“Hi Ged & Claire.  I failed my Part 3 test last week and the examiner told me that although I spotted all his faults and tried to fix them pretty well, my fault analysis needed work.  But I’m not sure where I went wrong, because I did what my trainer had told me.  For every fault, I asked him why he did it, but he just said, “I dunno” or “not sure”, and at one point he acted really defensive.  Is my trainer right, or was my examiner just having a bad day?”  Jim (PDI)

Thanks for your question, Jim.  Fault analysis, the second of the three main core competencies on the Part 3 test and ADI Check Test, is often an area of weakness for PDIs and ADIs, so hopefully I can help clear things up for you!

To explain the basic principles of the core competencies in simple terms, imagine you have terrible stomach pain and decide to pay a visit to your local GP.  After entering his room and briefly explaining your symptoms to the doctor (IDENTIFYING the problem), what would his next step be?  Is he likely to ask:

a)    “Why do you have stomach pain?” or
b)    “When did the pain start?  Where is the pain, specifically?  Are there any circumstances in which it is better/worse?”

Read the rest of this entry »

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of being asked to give a presentation on Coaching & NLP with Kathy Higgins at the MSA (NW) Seminar & AGM.

It was a truly excellent day, with some great speakers.  Towards the end of the event, Peter Harvey (MSA’s National Chairman) gave delegates lots of latest industry news, having very recently met with the new Minister for Transport, Mike Penning.

Mr Penning is the person responsible for the decision to cease the publication of test routes and the theory test questions, so it appears he is not afraid to take immediate steps to change our industry.  A few interesting things appear to be coming our way, which will obviously not come without much controversy!

Read the rest of this entry »