Top Tips

Being able to provide a good level of commentary takes practice. Some common traps that people can fall into with their commentary are:

Being ‘stuck’ in the Observe phase - this means they will be observing risks ahead and verbalising them but not following up with each risk they point out by saying what they Anticipate will happen and what their Plan is to best dealing with it, should they need to.
Not scanning in a systematic way - this means they are picking risks out in certain areas of their vision and ignoring other areas of risk.
Not looking far, middle near and rear - this links with the previous issue where some people may be looking in these areas but are not verbalising them through their commentary. To improve with this, more practice and perhaps more training would help to ensure they are on the right track.
Not looking far enough ahead - if you are commenting on risks and potential hazards nearer to you (where sometimes this is necessary) you will find you may run out of time to follow through with the OAP cycle before you get to that point and so some drivers will still be talking about that hazard as they are on top of it or even gone beyond that point! If you look further ahead you will have more time to complete the OAP commentary cycle before you get there.

People who are inexperienced with providing a commentary can feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of talking out loud for a length of time and often don’t know how begin.

Having a starting place with your commentary is essential. It allows you to ease into your commentary and stops you from getting tongue-tied or equally, not knowing where to begin so you end up saying nothing.

One suggestion is to begin by setting the scene. Include things like:

Describe the current weather conditions
State what the current speed limit is
Describe the current road conditions, including the road surface i.e. smooth, worn, pot holes, wet, dry, mud, etc
Describe the area you are driving in - town, rural, dual carriageway, motorway, etc

This way you are setting the scene and describing to your assessor that you have noted the current driving conditions and will drive accordingly.

Terms and Conditions

By purchasing this product you agree that you have read and understood the requirements of the test that you are applying for.

Refund policy: Once a booking has been confirmed with a trainer directly for either a one-to-one standards check or mock test session you will need to give seven days notice to cancel, otherwise the fee will be lost and a new booking and payment will be required.

NOTE: For all training sessions and mock tests you and your trainer must wear a suitable face covering. Your trainer cannot provide one for you, trainers are only responsible for their own face covering and PPE protection. If a suitable face covering is not in place, your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost. If you have a medical exception to wearing a face covering, this must be provided as proof of exemption to your Diamond trainer. You must demonstrate that your car has been cleaned, using anti-viral wipes to clean passenger handles inside and outside, the dashboard and any other touch points for the trainer. If your vehicle is not fit for purpose your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost.

Candidates should not attend a training session or mock test if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they identify core symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as a persistent cough or fever). We ask candidates to notify the DIA of any possible exposure to, or diagnosis of, coronavirus as soon as possible. If you are unable to take a test due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or possible symptoms, your session will be postponed without losing your fee and you will not be permitted to rearrange your standards check session or mock test within the next 14 days following the cancellation.

Once you have paid for your standards check session and/or mock test, your details will be forwarded to your nominated Diamond trainer local to you, who will be in touch with you within 48 hours (Monday-Friday) with a view to booking you in at a mutually convenient location, date and time. Some flexibility will be required in terms of location, taking into account trainer availability at regional level and where restrictions with COVID-19 may be taking place. Your Diamond trainer will make arrangements to meet via text, email or telephone. We do not have specific meeting locations and your Diamond trainer will discuss any other queries with you once your booking has been made online.

You will need to use your own vehicle for the standards check session and mock test, which is suitable for training and allows for your Diamond trainer to role play a suitable candidate, with the relevant insurance in place to allow for this. All Diamond trainers are qualified ADIs with a Diamond examiner qualification in place. You will need to show relevant insurance cover to your Diamond trainer, either before or on the day of your agreed booking date and time. The vehicle you supply must be both roadworthy and legal for the purposes of the standards check session and mock test and your session will be cancelled if you do not present a suitable car with the relevant insurance. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your standards check or mock test session you will lose your booking and the fee will need to be paid again.

You will be asked to read a number plate at the required distance, full details can be found at www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules. Your standards check or mock test session will be cancelled if you cannot reach these requirements. You will need a current and valid driving licence which will be checked by your trainer should you need to drive as part of your standards check or mock test.

Online classes

To attend the Zoom sessions you will need a PC, laptop or tablet that can run Zoom and must also have a camera and microphone so you are able to participate fully in the sessions. You are responsible for ensuring you can access and navigate zoom and that you have a strong enough internet connection. If you cannot join the session due to technical difficulties, we cannot guarantee that you will be moved to another session. Session dates are subject to change.

During this course you will be placed into small ‘live’ discussion groups and will need to converse. Please be aware of how to mute and unmute your microphone for the general discussions that will also be taking place.