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Do you want to take the Cardington test?
The Cardington Special Test is specifically for approved driving instructors, who as part of their continued professional development (CPD) want to demonstrate that they have a high standard of driving competence, which they want to maintain.
Whats involved in taking the test?
The Cardington Special Test is conducted in the instructor's own car, which must have manual transmission, an interior instructor mirror and integral head restraints for the driver and assessor. The test is carried out at the DSA Training Centre by one of the specialist DSA training staff. The test involves about 90 minutes driving on all types of road, including a motorway and in a variety of traffic situations starting from the Driving Examiners hedquarters at Cardington in Oxfordshire. (Other centres are available*).
ADIs have to demonstrate a positive, courteous attitude and the ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly. A high consistent standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective observation, anticipation and planning is expected. In particular, you must demonstrate:
- expert handling of controls
- use of correct road procedure
- anticipation of the action of other road users and taking appropriate action
- sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
- consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
What manouvres will I have to do?
You will also be asked to demonstrate your ability to perform all or any of the following manoeuvres:
- move away smoothly from rest, to include wherever possible, the ability to move off on reasonably steep uphill and downhill gradients
- moving away at an angle, having pulled up behind a stationary vehicle
- overtaking, meeting and crossing the path of other vehicles taking an appropriate course
- turning right-hand and left-hand corners
- stopping the vehicle as in an emergency
- driving the vehicle backwards and whilst so doing enter limited openings to the right and left
- reverse parking exercise (car park and road)
- turning the vehicle around in the road to face the opposite direction using forward and reverse gears.
You are not expected to give any Commentary driving and there is no element of theory testing. At the end of the test the assessor will tell you the result and give a brief explanation of any faults recorded. Written confirmation of the result along with a report of the test will be sent to the instructor.
All successful instructors who achieve a Grade A pass mark will be sent a certificate.
Test Grades
The test will be conducted by a senior staff member. It could be the chief instructor or his deputy. All driving tests carried out by the DSA are marked on a four grade level A to D which are:-- Able to demonstrate a high standard of driving competence, to have a knowledge of the principles of good driving and possess the ability to apply them.
- A safe and skilful driver who is able to demonstrate the ability to be safe at all times, but lacking the high standard of driving competence required of a Grade A driver.
- Able to drive at a level somewhat above that of a learner driver, but lacking in some of the car handling skills of Grade B and not able to demonstrate the high standard of driving competence required of Grade A.
- Not able to demonstrate a good safe drive, and involving some degree of potential or actual danger at times.
You will be notified of the result within a few days whether you have passed or failed together with a report on any faults that had been made.
How to prepare for it?
Its highly recommended to seek extra training from an ADI trainer that has completed the Grade 'A' test before attempting the test. They will guide you in the standard that is required.
Further information:
If you are an ADI and would like to take the Cardington special test you should contact the DSA Training Centre on 01234 744000.
ADI's wishing to book for the Cardington Special Test should complete the DSA application form, forwarding the remittance fee of £117.
(*Other locations are available, including: Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Sunderland).