If you are looking for a new career and want to be your own boss, you could do a lot worse than becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI).
To become an approved driving instructor you will need to be:
- Patient and empathetic
- Knowledgeable of the theory and practice of driving
- Able to communicate well and share your knowledge
- Alert to changes in driving test regulations
- Alert to changes in driving instruction guidelines
- Capable of running your own business
- Flexible — many people need to take lessons around work, child care or studies, so there might be some unsociable hours.
Qualifying as an approved driving instructor can be rewarding. You will be meeting people from all walks of life and imparting in them a valuable life skill.
In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, driving and theory tests have been paused for months, but now, theory tests, driving lessons and driving instructor training in England has been given the go ahead by the DVSA to resume from 4th July, while car driving lessons can restart from 22nd July 2020.
Are you eligible to be an approved driving instructor?
The first thing you will need to do is check on the Government website if you are eligible to become an approved driving instructor.
If you get the green light you will need to apply to the DVSA and provide your driving licence details including any driving offences on your record. You will also need a criminal record check.
3 steps to becoming an approved driving instructor
Qualifying to become an approved driving instructor comes in three stages and each stage must be passed within a two year period.
ADI Part 1:
The theory test is split into a multiple choice section and a hazard perception section. You will be asked 100 questions and will need to score a minimum of 80%.
In the multiple choice test, you will be tested on the Highway Code, the rules of the road and instructional techniques. Questions will cover road procedure; traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge; driving test, disabilities and law; publications and instructional techniques.
The hazard perception test checks that you can recognise and respond to potential hazards presented in a series of 14 film clips. You will need to recognise the hazard in each clip and then take action to avert the danger.
You can book your theory test through the Government website.
ADI Part 2:
You will have to demonstrate you can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions and show you have a very good understanding of the Highway Code by the way you drive and react to road signage and other road users. You must record no more than 6 driving faults with no serious or dangerous faults
The national standard for driving cars tells you everything you must be able to do to pass.
After passing ADI Part 1 and ADI Part 2 you may want to start earning some money and you can actually start charging people for lessons as A Potential Driving Instructor.
However, you cannot work independently but must be representing an established driving school and you should display the pink certified PDI badge in your front windscreen.
ADI Part 3:
The last of 3 tests you have to pass to qualify as an approved driving instructor, part 3 tests your ability to teach. The national standard for driver and rider training tells you everything you must be able to do to pass the teaching test.
Once you have passed ADI Part 3 you are a fully fledged driving instructor and can work independently or with an established driving school and you can display the certified ADI green badge in your windscreen.
Approved driving instructor training courses
You don’t have to have any formal training before you take the ADI tests but it makes sense to get a little help.
As well as preparing you for the test, the courses will teach you about some of the practicalities of being a driving instructor such as managing your diary effectively, building relationships with your clients and retaining their business, and incentives you can use to get client recommendations and new business.
The DVSA has an official register of driving instructors. Their abilities have been assessed so it is a good place to start if you want help.
What does it cost to become an ADI?
The cost of your training will depend on the trainer you choose and lessons you take. There are also fees for each of the tests: Part 1 costs £81 while Part 2 and Part 3 cost £111 each. You can read more about DVSA fees here.
What else will I need to think about now I’m an ADI?
When you are teaching people to drive the motor insurance you choose will be a major consideration. Adrian Flux has a host of specialist policies for both PDI and ADI instructors.
With a wide panel of insurers to consult, benefits of Adrian Flux policies can include dual control courtesy car in the event of a no fault claim, cover for pupils’ own cars, off road tuition and under-age learner driver cover, legal protection and recovery of uninsured losses.
There is also a generous incentive scheme rewarding instructors who recommend Adrian Flux to their learners if they subsequently take out a policy. The best prices are always available over the phone: 0808 506 5986.