Become A Driving Instructor

If you’re thinking of becoming a driving instructor, these are the steps you need to take.

Becoming a driving instructor is an immensely challenging and rewarding career. It means you can escape the office, become your own boss, and teach people a valuable skill for life.

Here we look at the steps you need to take to become an approved driving instructor (ADI), and what training is required.

How long does it take to become a driving instructor?

Developing a very high standard of skills and knowledge unfortunately doesn’t happen overnight. While becoming an ADI is immensely rewarding, it’s also demanding. But definitely worth the effort.

Step 1: Check if you can become an instructor

As someone who’s responsible for the safety of their pupil, and the safety of others sharing the road, the standard expected of a professional driving instructor is high.

Here are the boxes you’ll need to check.

Who can become a driving instructor?

One of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requirements for becoming an ADI is that you need to be a ‘fit and proper person’. You can see the DVSA’s ADI code of practice here. This outlines the professional standards and conduct expected of UK driving instructors.

Restrictions and requirements

To be eligible to start your ADI training, you must:

• Be over 21
• Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years
• Have no motoring convictions

You can register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), or Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland.

You need to have a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to begin your application, even if you’ve been checked previously.

You can check your eligibility on the DVSA website, or here if you plan to apply in Northern Ireland.

Skills and knowledge

There are also personal attributes which will stand you in good stead for becoming an ADI. One of the most important of these is being a people person – someone that others enjoy working and being with.

In addition, if you enjoy learning new skills and developing knowledge – and then passing on what you learn – you’re well on your way. It’s also important to be patient and calm under pressure, as there’ll definitely be some hairy moments.

You’ll also need the type of skills required for running a small business. So this means being able to manage your finances, keep on top of paperwork, and plan your time effectively.

Step 2: Apply to become a driving instructor

You can start the process of becoming an ADI on GOV.UK, or at nidirect if you’re based in Northern Ireland.

Before applying, you’ll need:

• Your driving licence number
• Your name as it’s written on your driving licence
• Your criminal record disclosure number from the last 6 months
• Details of any offences – both motoring and non-motoring related – and any disqualifications from driving
• Details of any impending court cases

You’ll also need to declare that you’ve read the DVSA’s ADI register guide.

When you’ve successfully applied, you can start your training to take the ADI part 1, 2 and 3 tests.

If you decide to book training with The AA, you’ll be assigned an account manager who will take you through the registration process. One less thing to worry about.

Step 3: Start your training

When booking training, you tend to get a mix of practical in-car training and theory resources. For instance, you’re likely to be provided with comprehensive training material, and a platform for connecting with trainers and trainees alike.

With The AA, there are two main options. Our Premium Option features 50 hours of 1-to-1 in-car tuition with one of our dedicated trainers. As these sessions are personalised, they can be adapted to suit your learning style.

In-car training is based around AA training hubs, with 110 locations nationwide.

The other option is our Fast-Track VR Option, which features a 3-day virtual reality (VR) training workshop. These are made up of immersive, interactive videos representing a range of real-life driving situations. But it also features 3 days of in-car training with an expert trainer, as it’s important to clock up real-world experience too.

This can be conducted in the following locations:

• Basingstoke
• Cardiff
• Chester
• Dartford
• Dunfermline
• Harrogate
• Melton Mowbray
• Oldbury
• Taunton
• Watford

Locations correct November 2023, with more locations scheduled.

Both options include access to Thrive, our online learning platform. This features comprehensive training materials, interactive sessions with professionals, and the ability to connect and share valuable insights with other trainees.

Find out more about training to be a driving instructor with The AA.

Step 4: Take the theory test (ADI part 1)

You need to sit a theory test (ADI part 1) at a cost of £81. This features a multiple-choice test of your driving knowledge, followed by a hazard perception test. While the procedure is similar to the theory test you take while first learning to drive, it’s much tougher. You’ll need to demonstrate expert-level knowledge.

Find out more about the ADI part 1 test here.

Step 5: Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)

When you’ve passed the theory test, you can take the driving ability test (ADI part 2) which is £111. Again, this is similar to the original practical driving test, but you’ll have to meet a much higher standard. You need to demonstrate driving skills in different traffic and road conditions to an expert level, and comprehensive Highway Code knowledge.

Find out more about the ADI part 2 test here.

Step 6: Get practice teaching

In advance of the ADI test of instructional ability, you need to clock up at least 40 hours of training. This is to build up your skills as a driving instructor, while coming to understand exactly what the role involves. Of these hours, 10 should be in-car training.

You also have the option to get a trainee licence during this stage, becoming a PDI. This means you can give lessons in return for pay, while also gaining valuable on-the-road experience in giving lessons. While being optional, this is the most popular route to take.

Once you’ve completed 40 hours of training, you can get the ADI responsible for your training to sign an ADI 21T form. This is a declaration that you’ve completed your training, and are prepared to take the final test.

Step 7: Take the instructional ability test (ADI part 3)

After you’ve passed ADI parts 1 & 2, the ADI part 3 tests instructional ability. You'll instruct a student for about an hour – either a learner or a full licence holder – while an examiner sits in the back. You'll need to meet the national standard for driver training, so you'll have to be at the top of your game.

Find out more about the ADI part 3 test here.

Step 8: Register and start working as an instructor

Once you’ve passed all three tests, you need to register as an ADI within a year. You’ll then officially be able to call yourself an ADI, and charge money for lessons.

Joining the register

You can apply for your first ADI badge here. This will cost £300. Registration means you can apply to use DVSA logos to show that you’re approved. You can also choose to be listed on the GOV.UK website where people search for driving schools, lessons and instructors.

Registration lasts for 4 years. If you wish to continue as a driving instructor, you’ll be subject to an ADI standards check every 4 years, at a cost of £300.

Career path and progression

For many, being a driving instructor is sufficient. It’s rewarding work, especially when your pupils pass their tests! But there are also various options available for those who’d like to take things further, or specialise in certain areas. For example, you could go on to:

• Form your own independent driving school
• Teach people with disabilities to drive, as part of the Motability scheme
• Train emergency services drivers
• Instruct HGV drivers
• Train other driving instructors

How do you find students and grow your business?

Managing your supply of pupils is something that comes with time and experience. Although it’s worth noting that now is a great time to become a driving instructor, as there’s still a post-pandemic backlog of pupils, and driving lessons are very much in demand.

Still, knowing that you’ve got a steady supply of pupils is reassuring, especially when you’re starting out. For that reason, it’s worth considering joining a franchise. As a franchisee of The AA, for example, you’d get a reliable and uncapped supply of pupils as part of the service.

How can I fund my training?

There aren’t many funding options available for ADI training, other than via your own means. And costs you need to cover include ADI exams, joining the register, travel cost to training locations – in addition to the training itself.

But there are ways to lighten the load. Before the ADI part 3, you have the opportunity to get a trainee licence. This means you can give lessons as part of your training, gaining you valuable experience – and pay! You can find out more about our PDI franchise here.

You may also be able to pay for training in instalments. With The AA Premium Option, which features 50 hours of 1-to-1 training, you can pay in interest-free instalments spread over 2 to 12 months.

Does this sound good to you?

We certainly hope it does! And we’d love to welcome you to The AA family. Whether you’re starting out fresh or changing career, we can give you the all-important foot-up into a rewarding career – teaching a skill for life.

If you’d like to know more, check out our training options or chat to our training team on 0330 053 0007. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.