The Diploma in Driving Instruction
Contents
What is the Diploma in Driving Instruction?
The Diploma in Driving Instruction is a Diploma which is awarded jointly by the DIA (the Driving Instructors' Association) and Middlesex University. Until 2005 it was awarded jointly by DIA and the AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance). It is completely separate from the National Diploma in Advanced Driving Instruction awarded by RoSPA.
The Diploma is awarded on passing all five Modules, described below. A separate certificate is available on passing each Module. Each Module is available to sit just once a year, usually in May. So if you don't take a Module this coming May, you'll have to wait until next May to take it. You can download from here a detailed summary provided by DIA (but note that this relates to the 2010 exams), and a very useful BADIs DipDI leaflet giving recommended reading and details of the BADIs DipDI course.
Modules can be taken in any order, and any combination (so you can take just one, or any two, or three, or four, or all five). You do not need to pass all Modules at the same sitting, and there is no time limit between passing your first Module (not necessarily Module 1) and your last (not necessarily Module 5). The Diploma is awarded when you pass your fifth Module.
Holders of the Diploma may use "DipDI" after their names. However, the Diploma confers no other rights (eg it is does not qualify the holder to be an ADI). It is not necessary to be able to drive (or even to be above any minimum age) in order to take the exams and gain the Diploma. Nevertheless, DipDI is a useful stepping stone, as described below.
Exam content
There is one exam paper per Module. Each paper consists of several (typically 4-6) separate questions (not multiple choice) requiring written answers (and possibly sketches or diagrams). The paper lasts for two hours (usually starting at either 9.30am or 1.30pm) and has a maximum of 100 marks. Each question shows how many marks are available for that question. Where the question is in parts, the number of marks available for each part is shown.
The Modules are:
- Module 1: Legal Obligations and Regulations.
- Module 2: Management, Practices and Procedures.
- Module 3: Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Principles.
- Module 4: Driving Theory, Skills and Procedures.
- Module 5: Teaching, Practices and Procedures.
Who can take the Diploma exams?
You can. There is no need to be an ADI; or even a driver; or even to be over (or under) any particular age. The exams are open to the public, and sat in the UK. You can download an exam application form here.
2011 exam timetable and results
The 2011 exam dates are:
- Tuesday 10 May 2011, am: Module 1
- Tuesday 10 May 2011, pm: Module 2
- Wednesday 11 May 2011, am: Module 3
- Wednesday 11 May 2011, pm: Module 4
- Thursday 12 May 2011, am: Module 5
The fees for the 2011 examinations are:
- A fixed "centre administration fee" £90, whether you take 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 modules. If you use more than one exam centre (eg you need to be elsewhere in the UK part way through the exams) the £90 fee is payable for each exam centre you use.
- A fee of £80 per exam module (reduced to £55 per module if booked by 16 December 2010).
Cancellations forfeit centre fees and £15 per module. No cancellation refunds are available if you cancel after 17 February 2011.
Any fees for any reading materials, workbooks, or study courses are in addition.
Studying with BADIs
We run a course each year for those of our members who intend to take the exams, whether they are taking just one of the modules, all five, or something in between. For the 2011 exams, our course runs from October 2010 to May 2011, and full details are available to download here.
During the course, the tutors will work through past papers completed by the students during the previous week, and also cover topics such as exam techniques.
The course costs only £4 per evening session, and is open only to members of BADIs. A pretty good reason to join BADIs, we think.
Exam tips
Our top ten exam tips can be found within the password-protected members' pages.
Where next?
As well as a solid qualification in its own right, and one which may give you a competitive edge over your colleagues, the Diploma in Driving Instruction is a natural step towards:
- Becoming a DIAmond Advanced Instructor, the requirements for which are that you must: be a DSA ADI(Car); have passed the Diploma in Driving Instruction; have passed either the DIAmond Special Test or the DSA Special Test for ADIs (the old "Cardington" test, and if passed on or after 1 August 2002 then with two or fewer faults); and has signed, and adheres to, the DIA's Professional Code of Conduct. Suitable DIAmond Advanced Instructors may go on to qualify as examiners for the DIAmond Advanced Driving Test, subject to vacancies for such examiners.
- The Diploma is a substantial part of a University Certificate in Driver Education.
- The Diploma also secures 60 points towards a Degree in Driver Education with Middlesex University, for which 360 points lead to the award of BA(Hons).
Contacts
BADIs home page