by web@dminFrom Driving Learner to Driving Mentor: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an ADI with FDT UK
Have you ever thought about taking your passion for driving and making it a fulfilling career? To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is not merely educating people to drive; it’s helping create confident, safe drivers for life. If you’re a careful, dedicated, and enthusiastic driver, a career as an ADI might be your next big step.
Here at First Drive Training London (FDT UK), we know the path from Driving learner to Driving mentor. We’re here to support you through every step of becoming a qualified ADI. Here’s a concise, step-by-step overview of the process:
Step 1: Meet the Driving Eligibility Criteria
- Before you even consider the training, make sure you meet the minimum requirements specified by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA):
- You must have a full UK driving licence for a minimum of three years.
- You can’t have been disqualified from driving in the past four years.
- You must be a ‘fit and proper’ person – this will involve a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- You must be aged 21 years or more.
Step 2: Take the ADI Part 1 Driving Theory Test
This is the first test and encompasses a broad spectrum of driving theory. It’s not dissimilar to the learner theory test but is much more in-depth. The Driving Theory test consists of two sections:
- Multiple-choice questions: 100 questions, divided into four bands (e.g., road procedure, traffic signs, instructional techniques). You must pass with at least 85% overall and at least 20% in any one band.
- Hazard perception test: 14 video clips, 15 hazards to spot in total. You must score a minimum of 57 out of 75.
FDT UK provides detailed online material and assistance to enable you to conquer the Part 1 Driving theory so you’re on top before you’ve even booked the driving Theory test.
Step 3: Master Your Driving Skills – ADI Part 2 Driving Practical Test
This test evaluates your driving skill to a very high level, much higher than the usual car driving test. You will be required to show:
- Expert control of the car controls.
- Excellent road procedure.
- Planning and anticipation skills.
- Precise and safe completion of various manoeuvres.
- An emergency stop.
Our FDT UK instructor training programs include hands-on practical lessons tailored to refine your driving skills to the advanced level required for Part 2. Our experienced ADI trainers will focus on precision and control, ensuring you’re driving like a true professional.
Step 4: Develop Your Instructional Abilities – ADI Part 3 Driving Instructional Test
This is probably the trickiest section, as it evaluates your teaching capability. You will be questioned on your capacity to conduct a driving lesson with a learner driver (acted by the assessor) in demonstrating:
- Core competencies (such as planning for a lesson, managing risks, and instructional strategies).
- Instructional techniques (such as communication, providing feedback, motivating learners).
FDT UK Part 3 training is one of the pillars of our ADI courses. We teach thorough lesson planning and communication techniques, and we adjust our teaching methods to match varying types of learners. You’ll receive excellent hands-on experience and constructive feedback, readying you for actual teaching situations.
Step 5: Apply for Your ADI Badge
Once you’ve passed all three parts successfully, you can apply for your official ADI badge. This makes it legal for you to charge for driving lessons. You’ll also be registered on the ADI register.
Your Driving Journey Starts Here with FDT UK
Being an ADI is a commitment, but it’s one that guarantees huge rewards and flexibility. With FDT UK, you’re not learning a Driving Course; you’re becoming a part of a community of committed Driving professionals.
