To become an Approved Driving Instructor you need to meet a number of minimum standards and then pass the 3 Driving Vehicle Standards Agency tests within a period of 2 years:

Minimum Standards:

• • Hold a full UK or EU unrestricted car driving license for at least 4 of the last 6 years

  • Not have been disqualified in the last 4 years

  • Be a 'fit and proper' person to be included on the Register, this includes DBS checks

DVSA Tests:

• • Part 1 - Theory - as a driving instructor you are expected to have excellent up-to-date knowledge of the Highway Code, responsibilities of road users, car control, fundamental car mechanics, accident management, the driving test, driving with disabilities, instructional technique and learning theory.  The Part 1 theory question test covers all these subjects with 100 questions splitting the subjects across 4 bands, the pass mark is 85% with a minimum of 80% in each of the 4 bands.  Once this is completed you will then sit the video based hazard perception test, this is identical to that taken by normal learner drivers with the exception that the pass mark is set at a much higher standard of 76%.  You must pass both parts at a single sitting.

  • Part 2 - Practical - once you have passed part 1 you are allowed to take the practical test which is simply a test of your driving ability in a very similar manner to that which learner drivers undergo.  Again as you would expect the required standard is high and so the test is longer (around 1 hour), takes in motorway driving (if practical), includes all the manoeuvres (corner reverse, turn in the road, parking) and the emergency stop.  To pass you must commit no more than 6 driver faults, no serious faults and be able to meet a more stringent eyesight check.

  • Part 3 - Instructional Ability - okay having proved you are a good and knowledgeable driver you can now apply to take the final test which will allow you to fully qualify.  A DVSA examiner will watch you give a client-centred driving lesson lasting about an hour to one of your pupils. The examiner will look for evidence that you meet the national standard for driver and rider training. Your pupil can be a learner or a full licence holder. They cannot be an approved driving instructor (ADI) or someone else who is preparing to take the ADI part 3 test. You can take your trainer or mentor with you (Covid-19 restrictions allowing), but they cannot take part in the lesson.  You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:

    • lesson planning

    • risk management

    • teaching and learning strategies

The 17 areas of competence are listed in the ADI part 3 test report form,  which the  examiner  will fill in at  the end  of your  test.    You’ll get a score from  0 to 3  for  each  of  the   17  competencies, which are added up to work out if you’ve passed the test, and what your  grade will be.    You must pass  your   Part 3  no  more  than  2  years   after passing  Part  1 and  can  have  no  more  than  3 attempts.  Further details can be found at Taking the ADI Part-3 Test

If you want to read more detailed information from the DVSA about becoming a driving instructor then just click here.

So how can I help you to realise your goal of becoming an ADI?  

• • Many are put off pursuing a course of Instructor Training by high up front costs so firstly you will find that with me you can Pay-As-You-Learn at extremely reasonable hourly rates.

  • As well as training I can also offer you the chance to spend a day or half-day with me to get a taster of what the job of a driving instructor actually entails, this is a very low-cost (£50-£100) way of helping you properly research your possible career choice before you make any (possibly) expensive commitments/decisions.

  • Passing the Part 1 theory test should easily be within the reach of the majority of motivated trainees and requires dedicated self-study with a little up front guidance to ensure the right materials are studied.  I will offer this guidance, coaching, assistance with Hazard Perception and as needed Q&A FREE OF CHARGE, so all you will pay for are study materials and the test itself.

  • Preparation for your Part 2 driving test will be carried out as a series of normal driving lessons, in these I will assess your current driving standard and help you to improve any areas that are necessary.  We will also undertake at least one mock test to ensure you are prepared.  These lessons will also be an opportunity to help show you how instructional style should be altered to suit the pupil's experience, you after all will not be a complete novice and I will not treat you as such.  These price of these lessons will be £40 an hour and can be taken in your own vehicle or my dual-control car if preferred.

  • I no longer offer formal Part 3 training or PDI sponsorship but can provide coaching ot those who would like to supplement training received elsewhere, this can be given in 2 ways. 

    1. I can provide supplementary coaching on instructional ability on a one-to-one basis, this will include use of training material, demonstration, coaching and simulated role-play to allow you to develop your style and test technique.  This coaching is best taken in a dual control car and so will be given using my vehicle at a cost of £40 an hour.

    2. To help trainees really understand what real-life driving instruction is all about and to gain on-the-job experience I can offer half or full day sessions where you will accompany me on a day's lessons.  Before each lesson you will have time to understand what the needs of the next pupil are, the subject/objectives and what to look out for.  After each lesson there will be time to de-brief, record any notes and prepare for the next pupil.  These days will be charged at £50/£100 and are available to any trainee or prospective PDI.  

  • Passing your exams is just a part of setting up as an instructor.  In the last 13 years I established a successful school with a  full pupil roll and new pupils joining me every month.  Getting to this stage has not been easy and as an additional service I can share many of my ideas and advice for how to establish and run your business, this will include how to choose and finance your car, marketing tips, how to get the best from social networks, establishing a low-cost website (the site you are looking at now has cost me just some time and £12.50 for hosting!), how to run your diary, accounting and budgeting, sales techniques and more. 

I do hope you have found this information useful and that it is helpful as you consider a move into driving instruction.  Personally I can say it is the best job I have had, the hours fly by and the satisfaction of seeing pupils progress and ultimately pass their test is hard to describe, this could be you!

If you would like further information please contact me by any of the means below.

Daryl

Mobile:         07887 633741

Email:           selectdrivingschool@gmail.com

Facebook:    Daryl At SDS

Twitter:         DarylA1965

YouTube:     selectdrivinghalifax