Do You Need an ORDIT Trainer in Swindon?
No. You do not have to use an ORDIT-registered trainer to become a driving instructor in Swindon, or anywhere else in Great Britain.
ORDIT is the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training, run by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It provides a way for instructor trainers to demonstrate that they have met the DVSA standard for providing driving instructor training.
However, ORDIT is a voluntary register, not a legal requirement.
That means someone training to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) can choose an ORDIT-registered trainer or a trainer who is not on the ORDIT register.
What does being ORDIT registered mean?
An ORDIT-registered trainer has gone through a specific DVSA process for instructor trainers.
To qualify, a trainer must meet the eligibility requirements, satisfy DVSA suitability checks and successfully complete an assessment of their ability to deliver instructor training.
The ORDIT assessment considers the trainer's ability to deliver client-centred training appropriate to the needs of a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) or Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), in line with the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training.
Once registered, the trainer can advertise themselves as a DVSA ORDIT trainer and appear on the GOV.UK service for finding registered driving instructor training.
Become a driving instructor (ORDIT) trainer - GOV.UK
Is ORDIT compulsory for instructor trainers?
No.
The DVSA states that an Approved Driving Instructor does not need an additional qualification to train driving instructors.
An ADI can therefore provide instructor training without being ORDIT registered.
ORDIT provides independent recognition that a trainer has met the DVSA standard required to join the register, but it remains voluntary.
Should I choose an ORDIT trainer?
ORDIT can be a useful factor when choosing an instructor trainer, but it doesn't have to be the only factor.
Becoming a driving instructor involves considerably more than learning enough to pass three qualifying tests. The trainer you choose can influence how you approach teaching, risk management, lesson planning, reflection and your continued development once you qualify.
When comparing trainers, it can therefore be useful to consider:
- their experience training PDIs and ADIs
- their own continued professional development
- how they approach coaching and teaching
- whether training is adapted to the individual
- how they use reflection and feedback
- their understanding of the National Standard
- what support is available between training sessions
- whether their approach prepares you for the job as well as the test
ORDIT registration can form part of that decision.
It doesn't need to make the decision for you.
Does an ORDIT trainer guarantee better training?
ORDIT gives you evidence that a trainer has successfully demonstrated their training ability against the DVSA's requirements.
That's valuable.
It doesn't mean that every ORDIT trainer will automatically be the right trainer for every PDI.
People learn differently. Training relationships are different, and instructor trainers can have different approaches, experience and areas of expertise.
The important question isn't simply: "Are they ORDIT?"
It is also: "Is this the right trainer for me?"
Those are two different questions.
What should I look for in an instructor trainer in Swindon?
Talk to them.
Ask how their training works, what they expect from you and what support you'll receive throughout the qualification process.
You should feel comfortable asking questions about their experience, qualifications, training methods and approach to professional development.
Most importantly, look at whether they're interested in developing you as an instructor, rather than simply getting you through ADI Part 3.
Passing Part 3 gets you onto the register.
Developing the skills to continue learning, reflecting and adapting afterwards is what helps you develop as an ADI.
So, do I need an ORDIT trainer in Swindon?
No.
There is no requirement to use an ORDIT-registered trainer to become a driving instructor.
ORDIT is a voluntary DVSA register that provides useful independent evidence that a trainer has met its instructor-training standard.
It's reasonable to consider that when choosing your trainer, but you should also consider the trainer's experience, approach, ongoing development and whether their training is right for you.
Choose the trainer, not simply the badge.
Official information
Become a driving instructor (ORDIT) trainer - GOV.UK