Your Route to Becoming a Driving Instructor
Becoming a driving instructor provides a rewarding career with autonomy and diversity. If you are thinking about pursuing this rewarding career, knowing the process is essential.
Is This Career for You?
Before making the commitment, weigh the benefits and demands. As a driving instructor, you’ll have the satisfaction of teaching, being your own boss, having a flexible work-life balance, and driving a modern car every day. Each day is different, and there are always obvious opportunities for career progression.
But success is reliant on good interpersonal skills, being able to manage time effectively, and having a lot of patience. It’s a time- and money-investment, so make sure it suits your strengths.
Essential Steps to Become a Driving Instructor
Getting Started: Application & Eligibility
After feeling confident, your next move is to sign up with the DVSA (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency). To qualify, you need to be 21 years or older and have had a driving license for more than three years with a good driving history. A new DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required, no matter what other checks you’ve had done before. You can check your eligibility on the DVSA website.
Compulsory Training & Support
Although not mandatory, professional training is strongly advised by the highly specialized nature of the position. FDT UK, with many years of experience as a premier instructor training company, knows what it takes to succeed. We provide flexible training to suit you, including a trainee license scheme that enables you to work while you gain your qualifications and accelerated opportunities.
The ADI Qualification Path: Parts 1 & 2
These components of the qualification process are crucial to your path of becoming a driving instructor:
ADI Part 1: Theory & Hazard Perception
There are two distinct tests at this level:
Theory Test: a 90-minute examination of the Highway Code, road safety, driving skills, first aid basics, and instructional theory. To pass, an 85% must be achieved.
Hazard Perception: You have to answer 14 video clips, one with two hazards. You have to achieve 57 points out of 75.
ADI Part 2: Advanced Driving Practical Test
This is a one-hour higher-level practical driving test showing your professional driving skills to a DVSA examiner. It consists of an eyesight test, ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety queries, general driving, manoeuvres, and independent driving. You need to score no more than 6 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults to pass. You get three attempts; failing all three means a two-year waiting period since you passed your ADI Part 1 before re-taking it.
If you have a driving test scheduled but don’t feel ready yet, keep in mind that you can reschedule it free of charge, provided it’s at least three working days (Monday to Saturday) prior. Your FDT UK instructor only recommends you take your test when they are absolutely certain you’re ready. Take their professional recommendations seriously, and don’t book until you’re confident.
Your Route to Qualification: Trainee or Direct
Following passing Part 2, you have two choices to continue:
Option 1: Trainee ADI Licence:
Become a potential driving instructor (PDI) with FDT UK to acquire valuable practical teaching experience. This six-month licence enables you to earn money while learning 20 hours of one-to-one in-car instruction from an FDT instructor. Most learners opt for this successful pathway to develop their teaching skills prior to the final test.
Option 2: Direct ADI Route:
Go straight to the ADI Part 3 test after you’ve finished your training. Part 3 is approximately one hour long and tests your instructional ability. A DVSA examiner will see you teaching a client-centred driving lesson to one of your pupils. Like Part 2, you get three attempts, so make sure you’re confident and experienced first.
If you have a driving test scheduled but don’t feel ready yet, keep in mind that you can reschedule it free of charge, provided it’s at least three working days (Monday to Saturday) prior. Your FDT UK instructor only recommends you take your test when they are absolutely certain you’re ready. Take their professional recommendations seriously, and don’t book until you’re confident.
FAQs
It depends because the pace of learning varies. Whereas some qualify in six months, others might take a bit longer. Your lifestyle, commitment, and time availability all contribute to your advancement.
After successfully qualifying with FDT UK, you can become one of our approved driving instructors. Once you enrol in our full instructor course and become an FDT franchisee, your training fee will be reimbursed.
