Instructor Training
Requirements for becoming a driving instructor
Pre-qualifications
In order to begin training to become a Driving Instructor, you must meet certain criteria as set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
You must have:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years
- Qualified to drive the same category of vehicle you’re supervising them in
If you meet the above criteria then you can start the process of becoming a Driving Instructor.
Application for Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) / CRB
Firstly, you will need to have a criminal record check. You must apply for one even if you hold one already. The way to do this:
Before you start, you’ll need to use the below codes:
- organisation PIN 105205
- secret word axissecret word axis
- organisation name DVSA - PDI (PO)
After completing the online application you must prove your identity. This can be at a post office that offers the ’DBS/CRB and ID verification’ service and will cost £6.
- An up to date driving licence
- Your passport
- A utility bill that is less than 3 months old
- Bank statement that is less than 3 months old
- These documents must be originals, copies will not be accepted.
- You must also bring out your printed application - the page with the barcodes on.
Factors taken into account when having CRB / DBS
Having a criminal record will not necessarily stop you from becoming an ADI. Before reaching a decision on whether you’re a ’fit and proper’ person, the risk you’re likely to pose to pupils is assessed by considering factors like:
- Whether the caution, conviction or other information revealed is relevant to the ADI role
- The seriousness of any offence
- The circumstances surrounding an offence and the explanation
- The length of time since the offence occurred and if it’s ’spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Whether there’s a pattern of offending behaviour
- Whether the circumstances have changed since the offending behaviour
Each case is considered on an individual basis. The ADI Registrar will write to you giving you the opportunity to explain your circumstances before making a final decision.
Offences where it’s unlikely you’re ’fit and proper’ - These include both motoring offences and other convictions on an individual basis. The ADI Registrar will write to you giving you the opportunity to explain your circumstances before making a final decision.
- Been banned from driving
- 5 or more penalty points
- Been convicted of any non-motoring offences
The ADI Registrar will consider whether or not you’re suitable to become a driving instructor
Your application is unlikely to be accepted if you’ve been:
- Convicted of a sexual, violent, financial or drug-related crime
- Banned from working with children
Please click here to see further details about eligibility
Before starting to apply as an instructor you will need:
- Before starting to apply as an instructor you will need:
- A criminal record disclosure number to become a driving instructor ? you must have got this within the last 6 months
- Details of any motoring or non-motoring offences, and disqualifications from driving
- Details of any court cases being brought against you
Click on Start now to register on the driving instructor service before you can book the ADI part 1 test.
Taking the qualifying tests
The 3 qualifying tests make sure that you meet the national standard for driver and rider training.
You must have booked the ADI part 3 test within 2 years of passing the ADI part 1 test. You have to restart the process if you do not qualify by then.
Unlimited attempts
| 3 attempts |
| 3 attempts |
When you’re going through the qualification process
You’ll be training drivers to meet the national standard for driving cars and light vans. It sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to be a safe and responsible car or van driver.
You can use the learning to drive syllabus as a way of teaching people the skills, knowledge and understanding.You can use the learning to drive syllabus as a way of teaching people the skills, knowledge and understanding.
When you have qualified you need to take the SC
You must take and pass at least one ADI standards check during each 4-year period you’re registered as an ADI. The purpose of the check is to make sure you have kept up your standard of instruction. The ADI Registrar will contact you to tell you to book your standards check via the online booking platform. It doesn’t cost anything.
You can be removed from the ADI register if you:
- Fail to meet the required standards
- Fail to attend the standards check when required
- Refuse to take the standards check
What is the ADI theory test like?
It is made up of two parts:
- Hazard perception
- Multiple choice part
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse. The hazard perception records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.
Click here to see the training resources you need for part 1 and they are all available to buy on the ADI training resource store.
Click here to practice the ADI part 1 test for free. Then it’s on to ADI driving ability (part 2).
How it works
You have to answer 100 questions about driving and then complete a hazard perception test.
The questions are in 4 bands:
- Before starting to apply as an instructor you will need:
- A criminal record disclosure number to become a driving instructor ? you must have got this within the last 6 months
- Details of any motoring or non-motoring offences, and disqualifications from driving
- Details of any court cases being brought against you
- Road procedure
- Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
- Driving tests, disabilities, law
- Publications, instructional techniques
There are over 1000 different questions that you need to practice.
You must score 85% (so 85 questions need answering correctly). You must also get 80% in at least each band to ensure your knowledge is broad enough. For example, you can get 100% in bands 1, 2 and 3 and 75% in band 4 and you’ll fail because you didn’t reach the minimum 80% level in band 4.
You have 90 minutes to complete this part of the test.
Hazard perception test
After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You’ll watch 14 video clips. There are 13 clips that contain one hazard and one clip that contains two hazards, which feature every day road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 57 out of 75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you will be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions. You do not have to answer the questions if you do not want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions do not affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you will not be allowed to enter it again. You will then be given your result by the test centre staff.
Is there a limit to do the ADI part 1 (theory test)?
There is no limit to the number of attemps you may make at ADI theory test. However, from the date on which you pass it, you have a maximum of 2 years to complete part 2 and 3 of the qualifying test. You are only allowed 3 attemps at each of these tests, so you should take a proper, structured training course to help you through the process. Simply order the books/CD and study at home.
Our Part 2 Training
At the end of the test
We are serious about achieving the highest possible standards in driver training and happy to help you with part 1, 2 and part 3 to become Approved Driving Instructors (ADI).
Royal Driving Academy continually stay up-to-date with the changes happening to the ADI part 2 test. You can be sure we train you the most up-to-date driver training methods.
We are serious about achieving the highest possible standards in driver training and happy to help you with part 1, 2 and part 3 to become Approved Driving Instructors (ADI).
Part 2 is challenging; you must demonstrate a high level of competence to pass. We’ve seen people that have decided to become instructors after already passing advanced driving tests in previous jobs. Some were police drivers, fire fighters etc. They’ve failed part 2.
What happens on the test ?
The test is about one hour long and covers a variety of roads including motorways.
- An eyesight test
- 2 show me questions and 3 tell me questions (see show me/tell me page)
- 2 of 4 manoeuvres such as pull up on the right and reverse parking into a bay
- Independent driving using a sat nav or traffic signs
- High level of competence throughout the drive
You only have three attempts at part 2. If you fail three times then you have to wait for two years from the date you passed part one before you can start again from part one. Good quality training from an experienced trainer is essential if you want to have any chance of passing.
To see more information click here detailed description.
Read about ADI part 1 and ADI part 3 here.
To see more information click here detailed description.
Benefits Of Training With Us
Royal Driving Academy offer a one-to-one driving instructor training service tailored to your needs. All tuition is delivered in Cambridge/Cambrisdgeshire.
You may want to fit your training around work and family commitments. Or perhaps you want to fast-track so you can pass your ADI test and start working as soon as possible?
Whatever your needs are, Royal Driving Academy will make sure your ADI training works effectively for you. Everyone is different. We each have different learning styles, backgrounds, goals and transferable skills.
It’s out job to correctly identify your individual learning needs. We’ll match your style of learning and adapt your lessons to suit you personally. By working together we’ll develop your existing skills - and nurture new ones.
Together, we’ll make you into a great driving instructor!
Our Driving Instructor Training consists of three parts. It follows the national standard for driver training and covers:
- Part 1 - Theory
- Part 2 - Driving
- Part 3 - Teaching
We’ll take you through each part step by step. Each part will build on your existing knowledge to prepare you to pass your ADI exams. We will explain everything to you and show you how to apply each new skill. Then, you’ll be given time to practice and develop your driving ability techniques before your test.
In order to help you develop your skills, Royal Driving Academy will:
- Train you how to drive to a high standard
- Show you how to apply your current driving skills to get the best out of you
- Iron out common driving mistakes and train you how to do it properly
- Help you plan ahead so you have good anticipation and awareness skills
An Opportunity To Train With The Best!
Royal Driving Academy has been helping people like you to become driving instructor.
There is a big difference between teaching a learner to drive and training someone to become a driving instructor. The DVSA recommends that you choose an instructor trainer who has experience in training people to train others. As an experienced training company we can demonstrate that we have the skills and experience to meet these requirements.
Successfully completing your part 2 course will require you to work hard and apply yourself fully. The DVSA instructor exams are not easy to pass. You will only get three chances to pass your part 2 test. After that, it’s game over - for good! That’s why it’s so important to choose the best ADI trainer you can find!
Training to become a driving instructor is not the easiest road to drive down, but it does make for a very rewarding career. As long as you are prepared to commit yourself and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. We can help you succeed. Once you have passed part 2 then it’s on to part 3.
ADI Part 3 Training
What happens during the test
After you complete the part 3 training, you can obtain a trainee licence (valid for 6 months) the trainee licence can be used to develop your instructional skills and gain confidence, also you can be paid for teaching pupils.
The part 3 is to assess your instructional ability, preparing you to be able to pass on your driving skills to others. A DVSA examiner will observe 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.
It is a competence-based assessment. You will be assessed on the 3 main competencies - which are then broken down to a list of 17 lower level competencies:
- Lesson planning
- Risk management
- Teaching and learning strategies
For more information click here for a detailed description.
You only have three attempts at part 3. If you fail three times then you have to wait for two years from the date you passed part one before you can start again from part one. Good quality training from an experienced trainer is essential if you want to have any chance of passing. We are driven to help people just like you to become approved driving instructors.
Benefits of training with us
In order to help you develop your skills Royal Driving Academy will:
- Train you how to deliver high-quality client-centred lessons
- Show you how to use your skills to get the best from your pupils
- Introduce some common driving mistakes and train you how to correct them
- Help you plan great lessons so you can maintain full control and stay safe
We’ll start with role reversal. The trainer will play the role of a learner and you’ll ’teach’ them. This is a safe and effective way for you to practice teaching others.
Successfully completing your part 2 course will require you to work hard and apply yourself fully. The DVSA instructor exams are not easy to pass. You will only get three chances to pass your part 2 test. After that, it’s game over - for good! That’s why it’s so important to choose the best ADI trainer you can find!
Then, we can arrange for you to sit in on real driving lessons. You’ll be able to see how a qualified instructor uses the skills you have learnt to train pupils.
There is a real art to keeping control of a lesson whilst at the same time maintaining a relaxed and fun learning environment. You will find that shadowing an experienced instructor complements and reinforces your learning.
Finally, under close supervision, you’ll have the opportunity to train real pupils yourself.
Soon after, you’ll have completed your training and be ready to take on pupils of your own! Once you qualify as an ADI you’ll be ready to start a rewarding career that pays a good living.
Once you’ve passed your part 2 test and completed your part 3 training, you can gain real life experience from teaching our pupils! Suitable candidates can choose to fast track their training and start earning sooner.
Working as a potential driving instructor (PDI) will help you gain valuable experience whilst you prepare for your final exam. This option is reserved for those candidates who demonstrate the highest levels of teaching and people skills. In order to maintain the high standard of our driving lessons, we only allow the best trainees to teach our pupils.