Jobs for Driving Instructors

Are you interested in making a career change to become a driving instructor? We’ll take you through everything you need to know from eligibility to driving instructor training and where to find driving instructor jobs. Read on to find out more.

An approved driving instructor (ADI) assists people in getting their driving licence. They teach people the skills and knowledge necessary to drive safely and pass their driving test. If you’re considering a career change to become a driving instructor, keep in mind that some retraining will be involved. However, it could open up lots of opportunities for a new, highly rewarding career.

 

Are You Eligible to Become a Driving Instructor?

There are a number of prerequisites for becoming a driving instructor in the UK. Applicants must:

  • be over 21 years of age
  • have a full car driving licence for at least 3 years
  • have a licence to drive a manual car
  • have not been banned or disqualified from driving in the last 4 years

If you meet these criteria, you are eligible to apply to become an ADI. That being said, your application will still go through a selection process by the ADI Registrar.

 

Driving Instructor Responsibilities

As an ADI who’s giving road lessons, you’re entirely responsible for your own safety, and the safety of your student and other road users.

You must always make road safety a top priority and show a high standard of driving and instructional ability. Moreover, you must be professional towards your customers. Your “ADI Badge” must be displayed at all times whilst giving road lessons.

 

Becoming a Driving Instructor

There are a number of steps involved in the application process:

 

Criminal Record Check

First of all, a new criminal record check or DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) must be completed when you apply to become an ADI. This will be done every time you apply to renew your ADI registration. Keep in mind, however, that having a criminal record doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t become an ADI.

For access details and information on the online Disclosures service, see the gov.uk website.

 

Prove Your Identity

Once you’ve completed the online Disclosures service, you must then provide proof of your identity. This can be done at any Post Office offering the ‘CRB and ID verification service’.

 

Online Application

After completing the above steps, you can then proceed to fill out the online application to become an ADI.

 

Training to Become an ADI

Now comes the more difficult part: training to become an ADI. The following steps are involved:

 

Get a Trainer

You’ll need to get a registered trainer who will prepare you for the three qualifying tests to become an ADI.

The gov.uk website has a section offering help finding registered trainers in your area.

 

Take the ADI Theory Test (Part 1)

The theory test will involve answering multiple-choice questions based on a range of road safety topics from road signs and the highway code to the DVSA theory test kit and the driving instructor’s handbook.

This part of the test costs £81 and can be booked on gov.uk.

 

Take the Driving Ability Test (Part 2)

There are 5 parts to the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test which lasts around one hour. These parts are:

  • an eyesight check (reading number plates from a distance)
  • ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
  • general driving ability
  • manoeuvres
  • independent driving

Mistakes are accepted during the test so you should continue driving unless you are told otherwise by your examiner.

This part of the test costs £111 and can be booked on gov.uk.

 

Get Practice Teaching

If you’ve passed your Part 2 test, you can apply for a 6-month trainee licence to gain experience teaching students on the road.

These trainee licences cost £140 and you can apply on the gov.uk website.

 

Take the Instructional Ability Test (Part 3)

This test is where all of your learning comes together. You’ll be watched by a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner as you give a client-centred driving lesson to one of your pupils. This lesson will last around 45 minutes, with the pupil driving for at least 40 minutes.

You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence under 3 categories:

  • lesson planning
  • risk management
  • teaching and learning strategies

Each competency will receive a grade from 0 to 3, which will then be added up to see if you’ve passed.

 

Register and Start Working

Once you’ve successfully passed ADI Part 3, you can apply for your first ADI Certificate (£300). You can then begin charging for lessons and look for jobs at a driving school or by starting your own business.

Every 4 years you’ll need to:

  • have at least one standards check
  • renew your registration
  • get a new DBS check

For further information, be sure to visit the gov.uk website.

 

Finding Driving Instructor Jobs

Now all that’s left to do is find jobs for driving instructors. Be sure to check out Refreshing a Career’s driving instructor jobs board for all the latest opportunities in your area.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and sign up for the Refreshing a Career newsletter using the form below.

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