Are you thinking about changing careers or becoming your own boss? If you’re ready to shape the next generation of safe drivers, becoming a driving instructor in Birmingham could be your ideal move. This guide is tailored for both Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs) and Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) looking to grow or kickstart their career in the heart of the West Midlands.
Why Choose to Become a Driving Instructor in Birmingham?
Birmingham is one of the UK’s largest cities, with:
A high population of learners needing tuition.
Multiple DVSA driving test centres, meaning ongoing demand for qualified instructors.
A diverse range of roads, from city centre traffic to suburban dual carriageways, offering rich learning experiences.
Driving instruction is not just a job here – it’s a thriving, in-demand career path.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Driving Instructor in Birmingham
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Check Your Eligibility
You must:
Be over 21 years old
Have held a full UK driving licence for 3+ years
Pass a DBS check
2. Apply to Become a PDI
Register with the DVSA to begin your journey as a Potential Driving Instructor.
3. Pass the Three ADI Tests
Part 1: Theory and hazard perception
Part 2: Driving ability
Part 3: Instructional ability (where workshops and mock tests help enormously)
4. Choose an ORDIT-Approved Trainer
Working with a local Birmingham-based ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Training) trainer gives you the best shot at passing.
👉 Use our ORDIT Trainer Postcode Tool
5. Start Teaching Learners on a Trainee Licence (Optional)
You can apply for a trainee badge (PDI licence) to gain experience while preparing for Part 3.
ADIs: How to Build a Successful Career in Birmingham
If you’re already an Approved Driving Instructor, Birmingham has excellent career-building potential:
Join or partner with a local instructor training academy
Offer manual and automatic lessons for wider reach
Tap into test centre routes knowledge and even develop your own local driving test resources
Upskill with CPD courses such as:
🔹 Standards Check Preparation
🔹 Coaching and Client-Centred Learning
🔹 Risk Management Techniques
👉 Sign up for a PDI Course or Workshop now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much do driving instructors earn in Birmingham?
ADIs in Birmingham can expect to earn between £30–£40 per hour, with full-time instructors earning £30,000–£50,000+ per year, depending on schedule and business model.
How long does it take to become a driving instructor?
The average time is 6 to 12 months, though this can vary based on your study pace and test availability.
Do I need to join a franchise?
Not necessarily. Birmingham offers many options – you can go independent, join a non-franchise partnership, or work with an established school.
Are there local workshops or in-person training courses?
Yes! Birmingham hosts multiple in-person and Zoom-based workshops tailored to PDIs and ADIs. These range from Part 3 prep to specialist coaching skills.
What’s the difference between a PDI and an ADI?
A PDI is still in training (working towards becoming qualified), while an ADI has passed all three parts of the DVSA tests and is fully approved to teach.
Deciding Factors for Starting in Birmingham
- Access to high-traffic test centres like Kings Heath, Garretts Green, Shirley, and South Yardley
- A strong community of trainers and fellow instructors
- Opportunities to specialise in automatic tuition, driving anxiety, and mock tests
- Flexibility to work part-time or full-time
Courses and Workshops to Help You Succeed
Whether you’re starting out or ready to level up, we offer:
PDI courses for Part 1, 2, and 3
Mock test sessions
CPD workshops
Coaching & risk management training
Zoom and in-person events
Final Thoughts: Is Driving Instruction Right for You?
If you’re passionate about helping others, enjoy flexible hours, and want a rewarding career that makes a real difference, there’s never been a better time to become a driving instructor in Birmingham.
Take your first step today – find your ORDIT trainer and start your journey to an exciting, flexible new career.
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