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
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.
How do I train to become a Driving Instructor?
To become an Approved Driving Instructor you need to pass a series of three qualifying tests. The Part 1 (Driving Theory), Part 2 (Driving ability) and Part 3 (Teaching ability). Your training covers all 3 disciplines from day one. You do not have to complete a qualifying test before your training can move on. You do have to pass each test before you can move only the next.
On successfully completing the Part 2 and after 40 hours of in-car Part 3 training, you can apply for an ADI trainee licence which then allows you to legally start charging for delivering driving lessons. Please see our FAQ's for more on the tests and training.
Whilst no previous teaching experience or academic qualifications are needed to become an ADI, you do need to make a commitment to both train and practice at regular intervals. 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 qualifying test.
On successfully completing the Part 2 and after 40 hours of in-car Part 3 training, you can apply for an ADI trainee licence which then allows you to legally start charging for delivering driving lessons. Please see our FAQ's for more on the tests and training.
Whilst no previous teaching experience or academic qualifications are needed to become an ADI, you do need to make a commitment to both train and practice at regular intervals. 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 qualifying test.
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.
SUMMARYThe first qualifying step to becoming a Driving Instructor. To become an instructor you must:
If you pass the checks, the next step in the qualifying process is to move on to your Part 1 Theory Test: |
SUMMARYWhen 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.
When you pass the Theory Test, the next step in the qualifying process is to move on to your Part 2 Driving Ability test: |
SUMMARYWhen you have passed your Part 1, you can then take a Part 2 test. Here's an overview.
When you pass the Driving Ability test, the next step in the qualifying process is to move on to your Part 3 Teaching Ability test: |
SUMMARYAlthough 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.
When you pass the Teaching Ability test, its time to develop your skills as Local Driving Instructor: |
Want to know more about running your own business teaching people to drive? Meet up with your local trainer to discuss becoming a DVSA Registered Driving Instructor in your local area.
Ray Seagrave ADI, ORDIT
your trainer
Hi, find out more about me, and how I can help you achieve your goals.
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