Become an instructor

How do I become a driving instructor?

Training as a fully qualified driving instructor isn’t an easy process. However, as long as you’re prepared to work hard and you find the right driving instructor trainer for you, you have a great chance of passing.

There are 3 exams you need to take and pass each one within 3 attempts. You also have 2 years to complete all 3 exams from the date you pass the first exam – ADI Part 1.

Types Of Tests

What are the 3 tests to become an ADI?

Part 1 - Theory and Hazard Perception

The ADI Part 1 is similar to the learner driver theory test. However, as a more experienced driver you will be tested with more questions and the required pass mark will be higher.

The learner’s theory test is 50 questions with a pass mark of 43, whereas the ADI theory test is 100 questions with a pass mark of 85.

Part 2 - Test of Driving Ability

The ADI Part 2 is again similar to the practical driving test for learner drivers, though, as an experienced driver, you will be expected to have a greater knowledge and understanding.

On a learner’s driving test, the candidate can make up to 15 driver faults (previously known as minor faults) compared to the ADI Part 2 test where you can only make 6 driving faults over the course of 1 hour.

Part 3 - Test of Instructional Ability

The ADI Part 3 will test your instructional ability and teaching skills. For this part of the test, you will be observed by an examiner as you train a pupil.

You can pass all 3 exams in as little as 3 months, though trainees typically take between 6 to 12 months if they have an existing job and are doing their training in between.

Requirements

Requirements to become a driving instructor

You should be at least 21 years of age.
Have held a UK manual driving licence for at least 3 years. You should have at least 4 years of driving experience before entering the ADI register.
You should not have been disqualified from driving in the last 4 years before joining the ADI register.
You should have no more than 6 penalty points on your licence.
You should be fit and healthy – this is quite vague, so if you’re unsure, ask during the application stage.
Complete and pass a DBS check, which has to be renewed every 4 years.

Benefits

The benefits of becoming a driving instructor

Be your own boss and set your own hours.
Work when you want, take days off when you want.
Work around your current commitments such as children, family, partners, existing job, part-time job, hobbies and more.
Pursue extra qualifications once you have qualified and go into more advanced instruction such as driving instructor training, fleet training, commercial, trailer towing, ambulance training and more.
Every lesson presents a different challenge.
Meet new people every day.
Earn between £30,000 – £65,000 a year.
Job satisfaction, seeing pupils pass their driving test and teaching them safe driving for life.