skip to Main Content

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Driving Instructor

If you are passionate about driving and love teaching others, becoming a driving instructor could be the perfect career choice for you. As a driving instructor, you will not only have the opportunity to pass on your driving skills to others but also enjoy a flexible work schedule and the potential to earn a good income.

However, becoming a driving instructor in the UK requires dedication, effort, and some essential steps to follow. The comprehensive guide to entering the world of driving instructors, covering everything you need to know to start a successful career.

Requirements For Becoming a Driving Instructor

You must complete the following qualifications to become a driving instructor in the United Kingdom:

  • You must be at least 21 years old to apply.
  • You must have held a full UK driving licence for at least three years.
  • You must have a clean driving record and no criminal convictions.
  • Medical fitness: You should be in good health and have 20/20 vision.
  • DBS check: You must have a DBS check to work with children and vulnerable individuals.

Look For A Trainer

Technically, you don’t need any training before completing your ADI tests (the following step), but due to the specialised nature of the job, doing so will be quite tough. When searching for a driving instructors, consider their qualifications and teaching style to ensure the best learning experience.

That is where we come in. DriveFix understands what it takes to be a successful instructor as one of the UK’s leading instructor training organisations with nearly 20 years of expertise. DriveFix can provide flexible training to meet your goals and personal circumstances, a trainee licence opportunity (so you can earn while you learn), a fast track option, and many other advantages.

Look for a trainer

Take The ADI Part 2 Advanced Driving Practical Test

The advanced practical driving test is the second stage. You will be required to demonstrate professional driving abilities to a DVSA assessor.

The Test Last About An Hour And Involves The Following:

  • A vision examination
  • ‘Show me, tell me,’ he says. concerns about vehicle safety
  • General driving prowess
  • Manoeuvres
  • Driving independently
Advanced Driving Practical Test

You Must Have The Following To Pass Your ADI Part 2 Test

  • No more than six driving errors
  • There are no major or harmful flaws.

Your examiner will inform you what mistakes you made after the examination. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you only get three chances, so make sure you’re prepared before taking the test. If you fail all three tries, you must wait two years from the date you first passed the ADI part 1 test before taking the ADI part 2 again.

ADI part 2 test

Take Part 3 Of The ADI Or Become A Driving Instructor Option 1 - TRAINEE ADI LICENCE

Join DriveFix as a potential driving instructor (PDI) and start teaching. This is an incredibly effective method of sharpening your instructional ability in preparation for your part three test. It also implies that you will begin to earn a living as a driving instructor.

Your trainee licence is valid for six months, and you will continue to get 20 hours of one-on-one in-car training from a DriveFix instructor before your part three test. After completing the test, you can apply to join the DVSA list of authorised driving instructors. This is the path taken by the vast majority of trainees.

Trainee ADI licence

OPTION 2 - ADI ROUTE DIRECT

Complete your ADI qualification by taking ADI Part 3.

Part three, which lasts around an hour, assesses your ability to teach. A DVSA inspector will observe you as you provide a client-centred driving lesson to one of your customers. You are only allowed three attempts, just like in part two, so make sure you have enough experience and are prepared for this test before taking it. The ADI route direct offers a streamlined path for aspiring driving instructors to achieve certification and start their careers.

ADI route direct

Once You Become An Approved Driving instructor When you train with DriveFix

You will have the opportunity to join us as a franchised driving teacher and be a part of what is widely regarded as the best International driving school in the industry. If you participate in our entire teacher training course, you will be eligible for a refund of all DriveFix training fees after you become a DriveFix franchisee.

Approved Driving Instructor

Conclusion

For people who enjoy teaching and are enthusiastic about driving, becoming a driving teacher in the UK can be a fulfilling career path. You may become an Approved Driving Instructor and start your own profitable driving school business by following the requirements and methods detailed in this definitive guide. Remember to always provide exceptional customer service, to always enhance your abilities, and to enjoy the perks of flexible and rewarding work.

Frequently Asked Questions
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, yet it is also one of the hardest to answer. Because we all learn at different rates, some instructors complete their certification in six months while others take a little longer. Your lifestyle, resources, time, and devotion all play a role in how soon you pass.
As a general rule, you should expect to finish the course of study in six to nine months, though there are a few factors to keep in mind when determining how long it will take you to pass.
Based on a 35-hour work week and 48 weeks per year, charging £33 per hour equates to an annual wage of about £31,000 after tax, national insurance, and costs.
According to current trends, the number of instructors on the road in 2025 is expected to shrink to just over 38,000 as more instructors retire or move into other industries, potentially making things harder for provisional drivers.
Back To Top