Become A driving instructor

To become a driving instructor in the UK you must first qualify

Developing a very high standard of skills and knowledge unfortunately doesn’t happen overnight. While becoming an ADI is immensely rewarding, it’s also demanding. But worth the effort.

To be legally eligible to operate as a driving instructor in the UK you need to successfully pass all three parts of the DVSA ADI examination shown below. However, you can practice and earn money for 6 months as a trainee driving instructor after passing Part 2 with a sponsoring driving school such as MK CITY DRIVING SCHOOL ready to be inspected at the Part 3 stage. Only when you pass the Part 3 test/inspection will you become fully qualified and entered onto the DVSA’s Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Register.

Part 1: Theory and hazard perception

100 multiple-choice theory questions. Then 30 minutes to watch 14 hazard perception videos, spotting developing hazards as they appear.

 Part 2: Driving ability

An advanced practical driving test, you’ll demonstrate your expert-level driving skills and detailed knowledge of The Highway Code learned during training.

Part 3: Instructional ability

You give a real 1-hour lesson, testing you on three categories – lesson planning, risk management, and teaching & learning strategies.

In addition to the above you will need to be over 21, have held a driving license for at least 3 years (with no more than 5 penalty points on your license) and have passed a DBS check.

Sponsorship: Once you are passed Part 2 you can start to earn money by joining our Mk city driving school as a trainee instructor to get the necessary practical experience essential to passing Part 3 and learning about the business side of running your own driving school. Teaching people for free is an alternative way to get this vital practical teaching experience if you can afford to instruct part time without pay and your training provider supports this option. Which we do.

For the right kind of person this is a dream job

If you genuinely care about people and take pride in your driving this is the right job for you. Be your own boss, choose your own hours and look forward to going to work every day. Take control of your own destiny and take the first step right now. In our view the pleasure from seeing one of your learners master a skill or pass the driving test simply cannot be surpassed. Fantastic job satisfaction, flexible hours, charging £35 to £50 per hour, working locally from home and being your own boss. What more could you ask for?

1.Check if you can become an instructor

As someone who’s responsible for the safety of their pupil, and the safety of others sharing the road, the standard expected of a professional driving instructor is high.

Here are the boxes you’ll need to check.

Who can become a driving instructor?

One of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requirements for becoming an ADI is that you need to be a ‘fit and proper person’. You can see the DVSA’s ADI code of practice here. This outlines the professional standards and conduct expected of UK driving instructor

To be eligible to start your ADI training, you must:

• Be over 21
• Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years
• Have no motoring convictions

You can register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), or Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland.

You need to have a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to begin your application, even if you’ve been checked previously.

You can check your eligibility on the DVSA website, or here if you plan to apply in Northern Ireland.

Skills and knowledge

There are also personal attributes which will stand you in good stead for becoming an ADI. One of the most important of these is being a people person – someone that others enjoy working and being with.

In addition, if you enjoy learning new skills and developing knowledge – and then passing on what you learn – you’re well on your way. It’s also important to be patient and calm under pressure, as there’ll definitely be some hairy moments.

You’ll also need the type of skills required for running a small business. So this means being able to manage your finances, keep on top of paperwork, and plan your time effectively.

Step 2: Apply to become a driving instructor

You can start the process of becoming an ADI on GOV.UK

Before applying, you’ll need:

• Your driving licence number
• Your name as it’s written on your driving licence
• Your criminal record disclosure number from the last 6 months
• Details of any offences – both motoring and non-motoring related – and any disqualifications from driving
• Details of any impending court cases

You’ll also need to declare that you’ve read the DVSA’s ADI register guide.

When you’ve successfully applied, you can start your training to take the ADI part 1, 2 and 3 tests.

Step 3: Start your training

When booking training, you tend to get a mix of practical in-car training and theory resources. For instance, you’re likely to be provided with comprehensive training material, and a platform for connecting with trainers and trainees alike.

With The Mk city driving school, there are two main options. Our Premium Option features 50 hours of 1-to-1 in-car tuition with one of our dedicated trainers. As these sessions are personalised, they can be adapted to suit your learning style.