but for
now it is 100% your choice.
What is CPD?
CPD, simply put, is training which enhances
your skills as an instructor. You can complete
your CPD in many different ways: online courses,
training workshops, One to One training,
attending of meetings... and so on. Even using
forums can count as CPD (so check out www.
ukdic.co.uk, and find our forum). You have to
complete seven hours of CPD per year.
Why CPD?
The reason for CPD is mainly so ADIs can
improve their skills, which will result in new
drivers becoming better prepared for their tests,
and safer drivers once they have passed.
It can always be beneficial to involve yourself
in CPD, this way you are always up to date and
aware of new techniques and skills. This will
consequently improve your skills and more so
your client base and business.
Where do I complete my CPD?
Have a look around for a good ADI CPD course,
but always check out the credentials of the
trainer themselves. They should be constantly
working to improve themselves, and of course
be experienced in the field in which they are
offering training for.
The advantages of CPD
· With up to date skills you are teaching your
pupils in the right way, leading them on to
be much better drivers once they have
passed their test
· Better driving training will improve the
quality of driving on the road
· Less accidents on the road, means savings for
the emergency and health services
· Increased earning for ADIs, a bigger client
base and better skills!
· Having the best possible skills at present,
meaning you are the most qualified you
can be and have more skills to pass along to
your pupils
The dis-advantages of CPD
· The outgoing cost of taking courses provided
by these companies
· Time taken out to go on courses means less
availability to accept lessons, meaning less
time with your pupils reducing your income
· This was the best we could come up with.
Why wouldn't you want to be the most
skilled and qualified possible?
Who offers CPD?
You don't neccessarily need to find a company to
help you complete your Continued Professional
Development.
You can complete your CPD yourself, which
involve research of the industry and markets you
are in (keep all evidence of your work). Or even
researching and taking notes from forums can
actually count towards your CPD. You only need
to complete seven hours per year, so as long as
TRAINING: CPD
Continued Professional Development (CPD) is always a hot topic for ADIs, especially
with the question looming `will it become compulsory?'
ADIs: Continuing your
professional development