Deciding if this is the right career for you
Your job will involve mixing with all sorts of people, some of whom you may not find it easy to get on with.
You will need good people skills, a lot of patience and understanding, as well as
• A thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of driving
• An ability to teach
A facility to keep abreast of changes in the statutory regulations that govern the content and conduct of driving tests as well as driving
Instruction
• An ability to provide a professional service to people from very diverse backgrounds
• Business sense
The benefits of becoming a fully qualified instructor are:
• You can be self employed
• You choose what hours you work
• If you are successful you can generate a reasonable income
• There is the opportunity for a high level of job satisfaction
• You have the opportunity of starting new drivers on the road for safe and enjoyable motoring
Legal requirements
When applying to become a driving instructor, you must fulfil the following legal requirements:
• Hold a full UK or European Union (EU)/ European Economic Area (EEA) unrestricted car driving license
• Have held it for a total of at least four out of the past six years prior to entering the Register after qualifying
• Not have been disqualified from driving at any time in the four years prior to being entered in the Register
• Be a fit and proper person to have your name entered in the Register. All convictions, motoring and non-motoring still in force will be
taken into account when the DSA assess your suitability to be entered on the Register. This includes fixed penalty offences such as
speeding. Any motoring offence(s) which result in endorsements totalling five penalty points or more will be looked at closely and could
Result in an application being refused
• Pass the two qualifying practical examinations within two years of passing the theory and hazard perception tests
• Apply for registration within twelve months of passing the final part of the examination
• Complete an Criminal Records Bureau check
Qualifying Process
The Three qualifying steps goes as:-
Part 1: ADI Theory Test
This is a test of your knowledge of The Highway Code, the rules of the road and your knowledge of instructional techniques amongst other things.The test is carried out in two parts; a 100 multiple choice questions section with a minimum pass mark of 85 followed by a hazard perception test.This consists of 14 video clips with a minimum pass mark of 57 out of 75. You need to pass both parts of the theory test at the same sitting to obtain an overall pass result. There are no restrictions on the number of attempts you may have at the theory test.
Part 2: Driving Ability Test
Part 2 consists of an eyesight test and a test of your ability to drive to a very high standard. It will prove whether or not you have a thorough understanding of good safe driving techniques, and that you can also demonstrate them. It is a one hour examination and you are allowed up to three attempts to pass.
Part 3: Ability to Instruct Test
The objective of the test is to assess the quality of your instruction and your ability to pass your knowledge on to pupils. The test is in two parts,each of which lasts about half an hour. You must pass both parts on the same test. You will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and ability by giving practical driving instruction to the examiner who will take the role of a pupil. You are allowed up to three attempts to pass.