Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
This can be both formal and informal professional development, based on an individual's needs.
To maximise individual potential and retain credibility within your profession it is essential that you maintain high levels of professional competence.
As a driver trainer you can make a commitment towards professionalism by keeping up to date and continually seeking to improve your knowledge and expertise.
The Driving Standards Agency is currently working with representative organisations and other stakeholders to develop a structured CPD scheme in preparation for a public consultation on modernising driver training.
Types of Continuing Professional Development training
Types of training and costs
Training providers will be encouraged to focus on the range of topics covered within the driver-trainer competence framework. It is for the individual to decide what Continuing Professional Development (CPD) they wish to undertake, and if appropriate, who they choose to suit their own individual needs.
Where CPD has a cost, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) will be required to pay for their own CPD - however, some aspects of CPD can be cost-free or funded through various channels.
Costs for employed ADIs may also differ from those who are self-employed. Updating your expertise with CPD may be tax deductible, but always check with your tax office or accountant if you are unsure.
Recognising and recording CPD
Currently the Driving Standards Agency and the driver training industry are encouraging ADIs to start CPD as soon as possible so that individuals and their customers can begin to benefit from their learning.
The recommendation is to take a minimum of seven hours (one day) of CPD each year. It should be understood that CPD is an ongoing activity.
Driver trainer competence framework
Your Continuing Professional Development should link with the competencies outlined in the current driver trainer competence framework.
Monitoring and assessment
- Evaluation of road and traffic conditions to drive trainee's actions.
- Supervision of trainee's driving.
- Directing trainees in specific actions and manoeuvres.
- Monitoring of trainee's progress.
- Provision of feedback to trainees.
- Recording of trainee's achievement.
- Supervision of trainees through assessment.
- Directing trainee's future development and training.
- Evaluation of own teaching performance.
Strategy and Planning
- Strategy and planning.
- Lesson delivery.
- Instructor development.
Instruction Delivery
- Demonstration of driving skills and methods.
- Coaching of driving skills and methods.
Driving Knowledge
- Road and traffic knowledge.
- Vehicle knowledge.
Driving Skills
- Vehicle handling ability.
- Awareness of driving situation.
Driving Abilities
- Sensory perception.
- Cognitive abilities.
- Physical movement and coordination.
Communication Skills
- Appropriateness.
- Watching.
- Speaking.
- Listening.
- Writing and drawing.
- Non-verbal communication.
- Special needs training.
Personal Charateristics
- Attitude.
- Awareness.
- Instruction.
Business Practice
- Monitoring and controlling resources.
- Record keeping.
- Health and safety, welfare.
- Relationships with trainees, customers and the general public.
Business Development
- Sales and marketing.
- Staff recruitment.
- Vehicle selection.
The benefits of Continuing Professional Development for driver trainers
You can practise Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in different ways. For example, you can:
- update your teaching or driving skills
- attend local or national meetings or seminars
- research new vehicles for your business
- spend time developing your business skills
- attend formal courses
- spend time on the internet carrying out desktop research
- network with other driving instructors
Effective CPD will enhance your job satisfaction and improve your overall performance.
As part of modernised driver training, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) plans to roll the CPD initiative out across the other driver trainer categories as part of the wider modernising driver-training program to:
- motorcycle trainers
- lorry instructors
- bus and coach instructors
The DSA is planning to launch a tool on the Directgov website to enable the public to search for a driving instructor by postcode. If an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) has registered their commitment to CPD online via the Integrated Register of Driver Trainers, they can have their details highlighted to enable the public to make an informed choice when choosing their instructor.
WHAT HAPPY HOUR CAN DO FOR YOU
If you require further information contact Rosemary Farrell for your free consultation on 0800 0 52 54 56
