Free Tool

Standards Check Grade Calculator

Score yourself against all 17 DVSA competencies to see your predicted grade. Identify weak areas and get specific improvement advice before your next standards check.

0 / 51

Fail

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Lesson Planning

0/15

Did the trainer identify the pupil's learning goals and needs?

Identifies what the pupil already knows and what they need to learn in this lesson.

Was the lesson structure appropriate for the pupil's level of ability and experience?

Lesson content matches the pupil's current ability - not too easy, not too advanced.

Were the learning objectives clear and were they communicated to the pupil?

The pupil understood what they were aiming to achieve by the end of the lesson.

Was the agreed lesson structure suitably flexible to meet the pupil's needs?

Able to adapt the plan in real-time when the pupil's needs changed.

Was the pupil given the opportunity to influence the lesson content?

The pupil had input into what was covered - not a one-way instruction session.

Risk Management

0/15

Did the trainer ensure that the pupil fully understood the risks involved in the lesson?

Safety briefing appropriate to the driving environment and pupil level.

Was the trainer's feedback timely and appropriate?

Intervened or gave feedback at the right moment - not too early, not too late.

Did the trainer use a teaching style that was appropriate for the pupil's level of ability?

Matched instructional style (full instruction / prompted / guided discovery) to what the pupil needed.

Was the level of intervention by the trainer appropriate?

Intervened when needed for safety but did not over-control or under-control.

Was the trainer aware of the risks created by the pupil?

Maintained situational awareness of developing hazards throughout the lesson.

Teaching & Learning Strategies

0/21

Was the pupil encouraged to analyse problems and identify solutions?

Guided discovery approach - pupil worked out what to do, not just told.

Were opportunities and examples used to clarify learning outcomes?

Used real driving situations to reinforce understanding, not just theory.

Was the pupil given appropriate and timely feedback during the session?

Feedback was constructive, specific, and timed so the pupil could act on it.

Were the teaching methods used appropriate for the pupil's learning style?

Adapted to how this pupil learns - verbal, visual, demonstration, practice.

Was the pupil encouraged to reflect on their own performance?

Pupil was invited to self-assess - not just told what they did right or wrong.

Was the pupil asked appropriate questions to check their understanding?

Questions were open and probing - not just yes/no questions.

Did the trainer summarise what had been covered and agree future lesson focus?

Lesson ended with a clear recap and an agreed focus for next time.

FAQ

Questions & answers

What is a DVSA standards check?

A standards check is an assessment conducted by a DVSA examiner to evaluate the quality of instruction given by an approved driving instructor (ADI). It replaces the old 'check test' and assesses 17 competencies across three categories: Lesson Planning, Risk Management, and Teaching & Learning Strategies.

How is the standards check graded?

Each of the 17 competencies is scored from 0 to 3, giving a maximum total of 51. A score of 43 or above is typically Grade A, 31 to 42 is Grade B, and below 31 is a fail. These thresholds are based on widely-used unofficial guidance — the final grade is at the examiner's discretion.

What happens if I fail a standards check?

If you receive a fail grade, the DVSA will arrange a further standards check. You'll be given time to address the areas that need improvement. If you fail again, your ADI registration may be removed, though you can appeal.

How often are standards checks carried out?

Standards checks are typically carried out every 4 years as part of your ADI registration renewal. However, the DVSA can request a standards check at any time if there are concerns about your instruction quality.

Can I use this calculator to prepare for my standards check?

Yes — this calculator helps you self-assess against the same 17 competencies the examiner will evaluate. By scoring yourself honestly, you can identify areas that need improvement before your actual check. The improvement advice for each low-scoring competency gives you specific, actionable steps.

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