Learning to drive is a rewarding experience, but it requires early big decisions. Automatic or manual? Do you prefer regular lessons or an intensive course? Who will teach you to drive?
PDI or ADI is an unexpected choice. Confused? Depending on where you look for lessons, you may have to make this choice.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know before calling driving schools (hawks!). By the end of this article, you’ll know PDIs from ADIs like a pro. We’ll compare the pros and cons to help you choose. Begin!
Differences?
PDIs and ADIs differ greatly. Let’s start with one you’ve probably heard of: ADI.
Approved driving instructor (ADI) This title signifies that the individual has passed all three tests (driving theory, practical driving skills, and instructional ability) required to become an ADI. An instructor’s ADI status is indicated by a green badge on their car’s windscreen. ADIs can work for a driving school or work for themselves.
Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) It refers to someone who has applied, been accepted, and begun ADI training. If they’re offering lessons, they’ve passed parts 1 and 2 of the qualification process and completed 40 hours of training. When they meet these requirements, they can apply for a pink badge to charge tuition. PDIs can only work for established driving schools.
Your Finances?
Cost is a major consideration for anyone about to drive. Factors like location and speed can make it difficult to estimate. Who you choose as your driving instructor is also important.
Because they don’t have full qualifications, PDIs often charge less than ADIs. As a trainee, this makes sense. Real stuff costs more.
If you want to save money, hire a PDI instead of an ADI. What you pay for is true. A trainee is a risky investment. Check if you can take a lesson with them to assess their teaching.
When Do You Expect To Pass?
PDIs can only teach for 6 months. They must pass part 3 of the qualification tests by then. They have three chances, but if they don’t cross the finish line, the game is over. They’ll have to start from scratch, leaving you high and dry. Bad!
Some people take longer than 6 months to learn to drive, and you won’t know how many months a PDI has left when you sign up. It limits their learning experience, whatever their situation. This adds to a stressful process.
If you work with a PDI and take more than a few weeks to learn to drive, you may run into trouble.
PDI: Pros Vs Cons
• Cheaper than ADIs.
• New to the role and eager to qualify may be more enthusiastic.
• Their driving knowledge will be fresh because they’re still training.
- ADIs lack experience.
- Their teaching license is only valid for 6 months, limiting your learning time.
- Can’t offer intensive teaching styles.
- Haven’t officially proven their teaching abilities. Some PDIs never pass the third test.
ADI: Pros Vs Cons
• An ADI has proven their teaching ability and probably gained a lot of experience with various learners.
• They must pass regular, rigorous tests.
• Their green badge is valid for 4 years, so you can keep the same instructor.
• Experienced ADIs know local test routes and may have insider tips on test centers.
- You may have to compete with other learners for lesson slots.
- Lessons cost more than PDIs.
It is important to choose the best and most affordable driving instructors that teach you well.