ORDIT Role Play is an effective learning tool

Role Play is probably the most misunderstood training method among Approved Driving Instructors and has become, for some, the most feared form of training possible; and yet it is a great training technique when used effectively. I am going to talk about the use and benefits of Role Play to PDIs and ADIs as part of their training and continual professional development. When carried out correctly, role play is fun and effective. It can be used to help develop trainee instructors by the trainer simulating situations that they may come across with their learners on the road, in order to develop specific skills such as Feedback, Questioning, Listening, Rapport, guided instruction and observational skills. It can be specifically used to develop the trainee’s confidence, by using accurate and supportive feedback during and after the role play. Role play can be used for character portrayal and demeanour and can be useful in developing coaching conversations. It can also be a safe method of developing skills without ridicule or the fear of feeling stupid. There are certain performance standards that should be adhered to when using role play. It must be an effective training activity that will meet the learning outcomes/goal. To help achieve this, the role play needs to be reliable, credible and realistic for the training taking place at that moment in time. Route planning is essential, and in order to manage the risk, the route should be short and repeatable ensuring safety. I believe that to ensure the role play is effective, the trainee must be briefed, and the learning outcomes agreed. The trainee must know how the role play will be executed and that the role play remains consistent throughout the learning exercise. The brief should include an explanation of how the role play will be started, and finished, how the risk will be shared i.e. the trainer will/will not expect the trainee to use the dual controls. For high risk faults, role play can be extremely effective by simulating that fault verbally. For example: “I think it’s safe to overtake now” when it clearly isn't. You can also use Role Play to portray a student with high risk attitudes that acts as a barrier to their learning. Characters that I have used in the past have been “Fast Freddy” and “Jumpy John”. They were helpful to the trainee to learn how to take control of a lesson, manage risk and as a platform to be able to deal with preconceived attitudes to driving on a public road.Role play is an extremely high-level skill that requires the trainer to be able to manage the learning outcomes, keep the car safe, portray different characters and situations that eventually lead to the trainee achieving their goal. Of course, there are other methods of learning, and as a trainer it is important to recognise when to use Role Play and when alternative methods would be more beneficial. When delivering training nowadays, we are breaking away from the one size fits all mentality that was prevalent within our industry 5 plus years ago. Role play can be used as an effective learning tool and if you want to find out how, then our “Train the Trainer” courses will help you to develop the skills required. For those who are still afraid of role play, demonstrations can be used to help overcome any fears regarding the benefit of role play. I invite you to take our training which comes with our usual money back promise, if you don't like our training on day one simply tell us within 24 hours of the training taking place and we will give you your money back.
​ORDIT is the DVSA Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers.