G.R.A.D.E.A. by Chris Bensted
Real prep. Real results. Making every lesson “a normal lesson.”
Stop guessing. Start preparing.
Too many instructors are told:
“Just do a normal lesson.”
But unless someone’s actually seen your ‘normal’, how do you know it meets the standard?
Whether it’s the Standards Check or Part 3; it boils down to two things:
- Know the criteria.
- Be able to meet it – consistently.
My Approach
When the Check Test changed to the Standards Check, I supported 1000s of ADIs — for free. Since then, I’ve trained with two of the best:
- Lou Walsh – Driving Instructor TV
- Tri-Coaching Partnership – Train a Trainer programme
I don’t offer fluff or formulas. Just structure, understanding, and results.
The foundations of all my training is based on 2 factors; the first is on a core structure that recognises and meets any requirements, the second is on flexibility. Between these two the magic happens. It allows you to be the trainer that YOU want to be. Creative, flexible and fun.
When I qualified, over 17 years ago, I was lucky enough to discover Lin Webb. A local instructor who taught me that the DVSA way wasn’t THE way. In fact the DVSA way wasn’t even the DVSA way, it was the industry interpretation that supported the ‘sausage machine’ instructor training industry best. Once given permission I went on to make a reputation for myself doing it differently and developing new skills. I surrounded myself with some great visionaries, originally undertaking training with them, and often then delivering my own training to them in return. I have now reached my peak understanding and this is what has become GRADEA.
Common Misunderstandings
“Just meet the pupil’s needs”
But are you genuinely adapting the lesson, or just ticking boxes?
“Risk management means hands off”
It’s about shared responsibility, not silence in the passenger seat.
“Value for money”
Would you pay for the lesson you just delivered?
Support Options
🆓 Free Option
- Download the DVSA SC1/P3 Marking Sheet
- Rewrite the 17 competencies in your own language
- Use it as a lens for every lesson
🔍 Q & A Development session — £65
- 60-minute Zoom 1:1
- Live discussion + reflection
- Personal lesson planning guide + notes
- Answer your questions
GRADEA Course — £129
Structure. Clarity. Confidence.
GRADEA is a focused 1:1 Zoom course that helps you deliver Standards Check-ready lessons — every lesson.
“It’s for anyone delivering driver training. New, experienced, successful, or struggling. You’d be surprised who’s already done this — and how much it’s changed their lessons.”
The biggest issue being faced by PDIs and ADIs when it comes to training is that there is too much of it available! Sounds like a great thing, but it is leaving them swamped and confused. Chris Bensted’s key skill is in making the complicated simple, understandable and deliverable. You will not have heard this before – it is 100% Chris.
What to expect:
Format:
- 2hr-hour 1:1 Zoom session
- Optional follow-up: £65 (1hr)
Focus:
- The GRADEA model (not the 17 Competencies)
- Designed to make every lesson Standards Check/Part 3 compliant
- Helps you:
- Deliver structured lessons
- Understand DVSA expectations
- Challenge or reaffirm your current approach
- Feel confident under assessment
Includes a full copy of GRADEA structure and notes.
Not recorded. 48hr notice required for rescheduling.
Thats great, but what are you going to teach me?
Have a look for yourself. Here is a goals article that introduces Chris’ innovative ‘Tri-Cycle Goals’ approach to supported goal setting. Combined with the GRADEA structure every lesson you deliver will be affective, adaptive and appropriate.
Why Wait for the DVSA?
The less notice you get, the more stress you carry.
Start treating self-assessment as CPD now — so the Standards Check becomes just another lesson.