Whats the process?

---

 In order to begin training to become a Driving Instructor, you must meet certain criteria as set by the DVSA – Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

1. Be at least 21 years old
2. Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years
3. Pass a criminal record check
4. Apply to the DVSA
5. Pass an advanced theory test
6. Pass a driving ability test
7. Apply for a Trainee ADI licence (optional)
8. Pass an instructional ability assessment
9. Every 1-4 years pass an instructional ability assessment

If you are over 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years then you can start the process of becoming a Driving Instructor.

 

Firstly, you will need to have a criminal record check. You must apply for one even if you hold one already.

 

You can apply online by filling out an application in your browser. After filling out your online application you must prove your identity. This can be done at a post office that offers the ‘CRB and ID verification’ service and will cost £6. You must provide 3 original forms of identification, these could be: 

• An up to date driving licence 
• Your passport 
• A utility bill that is less than 3 months old 
• Bank statement that is less than 3 months old 

These documents must be originals, copies will not be accepted. You must also bring out your printed application – the page with the barcodes on.

Once you have received your criminal records check, you can start the application process to become a Driving Instructor.

To apply you must have:

• Your driving licence number
• Any details of driving disqualifications, motoring, or non-motoring offences
• Any information on court cases that are being brought against you.

Motoring Offences and Convictions:

You may have your application refused if the ADI registrar feels you are not suitable to become a Driving Instructor or for any of the following reasons:

• Banned from driving
• You have 6 or more points on your licence
• Convictions for non-motoring offences
• You have been banned from working with children.

Your application is also likely to be declined if you have been convicted any of the following:

violent, sexual, financial, or drug-related crime

Part one of the qualification process comprises two separate tests, and you are required to pass them both.

The theory test checks your knowledge of the Highway Code, general road safety, driving techniques, basic first aid knowledge and the theory of instructing a pupil. We can provide you with all the necessary training material, accessible online, and you can attempt as many mock tests as you wish on the training website to gauge your progress. The test lasts 90 minutes and you must achieve an 85 percent mark to pass.

The second test includes a hazard perception test using 14 video clips, one of which will feature two hazards. The training programme includes interactive video system that not only allows you to practice the test, but also reviews your performance after each attempt, helping you to recognise the hazards. On this test you must score 57 points out of a possible 75.

This test will cost £81

The second stage is an advanced practical driving test. You will be expected to demonstrate a professional level of driving ability with a DVSA examiner. 

We recommend 10 hours of one-to-one training with an accredited driving instructor in an appropriate tuition vehicle. 

The test itself lasts around an hour and includes:  

• an eyesight check
• ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
• general driving ability
• manoeuvres
• independent driving

This Test will cost £111 and you only have 3 attempts to pass it

The DVSA will issue you with what is, in effect, a provisional license to ‘teach for reward’. This means that you can join Get on the Road as a potential driving instructor (PDI) and begin giving actual lessons for payment. This is an extremely effective way of honing your skills in instructional ability ahead of your part three test. It also means that you start to make a living as a driving instructor. Your trainee licence is valid for six months, and you will continue to receive 20 hours of in-car training on a one-to-one basis from a approved driving instructor prior to your part three test. You can apply for a trainee licence if you:  

• have passed your ADI part 1 test in the last 2 years
• have passed the ADI part 2 test
• have had at least 40 hours of training from a qualified ADI in providing driving instruction (at least 10 of which were done in a car), recorded on the ADI 21T declaration form
• are eligible to take the ADI part 3 test

This licence will cost you £140 for the 6 months

A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner will watch you give a client-centred driving lesson lasting about 45 minutes to one of your pupils.

Your pupil must drive for at least 40 minutes of the lesson.

The examiner will look for evidence that you meet the national standard for driver and rider training.

 This Test will cost £111 and you only have 3 attempts to pass it 

 Once you have passed the tests you must register within 12 months for your first ADI certificate this will cost £300 and lasts for 4 years. When you have your certificate, you can start charging for lessons. Either joining a driving school or setting up your own business. You will have at least one standards check every 4 years this is a repeat of the part 3 test but the will expect you to have improved from the first one. You also need to renew your registration and get a new DBS check every 4 years.

This is one of the most common questions asked, but can often be the most difficult to answer. Because we all learn at different paces, some instructors pass after just six months while others will take a little longer. Factors such as your lifestyle, resources, time and commitment all play a part in how quickly you will pass.