How to become a driving instructor

Last Updated on July 26, 2023

If you are passionate about driving, teaching, and helping other people, becoming a driving instructor could be the perfect career choice for you. 

In this article we discuss how to become a driving instructor, the pros and cons of the job, government funded driving instructor training and how to find training courses. We also provide some top tips on how you can elevate from a Provisional Driving Instructor (PDI) to an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). 

Step 1: Meeting the basic requirements to become a Driving Instructor 

Firstly, check that you are eligible to become a driving instructor in the UK. You must have held a valid UK driving licence for at least three years, be at least 21 years old and be qualified to drive the same category vehicle you’re supervising a learner in.  

The DVSA advise that your application may be refused if you have: 

• Been banned from driving 
• 5 or more penalty points 
• Been convicted of any non-motoring offences 

You can check your eligibility to become a driving instructor with the DVSA.  

Step 2: Complete a Criminal Record Check 

Before you can become a driving instructor, you must undergo a criminal record check, otherwise known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. As an ADI you will require an enhanced DBS check, due to the level of contact you will have with the public. The enhanced check will be requested when you sign up to the ADI register. An enhanced DBS check costs £38 and will be carried out as part of the registration process. 

Step 3: Find Driving Instructor Training 

Once you have confirmed you are eligible to become a driving instructor, you can start looking for driving instructor training courses. There are lots of providers offering instructor training courses, so you should be able to find one that suits both your schedule and budget. In most cases you should try to find training provided by the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT) 

Driving instructor training courses should cover all the topics that you need to pass the tests, they typically include: 

• The Highway Code 
• Road safety 
• Teaching methods 
• Car maintenance 

When choosing a course, you should consider the following factors: 

• The cost of the course 
• The length of the course 
• The reputation of the training provider 
• The location of the course 

Step 4: Pass the qualifying Driving Instructor Tests 

To become a qualified driving instructor, you must pass three qualifying ADI tests to make sure you meet the national standard for driver and rider training.  

Part 1: Theory test (ADI part 1) 

A multiple choice and hazard perception test designed to assess your knowledge of driving theory, The Highway Code, traffic signs and driving techniques. This costs £81. 

Part 2: Driving ability (ADI part 2) 

The second test will evaluate your driving skills. It’s similar to a practical driving test that is taken by a learner driver, just a higher standard.  This costs £111. 

Part 3: Instructional ability test (ADI part 3) 

The third test will assess your teaching skills. In this test you will give a driving examiner, who acts as a learner driver, a driving lesson. We encourage taking advantage of training courses or private tuition to develop your instructional techniques. This is included in your ADI part 2 test. 

Step 5: Set up your own driving school or join a driving school/franchise. 

Deciding whether to set up your own driving school or join a driving school/franchise depends on a range of factors and preferences. Some of the considerations you will take, include: 

• Independence vs Support: Setting up your own driving school allows you take control of pricing, work schedule and pacing your development. You will also have to consider how you market your driving school, take control of admin and finances. A network may assist with marketing and administration, meaning you can focus on teaching.  

• Building Reputation vs Established Brand: Joining an established network brings the benefit of awareness and recognition, which can help you attract students easier. Starting your own driving school means you must build a reputation from scratch, which takes time and effort.  

• Self-funded training vs Supported Learning: A driving school network may offer free training programmes and learning resources for their instructors. However, if you feel confident with your skills and prefer the autonomy of self-development, starting your own driving school means you can develop the skills you want at a time that suits you.  

• Financial considerations: Setting up your own school requires significant investment. Including, vehicles, insurance, marketing, and other operational expenses. Joining a network may involve you paying a licence or franchise fee, but it can provide a steadier income without the initial investment.  

• Competition and Market Analysis: Research the local market to understand the demand for driving lessons in the area along with the level of competition. Try to evaluate if there is room for a new driving school or if the market is saturated with experienced instructors. 

What are the pros and cons of becoming a driving instructor? 

As with any career, there are also pros and cons to becoming a driving instructor. Some of the pros include: 

• You will be helping people earn a lifelong skill, that can be rewarding in itself. 

• You could work flexible hours, which can be good if you have other commitments. 

• You can earn a good salary as a driving instructor. 

• Being a self-employed driving instructor could be used as a secondary job. 

Some of the cons of becoming a driving instructor include: 

• The job can be demanding at times and some days you may have to work long hours. 

• You are responsible for the safety of others, including the learner driver, other road users and pedestrians. 

• The job can be stressful. You will often be dealing with people that are nervous about learning to drive and may make mistakes. 

Conclusion 

Becoming a driving instructor can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but requires dedication, commitment and a genuine passion for teaching and driving. Hopefully our step-by-step guide helps you navigate the process of becoming an Approved Driving Instructor. We recommend you stay up to date on the latest updates to The Highway Code. Along with best practices in side-by-side training as you guide the next generation of learners to becoming responsible drivers. This will help you to teach your pupils effectively as an ADI!