How To Become A Driving Instructor
If you want to work as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Britain, you'll need to be registered on the Driving Standards Agency's (DSA) Register of ADIs. The only exception to this is if you hold a trainee licence to give instruction – issued by the ADI Registrar.
Once registered, an ADI may work for a motoring school, or become self employed. Some ADIs choose to take additional qualifications so that they can train drivers of large goods vehicles, or fleet drivers.
This guide will tell you about being an ADI, the tests you'll need to take, and where to find training instructors to help you prepare for them.
An Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is someone who has passed all three parts of the ADI qualifying test and is currently registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
Before they can apply to join the ADI Register, a Potential Driving Instructor must pass three qualifying tests:
a theory test
a driving ability assessment
a test of instructional ability
They must also take a criminal record check before applying to start the qualifying process, as well as when they apply to renew their registration or rejoin the Register.
If you want to become an ADI, you will need to apply to the Registrar before you start the qualifying tests. Once you have passed the second part of the qualifying examination – the driving ability assessment – you can apply for a trainee licence. This allows you to be legally paid for giving driving instruction, but you should not see it as an alternative to registering as an ADI.
Once registered, a ADI must also pass special tests – 'check tests' – at certain intervals. These are to satisfy the registrar that the ADI still meets the DSA's standards for ability and fitness to give instruction.
As an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), your job will involve mixing with all sorts of people. You will need good people skills, patience and understanding, as well as:
a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of driving
an ability to teach
awareness of changes in the statutory regulations that govern the content and conduct of driving tests – as well as driving instruction
an ability to provide a professional service to people from diverse backgrounds
business sense
The nature of the job means that you may have to work unsociable hours to fit in with your customers' needs.
You will be responsible for your own safety, that of your pupils and other road users. This requires a high level of concentration throughout your working day.
You might consider starting your own driving school. Having to run your own business in an effective and efficient manner will put extra demands on you and may extend your working day. You will generally need to recruit your own customers and will be working in competition with other ADIs. How busy you are and how much you earn will depend on your own ability to market your skills.
You should consider that following a career in driving instruction can be difficult. The qualifying process is tough, the pass rate is low and it can be expensive. The qualifying process will usually take many months to complete.
The benefits of becoming a fully qualified instructor are:
you can be self employed
you can choose what hours you work
if you are successful you can generate a reasonable income
the job can be very satisfying, because you will be starting new drivers on the road to safe and enjoyable motoring
The ADI Starter Pack
A starter pack is available from DSA. This includes an explanatory booklet which gives full details of the ADI Register and qualification process, an Official Register of Driving Instructor Training and application form. A book giving the multiple choice questions and answers, as well as information to help you understand the answers, is also available.
To order a starter pack please call the DSA ADI Service Line on Tel 0300 200 1122 with your credit or debit card details. The ADI Starter Pack currently costs £5.00.
The theory test question books are available at £6.00 each.
Alternatively send a cheque or postal order made payable to the "Driving Standards Agency" to:
Driving Standards Agency
P.O. Box 280
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 1FP
