Getting Started Guide for Trainers

What Can Trainers Do?

As a trainer on myPDI, you have powerful tools to support your PDIs:

• Conduct formal observations scoring PDIs against all 17 DVSA competencies
• Provide detailed feedback on each competency to guide improvement
• Track multiple PDIs and monitor their progress over time
• View PDI reflective logs to understand their self-assessment
• Communicate directly with your PDIs through the messaging system
• Identify common development areas across all your PDIs

Step 1: Find Your Trainer PIN

Every trainer has a unique PIN that PDIs use to connect with you:

1. Go to your Dashboard
   Your Trainer PIN is displayed on your dashboard, usually near the top of the page.
2. Share your PIN
   Give this PIN to any PDI you're training. They'll use it to connect their account to yours.

Step 2: Wait for PDIs to Connect

Once a PDI enters your PIN in their app:

• They'll appear in your PDI list on your trainer dashboard
• You'll be able to view their profile and any existing logs
• You can start conducting observations for them

Step 3: Conduct Your First Observation

Observations are formal assessments where you score a PDI against all 17 competencies:

1. Select the PDI
   From your trainer dashboard, click on the PDI you want to observe, or navigate to "New Observation".
2. Select the learner driver
   Choose which of the PDI's learners was being taught during this observation.
3. Score each competency
   For each of the 17 competencies, assign a score:
   • 1 - Needs significant work
   • 2 - Adequate but needs improvement
   • 3 - Competent
4. Add feedback
   For each competency, you can add specific feedback about what the PDI did well and what they should work on.
5. Submit the observation
   Review your scores and feedback, then submit. The PDI will be able to see the observation on their dashboard.

Step 4: Monitor PDI Progress

Your trainer dashboard gives you an overview of all your PDIs:

• PDI Progress List - See each PDI's average score, observation count, and Standards Check readiness
• Recent Observations - Quick access to observations you've recently conducted
• Common Weak Areas - Competencies that multiple PDIs struggle with (helpful for group training focus)

Viewing Individual PDI Progress

Click on any PDI to see their detailed progress:

• Score trends over time
• Competency breakdown
• Their reflective logs
• Development needs and strengths

Step 5: Communicate with PDIs

Use the built-in messaging system to stay in touch:

1. Go to Messages
   Click the chat icon or navigate to the Messages section.
2. Start a conversation
   Select the PDI you want to message and type your message.
3. Share resources
   You can discuss observations, share tips, or arrange training sessions.

Best Practices for Trainers

Regular Observations

Try to conduct observations regularly - this helps PDIs see their progress over time and keeps them motivated.

Balanced Feedback

Always highlight what PDIs are doing well, not just areas for improvement. Positive reinforcement is powerful for learning.

Specific, Actionable Comments

Instead of "needs improvement", try "Practice checking mirrors before signalling - I noticed this was missed 3 times during the session".

Review PDI Reflective Logs

Reading your PDIs' self-reflections helps you understand their perspective and can reveal areas they're struggling with that might not be obvious during observations.

What's Next?

Now that you're set up, explore these guides:

• Detailed Guide to Observations
• Understanding the Dashboard
• Using the Messaging System
• Frequently Asked Questions