NVQ

What are NVQs?

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work based awards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are achieved through assessment and training. In Scotland they are known as Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ).

The NVQ in Driving Instruction

The NVQ in Driving Instruction was originally devised for Bus Driver Instructors. The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Licence, administered by the Driving Standards Agency, has been traditionally been viewed as being the preserve of Car Driving Instructors.

This NVQ award is set at level three, which means that the competence required, involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required. The London School of Economics Research Unit puts level three as being the equivalent of two or more A levels, BTEC Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or City & Guilds Advanced Craft.

PCV Instructors who participate in the NVQ Award complete eight mandatory units:

1.    Prepare to Drive the Vehicle
2.    Demonstrate Safe Driving
3.    Supervise Learner Driving
4.    Contribute to Health and Safety in Your Work Environment
5.    Provide Professional Customer Care
6.    Facilitate Learning in the Driving Environment Through Demonstration and Instruction
7.    Facilitate Learning in the Driving Environment Through Coaching
8.    Monitor and Review Learner Driver Progress with Learners

The instructor must also choose two more Units from an Optional Group

9.    Adapt Learning Programmes and Methods for Particular Requirements
10.    Discuss Driving Instruction Programmes with Learners
11.    Design Instruction Sessions
12.    Provide Commentary Whilst Driving
13.    Facilitate Group Learning in the Driving Environment Through Presentations and Activities
14.    Manage the Peformance of Teams and Individuals in the Driving Environment
15.    Facilitate Learning and Assessment through Role Play

The instructor also has the option of choosing any number of Units from an Additional Group

16.    Check what law and other regulations will affect your business
17.    Improve the quality of your products and services
18.    Develop the plan for your business
19.    Implement and maintain Contracted Services/Supplies
20.    Get the right staff for your business
21.    Decide how you will sell and market your products and services
22.    Evaluate and Develop Own Practice