Starting a career as a driving instructor can be a bit daunting when you are first starting out. Never fear, we are on hand to help you every step of the way and make the process as simple as possible.

Here we look at everything you need to know about becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI).

Step 1) Apply to become a driving instructor
Before you can begin training to become a driving instructor, you must first register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). To do this you must be over 21 years old and have held a driving licence for over three years, without holding any motoring convictions. You must also get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

Step 2) Take the theory test ( ADI part 1 )
The test is split into two parts:
2.1) Multiple-choice questions:
You will be asked 100 questions and will need to score a minimum of 80% in each of the 5 categories:

  • The Highway Code
  • Know you traffic signs
  • Driving – the essential skills
  • The official theory test for approved driving instructors pack
  • The Driving Instructor’s Handbook

2.2) Hazard perception test

You will watch 14 video clips featuring everyday road scenes and ‘developing hazards’.Click the mouse to get up to 5 points for spotting each the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.You will need to score a minimum of 76% to complete the test.

Step 3) Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)
What happens during the test:
The test takes around one hour and there are 5 parts to the (ADI) part 2 test:

  • An eyesight check
  • ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
  • General driving ability
  • Manoeuvres
  • Independant driving

Your results
To pass your ADI part 2 test you must record:

  • No more than 6 driving faults
  • No serious or dangerous faults

The examiner will tell you what faults you made. You can take the test again if you fail at either your first or second attempt. If you fail at the third attempt you will have to wait 2 years from when you first passed the ADI part 1 test before you can take it again.

Step 4) Ability to teach (ADI part 3)
From here you have two options:
1) Become a Trainee Driving Instructor
Increase your teaching experience further, delivering real learner lessons in your own car under the official DVSA Trainee Instructor Licence Scheme before attempting your Part 3

2) Become a Fully Qualified Driving Instructor
Complete all your DVSA qualification tests including Part 3

  • Part 1 – Theory and hazard perception
  • Part 2 – Driving ability
  • Part 3 – Instructional ability

Why should I become a driving instructor?
Being a driving instructor has numerous benefits. For starters, you can be your own boss. So it really suits people who enjoy being independent, as you make all the key decisions, and manage your own time. Which has a positive effect on your work/life balance, as you can arrange your hours and availability to suit your lifestyle.
If you’re dedicated, it can also be very lucrative. It’s possible to make a good living as a driving instructor without having to work back-breaking hours.
You’ll also meet lots of people. The students are the most challenging yet rewarding part of the job. Making a positive impact and equipping them with a valuable skill makes the job truly worthwhile.

Who can become a driving instructor?
For a driving instructor, it’s important to be professional, organised, and good with people. These can all be perfected with training, but are all important characteristics for those pursuing this career.
There are also certain eligibility criteria. You need to be over 21, and have not been banned (disqualified) from driving in the last 4 years. You can check to see if you’re eligible with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You’ll also need to have a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before you can apply. Even if you’ve had one previously, you will need to get a new DBS check.

Training Costs!

  • Lessons £32ph
  • ADI Part 1 £ 81
  • ADI Part 2 £111
  • ADI Part 3 £111

What Janine’s Driving School is offering
We offer affordable training package’s, starting with a PAYG (pay as you go) scheme at £32ph. So you pay your instructor on the day of your training and you pay for your tests, PDI badge, registration fee and any training materials that are required.

Or, we have a monthly fee package which offers flexibility, you can pay a deposit on your full training costs, then continue to pay a monthly fee to pay for your training, this will also include the training material that you need. To find out more about this package feel free to contact me.