ADI Standards Check Training
Prepare for your Standards Check with ORDIT-approved coaching, realistic mock assessments and focused support across all 17 competencies.
A real lesson observed by a DVSA examiner
The DVSA usually conducts a Standards Check every two to four years to make sure instructional quality remains high.
The examiner sits in the back of your car and observes a real 45-minute lesson. The assessment is not about your diary or your overall pass rate. It focuses on how effectively you plan the lesson, manage risk and help the pupil learn.
Standards Check pass marks
The assessment is marked out of a maximum of 51 points.
High standard
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Three categories, 17 competencies
Understanding how the form is marked is one of the most useful ways to prepare for a confident Standards Check.
Lesson Planning
Agree a lesson that matches the pupil’s needs, ability and goals, then adapt it when their performance changes.
Risk Management
Keep the lesson safe, identify developing risk early and use prompts or intervention at the right time.
Teaching and Learning
Use questions, feedback and coaching that help the pupil think, reflect and make visible progress.
Use the SC1 form as your preparation map
Every item on the form provides a clue about what the examiner expects to see during the lesson.
- Is the lesson pitched at the correct level?
- Are the goals agreed with the pupil?
- Is risk managed throughout?
- Are interventions timely and proportionate?
- Is the pupil encouraged to think and reflect?
- Is learning checked before the lesson ends?
Four areas that make the biggest difference
Lesson Planning
Agree the plan with the pupil and choose a level that is challenging without becoming overwhelming.
Risk Management
Prioritise safety and deal with safety-critical incidents at the right time.
Coaching Style
Use open questions that help the learner think instead of relying only on explanation.
Responsibility
Know when to hand tasks to the pupil and when to take control back.
Prepare with an ORDIT-registered trainer
Training is designed around your current strengths, weaknesses and the type of pupil you plan to take on the day.
- SC1 form analysis
- Lesson planning and adaptation
- Client-centred coaching
- Risk-management review
- Mock Standards Check
- Detailed post-session feedback
Keep developing beyond the mock check
Standards Check FAQs
How long is an ADI Standards Check lesson?
The examiner observes a real lesson lasting 45 minutes.
How many competencies are assessed?
The SC1 form contains 17 competencies across lesson planning, risk management and teaching and learning.
What score is needed for Grade A?
A score between 43 and 51 results in Grade A.
What score is needed to pass?
A score of 31 or above is required. Scores from 31 to 42 receive Grade B, while scores from 43 to 51 receive Grade A.
Can I book a mock Standards Check?
Yes. Andrew’s Driving School offers focused preparation and mock Standards Check training with ORDIT-registered trainers.
Prepare for your Standards Check with confidence
Book focused training, review the SC1 criteria and practise a natural, client-centred lesson before the examiner arrives.