How to Become a Driving Instructor

Whether you’re looking to be your own boss or for a new challenge, becoming an approved driving instructor can be a great career move. There are many advantages to working as a driving instructor. Teaching people to drive can be very rewarding. As a driving instructor, you’ll be teaching an individual skill for life.

Skill Required to Become a Driving Instructor

Being a driving instructor involves teaching different people, with different learning ability. It is key to have good communication skills to be able to engage with the learner. Other skills required would be :

Knowledge of the theory and practical driving test
An ability to teach how to drive
Awareness of the driving instruction regulations
Ability to understand the safety of road users
Ability to construct the lesson plan to suit an individual
Business skills
Patience

Most of the skills will be gained throughout the learning process of becoming an approved driving instructor.

How to Become a Driving Instructor – Advantage

Becoming your own boss.
Working flexible hours that suit your lifestyle.
Meeting new people every day.
Enjoying great job satisfaction.
Becoming an expert in the field.
Income over £35,000 after the expense.

Anyone who gives driving lessons in return for profit must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Before looking into how to be a driving instructor, you will need to have held your full UK or EU driving licence for at least 4 years and have no more than 5 penalty points. You also need to undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Check.

How to Become a Driving Instructor – CRB Check

The first step is to call the DVSA and request a Criminal Record Check. To request a disclosure application, call the Helpline on telephone number 0870 850 2455. Alternatively, you can apply online for your Criminal Record Check. The DVSA require a potential driving instructor to be a “Fit and proper person.” The assessment process consists of three qualifying parts, namely the theory test, an advanced driving test and a teaching test.

How to Become a Driving Instructor – The Part 1 – (Theory Test)

The first section of the test is similar to learners they test but much harder. Firstly, you will be accepted to answer 100 multiple questions in 90 minutes. There are 4 subjects consisting of 25 questions each. The hazard perception element of the ADI Part 1 is once again similar to the learner’s test although harder as it requires a higher pass mark.

How to Become a Driving Instructor – The Part 2 ( Advanced Driving)

Part 2 of the process is a test of your driving skills. The drive will consist of town driving, rural country lanes, motorways and the reversing exercises. You should drive to a high standard. You’ll need to be able to show exceptional control and understanding of the safety of the road. You are also expected to show an understanding of the rules and regulations of the road.

DTC-UK may be able to assist in the preparation of the ADI part 2 driving test. The average waiting time for a driving test appointment is over 2 months. However, DTCUK.co can get you one much sooner. On completion of this stage, the applicant may apply for a trainee driving instructors licence. This enables the applicant to teach learner drivers under the supervision of a qualified driving instructor in order to gain experience.

How to Become a Driving Instructor – The Part 3 ( Instructural Ability)

Part 3 of the process will test your ability to teach learners. It is a difficult test will an average pass rate of 40%. During the test, the DVSA examiner will watch you give a “Client Centred Driving Lesson.” The test normally lasts an hour. Your pupil can be a leaner or a full licence holder. However, they can’t be an approved driving instructor (ADI) or someone else who is preparing to take the ADI part 3 test.

ADI Part 3 Marking Sheet

You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories. These 3 categories are risk management, lesson planning and teaching and learning strategies. The 17 areas of competence are listed in the ADI part 3 test report form, which the examiner will fill in at the end of your test. You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out if you’ve passed the test, and what your grade will be.