Become a driving instructor
WHAT TESTS DO DRIVING INSTRUCTORS TAKE?
If you’re 21 or older and have held a clean driving license for at least three years, you can start training to become a driving instructor. However, before submitting your application, you must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure you’re eligible. Once you’ve cleared the DBS check, visit the government website to submit your application. After your application is approved, the qualification process begins.
Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is a significant responsibility, and there are several steps you must take before you can officially join the ADI register. Although the process may seem lengthy, it is manageable if taken step by step.
PART 1: DRIVING THEORY
First, you’ll need to demonstrate your driving knowledge. This test is similar to the theory test you took as a learner but with more questions and a higher pass threshold. You’ll need to study the Highway Code, traffic signs, and general driving skills. There’s also a hazard perception section, so be sure your reactions are sharp!
When you’re ready, stay calm on test day. You’ll have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions, divided into four sections:
• Road procedure
• Traffic signs, control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
• Driving test, disabilities and the law
• Publications and instructional techniques
You must score at least 20 out of 25 in each section. Afterward, you’ll watch 14 video clips where you’ll need to identify developing hazards, with each hazard potentially earning you up to 5 points based on how quickly you spot it.
Cost: £81
Pass Score: 85/100 (multiple-choice section) 57/75 (hazard perception)
Attempts Allowed: Unlimited for Part 1
Part 2: Driving Ability
Next, you’ll need to prove that you can drive at an expert level. This test is similar to the practical test you took as a learner, but more rigorous. You’ll be tested on:
• Eyesight
• ‘Show me, tell me’ questions
• General driving ability
• Manoeuvres
• Independent driving
The test lasts for 1 hour, rather than the usual 40 minutes. Additionally, you’ll have to answer 5 ‘show me, tell me’ questions instead of 2. The standards for ADIs are stricter—failing a ‘show me, tell me’ question results in a minor fault, and failing to answer any correctly counts as a major fault, leading to an overall test failure.
Cost: £111
Pass Score: No more than 6 minor (aka driving) faults and no major (aka serious or dangerous) faults.
Attempts Allowed: 3
Part 3: Instructional Ability
Having demonstrated your knowledge and driving skills, you now need to show that you can teach others effectively. A DVSA examiner will observe you giving a 1-hour lesson to a pupil. This pupil can be an actual learner or someone with a license but cannot be another trainee ADI.
During the lesson, you’ll be assessed on 17 areas, grouped into three categories:
• Lesson planning
• Risk Management
• Teaching and learning strategies
A score of 7 or lower in risk management will result in an immediate fail. Upon completing the test, you’ll be informed whether you’ve passed or failed. Passing can be achieved at two levels: Grade B (which allows you to join the ADI register) or Grade A (indicating a particularly high standard of instruction).Cost: £111
Pass Score: 31-42 (Grade B); 43-51 (Grade A)
Attempts Allowed: 3Training to Become a Driving Instructor
