If you are thinking of becoming a driving instructor, this page contains information that you may find helpful. The aim of this page is to provide information gained from experience of training as an instructor. It is advisable to find out as much as you can about driving instruction and the training courses available before you start.

Instructor Training

There are numerous training establishments offering courses to train ADIs (approved driving instructors) these include some of the larger driving schools. Specialized training colleges. And individual trainers. When looking for a trainer find out what is included in the cost before you pay for a course.

Ask if they have any recommendations are they ordit registered (official register of driving instructor trainers) this is a voluntary register so may not give you any guarantee of training quality when looking at what is included in the cost of a course (typically £2000-£3000) you should consider the following.

There are three parts to the qualifying exam: Theory, Driving and Teaching. Are they all covered? You are only allowed three attempts for the Driving and Teaching parts so ask:

You need to take and pass all three parts of the qualifying exam in two years from the time you pass part one. Although there are three parts to the exam they are all linked. On part one you are tested on your knowledge and hazard perception. On part two you must show a high standard of driving (no more than 6 driving faults) and on part three you are tested on your teaching ability.

Everyone has different training needs but most people will require a good number of in car training hours to prepare for the part three test. The driving instructors hand book contains advice on training so it may be a good idea to reed this before choosing your trainer or course.

What training is required?

To become a driving instructor you need to be registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and you need to pass the three parts of the qualifying exam before a full license to give instruction is issued.

Part One

You will need to have a good knowledge of the following four question groups.

The theory test has 100 questions (25 for each of the bands: 1-4). To pass the test you must achieve an overall mark of 85% plus you must answer at least 20 of the 25 questions in each band correct.

The second part is a hazard perception test. You will be shown 14 video clips: when you identify a developing hazard you have to click on the mouse. 13 of the clips have 1 hazard, 1 clip has 2 hazards . You can score 5 points for each hazard there are a possible 75 points in total. You must have a score of 57 or more out of 75.

Both parts must be sat and passed at the same time you will receive your result at the end of the test.

Recommended publications

Part Two

The Part 2 test examines your driving ability. It is longer than the L-test and allows for less driving errors. Also you must complete all the required manoeuvres. As with the L-test, any major faults will result in failure of the test.

However where the normal driving test allows 15 minor faults in 35-40 minutes the part 2 test allows only 6 minors and the test lasts for one hour.

No matter how good you think your driving may be. We all pick up bad habits and these need to be corrected before you go for your part 2 test.

Part Three

The part 3 test examines your ability to give instruction and I would say this test is near impossible to pass without good training the test requires you to give two lessons to a Supervising Examiner (SE) who poses as your pupil. Even if you have teaching experience it is worth noting that this is quite different to a normal driving lesson. Firstly the test limits your time and therefore the examiner may make rapid progress that you would not normally expect from your pupils (you only have half an hour to cover a subject). Secondly the SE needs to know that you can keep control of your lesson. To test this the SE may challenge your authority and be deliberately awkward, especially if they find a weakness in your instruction (this could be as simple as giving an inaccurate direction to your pupil).

The training license

Once you have passed the part 2 test you are able to apply for a training license. This allows you to work as a driving instructor providing you meet certain conditions. The training license lasts for 6 months. If you feel you are able to sit the part 3 without working experience then this may be the best option. But do make sure you get plenty of good training.

Trainers I have used in the past and can recommend are:

If you need more help or advice give me a call or email.