Guide to becoming a driving instructor

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How to become a driving instructor

Starting a career as a driving instructor can be a bit daunting when you're first starting out. Lots of jargon and abbreviations can make it impenetrable for prospective student instructors but never fear. We're on hand to try to cut though the noise and help make the process as simple as we can with our step by step guide.


If you’ve ever considered becoming a driving instructor, you may not be surprised to learn that we highly recommend it! It’s a really great choice of career for those who love to be independent and revel in a challenge. And most of all, you’ll be teaching a really valuable skill, and helping learners to pass their test is a wonderful feeling.


Here we look at everything you need to know about becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI).


  1. Apply to become a driving instructor

    2. Before you can begin training to become a driving instructor, you must first register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). To do this you must be over 21 years old and have held a driving licence for over three years, without holding any motoring convictions. You must also get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.


    Check you are eligible to become a driving instructor on the DVSA website


  2. Get a trainer

    3. Officially you aren't required to have any training before you take the ADI tests to become a driving instructor but, as with all specialist careers, most would find it very difficult to pass the tests without any bespoke training.


    Revolutionary, industry leading driving instructor training from our experts at BSM, offers a concentrated programme to help you become a licensed ADI fast and at a low cost. As well as preparing you for the test, the course will teach you about some of the practicalities of being a driving instructor such as managing your diary and retaining your pupils. Of course, other driving instructor training courses are available.


  3. Take the theory test ( ADI part 1 )

    4. How much does it cost?

    The ADI part 1 test costs £81


    What to take to your test

    You must take your UK photocard driving licence to your test. If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and paper counterpart licence.


    The test

    The test is split into two parts:


    1. Multiple-choice questions

      2. You will be asked 100 questions and will need to score a minimum of 80% in each of the 5 categories:

      • The Highway Code
      • Know you traffic signs
      • Driving - the essential skills
      • The official theory test for approved driving instructors pack
      • The Driving Instructor's Handbook

    2. Hazard perception test

      3. You will watch 14 video clips featuring everyday road scenes and ‘developing hazards’. Click the mouse to get up to 5 points for spotting each the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen. You will need to score a minimum of 76% to complete the test.


  4. Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)

    5. How much does it cost?

    The ADI part 2 test costs £111


    The car

    Your car must comply with the DVSA standards, the test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your car does not meet the rules.


    What happens during the test

    The test takes around one hour and there are 5 parts to the (ADI) part 2 test:

    • An eyesight check
    • 'Show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions
    • General driving ability
    • Manoeuvres
    • Independent driving

    The result

    To pass your ADI part 2 test you must record:

    • No more than 6 driving faults
    • No serious or dangerous faults

    The examiner will tell you what faults you made. You can take the test again if you fail at either your first or second attempt. If you fail at the third attempt you will have to wait 2 years from when you first passed the ADI part 1 test before you can take it again.


    The Cardington Special Test

    You can take the voluntary Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) special test if you’re an approved driving instructor (ADI) or a fully qualified motorcycle instructor. The DVSA special test will test your skills to the highest standard.


  5. Choose your pathway

    6. Once your training for BSM is completed you will have the option to:
    Become a Fully Qualified Driving Instructor

    Complete all your DVSA qualification tests including Part 3

    1. Part 1 - Theory and hazard perception
    2. Part 2 - Driving ability
    3. Part 3 - Instructional ability
    Become a Trainee Driving Instructor

    Increase your teaching experience further, delivering real learner lessons in a BSM car under the official DVSA Trainee Instructor Licence Scheme before attempting your Part 3

We hope so! If you think you have what it takes, check out our driving instructor training courses today. We’d love to help you along your way to a new, fulfilling career.

FAQs

Who can become a driving instructor?

For a driving instructor, it’s important to be professional, organised, and good with people. These can all be honed with training, but are all important characteristics for those pursuing this career.

There are also certain eligibility criteria. You need to be over 21, and have held a clean licence for over three years. You can check to see if you’re eligible with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), or Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland. You’ll also need to have a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before you can apply. Even if you’ve had one previously, you will need to get a new DBS check.

Why should I become a driving instructor?

Being a driving instructor has numerous benefits. For starters, you can be your own boss. So it really suits people who enjoy being independent, as you make all the key decisions, and manage your own time. Which has a positive effect on your work/life balance, as you can arrange your hours and availability to suit your lifestyle.

If you’re dedicated, it can also be very lucrative. It’s possible to make a good living as a driving instructor without having to work back-breaking hours.

You’ll also meet lots of people. The students are the most challenging yet rewarding part of the job. Making a positive impact and equipping them with a valuable skill makes the job truly worthwhile.

Has the pandemic adversely affected the industry?

While the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly affected people’s ability to take driving lessons, there’s actually a huge appetite for driving lessons. There’s currently a driving lesson backlog, and wariness regarding taking public transport is only adding to this.

And if there’s a demand for lessons, then there’s a demand for driving instructors.