If you’ve ever fancied being a driving instructor then you’ll be pleased to know that virtually anyone can become one, provided that they themselves can drive, and have held a full UK driving license for at least three years. In order to become a driving instructor though, you need to become qualified, and this requires taking a number of tests.
Who can qualify as a driving instructor?
Before you can qualify to be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in the UK, you will need to register to be a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI). In order to do so, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have held a full UK or EU driving instructor for at least three years
- Be a suitable individual in terms of criminal record (having a criminal record will not necessarily exclude you, but a criminal record check will be required when you apply)
- Not have been banned from driving in the past four years prior to your application
If you’re eligible then you can begin the process by applying to be a Potential Driving Instructor via the official Government website (https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-become-a-driving-instructor). Once you receive the go ahead, you can begin your training, which will culminate in three tests designed to assess your suitability and competence as a driving instructor. These are:
- Theory test – You must answer a series of multiple choice style questions related to driving, the laws of the road, instructing and the UK driving test. You will also need to complete an interactive hazard perception test similar to that faced by learner drivers today. In order to pass this part of your qualification you must get 85% of the answers right, and achieve at least 80 percent in each section of the test.
- Driving ability test – Once you’ve passed your theory test you can sit the practical test, which assesses your driving ability. As well as demonstrating your ability to drive to a high standard, you must be able to pass an eyesight test. As with the standard driving test, you are allowed to make a number of faults, but if you make more than six faults or one serious fault you will fail.
- Driving instruction test – You must pass the third part of the qualification within two years of having passed the initial theory test. The final test is an assessment of your ability to instruct another individual. This will involve roleplay, in which the examiner takes on the role of a learner driver. As this is a test of your knowledge and ability, you should be comfortable and confident in your role as a driving instructor by this point.
Prior to taking the third part of the qualification you can work as a Potential Driving Instructor, displaying the relevant pink badge on your vehicle. You should use this time to gain as much experience as you can, and to develop your skills as a driving instructor to their highest potential.
Once you’ve passed all three parts of the test you can display the Approved Driving Instructor badge and conduct driver training without the need for further assessment or training. Though there is no need for further training, you can opt to undertake Continued Professional Development courses at intervals to keep your instructional abilities with current trends and best practice.
Once you begin giving lessons as either a potential driving instructor or an approved driving instructor, you should also make sure that you have the correct driving instructor insurance. For more information on this, get in touch with Park Insurance.