The Check Test

After qualifying you will be "check tested" for your continued ability to give instruction. Generally your first check test will be an "Educational" visit, where help and advice will be given. HOWEVER try and get the SE to change his mind and give you a HIGHER grade.

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Here are some HINTS & TIPS:

Before your Check Test (CT), try to use a student driver that has had a few lessons but is not at test standard. Your student should also respond well to your help and with your Q & A: A lot of students are reluctant to be a 'stooge' learner for a check test, but they usually agree if you offer to give an hours free lesson.

If you can't supply a learner for the Check Test, you can use a qualified driver, or if the worst comes to the worst and you cannot do that, the SE will role-play the Check Test.

You'll need to allow at least an hour and half (preferably 2 hours) for the Check Test. Although the Check Test lasts for about an hour, you will need to allow time for your debrief at the end.

You will normally meet the SE at your local test centre. Try to be on time. The SE will ask you how many lessons your student has had and the topic you will be covering in the lesson. When your student first meets the SE don't forget to introduce them.

If it’s your first Check Test, you will be graded, unless your grade is below 4, then it will be marked as an 'educational'.

If you have any worries or you're unsure what the SE is looking for on a Check Test, don't be afraid to give him/her a call, (they usually have a 'surgery' on a Friday, when they're in their office) they will be really helpful and put your mind at rest.

If you are hardly able to leave the loo because the first check test is scaring you to death then perhaps you'd best go for something easy to put across, that you know you don't have problems with. Try to avoid doing a manoeuvre though, I've been told that the SE's are tired of seeing them.

Reality is, it shouldn't scare you as the examiner is there to help you and he/she can best help you, if they can see your skills under as near as normal conditions as possible. Aim high and go for it!

There are no short cuts. You need to supply a good lesson. Have a plan and make your plan clear at the start. Discuss with your pupil the plans for the lesson. Ask if they've been doing any practice since you saw them last. Think about where you can go to best demonstrate and allow practice of the subject.

Don't be frightened to drive to the area yourself and demonstrate what you want to see them doing. Keep in control of the situation. If something serious crops up don't be frightened to leave the intended plan and get onto the problem first or even abandon the original plan.

Q & A. Don't badger the pupil, but keep up their attention by asking things like "What do you see ahead?" "Any problems behind?" Don't dry up. Even a seemingly dumb question may not be so. Keep the plans you had for the lesson in mind.

Enjoy the lesson! Have a bit of fun, but don't be rude or sexist.

Aim to go in a circuit so any problems you encounter can be repeated and corrected. Make sure you spot and inform the pupil of any serious errors. If a serious error occurs, pull in as soon as practical, discuss and try to get them corrected. Inform of all minor errors and if you haven't had time then tell your examiner.