APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION …

1 An t dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar Bh ithreRoad Safety AuthorityAPPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION BOOKLET1 dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar B ithreRoad Safety Authority1 APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR (ADI) INFORMATION BookletVersion 3 Ref No. ADI/03 dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar B ithreRoad Safety Authority23 ContentsIntroduction 3 Legal Position 3 Eligibility Criteria 3 Becoming a RSA APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR 4 RSA Qualification Process 4 Stage One Theory Test 4 Stage Two DRIVING Test 6 Stage Three Instruction Ability Test 10 Recognion of Existing Qualifications 13If You Pass Or Are Exempt What Next? 14If You Are Unsuccessful What Can You Do? 15 Recommended Reading 15 Which Licence Categories Can I Instruct In?

2 16 What Fees Are Payable 17 The Trainee Licence 17 Check Testing 18 How Do I Make My Views Known? 18 Contact INFORMATION 18 Process to Become a RSA APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR 19 Appendix 1 - Membership Category 20 Appendix 2 - Practical DRIVING Test 232 dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar B ithreRoad Safety Authority3 DRIVING Instruction in IrelandIntroductionThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the regulatory body for DRIVING instruction in Ireland. DRIVING instructors who meet the standard set by the RSA will become APPROVED DRIVING Instructors (ADI). An ADI Registrar based in the RSA heads up the unit responsible for the registration process. The ADI Registrar will work with a stakeholders forum to develop the objective of regulating the industry is to standardise instruction and give the ADI INSTRUCTOR a leading role in developing better safer drivers.

3 The purpose of this booklet is to guide applicants through the process of becoming an ADI. The conditions of membership have been carefully framed to allow for a quality standard to be met with the minimum of inconvenience for DRIVING instructors. The various aspects of the scheme of regulation have been developed following the publication of the consultation document The Regulation of DRIVING Instruction in PositionRegulations were made in 2009 under powers provided in the Road Traffic Act 1968, and also provides the legal framework for DRIVING instruction. Essentially, any person giving DRIVING instruction for reward must have his/her name entered on the register of APPROVED DRIVING Instructors with the RSA.

4 Other regulations govern the mandatory training of drivers such as under the Essential Driver training (EDT) programme for new car learners or Initial basic training (IBT) for new motorcycle CriteriaA person who wishes to become an ADI must in the first place satisfy the Registrar, that s/he is a person of good repute to have their name entered on the ADI register and in particular must meet the following general requirements - Be tax compliant and in possession of a tax clearance certificate, (a if you are self employed, or if you are a PAYE worker) dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar B ithreRoad Safety Authority45 Hold a full DRIVING licence for a minimum of two years in the category for which instruction is to be assessing whether a person is of good repute the Registrar will make necessary enquiries with the Garda S och na and or other bodies.

5 A person applying will need to make a declaration that s/he has not been convicted of a serious offence such as murder, manslaughter, Drug Trafficking, Fraud or other offences including any that may cause a persons name to be entered onto the Sex offenders register. (See Appendix 2 for the process relating to Garda vetting).Becoming a RSA APPROVED DRIVING InstructorThere are two possible ways of becoming an APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR . Undergo the three stage RSA qualification process, or Demonstrate that your existing qualifications/experience are adequate to meet the ADI Qualification ProcessThe RSA have prepared a qualification process for persons who want to become DRIVING instructors. Passing/gaining exemption from all stages of the qualification process will entitle a person to have his/her name entered on the ADI Register.

6 Each stage of the qualification process will have to be passed before going to the next stage. Stage one is a theory test, stage two is a test of DRIVING ability and stage three is a test of ability to One - Theory TestThe purpose of this test is to examine knowledge of the Rules of the Road as well as general road safety and DRIVING instruction matters. The structure of the test is similar in format to the existing theory test for learner drivers. There will be varying number of questions depending on the categories of instruction being applied for. The RSA has developed this test in conjunction with a service provider. You will receive a report on your performance at the end of the theory applicant must pass Stage 1 Theory Test before they can continue to Stage two and then Stage number of attempts permitted for the Theory Test is not restricted.

7 All three parts of the examination process must be completed within two years of successfully completing the Theory dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar B ithreRoad Safety Authority5 Theoretical Test - Subject Matters Road Safety precepts and practice, Rules of the Road, RSA ADI Scheme (as outlined in this booklet ) DRIVING techniques and handling the vehicle and controls., Use of correct road procedure, Vulnerable road users, Pedagogical techniques and assessment of pupils, Dealing with pupils who have learning or language difficulties, Dealing with pupils who have physical disabilities and familiarization with common vehicle adaptations, Interpersonal skills, Knowledge of the Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme (where appropriate) Knowledge of the Initial Basic Training (IBT) programme (where appropriate)

8 Correction of pupils DRIVING faults, Knowledge of basic mechanics of vehicle and maintenance, DRIVING for life, beyond the practical DRIVING test, Scene of accidents, Driver Testing Procedures and Documentation including the DRIVING Test Report form, Other matters as considered appropriate from time to time by the RSA. dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar B ithreRoad Safety Authority67 Stage Two - DRIVING TestHaving successfully completed the theory test, stage two will assess DRIVING /riding ability. DRIVING competence will be assessed against a longer more comprehensive DRIVING test to that which applies to a learner driver. The test will last approximately one to one and a half hours depending on the category being applied for and will cover 25-30 kilometres.

9 In order to pass the test the applicant will have to incur less than three DRIVING faults under a particular heading observation, less than five DRIVING faults during the entire test, and must not have incurred any disqualifying the day of the test you must Attend in good time, Declare that you are properly insured for the test, Produce a valid full licence, Drive a roadworthy vehicle fitted with Seatbelts and Head restraints, Display on your vehicle a valid insurance disc, tax disc and an NCT disc if DRIVING Test ContentThe candidate must satisfy the examiner that s/he has a thorough knowledge of the principles of good DRIVING , and in particular must demonstrate to a high standard, DRIVING /riding competence in some or all of the following areas: DRIVING techniques and handling the vehicle and use of the primary and secondary controls, Use of correct road procedure, Hazard awareness, anticipation of the actions of other road users and the taking of appropriate action as required, Care for passengers and for vehicle loading, Consideration for vulnerable road users, Motorway / Dual Carriageway DRIVING whilst demonstrating / maintaining all aspects of the rules of the road with regard to speed, regulation, position, observation, etc.

10 ,6 dar s Um Sh bh ilteacht Ar B ithreRoad Safety Authority7 DRIVING inside and outside urban areas, Sound judgement of stopping and braking distances, speed and timing and consideration for the convenience of all other road users, Making good progress Use of secondary controls ie. demisters, air conditioning, indicators, windscreen wipers etc., and Other matters considered appropriate from time to time by the RSA. Specific DRIVING operations to be carried out during the practical DRIVING of the vehicleDrivers must be capable of-(i) Carrying out technical checks as required.(ii) Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position (except for category A1, A and M),(iii) Checking that the doors are closed,(iv) Adjusting rear view mirrors, where fitted,(v) Adjusting seat belts and head restraints where fitted,(vi) Other matters considered appropriate from time to time by the RSA.