This final part of the qualifying exam has the lowest pass rate. Given that all trainees have already shown that their driving ability is of the required standard and their theory knowledge has been tested, it seems difficult to believe that Part 3 proves to be such a stumbling block. The Part 2 training that I deliver continually refers to the teaching and instructional methods that they will be using in Part 3. There shouldn't be lots of surprises. Everything should be a continuous qualifying process. Too many courses try to teach each stage as a separate entity. That is not the way to do it. It is how it was mainly done in the past.

I operate the training on a "pay as you go" basis. Most trainers will be looking for a lump sum payment up front. This has the attraction, for them, of tying trainees in to them. With my method I run the risk that trainees might just up and go leaving me high and dry. I quite like that possibility as I feel it means I have to be delivering at the top level continually. It's my motivation. My wife would prefer it the other way around!

The Part 3 training is mainly in-car and on a one to one basis. There will be opportunities to sit in on some of my lessons in order to gain a feel for how lessons are conducted. Full records of training are kept with individual progress reports. You will find that there is home study needed as we work through lesson plans, structure of lessons and ways that learners learn. There are recommended books and guides that will need purchasing and learning inside out. Having passed the theory test you might think that you knew all you had to... if only!

You will find the course to be challenging but extremely rewarding. I certainly enjoy guiding clients through the learning process.

A few final points:

If you are thinking of becoming a driving instructor, do shop around first before you commit yourself and your hard earned cash.

Totally disregard the adverts that indicate fantastic earnings.

Chat to other instructors; sit in on lessons to see if you even like it.

If you feel uneasy, just walk away. Never, never, sign up for a long term contract or for a lump sum up front without going home first to think about it (give me a ring as well!).

Any decent trainer should be more than happy to sit down with you and chat through the whole process openly. It should be a two way process: you want to see if they can deliver, they should be trying to see if you are even suited for the work in the first place. If they are solely interested in selling the training and are not interested in YOU then it's time to walk out the door.