How To Become a Driving Instructor

Last Updated on October 24, 2024

Are you passionate about driving, teaching, and helping others succeed? Becoming a driving instructor might be the perfect career choice for you. As a driving instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to guide learners through the process of becoming safe and confident drivers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a driving instructor, the benefits of this career, and provide answers to frequently asked questions. We also provide some top tips on how you can elevate from a Provisional Driving Instructor (PDI) to an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). 

Why Consider Becoming an ADI?

Are you passionate about driving, teaching, and helping others succeed? Becoming a driving instructor might be the perfect career choice for you. As a driving instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to guide learners through the process of becoming safe and confident drivers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a driving instructor, the benefits of this career, and provide answers to frequently asked questions. We also provide some top tips on how you can elevate from a Provisional Driving Instructor (PDI) to an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).#

The Benefits of Being a Driving Instructor

Rewarding Career Helping Others

One of the most satisfying aspects of becoming a driving instructor is the ability to help others gain a lifelong skill. Teaching someone to drive is a significant responsibility, and the knowledge that you’ve played a crucial role in their development can be incredibly fulfilling.

Flexible Working Hours

As a driving instructor, you have the freedom to set your own schedule. Whether you prefer working mornings, evenings, or weekends, this flexibility allows you to balance work with other commitments, making it an ideal career for those with family or other personal obligations.

Lucrative Income Potential

Driving instructors can earn a good income, especially with a well-established client base. Whether you’re working independently or as part of a franchise, the financial side of the role can be rewarding, particularly if you choose to work full-time.

Independence and Autonomy

If you prefer to work independently, becoming a self-employed driving instructor allows you to take control of your business. You can decide on your pricing, choose your clients, and grow your brand, giving you the autonomy to run your business as you see fit.

Continuous Personal Development

The role of a driving instructor is one that requires constant learning and adaptation. You’ll need to stay updated on the latest driving regulations, teaching techniques, and road safety measures, ensuring your skills are always sharp. This continuous development makes the job both challenging and engaging.

The Steps to Becoming a Driving Instructor

Becoming a driving instructor involves several key steps, from meeting the basic requirements to passing the necessary tests. Below, we outline the process in detail:

Step 1: Meeting the basic requirements to become a Driving Instructor 

Firstly, check that you are eligible to become a driving instructor in the UK. You must have held a valid UK driving licence for at least three years, be at least 21 years old and be qualified to drive the same category vehicle you’re teaching a learner in.  

The DVSA advise that your application may be refused if you have: 

• Been banned from driving 
• 5 or more penalty points 
• Been convicted of any non-motoring offences 

Becoming a driving instructor requires adherence to these guidelines to maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism. You can check your eligibility to become a driving instructor with the DVSA.  

Step 2: Complete a Criminal Record Check 

Before you can become a driving instructor, you must undergo a criminal record check, otherwise known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. As an ADI you will require an enhanced DBS check, due to the level of contact you will have with the public. The enhanced check will be requested when you sign up to the ADI register. An enhanced DBS check costs £38 and will be carried out as part of the registration process

Step 3: Find Driving Instructor Training 

Once you have confirmed you are eligible to become a driving instructor, you can start looking for driving instructor training courses. There are lots of providers offering instructor training courses, so you should be able to find one that suits both your schedule and budget. In most cases you should try to find training provided by the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT) 

Driving instructor training courses should cover all the topics that you need to pass the tests, they typically include: 

• The Highway Code 
• Road safety 
• Teaching methods 
• Car maintenance 

When choosing a course, you should consider the following factors: 

• The cost of the course 
• The length of the course 
• The reputation of the training provider 
• The location of the course 

Step 4: Pass the qualifying Driving Instructor Tests 

To become a qualified driving instructor, you must pass three qualifying ADI tests to make sure you meet the national standard for driver and rider training.  

Part 1: Theory test (ADI part 1) 

A multiple choice and hazard perception test designed to assess your knowledge of driving theory, The Highway Code, traffic signs and driving techniques. This costs £81. 

Part 2: Driving ability (ADI part 2) 

The second test will evaluate your driving skills. It’s similar to a practical driving test that is taken by a learner driver, just a higher standard.  This costs £111. 

Part 3: Instructional ability test (ADI part 3) 

The third test will assess your teaching skills. In this test you will give a driving examiner, who acts as a learner driver, a driving lesson. We encourage taking advantage of training courses or private tuition to develop your instructional techniques. This is included in your ADI part 2 test. 

Step 5: Set up your own driving school or join a driving school/franchise. 

After passing the qualifying tests, you can choose between setting up your own driving school or joining an established franchise. Each option has its pros and cons, from independence and control to support and brand recognition. Consider your financial situation, market competition, and personal preferences when making this decision. Some of the considerations you could take, include: 

• Independence vs Support: Setting up your own driving school allows you take control of pricing, work schedule and pacing your development. You will also have to consider how you market your driving school, take control of admin and finances. A network may assist with marketing and administration, meaning you can focus on teaching.  

• Building Reputation vs Established Brand: Joining an established network brings the benefit of awareness and recognition, which can help you attract students easier. Starting your own driving school means you must build a reputation from scratch, which takes time and effort.  

• Self-funded training vs Supported Learning: A driving school network may offer free training programmes and learning resources for their instructors. However, if you feel confident with your skills and prefer the autonomy of self-development, starting your own driving school means you can develop the skills you want at a time that suits you.  

• Financial considerations: Setting up your own school requires significant investment. Including, vehicles, insurance, marketing, and other operational expenses. Joining a network may involve you paying a licence or franchise fee, but it can provide a steadier income without the initial investment.  

• Competition and Market Analysis: Research the local market to understand the demand for driving lessons in the area along with the level of competition. Try to evaluate if there is room for a new driving school or if the market is saturated with experienced instructors. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Becoming An ADI?  

Becoming a driving instructor is a career choice that offers a unique blend of rewards and challenges. Like any profession, it has its pros and cons, and understanding these can help you decide if this is the right path for you. Here are the key advantages and potential drawbacks of pursuing a career as a driving instructor:

Pros of Becoming a Driving Instructor

1. Helping People Acquire a Lifelong Skill

One of the most significant advantages of becoming a driving instructor is the opportunity to help others develop a crucial life skill. Driving is a fundamental ability that opens new opportunities for independence, work, and social activities. As an instructor, you’ll have the rewarding experience of guiding learners through this transformative process, knowing that your expertise is helping them achieve a vital milestone in their lives.

2. Flexible Working Hours

Flexibility is a major perk of working as a driving instructor. Unlike many traditional jobs with rigid schedules, this career allows you to set your own hours. Whether you want to work part-time or full-time, during the day or evening, you have the autonomy to choose a schedule that fits your lifestyle. This flexibility is particularly beneficial if you have other commitments, such as family responsibilities or other part-time work.

3. Good Earning Potential

Driving instructors can enjoy a lucrative income, especially with a steady flow of students. Your earnings can increase as you gain experience, build a strong reputation, and perhaps even expand your services to include advanced driving lessons or specialty courses. The financial rewards can be especially attractive if you work full-time or establish your own driving school, where you can set your rates and manage your client base.

4. Option for Self-Employment

Many driving instructors opt to work independently, which offers the benefit of being your own boss. As a self-employed driving instructor, you have the freedom to choose your clients, set your fees, and tailor your services to your strengths and preferences. Additionally, this role can be a great secondary job, providing a supplemental income stream that fits around your primary career or personal life.

5. Job Satisfaction and Personal Fulfilment

The sense of fulfilment that comes with teaching is another major advantage. Knowing that you’ve played a key role in helping someone gain confidence behind the wheel and contribute to safer roads can be incredibly satisfying. For many instructors, this intrinsic reward is a significant motivating factor in their work.

Cons of Becoming a Driving Instructor

1. Demanding Work Schedule

While the flexibility of the job is a benefit, it can also be a challenge. Depending on the needs of your students, you may find yourself working long hours, including evenings and weekends. Balancing a busy schedule can be demanding, especially during peak times like the lead-up to school holidays when many learners rush to book lessons.

2. High Responsibility for Safety

As a driving instructor, you are responsible for the safety of your students, other road users, and pedestrians. This responsibility can be stressful, especially when working with nervous or inexperienced drivers. You must always be vigilant and, ready to intervene if necessary to prevent accidents. The constant need to ensure safety can make the job mentally taxing.

3. Job-Related Stress

Teaching someone to drive can be a stressful experience. Learners may be anxious, hesitant, or prone to making mistakes, which can create a tense environment. As an instructor, you must manage these situations calmly and effectively, helping your students stay focused and confident while ensuring that everyone remains safe. The emotional strain of dealing with anxious learners and high-stakes scenarios can take its toll over time.

Conclusion 

Becoming a driving instructor is a career that offers a unique blend of personal fulfilment, financial potential, and professional autonomy. It allows you to shape the driving skills of new learners, contributing to safer roads and more confident drivers. The flexibility to set your own hours and the opportunity for self-employment are significant benefits that make this profession appealing, especially for those seeking a balance between work and personal life. It important to recognise that the role also comes with its challenges, such as the responsibility for safety, managing the stress of teaching, and maintaining a steady income. The demands of the job require a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development, as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Ultimately, if you have a passion for driving, teaching, and helping others succeed, becoming a driving instructor can be a deeply rewarding career. By carefully considering the pros and cons and preparing yourself for the responsibilities involved, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Whether you choose to work independently or join a franchise, this path offers the chance to make a positive impact on your students and the community, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible and dynamic profession.

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