Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Course: Everything You Need to Know
If you want to work as an authorised driving instructor in the UK, you must first finish an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) course. The ADI course will teach you the knowledge and abilities required to become an approved driving instructor and run your own driving school. In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the ADI course, including the necessary requirements, training, and perks of being an ADI.
Step 1: Check if You Are Eligible
To begin, before we get into the specifics of the licence exchange process, we must first determine whether you are eligible to exchange your international driving licence. Your eligibility will be determined by your response to the following question: Are you a British citizen? According to GOV.UK, you are a resident if you have a permanent residence in the United Kingdom and have resided there for a minimum of 185 days. If you are a resident, you can continue with our instructions and look at how to exchange your licence below.
Not considered a resident of the United Kingdom? You will thereafter be unable to switch your international driver’s licence. However, you may be eligible to drive here on your international licence for up to a year.
In the section below, we’ll look at how the laws for changing your international driving licence differ based on where your licence was issued.
Eligibility for Switching to a UK Driving Licence
The eligibility for exchanging a foreign driving licence for a UK driving licence depends on the country that issued the original driving licence. Here are the categories:
- Countries in the EU or EEA: If you hold a driving licence from any country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you can exchange it for a UK driving licence without taking a test.
- Designated Countries: The UK government has designated some countries outside the EU/EEA whose driving licences can be exchanged for a UK driving licence without taking a test. These countries include Australia, Barbados, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, and Zimbabwe. However, this list is subject to change, so it’s always best to check with the DVLA to see if your country is included.
- Residents of Northern Ireland: If you’re a resident of Northern Ireland, you can exchange your driving licence from any country for a Northern Ireland driving licence without taking a test.
- Residents of Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man: If you’re a resident of Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man, you can exchange your driving licence from any country for a local driving licence without taking a test.
- All other countries: If you hold a driving licence from any other country that is not included in the categories above, you will need to take a UK driving test from driving instructor to obtain a UK driving licence.
- Vocational Licence Holders: If you hold a vocational licence from an EU/EEA country, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months using your EU/EEA licence. After this period, you will need to exchange your licence for a UK vocational driving licence. If you hold a vocational licence from a designated country, such as Australia or Canada, you may be able to exchange your licence for a UK vocational driving licence without taking a test. However, the specific rules may vary depending on the country. For vocational licence holders from countries that are not included in the categories above, you will need to take a UK driving test to obtain a UK vocational driving licence.
Rules Of The Highway Code
Here are a few of the most important UK Highway Code rules:
If your car has a seatbelt, always wear it.
- Respect speed restrictions and adjust your speed to the conditions of the road.
- Never drive while impaired by drinking or drugs.
- When necessary, give way to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Always follow traffic signals and road signs, including stop signs and red lights.
Use indicators to communicate your intentions to other drivers. - Maintain a safe gap between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Before changing lanes or overtaking, always check your mirrors and blind zones.
- When visibility is poor, use headlights, and turn off fog lights when visibility improves.
- Always drive awake and focused, and never use a cell phone.
Before taking your driving theory test, you ought to read through the Highway Code in its full online or study ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the Essential Skills,’ which is available in most bookstores
Step2: How to Convert a Foreign Driving Licence into a UK Driving Licence
Now that you’re certain you’re able to exchange your foreign driving licence for a UK one, let’s go over the process. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult. To begin, you’ll need to go to GOV.UK and request an application bundle. This will be mailed to your UK address. The majority of applicants will just need to submit Order Form D1. Others, though, will require more than one form: if you live in Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man, for example, you will also require D4.
You’re one step closer to the finish line if you’ve received your application form(s). All that remains is for you to submit the following set of documents with your application:
- D1 application form (and any other required forms)
- Passport, travel document, or national identification card
- a passport-size colour photograph
- Your present driver’s licence (note, you will not be able to obtain this back)
- If you are from Japan or South Korea, you must provide a certified translation of your current driver’s licence.
- A cost of £43 must be paid by check or postal order.
You must send your application to the DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT.
The Hierarchy Of Road Users
The notion of the hierarchy of road users was established in the amended Highway Code in 2022, and it prioritises the protection of more vulnerable road users over those in larger vehicles. According to the new laws, cars must give pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders priority and take extra precautions to keep an eye out for them.
The hierarchy is founded on the idea that people who inflict the most harm should bear the most responsibility for lowering the risk of harm. In practice, this implies that drivers must exercise particular caution around vulnerable road users and should be prepared to slow down or stop to allow them to cross the road safely.
The new Highway Code now provides specific instructions on how vehicles should safely share the road with vulnerable road users, such as how to properly overtake cyclists and the suggested minimum passing distances. The goal is to raise awareness and comprehension among road users in order to reduce the probability of accidents on the road
Step3: Wait for your new licence
After you have sent your application, you will need to wait for the DVLA to process it. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications they receive, but it usually takes around two to three weeks.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive your new UK driving licence in the post. Make sure to check your details and read the instructions carefully before you start driving in the UK.
Additional Tips from Driving Instructor for International Drivers Wishing to Drive in the UK
If you have a foreign licence and want to drive in the UK, there are a few things you should know:
Familiarise yourself with UK driving laws:
The legislation in the United Kingdom may differ from those in your home country. As a result, before you hit the road, you should become acquainted with the UK driving rules with the help of driving instructor. The UK government website and other resources have information about UK driving rules.
Know the Rules of the Road:
In addition to driving rules, you should be familiar with the rules of the road in the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, for example, drivers drive on the left side of the road, and roundabouts are popular. These guidelines must be followed to protect your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Consider Taking a Driving Course:
If you’re not sure about your driving abilities in the UK, you might want to consider taking a first driving lesson from a driving instructor. This might assist you in becoming acquainted with the traffic laws and driving in the United Kingdom
Familiarise yourself with UK road signs:
UK road signs may differ from those in your home country. As a result, it’s critical to become acquainted with UK road signs in order to traverse the roads safely.
Check your insurance:
It is a legal necessity in the United Kingdom to carry automobile insurance. If you drive your own car, you must obtain auto insurance that meets UK legal requirements. If you’re renting a car, make certain that the insurance matches UK legal requirements.
Keep your driving licence and documents with you:
When driving in the UK, make sure you have your driving licence and other important documents with you, such as proof of insurance and vehicle registration documents. You may be asked to produce these documents by law enforcement officers at any time.
