Before I Qualify
What's an ADI?
An ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) is someone who is licenced by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) to provide car driver training to learners and qualified drivers.
WHAT'S A DRIVING INSTRUCTORS MAIN JOB?
Typically an ADI will mainly teach learners but can also train fully qualified drivers wanting some refresher training; other people wanting to become driving instructors; or drivers of company vehicles who have to pass an assessment or adhere to specific company policies.
Can you teach someone to drive without qualifying?
Unless you have an ADI licence or an ADI trainee licence (also known as a PDI licence of pink badge), you cannot legally charge for delivering driver training – whether in-car or in a classroom.
How do I train to become a Driving Instructor?
In order to become an ADI you need to pass three qualifying test. The Part 1 driving theory test, the Part 2 driving ability test and finally the Part 3 teaching ability test.
Although you can not apply for the next test until you have completed the one before, you can train for all three tests together. In fact training this way means that you are likely to complete your training sooner than if you trained for and took the tests separately. You can find out more about these by test by clicking the links below:
Part 1 Theory Test
On successfully completing Part 1 you are able to take your Part 2 driving ability test.
Part 2 Driving Ability Test
On successfully completing Part 2 after undertaking 40 hours of Part 3 training, you have an option to apply for a 6 month ADI trainee licence which then allows you to legally start charging for delivering driving lessons. In addition you undertake a further 20 hours of training whilst on your trainee licence. This helps you develop your teaching skills in preparation for taking the Part 3. A PDI licence gives you the practical experience you may need to be successful in taking your Part 3 teaching ability test.
Part 3 Teaching Ability Test
You can opt to sit your Part 3 test without taking out a trainee licence. You are only allowed three attempts at Part 2 and Part 3. If you fail either of these two tests on the third attempt, you will have to start the whole process again taking the additional training you may need.
Although you can not apply for the next test until you have completed the one before, you can train for all three tests together. In fact training this way means that you are likely to complete your training sooner than if you trained for and took the tests separately. You can find out more about these by test by clicking the links below:
Part 1 Theory Test
On successfully completing Part 1 you are able to take your Part 2 driving ability test.
Part 2 Driving Ability Test
On successfully completing Part 2 after undertaking 40 hours of Part 3 training, you have an option to apply for a 6 month ADI trainee licence which then allows you to legally start charging for delivering driving lessons. In addition you undertake a further 20 hours of training whilst on your trainee licence. This helps you develop your teaching skills in preparation for taking the Part 3. A PDI licence gives you the practical experience you may need to be successful in taking your Part 3 teaching ability test.
Part 3 Teaching Ability Test
You can opt to sit your Part 3 test without taking out a trainee licence. You are only allowed three attempts at Part 2 and Part 3. If you fail either of these two tests on the third attempt, you will have to start the whole process again taking the additional training you may need.
do i need qualifications to start?
No previous teaching experience or academic qualifications are needed to become a Driving Instructor. Driving is something you already do, so its not like starting from scratch. You have experience and theory knowledge.
Whilst the training isn’t hard for most, you will be revisiting your theory knowledge to a higher standard, working on increasing your driving standard and learning how to teach those skills and knowledge to others. That requires commitment on your part to study and practice at your pace, in your time. We help you every step of the way and ensure you have the support you need to fully prepare for and pass each of your qualifying tests.
Whilst the training isn’t hard for most, you will be revisiting your theory knowledge to a higher standard, working on increasing your driving standard and learning how to teach those skills and knowledge to others. That requires commitment on your part to study and practice at your pace, in your time. We help you every step of the way and ensure you have the support you need to fully prepare for and pass each of your qualifying tests.
After I Qualify
What happens after I qualify?
On successfully completing your Part 3 test, you can apply for your ADI Licence which then lasts for 4 years. Within 12 months of passing your Part 3 you will be called by the DVSA for a Standards Check to assess your training standard and that it has remained high.
HOW OFTEN DO I GET ASSESSED BY THE DVSA?
Your personal development should be an important part of your ongoing training to keep your training standards high. You development should not stop after you qualify. To remain on the driving instructor register, you have to take at least one Standards Check during each 4-year period that you're registered as an ADI.
The DVSA examiner wants to assess whether your instruction helps a person to learn in the most effective way. So, during the Standards Check, the examiner will observe you giving a normal one hour lesson to a real pupil while they watch from the back of the car. The examiner assesses the instructors performance and gives you a grade based on your score of A, B or Fail at the end.
If you fail the standards check
You'll have up to 2 more attempts to pass the standards check. If you fail 3 times: you'll be removed from the approved driving instructors ( ADI ) register. You will then have to retake the ADI tests to join the ADI register again.
The DVSA examiner wants to assess whether your instruction helps a person to learn in the most effective way. So, during the Standards Check, the examiner will observe you giving a normal one hour lesson to a real pupil while they watch from the back of the car. The examiner assesses the instructors performance and gives you a grade based on your score of A, B or Fail at the end.
If you fail the standards check
You'll have up to 2 more attempts to pass the standards check. If you fail 3 times: you'll be removed from the approved driving instructors ( ADI ) register. You will then have to retake the ADI tests to join the ADI register again.
HOW DO I GET PUPILS TO TEACH?
There are two options available to you once you have qualified.
Option 1
You take up a franchise agreement option with either us or one of the local or national driving schools. Typically, for a weekly fee the school will provide you pupils and take care of all the marketing costs. Each school has a different level of package depending on the level of support you need. That may range from supplying with a branded dual controlled car as well as pupils to teach or just supplying you with marketing support and pupils. Cost vary wildly depending the the franchise package and term agreed.
Option 2
You operate your own business as an Independent Driving School under your own name. In this case you would not have a weekly franchise fee to pay and would need to find pupils through your own advertising and marketing, word of mouth and reputation.
If you would like more information about your options after you qualify and approximate costs around these options please email or call and we will help you with the information you need.
Option 1
You take up a franchise agreement option with either us or one of the local or national driving schools. Typically, for a weekly fee the school will provide you pupils and take care of all the marketing costs. Each school has a different level of package depending on the level of support you need. That may range from supplying with a branded dual controlled car as well as pupils to teach or just supplying you with marketing support and pupils. Cost vary wildly depending the the franchise package and term agreed.
Option 2
You operate your own business as an Independent Driving School under your own name. In this case you would not have a weekly franchise fee to pay and would need to find pupils through your own advertising and marketing, word of mouth and reputation.
If you would like more information about your options after you qualify and approximate costs around these options please email or call and we will help you with the information you need.
will i need training after i qualify?
Being the best instructor you can be brings with it massive benefits and enjoyment for you and your pupils. Those that you teach will recognise your skills in helping them achieve their goals. Your business as an instructor will grow and develop through the ongoing training you receive.
Undertaking Continuous Personal Development training (CPD) will keep your standards high. So when you do present yourself to the examiner for your next standards check your confidence and the quality of your training will shine through on the assessment. You are then more likely to pass with a high grade.
Undertaking Continuous Personal Development training (CPD) will keep your standards high. So when you do present yourself to the examiner for your next standards check your confidence and the quality of your training will shine through on the assessment. You are then more likely to pass with a high grade.
what training courses are available?
The driver training industry offers a number of options where an ADI may operate. Your training could take you down a number of different paths. Including; Taxi Driver training, providing training on speed and driver awareness and improvement courses, training company vehicle drivers and assessing their driving risk and training people to become driving instructors.I offer a number of courses covering all areas of the driver training industry. Please contact me for more information.
Ray Seagrave ADI
your trainer
Hi, find out more about me, and how I can help you achieve your goals.
Copyright Instructor Training 2021