FAQ
To become an Approved Driving Instructor, you need to be able to answer YES to all the following:
- Have you held a full UK or EU licence for 3.5 out of the past 6 years?
- Can you read a normal size number plate from a distance of 27.5 metres (90 feet) with glasses if required?
- Do you have less than six points on your licence?
- You have no convictions in the past ten years that would prevent you from being on the Driving Instructors Register? For example: robbery, assault.
- You enjoy working with people.
Find the best training course for you. Not all training courses are the same so do your research and choose the best fit. Once you have booked your course you should be guided through the process by your training provider but if not, here is the process.
- Apply for your DBS Check
- Once you have received your DBS your can apply to the DVSA register, you must do both of these before you are able to book any test.
- Take an ADI Part 1 Theory Test
- Take an ADI Part 2 Driving Test
- Take up a six months trainee licence (Optional)
- Take an ADI Part 3 Teaching Test
- Theory Test Part 1 (100 Questions and a 14 Clip Hazard Perception Test)
- Advanced Driving Test Part 2 (Advanced One Hour Driving Test)
- Test of Teaching Ability Part 3 (An Observed Driving Lesson)
No. You must already have registered with the DVSA before booking an ADI part 1 theory test.
Anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on your work and family commitments. Most people train and qualify in around 9 to 12 months.
A full-time driving instructor delivering 35 hours of driving lessons a week with four weeks off a year should earn around £40,000 per annum after business costs.
Training courses can vary in cost from around £1000 up to £4000. The cheapest courses normally involve you signing a 12-month franchise contract which can cost you more in the long run.
The quickest way of getting on the road as a driving instructor is to take your training as an intensive course. Passing your part 1 and part 2 tests as soon as possible and then taking your 40 hours of part 3 training. You can then start giving paid instruction on a trainee licence which is issued by the DVSA. You must apply for the licence.
A trainee licence is a 6-month licence that you can apply for once you have passed your part 2 driving test and have completed 40 hours of part 3 training. This allows you to charge for giving tuition to gain experience before taking your part 3 test of instructional ability.
No. You must be sponsored by a driving school. There must be at least as many fully qualified driving instructors in that school as they have trainee licence holders. (PDIs)
Yes. You are required to have a further 20 hours of part 3 training within the first 3 months of your trainee licence or have a fully qualified ADI sit in on 20% of the lessons you give. Due to the cost of the ADI sitting in option, almost all trainees opt for the 20 hours extra training.
No. You can train and then take a pupil to your part 3 test. You must not charge your pupil for the lesson or any lesson you give them until you have qualified.
No. You must not charge any money whatsoever if you don’t hold a trainee or full licence to instruct.
Are driving instructor’s employees of the driving school they work for?
Part 1 Theory Test – £81.00 Part 2 Driving Test – £111.00 Part 3 Teaching Ability Test – £111.00
You have choices, you could buy our course upfront, or you can spread the cost on our current payment plan. All extra training is available to buy on a pay-as-you-go basis when you need it.
It is possible to complete the training without reading the recommended books. We would strongly advise against this as the books are valuable training material.
It is possible to train without in-car training, but it is unlikely you will reach the standard required to qualify. In-car training is vital to your success.
A trainee licence is a six-month licence granted by the DVSA allowing you to teach for payment to practice and hone your skills before taking a part 3 test of teaching ability.
Yes but there are rules attached. You must have passed your Part 1 Theory Test, Part 2 Driving Ability Test and completed 40 hours of Part 3 training signed by yourself and your trainer on a form called the ADI21T. All your 40 hours of training must have taken place no more than six-months before you apply for your trainee licence.
Yes. You must complete a further 20 hours of face to face training within the first 3 months of your licence or have an ADI sit in on 20% of your lessons throughout the whole of your time on a trainee licence. Most trainees opt for the 20 hours training and the hours must be signed off by you and your trainer responsible for your training on the form ADI21AT. You must then send this form to the DVSA and immediately book a part 3 teaching ability test. Following the end of the first 3 months of your licence you must take an extra five hours of face to face training and the same if you fail an attempt at your part 3 test, before your take another attempt. Like your 20 hours, you must record these hours on another ADI21AT form and send to the DVSA.
Yes. We have a payment plan. Please ask what we are currently offering.
There are very fair terms and conditions you must sign digitally before you can buy the course. This protects both you the trainee and us, so both parties understand their responsibilities and the time frames training is available.
Toggle All in-car training must be taken within 12 months of purchase. We will consider any extenuating circumstances and may extend this 12-month period if appropriate.