How soon after taking Inst. Class can you start teaching?

[mommagamber]

How soon after taking the instructors course can you start teaching? Is there a waiting period or after taking and passing the class are you able to teach right away? I tried to search the forum for this answer but could not find it. I already have a list of people waiting for me to take the course. Thanks

[wally775]

From DPS standpoint you can start the next day. If you pass of course.
Provided you follow all protocals.
Call and ask DPS if you need verification.

Wally

[sjfcontrol]

As soon as you can transport yourself to your classroom. Waiting for the next day is not necessary.

[mommagamber]

From DPS standpoint you can start the next day. If you pass of course.
Provided you follow all protocals.
Call and ask DPS if you need verification.

Wally

On that note what is the pass/failure rate of the class. I get so nervous about testing. I recently took my Insurance license test and I had no fingernail for the 3 weeks before I took it. I passed on the first try but when you find out there is only a 48% pass rate on the first try it freaks me out. Thanks.

[sjfcontrol]

From DPS standpoint you can start the next day. If you pass of course.
Provided you follow all protocals.
Call and ask DPS if you need verification.

Wally

On that note what is the pass/failure rate of the class. I get so nervous about testing. I recently took my Insurance license test and I had no fingernail for the 3 weeks before I took it. I passed on the first try but when you find out there is only a 48% pass rate on the first try it freaks me out. Thanks.

I don't have statistics, but I'd bet the pass rate is very near 100%. Don't sweat the test.

[clarionite]

If you pay attention in class I don't see any way you can fail. Everything is taught in a very easy to understand way, and the test doesn't have any questions that are trying to trick you. Just enjoy yourself and don't be nervous. It's a good group of folks teaching the class. Do try not to leave a puddle of drool at the range though. It was difficult for me, as I'd love to have a range like that close by that I had access to.

[sjfcontrol]

If you pay attention in class I don't see any way you can fail. Everything is taught in a very easy to understand way, and the test doesn't have any questions that are trying to trick you. Just enjoy yourself and don't be nervous. It's a good group of folks teaching the class. Do try not to leave a puddle of drool at the range though. It was difficult for me, as I'd love to have a range like that close by that I had access to.

When I was there, it was more likely I'd leave a puddle of sweat -- But it IS a nice range.

[Crossfire]

There were a few in our original class that did not pass the shooting portion, but I don't recall anyone failing the written test.

The thing about the shooting part is - you really, really want to pass on the first try. You have to shoot both semi-auto and revolver. Getting that many people through the test TWICE takes time. As time goes by, it only gets hotter out there. The range is like a big bowl. There is no breeze in there. And did I mention it gets hot?

You don't want to be trying to qualify for your second, or third, time when it starts getting close to noon. Not only will you be suffering, but those DPS RSO's will be right out there with you. I don't think their attitudes improve any with the temperature.

Practice before you go. Make sure your guns are in good working order. Make sure you have practiced with the ammo you will be shooting there.

And, don't worry. It's a piece of cake!

[MoJo]

At my class I don't remember anyone not passing the written test. The shooting test was different. Several let the revolver eat them up. You have to pass with the revolver before you shoot the semi auto. Practice your shooting skills and remember it will be HOT on the range so a light breakfast and lots of water before the test will help. Be sure to have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You are going to pass with flying colors!

[mommagamber]

There were a few in our original class that did not pass the shooting portion, but I don't recall anyone failing the written test.

The thing about the shooting part is - you really, really want to pass on the first try. You have to shoot both semi-auto and revolver. Getting that many people through the test TWICE takes time. As time goes by, it only gets hotter out there. The range is like a big bowl. There is no breeze in there. And did I mention it gets hot?

You don't want to be trying to qualify for your second, or third, time when it starts getting close to noon. Not only will you be suffering, but those DPS RSO's will be right out there with you. I don't think their attitudes improve any with the temperature.

Practice before you go. Make sure your guns are in good working order. Make sure you have practiced with the ammo you will be shooting there.

And, don't worry. It's a piece of cake!

I sure enjoy "studying" more for this class then my insurance exam! I just went out and "studied" a whole box of ammo!

[Crossfire]

I sure enjoy "studying" more for this class then my insurance exam! I just went out and "studied" a whole box of ammo!

That's the spirit!

[TexasGal]

From some overheard comments, I think some people in my April class brought a revolver they weren't particularly familiar with. It wasn't their regular gun of choice. Practice with the revolver you will be bringing regularly in the weeks beforehand and you will do fine. The long week and taking the written test had me somewhat frazzled, but the test turned out to be a piece of cake. I had been dreading it so all that left over adrenaline was like an overdose of caffeine and I was then dreading the qualification. Two of my classmates kindly helped me with some timed dry fire practice. That really helped to remind me I was going to be fine--that I just had a case of the nerves.

One note, though, practice in double action rather than single action at all the distances. Taking the time against the clock and those swinging targets to cock a revolver adds stress in my opinion that you are better off without. The DPS encourages the use of double action as well. I shot a respectable score with a K frame S&W in double action only. It has fixed sights that are lousy and has only a 3" muzzle and no trigger job. If I can do it with that, trust me that anyone can. You shouldn't need to bring that 8" target revolver if you just practice a little and you won't have to see the smirk on the DPS officer's face when he inspects it.

I also noted that a few people with guns that use a safety were a bit disconcerted when they were required to put the safety on repeatedly every time they were not actually shooting. Practicing this ahead of time would be good to do if your gun is so equipped. Everyone in my second qualification group qualified on the first try. I think there were a very few out of the first group that had to try again with ours, but they all made it. After getting a look at the targets of the police and military guys I think I will hit the deck if the police start shooting anywhere near me in the future Sorry, guys, you know I love you all and I'm just poking fun

As for how soon you can teach a class; As soon as they hand you that license after the qualification. I have not yet, but I am still getting some additional training I wanted and developing ideas for how I want to conduct things.