Update time...!
I had my Part 3 test in Bedford yesterday. I've been working with my trainer, having weekly 2 hour sessions and covering all the topics and pre-set tests for the exam. I think in all I've had about 30 hours tuition.
The test itself is a strange roleplay experience. The examiner pretends to be two different pupils for half an hour each. The first phase portrays a pupil who's had a handful of hours, is still very much a learner, and you must teach them a lesson on a randomly chosen topic - turning into a side road, emerging from T junctions, doing a turn in the road etc etc. During the second phase, the examiner portrays a more advanced pupil (or even a full licence holder) who needs more coaching than direct instruction.
During each phase, the examiner makes any number of faults, and it's your job to correct them by spotting them, analysing them by talking with the "pupil", and helping them with some remedial action. You're then staying on top of the situation by giving prompts in good time so as not to let the "pupil" make the fault a second time... It's taken quite a bit of work to hone my technique, despite being quite an experienced teacher in other subjects - my classroom doesn't usually move!
After the test, the examiner grades each phase from 1 (dangerous instruction) up to 6 (flawless). You're required to score a 4 and above in both phases to pass. In my mock test a fortnight ago with a colleague of my trainer's, I'd scored a 5 and a 6, so I was hopeful of a pass, despite my nerves.
As it was.... I passed!! A 5 for phase one, and a 4 for phase two. I'm slightly disappointed not to score better, especially on the phase two, but I was properly bricking it for the test, and I think the nerves blunted my performance somewhat! There was a lot riding on the test - with fees for the exam itself, and 2 1/2 hours of my trainer's time, each go would have cost me £186. And you only get three goes to pass!
My cheque for my licence is in the post, and I'm off car shopping tomorrow, happy days!