Toni's Journey to Becoming a Driving Instructor (Part 2)

After successfully completing the Part 1 Theory Test, it was time to work towards passing the Part 2 exam.

This is the driving ability test, again an extended version of the test we all have to take to obtain our full driver's licenses.

However, unlike the practical driving test many learners take on a daily basis throughout the UK, the Part 2 test is much more in depth and you need to show an extremely high standard of driving ability. This is to show the examiner that you are able to pass these skills onto your future students! 

I initially passed my driving test at the tender age of 17. I passed on my first try with 6 'minors', as they were called back then.

Being taught by a local instructor and going out with my parents regularly helped me become a confident driver.

I have always loved driving, and always offered to be the designated driver! Though when I met Ady, 12 years later, he brought to my attention to the fact that though I was confident in driving, I was not the safest of drivers! This was also shown when I pulled out of a junction in front of a taxi and made them swerve up onto the pavement to avoid me! (I even had my manager and a work colleague in the car!) So, this meant I had a lot of work to do to get up to the standard needed to pass my Part 2 Test!

Initially, Ady was giving me tips and help with becoming a safer driver, but we got to the point where we both felt I needed to get some help from an ADI trainer to iron out any of the issues I still had, as we found it difficult to find enough time around work and family to truly knuckle down on it.

This is when I got in contact with Steve at SGS training and he passed me on to his wife, Lorraine, to give me this guidance. She gave me an initial assessment, and I went for most of my training with her in Norwich, as this is where I would be taking my Part 2 test. 

For my initial training session with Lorraine, she took me around Norwich and did an assessment on how much work was needed to get me up to the standard needed to pass the test.

Her initial thoughts were positive. I remember her telling me, ‘Ady has done some good work with you here!’

My main issues were; use of speed (yikes), use of mirrors (it’s hard to get into the routine of checking them when you’ve spent over a decade barely looking in them), and not looking enough when emerging from junctions (a recipe for disaster). 

Alongside my 10 hours of training, I took in 2-hour sessions with Lorraine. Ady and I also regularly went out to practice in his instructor car, which I eventually took to my test and currently teach my pupils in!

Not only did we designate as much free time to practice in Ady’s car, we used every possible opportunity for me to practice, including when we had our three very loud children in the back. I became the designated driver for all our trips with the kids in the family bus too! Though I have to say, it is much more difficult to concentrate with 3 young girls squealing and chatting away behind you! 

We spent a lot of time practicing around the Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, and Lowestoft areas, as this is where I would be conducting my driving lessons, so Ady would help me find suitable practice areas to meet my needs. This was really useful, as Ady was providing me an insight into my Part 3 exam, and how I can help develop my pupil's skills.

After many tears, a lot of panic and plenty of chocolate to calm my nerves, I took my test on the 17th July 2024, passing first time with just 3 driving faults. The examiner said it was an 'excellent and consistent drive, on a difficult route.'

I was incredibly happy and relieved that I passed first time, and Ady was extremely proud of me.

Once the excitement slowed down, the realisation that I now needed to work towards my Part 3 exam was upon me! 

If you would like to find out more about becoming an instructor, or joining our franchise, please get in touch.