Choosing a Driving Instructor
To learn to drive,
or to prepare yourself to pass the Driving Test.
At the moment in Ireland, anybody with a car can simply install dual controls, put a sign on the roof proclaiming themselves a "Driving School" and proceed to give driving lessons for reward.
Proper insurance, roof sign and dual controls are optional. In fact even the car is not essential. (Pupils can get lessons in their own car.)
No qualifications whatsoever required and they are not examined by any authority as to their suitability for their new "profession".
However, finally the Road Safety Authority will regulate the driving instructor industry in Ireland.
They propose:-
As and from 1 July 2008 every driving instructor providing instruction for hire and reward, in any or all licence categories must be registered as an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) in order to practise as a driving instructor.
From the 1 July 2007 a person wishing to become an instructor for the first time must undergo the registration process before he or she can commence practising as an instructor..
To Register each candidate must :-
- Show that he/she is a person of good repute
- Pass a test of knowledge of driving theory
- Pass an extended driving test, and
- Pass an instructional ability test
And once registered an ADI will be check-tested periodically to ensure that the prescribed standard is maintained. A Registrar will be appointed by the Road Safety Authority and will be responsible for setting up and overseeing the register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Above long long overdue and hopefully will be fully implemented and enforced.
The Driving Instructor Register of Ireland has been operating on a voluntary basis since 1997 and when it was first formed fulfilled most of the requirements for this proposed register.
John Ryan has been a member of the DIR since it was founded and was the first driving instructor in Sligo to join and pass all the tests..
Being a member of the DIR (Driving Instructor Register of Ireland) ensures that the instructor has passed the 3 relevant examinations,
- Knowledge of The Rules of the Road
- Their own driving ability
- Practical test of their ability to instruct.
When selecting a driving school you should bear in mind that you will be learning a skill that you will use for the remainder of your life. Therefore choose carefully. .
Do you really want to learn the bad habits and misconceptions of an untrained unqualified driver ?. A driving instructor may have had no training whatsoever.
Therefore before selecting a school, check the following, John Ryan's answers follow:-
- Q. Qualifications, training (if any) held by the driving instructor.
- A. Successfully completed a training course with Mr. Michael Kavanagh. (MSA Approved Tutor, Diamond Advanced Tutor).
Passed the D. I. R.'s three part tests/exams.
Scored 93% in the Part 3 Instructional ability test on the 24th Oct 2006. (Excellent Performance - Not due another check test for 4 years)
Passed the Diamond Advanced Motorist Test.
Passed the Institute of Advanced Motorists Test.
Holds an Irish Driving Licence for all categories.(A to ED inclusive)- Q. Pass Rate ?
- A. 1st Time Pass Rate. Exceeds 95 % The national average pass rate is 53%. (This is a combined figure for all categories, i.e cars, motorbikes trucks and buses, the Government do not issue seperate figures for 1st time attempts for cars.)
- Q. Is the instructor in a driving school association.
- A. Member D.I.R.
- Q. How long in business as a driving instructor and is it a full or part time job
- A. 14 years and all his time and energy is devoted to driving instruction .
- Q. Charges
- A. € 40.00 per hour. Hire of school car for test € 60.00
Finally, when you have selected your school, book a lesson as soon as possible. This will give you time to work on the problems highlighted by your instructor.
