Applying to Become a Driving Instructor

Becoming a driving instructor in the UK is a structured and rigorous process, designed to ensure the safety and quality of instruction provided to learner drivers. Here's how the process works:

Step 1: Check You’re Eligible

Before you apply, you must meet certain legal requirements. You must:

Be at least 21 years old.
Have held a full UK or EU car driving licence for at least three years.
Not have been disqualified from driving in the last four years.
Pass a criminal record (DBS) check through the DVSA channel.

🔎 Note: You don’t need to have a clean licence, but excessive points or past disqualifications will be closely scrutinised.

Step 2: Apply to Become a Trainee Driving Instructor

Once eligibility is confirmed, you must register with the DVSA by completing the ADI application online. This includes:

Completing the DBS check through the GOV.UK link (you can’t use a private DBS certificate).
Applying to join the ADI register.

You’ll then receive your personal reference number (PRN), which you’ll use throughout the training and testing process.

Step 3: Pass the Three-Part ADI Qualification

To become a fully qualified instructor, you must pass three tests:

Part 1: Theory Test

A rigorous test of your knowledge, consisting of:

100 multiple-choice questions based on 4 categories (road procedure, traffic signs, instructional techniques, etc).
A hazard perception test with 14 video clips.

📝 You must pass both elements in a single sitting to move on.

Part 2: Driving Ability Test

This is an advanced driving test, conducted by a DVSA examiner, and includes:

An eyesight check.
1 hour of driving including dual carriageways, independent driving, manoeuvres, and eco-safe driving.

You are expected to drive to a high, fault-free standard, with a maximum of 6 driver faults allowed.

Part 3: Instructional Ability Test

This assesses your ability to instruct a real learner. It is judged against 17 National Standards competencies under 3 broad areas:

Lesson Planning
Risk Management
Teaching and Learning Strategies

You must demonstrate a structured, safe, and adaptive lesson, showing real competence in instruction.

🎓 You may apply for a trainee licence (PDI - pink badge) after passing Part 2, which lets you teach learners under supervision for 6 months.

Step 4: Register as an ADI

Once you pass all three parts, you can officially register as an Approved Driving Instructor. You’ll be issued a green ADI badge which must be displayed in your tuition vehicle at all times.

Step 5: Maintain Your Registration

You must:

Renew your registration every 4 years.
Undergo regular standards checks by a DVSA examiner.
Engage in CPD (continued professional development) to stay up to date with best practices.

This process is not to be taken lightly. It exists to protect the public, uphold instructional integrity, and ensure only the most competent and professional individuals gain the privilege of teaching others to drive. If you’re committed, reflective, and take safety seriously, the role of an ADI can be one of the most rewarding careers on the road.

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Applying to Become a Driving Instructor