Start a Rewarding New Career
Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) can provide flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to help learners achieve an important life goal.
If you enjoy teaching, meeting new people, and working independently, a career as a driving instructor could be the perfect fit.
Why Become an ADI?
* Flexible working hours
* Be your own boss
* Meet new people
* Build a rewarding career.
* Earn a competitive income.
* Help learners gain confidence.
Understanding the ADI Qualification Process
To become a qualified driving instructor, you must complete the DVSA Approved Driving Instructor qualification process.
* Be at least 21 years old.
* Hold a full driving license for at least three years.
* Pass a DBS check
* Meet DVSA suitability requirements.
Once approved, you can begin working as a professional driving instructor.
Requirements
See Price
ADI Part 1: Theory Test
The first stage focuses on your knowledge of driving theory and instructional ability.
Test Areas
* Road procedures
* Traffic signs
* Driving techniques
* Teaching skills
* Hazard perception
Strong preparation is essential for success.
ADI Part 2: Driving Ability Test
Part 2 assesses your personal driving standard.
Assessment Areas
* Vehicle control
* Road awareness
* Observation skills
* Safe decision-making
* Driving confidence
The driving standard required is significantly higher than that expected from learner drivers.
ADI Part 3: Instructional Ability Test
The final stage evaluates your ability to teach learner drivers.
Areas Assessed
* Lesson planning
* Risk management
* Communication
* Coaching techniques
* Teaching effectiveness
This stage demonstrates your ability to deliver safe and productive driving lessons.
Other Info:
• Cost: £111
• Duration: 1 hour
• Attempts: 3
Note: Failing all 3 attempts at Part 2 means you must start over from Part 1 again.
Part 3: Instructional Ability Test
This test measures how well you can teach someone to drive.
• You deliver a 60-minute real lesson to a pupil
• Can be a learner or full licence holder (but NOT another trainee instructor)
• A DVSA examiner observes your teaching
You’re marked in 17 areas under 3 key categories:
How It Works:
Lesson Planning
Risk Management
Teaching & Learning Strategies
Pass Grades:
• Grade B (33–42 points): Pass
• Grade A (43–51 points): High-quality instructor
• Fail: If risk management score is below 8 or overall score is below 33
• Cost: £111
• Attempts: 3
• Pass Rate: 36.7%
Join the ADI Register
After successfully completing all qualification stages, you can apply to join the DVSA Approved Driving Instructor Register.
Benefits
* Legally provide driving instruction.
* Build your own business.
* Join established driving schools.
* Develop a long-term career.
Many instructors choose to work independently or through instructor networks such as LessonNow.
