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BTEC for Learner Drivers |
Zodiac Driver Training is pleased to announce we are approved to deliver the a2om BTEC in Driving Science.
Who are aČom?
aČom stands for Alpha to Omega Motoring; its basically Greek for the A to Z of motoring. The aČom team have developed excellent software and a comprehensive syllabus that helps you become a better driver and ultimately a safer one too. The aČom vision is to save lives on the road by developing skills and improving attitudes that means starting now, before youve even passed your test.
What is a BTEC?
A BTEC Intermediate level is an academic qualification equivalent to GCSE level. It is accredited by Edexcel; the UKs largest awarding body. Edexcel provide academic and vocational qualifications to more than 25,000 places of learning here and in over 100 countries worldwide. In the UK, Edexcel offers qualifications and testing in more than 24,000 schools, 450 further education colleges, more than 80 higher education institutions, 600 public and private sector employers and, increasingly, e-learning providers. Edexcel will verify the quality of the course and its delivery.
Why should I take the BTEC?
The aČom BTEC in Driving Science has been designed to make you a better driver from day 1, so after completing the BTEC you will be above the normal driving test standard and safer on the road.
How does it work?
The aČom BTEC in Driving Science integrates into your normal driving lessons; starting as early as your first lesson. Youll be learning material straight from the European Goals for Driver Education thats basically the best you can get. The 5 unit syllabus covers the main aspects of driving and one of the units (including driving at night, motorways and rural roads) must be completed after youve passed your DSA driving test. If youre thinking this is just going to slow you down, think again! You will be learning advanced skills in a structured course, and you will therefore be more prepared for every stage of learning to drive. So you could be test-ready sooner and more likely to pass first time.
The aČom BTEC curriculum comprises of 5 units taking you through all aspects of driving. The units are titled:
1. Driving skills and risk.
2. Safe interaction with other road users
3. Environmental driving
4. Driving responsibilities
5. Safe driving behaviour (post-test module)
Is it a course or do I have to do a test?
The BTEC is a course that ends with a qualification, so there has to be some form of assessment. Some assessments are done online and some by your driving instructor. Before giving you a discount, insurers will want to know that youve learnt to drive to an advanced standard. At the end of each unit you must be able to complete two tasks, on topics youve covered already. Youll only be asked to complete them when you are ready and youre allowed unlimited retakes until you get it right.
Who can teach the BTEC?
Only aČom approved driving instructors can deliver this course. Even if youre part-way though learning, you can still take the BTEC and get all the benefits. It will not hold you back from taking your practical DSA test.
How much will it cost?
The BTEC will cost you Ł175 plus the cost of the driving lessons
How will it improve my driving?
Believe it or not, the front part of our brains doesnt fully develop until were about 25 and when you consider this part of the brain controls things like impulse, emotion, risk-management and eye movement, its easy to see why so many young drivers are coming unstuck. Add to this the fact that 19 out of 20 crashes are down to attitude rather than driving technique and its clearer still. The aČom BTEC has been designed to stimulate development of your brains frontal lobe, it will accelerate your competence in driving and make you more able to spot and deal with hazards as they unfold.
How can it save me money?
One word insurance. The only reason insurance for young drivers is so expensive is because of all the insurance claims they make! aČom have partnered up with a number of insurance companies who see that by passing the BTEC youd be less likely to make a claim, so in turn theyll cut the cost of your premium by as much as 50%. If you want to find out how much you could save exactly, email btecinsurance@a2om.com with your insurance details and well help you find out.
What other benefits are there?
Well the BTEC will look great on your CV for a start even if youre on for three As at A-level. When youre in a job interview, up against 11 others with similar grades and the interviewer is looking for something that stands out, just maybe theyll pick up on this qualification and think youre that little bit different from the rest. Youll also get trained motorway experience because this is included in the post-test module giving you added confidence when you have to hit the M-roads alone, or perhaps worse, with a car full of people.
Is there a minimum and maximum age for someone to take the BTEC?
The practical part of the DSA driving test must be passed in order for the final unit of the BTEC to be completed, therefore the minimum age that someone can complete the BTEC is 17 years (16 years if registered disabled). However, the e-learning modules can be done before this and can be accredited as prior learning. There is no maximum age.
What is the e-learning suite all about?
The aČom e-learning suite is split into two sections:  
aČom highway and aČom mind.
aČom highway
is a fully interactive, on-line learning environment, which makes the theory of driving fun and stimulating. It will develop your knowledge and challenge your attitudes in relation to driver behaviour.
aČom mind
is designed to accelerate a new drivers ability to manage risk. You will use our computer-based programme to practise key skills that will teach you to identify and deal with all kinds of risky situations.
It also includes mock DSA practical theory and hazard perception tests. The aČom e-learning suite is a beneficial educational tool and builds your experience of the risks of driving from the comfort of the classroom or from home.
How do I enrol?
It couldnt be easier to enrol on the aČom BTEC in Driving Science. All you need to do is contact us at Zodiac and we will do the rest. You will be given log-in details, which will let you access the e-learning suite immediately.
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