As much as we’re biased towards it being a great career, being a driving instructor isn’t for everyone and you should be aware of the time and financial investments required to become one.
Pros of becoming a driving instructor:
Cons of becoming a driving instructor:
Find out more about what it’s like being a driving instructor here.
Once you’re certain that becoming a driving instructor is right for you, you’ll need to register with the DVSA (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency). To register, you need to be over 21 years old and have held a driving licence for over three years without any motoring convictions. You’ll also need to get a new DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before starting your application, even if you already have one.
You can check on the DVSA website if you’re eligible to become a driving instructor.
Technically, you don’t need to have any training before taking your ADI tests (the next step), but due to the specialist nature of the career, it’s going to be very difficult to do so without.
But that’s where we come in. As one of the UK’s largest instructor training organisations, and with almost 20 years’ experience, RED understands what it takes to become a successful instructor. RED can offer flexible training to suit your needs and personal circumstances, a trainee licence opportunity (so you can earn while you complete your training), a fast track option and many more benefits.
Find out more about what RED can do for you here.
The first part of the ADI qualification will be to take and pass two separate tests.
The theory test checks your knowledge of the Highway Code, general road safety, driving techniques, basic first aid knowledge and the theory of instructing a pupil. The test lasts 90 minutes and you must achieve an 85 percent mark to pass.
The second test includes a hazard perception test using 14 video clips, one of which will feature two hazards. On this test you must score 57 points out of a possible 75.
The second stage is an advanced practical driving test. You will be expected to demonstrate a professional level of driving ability with a DVSA examiner.
After the test, your examiner will tell you what faults you made. If you do end up failing, you can take the test again, but you only have 3 attempts so make sure you’re ready before attempting the test. If you do fail all 3 attempts, you will need to wait 2 years from when you first passed the ADI part 1 test before you can take the ADI part 2 again.
Join RED as a potential driving instructor (PDI) and begin giving actual lessons. This is an extremely effective way of honing your skills in instructional ability ahead of your part three test. It also means that you start to make a living as a driving instructor.
Your trainee licence is valid for six months, and you will continue to receive 20 hours of in-car training on a one-to-one basis from a RED trainer prior to your part three test. On passing the test you can apply to be added to the DVSA register of approved driving instructors. The majority of trainees take this route.
Take the ADI part 3 and complete your ADI qualification.
Part three tests your instructional ability and is approximately one-hour long. A DVSA examiner will watch you delivering a client centred driving lesson to one of your customers. You are only permitted three attempts like the part two, so it’s important to make sure you have enough experience and are ready for this test before taking it.
Of all driving instructors in the UK were trained by RED
Fully qualified ADIs trained by RED
Average gross weekly income
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This is one of the most common questions asked, but can often be the most difficult to answer. Because we all learn at different paces, some instructors pass after just six months while others will take a little longer. Factors such as your lifestyle, resources, time and commitment all play a part in how quickly you will pass.
When you train with RED you’ll be given the opportunity to join us as a franchised driving instructor and be part of what is recognised as the best National driving school in the business.
Having joined our full instructor training course you will qualify for a refund of all of your RED training costs once you become a RED franchisee.
Have a question not answered here? Check out our FAQs page or feel free to give us a call!
Join our award-winning team and we’ll provide our full driving instructor training course for just £1,765 with a 100% refund on these training costs when you become a RED Driving Instructor.
This price saves you £1,034 compared to our normal price.
Find out more about training to become a RED Driving Instructor today.
*Other course options and payment schemes are available. Terms and conditions apply.
