Do You Need Qualifications to Be a Driving Instructor?

If you are thinking about becoming a driving instructor in the UK, you might be wondering, whether you actually need qualifications to become a driving instructor. Teaching learner drivers is a serious responsibility, so there are legal requirements and formal steps you must complete before you can charge for lessons as an Approved Driving Instructor. In this blog, we’ll discuss the requirements for becoming a driving instructor, the qualifications needed, the three-part exam, how to register as an ADI, and some additional considerations you might not have thought about.

What Is Needed To Become A Driving Instructor?

If you want to legally charge for driving lessons, you must be a fully qualified ADI. To become an ADI, you need to satisfy a set of eligibility criteria*, complete three government-administered exams, pass a background check, and register with the DVSA. Once you have successfully completed these steps, you can legally teach and earn money as a driving instructor.

*Eligibility Criteria Needed

Qualifications Needed

Below are the main driving instructor qualifications and requirements you must meet:

• Qualifying tests – You must pass all three parts of the ADI exam: theory, driving ability, and instructional ability.

• Full, clean driving licence – You must hold a full UK driving licence (for cars) and have held it for at least three years.

• Minimum age – You must be at least 21 years old to become an ADI.

• Criminal record check – A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or similar in Northern Ireland) is required to confirm you are a “fit and proper” person.

• Training / preparation – While not strictly a “qualification” as such, many prospective instructors take a training course from a DVSA-registered trainer (ORDIT) to prepare for the ADI exams.

The Three-Part Exam

To earn your ADI qualification, you must pass a three-part exam. Each part tests a different skill set:
1. ADI Part 1 – Theory Test
This is a written exam focused on driving theory, road rules, hazard perception, and the national standard for driver training.
2. ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test
This practical test assesses your driving skills to ensure you can confidently and safely control a vehicle under test conditions. You have only have three attempts to pass this part of the exam. If you do not pass, you will have to pay again to book another test.
3. ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test
This is where you demonstrate your competence in teaching. You will give a lesson to a pupil while under assessment, showing you understand how to instruct, communicate, and manage a learner. You will need a pupil, a suitable car, your licence (or trainee licence), and a log of your training.
You must pass all three parts within two years of passing Part 1, otherwise you will need to restart the process.

How Do You Register as an ADI?

Once you’ve passed the three-part exam, you can apply to register with the DVSA as an Approved Driving Instructor. Here is how it works:

• You must register within 12 months of passing your Part 3 test.
• When you successfully register, you receive your ADI certificate (sometimes called your ADI “badge” or registration).
• Your registration is valid for four years, after which you need to renew it online.
• You’ll also need to undergo a standards check by the DVSA, typically every four years, to make sure your teaching ability is still up to scratch.

It is important to note, in between the second and third part of the three-part exam, you are classed as Potential Driving Instructor (PDI). This essentially means you are training to be a driving instructor and awaiting the final part of the three-part exam. Your training driving instructor licence lasts six months, so you should aim pass the third part of this exam within this time frame.

What Else You Need To Consider

Beyond the core qualifications and exams, here are some other important things to think about when pursuing a career as a driving instructor:

• Trainee instructor licence – After passing Part 2 (driving ability), you can apply for a trainee licence, which would make you a PDI before coming an ADI. This allows you to teach for six months while you prepare for Part 3.
• Training provider – Many new instructors find it valuable to work with a trainer from the ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Training). ORDIT is a voluntary scheme which is ran by the DVSA with the aim of raising the standards of ADI training, in line with national standards.
• Business model – Decide whether you want to be independent (running your own instructor business) or work for a driving school. Each has pros and cons around cost, autonomy, and support.
• Insurance & costs – Start-up costs (training, test fees, licence, DBS), as well as ongoing costs like insurance, car maintenance, and marketing.

Conclusion

To be a driving instructor in the UK you absolutely need to pass the three-part exam, and satisfy eligibility and background checks. It is not always quick path, but it is structured to ensure that instructors are capable, safe, and professional. Whether you decide to train independently or through a school, once qualified, you will be well-placed to begin a rewarding career teaching learner drivers.