Becoming a Driving Instructor

Being an approved driving instructor (ADI) can be a very rewarding career: you’ll help people to learn an important skill for life.
The job involves working with all sorts of people so you’ll need good people skills as well as
  • patience and understanding
  • a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of driving
  • an ability to teach
  • awareness of changes in the regulations for driving tests, as well as driving instruction
  • business sense.

Learner drivers often want to fit in their lessons around school and work so you may have to work unsociable hours to fit in with their needs.

How do I train to become a Driving Instructor?

In order to become an ADI you need to pass a series of three inter-related exams. These are Part 1 (Driving Theory), Part 2 (Driving ability) and Part 3 (Teaching ability). On successfully completing Part 2 and undertaking 40 hours of Part 3 training, you can apply for an ADI trainee licence which then allows you to legally start charging for delivering lessons.

On successfully completing Part 3, you can apply for your ADI Licence which then lasts for 4 years. You can opt to sit your Part 3 exam without taking out a trainee licence first must you are only allowed three attempts at Part 2 and Part 3. If you fail either of these two exams on the third attempt, you will have to start the whole process again.

Whilst no previous teaching experience or academic qualifications are needed to become an ADI, the training and exams you will need to go through are often considered to be the equivalent of studying for two A levels. So whilst the training isn’t hard in terms of adapting and acquiring knowledge and skills, it does require commitment, study and practice. That’s why we will help you every step of the way and ensure you have the support you need to fully prepare for and pass each exam.

The Trainee Licence

Once you have passed part 1 and 2 and have completed 40 hours of instructor training, you will be able to apply for your trainee licence which means you can charge for lessons.  The purpose of this licence is to enable you to gain experience with real pupils whilst earning some money.  Full support is given during this time, including your trainer sitting in on your lessons.

DBS Check

Summary:

​To become an instructor you must:
  • Be over 21 years old
  • Have held a full licences for 3+ years
  • Complete a DBS Check from the Government Online Disclosures Service

The Part 1 Test

Summary:

When you’ve been accepted to start the qualifying process after you DBS check, you can start your training towards the three ADI tests. Here's some information on the Part 1 test.

  • Learn the Theory
  • 100 Question Multiple Choice Exam
  • 4 Sections to cover different topics
  • Hazard Perception Test
  • You will need to pass both tests in the same sitting to complete your Part 1 Exam

Click the button below to find out more about the Part 1 Theory test.

The Part 2 Test

Summary:

When you have passed your Part 1, you can then take a Part 2 test. Here's an overview.
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  • One Hour Driving Test
  • Eyesight Check
  • Basic Car Maintenance 
  • Drive to a high standard
  • Progressive confident drive
  • Follow directions on a Sat-Nav
  • You're allowed a maximum of 6 driver faults

Click the button below to find out more about the Part 2 driving ability test.

The Part 3 Test

Summary:

Although you can train for your Parts 1, 2 and 3 tests at the same time. You can only book each test when you have passed the one before.

Here's an overview of the Part 3 test.
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  • Examiner Observes a real lesson
  • Teach a real lesson
  • Demonstrate your coaching skills
  • Lesson planning
  • Risk management
  • Teaching and learning strategies

Click the button below to find out more about the Part 3 teaching ability Test.

Email or Call us to discuss your new career as a Driving Instructor.

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