What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Driving Instructor?

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.

What qualifications do you need to become a driving instructor?

To become a qualified driving instructor, you need to:

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.

What are the requirements to become a driving instructor?

Before you start the ADI qualification process, you need to meet certain legal requirements.

You must:

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.

Do you need a teaching qualification to become a driving instructor?

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.

What are the ADI qualifying tests?

The ADI qualification has three tests. You must take them in order.

ADI Part 1: Theory test

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.

ADI Part 2: Driving ability test

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.

ADI Part 3: Instructional ability 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.

Do you need driving instructor training?

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.

What happens after you qualify?

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.

Can you become a driving instructor with points on your licence?

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.

Start your driving instructor career

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.

Sources

1. GOV.UK: Become a car driving instructor GOV.UK: Become a car driving instructor

2. GOV.UK: Check if you can become a driving instructor GOV.UK: Check if you can become a driving instructor

3. GOV.UK: Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) register guide GOV.UK: ADI register guide

4. GOV.UK: Find driving instructor training courses GOV.UK: Find driving instructor training courses

5. GOV.UK: Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 2 test GOV.UK: ADI Part 2 test

6. GOV.UK: Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) regulated professions register GOV.UK: ADI regulated professions register