DSA release new standards for Driving Instructors

So what does this mean to Driving Instructors? Well a key wording is the use of ‘client centred’ approach. The standard sets out what instructors will need to be able to do, and the knowledge they need to have, in order to deliver training. Areas such as devising effective lesson plans, understanding different learning styles and needs, and giving clear instructions and constructive feedback. The standards are defined in role 6 of the 12 roles that will make up the complete framework.

So what will instructors need to do in order to meet this new standard? Well much of the standard is what instructors already do however the use of ‘client centred’ approach will need some work. Client centred approaches are designed to assist your pupils/clients to plan their learning and take responsibility for their learning. It will help the learning process to go on beyond the standard driving lessons to the L test. Client centred will increase your pupil’s personal self-determination and improve their own independence.

We all know that there is no ‘one size fits all’ learner. Each learner learns differently and as such requires a different approach to their learning. VARKS is one of the easiest models to understand the basic needs of your learner. This model looks at the different Visual, Auditory, read/write and Kinaesthetic learner. This approach shows us how different learners are and we can begin to use different teaching styles to approach different learners.

Client centred is not purely coaching. Coaching is just one skill that is used in a client centred approach. A good client centred approach would include many skills such as guidance, instructing, coaching, Q&A, mentoring and prompting to name just a few of the skills needed.

So where do we go from here? My advice would be to brush up on your toolkit of skills and look at what other skills you will need. Learning new skills need not cost lots of money. Many associations are offering short courses in some of the skills and Driver Training Education will be soon offering E-Learning courses on many of the skills you will need.

More information on the new standards can be found at the DSA website here.