Professionalism in Instruction
Professionalism is the bedrock of trust between an instructor and a pupil — especially when you’re being assessed.
More Than Just Driving
Being a professional ADI is not only about technical driving. It’s your consistency, preparation, boundaries, and how you represent the profession in public. On a Standards Check, professionalism often shows up in the small moments: calm tone, clear structure, and safe decision-making under pressure.
Professional Appearance
Your appearance sets the tone. Aim for smart, practical, and comfortable clothing suitable for driving. Avoid overly casual wear — you want pupils (and parents) to feel confident from the first minute.
Essential Documents Checklist
Always ensure the following are valid and available during lessons and the Standards Check:
- Valid Driving Licence (Original)
- ADI/PDI Badge (Correctly Displayed)
- Insurance with Instruction Cover
- MOT & Service Records (for car safety)
- Pupil Progress Records (Logbooks)
Common Professional Slips
- Turning up rushed: no lesson structure, no goal agreement.
- Over-talking: giving instructions instead of coaching decisions.
- Blurry boundaries: “mates” vibe that reduces authority and safety.
- Ignoring reflection: not debriefing errors into learning points.