Think beyond the scope of the Part 3

This blog follows on from the blog yesterday that talked about the qualification process.  I've always thought that there are so many more skills needed as a driving instructor that may not have to be utilised on your Part 3 test (depends on the pupil you take).

Giving feedback in a manner that encourages your pupil to persevere still, would be one example.  Pupils will respond differently to your feedback, sometimes very emotionally.  This MAY NOT crop up on a Part 3.

How well you can adapt when your pupil 'just doesn't get it'.  Our role is to facilitate learning; well that can at times, require an armoury of techniques to help your pupil.  This MAY NOT crop up on a Part 3.

Relationship management in the long-term.  We sometimes work with pupils for quite some time, and the working relationship requires nurturing to maintain respect, dignity, progress, professionalism.  This will include handling the motivation and resilience levels of the pupil.  This WILL NOT crop up on a Part 3.

Pupil retention.  Pupils observe our behaviours all the time.  If a driving instructor does not take care of the individual needs of a range of pupils, there is every risk that some will leave.  This MAY NOT crop up on a Part 3.

There is an unpredictability when working with pupils due to human behaviour.  They can and will do actions, or think things, which are extremely hard to anticipate.  Our role is to maintain safety, and keep the learning environment constructive should these incidents crop up.  This MAY NOT crop up on a Part 3.

I won't labour the point.  Try not to get too bogged down in the qualification process.  In much the same way that our pupils can become quite 'blinded' with the thought of a driving test, likewise, as a PDI, you will do well to develop skills that assist pupils rather than pass Part 3 tests.