If you enjoy driving and like helping others learn, becoming a driving instructor could be a rewarding career. But what qualifications do you need to become a driving instructor?
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In the UK, you must qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) if you want to charge people for car driving lessons. You do not need a university degree or a separate teaching qualification. Instead, you must meet the DVSA's eligibility requirements and pass three ADI qualifying tests.
To become a qualified driving instructor, you need to:
Meet the DVSA's eligibility requirements
Complete a new DBS check
Pass the ADI Part 1 theory test
Pass the ADI Part 2 driving ability test
Pass the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test
Register as an ADI with the DVSA
You can choose to train with a registered driving instructor trainer to prepare for the tests. The DVSA recommends getting professional training, although the qualifying process itself is based on passing the three tests.
Before you start the ADI qualification process, you need to meet certain legal requirements.
You must:
Be 21 or over
Have held a full driving licence for at least three years
Have not been disqualified from driving during the last four years
Be considered a fit and proper person to become an ADI
Pass the required criminal record check
You also need to hold the correct licence for the type of vehicle you want to teach in.
There are additional rules around your driving history and suitability, so it is worth checking your eligibility with the DVSA before paying for training.
No. You do not need a formal teaching qualification such as a teaching degree or PGCE to become a driving instructor.
Instead, the ADI Part 3 test assesses your ability to provide effective driving instruction.
This means you need more than strong driving skills. You must also learn how to identify a learner's needs, explain driving concepts clearly and adapt your teaching to help your pupil make progress.
A good driving instructor needs both driving knowledge and instructional skills.
We provide bespoke cover designed specifically for the unique needs of driving specialists.
The ADI qualification has three tests. You must take them in order.
The first stage is the ADI Part 1 theory test.
It tests your knowledge of driving and instruction, along with your ability to identify developing hazards.
You must pass Part 1 before moving on to Part 2.
You have unlimited attempts at Part 1. However, once you pass it, you must complete the remaining stages within two years or restart the qualifying process.
The second stage is the ADI Part 2 driving ability test.
This assesses whether your driving meets the required standard for an ADI.
You have a maximum of three attempts to pass Part 2. You must pass it before you can move on to Part 3.
You also need a suitable vehicle for the test. For example, the vehicle must meet the DVSA's requirements and have appropriate insurance for an ADI Part 2 test.
The final stage is the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test.
This assesses your ability to teach a learner driver. You need to demonstrate that you can provide effective instruction and respond appropriately to the pupil's needs.
You have three attempts to pass Part 3.
After passing Part 2, you can also apply for a six-month trainee driving instructor licence. This can give you practical teaching experience before you take Part 3.
You do not have to complete a specific college course or university qualification. However, ADI training can play an important role in preparing for the qualifying tests.
The DVSA recommends finding a registered trainer to help you prepare for all three tests. You can also use official DVSA learning and revision resources as part of your preparation.
Your training needs will depend on your existing driving knowledge, experience and teaching ability.
Once you pass all three ADI tests, you must register with the DVSA within 12 months of passing Part 3.
Your registration allows you to call yourself a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor and charge for driving instruction. Your registration lasts for four years.
You can then choose to join an established driving school or set up your own driving instructor business.
If you plan to work independently, you should also consider your vehicle, business costs, marketing and driving instructor insurance before you start teaching.
Having points on your licence does not automatically mean that you cannot become an ADI. However, the DVSA considers your driving history and suitability when assessing your application.
If you have points, convictions or a previous driving disqualification, check your eligibility with the DVSA before committing to instructor training.
You do not need a university degree or separate teaching qualification to become a driving instructor. The main qualification route involves meeting the DVSA's eligibility requirements and passing ADI Parts 1, 2 and 3.
Professional training can help you prepare for each test, while practical teaching experience can help you develop the skills needed to work with learners.
Once you qualify and register as an ADI, you can start charging for driving lessons and build your career as a professional driving instructor.
If you are planning to start teaching learners, make sure you also arrange suitable driving instructor insurance before you begin providing paid lessons.
GOV.UK: Become a car driving instructor GOV.UK: Become a car driving instructor
GOV.UK: Check if you can become a driving instructor GOV.UK: Check if you can become a driving instructor
GOV.UK: Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) register guide GOV.UK: ADI register guide
GOV.UK: Find driving instructor training courses GOV.UK: Find driving instructor training courses
GOV.UK: Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 2 test GOV.UK: ADI Part 2 test
GOV.UK: Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) regulated professions register GOV.UK: ADI regulated professions register
The BG Insurance Editorial Team writes practical, expert-led content for UK driving instructors, trainee instructors and driving schools. As a specialist driving instructor insurance broker, BG Insurance helps instructors understand their cover, manage risk and protect their business on the road.
Get an immediate quote tailored to your qualified ADI status. Keep your business moving.
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Starting a driving school can be an exciting step towards running your own business. Whether you plan to teach pupils yourself or employ a team of instructors, choosing the right insurance is essential.
If you enjoy driving and like helping others learn, becoming a driving instructor could be a rewarding career. But what qualifications do you need to become a driving instructor?
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Passing your ADI Part 3 test is a major step towards becoming a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). But what happens next?
Although passing Part 3 completes the three qualifying tests, you still need to register as an ADI before you can legally charge for driving lessons.
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If you want to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Great Britain, you need to pass three qualifying tests.
The ADI tests assess your knowledge, driving ability and teaching skills. You must pass them in order, starting with ADI Part 1 and finishing with ADI Part 3.
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If you are considering a career as a driving instructor, one of the first questions you may have is: how long does it take to become an ADI?
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Setting the right lesson price has never been more important for Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs). Charge too little and your profits suffer. Charge too much and you risk losing learners to local competitors.
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As an independent Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), you already know the importance of having the right driving instructor insurance. However, many instructors focus solely on vehicle cover and overlook another important form of protection: public liability insurance.
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If you’re training to become a driving instructor or already teaching professionally, it’s essential to understand the difference between PDI insurance and ADI insurance. While both are types of driving instructor insurance, they are designed for different stages of your career and are not interchangeable.
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Have you just passed your ADI Part 3 exam? Congratulations! Earning your green badge represents a massive achievement. You have conquered the rigorous DVSA exams, proven your driving ability, and demonstrated your instructional skills. However, as any veteran instructor will tell you, passing the test is only the beginning. Transitioning from a trainee to a fully-fledged Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) running a daily business brings an entirely new set of challenges.
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