Photo by Mason Jones

How to Become a Driving Instructor

Interested in becoming an instructor? Well the process might not be as complicated as you think. Here's what you need to know.

Check You Can Become a Driving Instructor

Before you set off down the path of becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI), make sure to check out whether you are eligible or not. This can be done by answering a government-made questionnaire, in which you will be asked questions such as whether you're registered as an instructor elsewhere in the EU, or if you’ve had a full car driving licence for the past 3 years.

Pass the 3 Tests

To become an instructor, you will have to pass a theory test, driving ability test and an instructional ability test. These tests are know as Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

  1. The theory test will cover the familiars, such as the highway code, knowing your traffic signs and more.
  2. The driving ability test will measure your eyesight, your manoeuvres, your independent driving, your general driving ability and you will face various vehicle safety questions throughout.
  3. Finally, the instructional ability test will consist of you being examined while you give client centred driving lesson.

It's worth noting that, to help you pass you, it's common to hire a registered trainer to help you will all three tests. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency maintains a register call the Official Register Of Driving Instructor Trainers (ORDIT).

Once you have passed the Part 2, you can start teaching under a trainee instructor licence (The pink badge), as long as you have also had 40 hours of training with a qualified ADI. The licence costs £140 and it is highly recommended you get real teaching practice in before considering the Part 3 test.

Register as a Driving Instructor

Once you pass your Part 3 test, the final step is to register yourself as an instructor.

You will have three months to do this after you complete your tests and it costs a fee of £300. From there, you can start your own business or join a driving school.

When you're starting out, you won't have very much word-of-mouth buiness. We'd recommend signing up and getting your business listed on GoRoadie. Pupils that use GoRoadie are looking for a good personality for their driving instructor, not just those with the most experience.