The Cardington special test
The Cardington Special Test is specifically for Approved Driving Instructors (ADI), who as part of their Continued Professional Development (CPD) want to demonstrate that they have a high standard of driving competence, which they maintain.
The test explained
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 Driving Standards Agency (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.
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
Test manoeuvres
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
Commentary driving is not expected 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 also be sent a certificate, which can be shown to their customers or put on display.
For more 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.
Back
Page last updated: 16/05/2007