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What the DIAmond Tests consist of

The DIAmond Advanced Driving Test consists of a 1 hour high progress drive (while keeping within the bounds of safety and the speed limits) covering approx 30 miles, during which the Examiner will ask the candidate to perform four set exercises. These are, Reverse Left, Reverse Right, Parallel Park and the Turn in the Road.

Candidates are asked to drive under a variety of road and traffic conditions, including urban, rural, motorway and dual carriageway type roads.

Candidates are expected to drive as experienced motorists and take every opportunity to make maximum progress. Overtaking wherever it is safe and legal, while at all times demonstrating absolute control over the vehicle.

Throughout the test the examiner will observe every aspect of the drivers performance, including levels of intuition, precision, flexibility and concentration, as well as observing how well the rules of the road are applied to each and every situation that is encountered.

To pass this test, the candidate must not commit more than 6 minor driving faults. This is the same as the Approved Driving Instructor Part 2 Exam.

Many Potential Driving Instructors (PDI's) take the DIAmond Advanced Driving test as a 'mock exam' prior to taking the ADI Part 2 Test.

Candidates may repeat the same fault, however, if he or she repeats the same fault as a 'pattern of error' then as in the basic 'L' test this would result in a serious fault being recorded, resulting in failure.

If during the drive one or more serious or dangerous faults are recorded then once again the driver would fail.

The DIAmond Special Test follows the same procedure as the DIAmond Advanced Motorist Test but, instead of allowing six minor driving faults, a maximum of two (provided they are not the same fault repeated) are allowed to pass at this level.

This test is of 90 minutes duration and covers approximately 40 miles. During the latter part of this drive the Examiner will require the Candidate to give a commentary for a short period of time, usually around 5 to 10 minutes duration.

In addition to demanding a very high level of proficiency during this test, the examiner will assess whether or not the Candidate is driving in an Eco-friendly manner, i.e. Not over reving the engine or causing it to labour excessivly thus wasting fuel and adding to the effects of pollution. The maximum fault recorded for a non-Eco-friendly drive is one minor driving fault, even if repeated.

Although this test was introduced originally as the ultimate test of a Driving Instructors ability, it is now available to members of the general motoring public. The DIAmond Special Test is currently the most stringent measure of driving ability available to drivers in the UK.

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 is carried out at the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Training Centre at Cardington, Bedford 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.

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