If you're a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI), having the right insurance is an important part of providing driving lessons. PDI insurance is designed for instructors who are working towards becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and need cover while providing professional driving tuition.
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The insurance you need will depend on your circumstances, including the vehicle you use, how you provide lessons and the type of cover you require.
A PDI, or Potential Driving Instructor, is someone who is working towards becoming an Approved Driving Instructor.
PDIs can provide paid driving tuition while completing the ADI qualification process, provided they meet the relevant requirements and have the appropriate licence and permissions.
If you're working as a PDI, it's important that your insurance reflects the fact that you're providing paid driving instruction.
Yes, if you're using your vehicle to provide paid driving lessons, you need insurance that specifically allows for professional driving tuition.
A standard private car insurance policy is generally intended for personal use and may not provide the cover required for teaching pupils.
When arranging your insurance, make sure the insurer knows that you are a PDI and that the vehicle will be used for driving instruction.
The exact cover will depend on the policy and insurer, but PDI insurance can provide cover for the vehicle while it is being used for driving tuition.
Depending on the policy, this can include:
Learner drivers using your vehicle during lessons
Use of your vehicle for professional driving tuition
Driving tests, where permitted by the policy
Personal use, where included
Accidental damage, depending on the level of cover
Theft and fire
Third-party liability for injury or damage to property
The cover available to you will depend on your circumstances and the policy you choose, so always check the policy wording and any exclusions.
Yes. A PDI can arrange insurance for a vehicle used to provide driving tuition, provided they meet the insurer's eligibility requirements.
The vehicle may also need to meet certain requirements, particularly if it has been fitted with dual controls.
Tell your insurer about any modifications to the vehicle before arranging cover and check that they are acceptable under the policy.
Yes, a PDI can use their own vehicle for driving lessons if the vehicle and insurance policy are suitable for professional tuition.
Your insurer needs to know how the vehicle will be used. Simply having private car insurance does not necessarily mean you're covered to use the vehicle for paid driving instruction.
If you're planning to start teaching in your existing car, check with an insurer that provides PDI cover before using it for lessons.
PDI insurance can allow learner drivers to drive the insured vehicle during professional lessons, subject to the terms of the policy.
This is an important consideration when choosing your cover because a learner driver presents different risks from an experienced additional driver.
Make sure you understand who is permitted to drive your vehicle and under what circumstances.
Some PDI insurance policies can cover the vehicle while a pupil is taking their practical driving test.
However, this isn't necessarily included with every policy, so you should check the specific terms of your insurance before allowing a pupil to use your vehicle for a test.
If you're using a vehicle fitted with dual controls, you should tell your insurer about the modification.
Dual controls allow the instructor to operate additional pedals and are commonly used in tuition vehicles. Your insurer needs to know about modifications so they can determine whether the vehicle is acceptable for cover.
If you're buying a vehicle that already has dual controls installed, provide accurate details when getting your quote.
Some PDI policies can include personal use in addition to professional driving tuition.
This may allow you to use your vehicle for permitted personal journeys outside of lessons.
The amount and type of personal use available varies between policies, so check the permitted use specified in your policy documents.
There isn't a standard price for PDI insurance. Insurers consider your individual circumstances when calculating your premium.
Factors that can affect the cost include:
Your age
Your postcode
Your driving experience
Your vehicle
Your annual mileage
Your claims history
Any driving convictions or penalty points
Your no-claims history
The level of cover you choose
How the vehicle will be used
Because every PDI has different circumstances, the price you are offered may be different from another instructor, even if you drive similar vehicles.
Having penalty points or driving convictions doesn't necessarily mean you cannot get PDI insurance.
However, convictions can affect the insurers available to you and the premium you're offered. You should always provide accurate information about any convictions or points when obtaining a quote.
Failing to disclose relevant information could affect your policy or a future claim.
When you qualify as an ADI, you should inform your insurer of the change in your circumstances.
Your insurer may need to update your policy details, and the terms or price of your insurance could change.
Don't assume that your PDI policy will automatically update when you become an ADI. Contact your insurer and make sure your policy accurately reflects your new status before continuing to provide lessons.
Motor insurance is essential for a PDI using a vehicle for professional driving tuition, but it may not cover every risk associated with running a driving instruction business.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also want to consider additional business insurance, such as public liability insurance.
Public liability insurance can provide protection against certain claims involving third-party injury or property damage that aren't necessarily covered by your motor insurance.
The insurance you need will depend on how you operate your business and the risks you face.
When comparing PDI insurance, don't simply choose the cheapest quote.
Check that the policy provides the cover you actually need and that you understand any exclusions, conditions and excesses.
Before buying a policy, consider:
Does it cover paid driving tuition?
Can learners drive my vehicle?
Can the vehicle be used for driving tests?
Are dual controls cars covered?
Can I use the vehicle for personal journeys?
What level of vehicle cover is provided?
What excess would I pay if I made a claim?
Are there any restrictions on who can drive the vehicle?
What happens when I qualify as an ADI?
Choosing appropriate cover is more important than simply finding the lowest premium.
Starting your career as a driving instructor comes with plenty to consider, and having appropriate insurance is an important part of getting started.
BG Insurance specialises in insurance for driving instructors and can help PDIs find cover based on their individual circumstances.
Whether you're just starting your PDI journey or are approaching your ADI qualification, make sure your insurance reflects how you're using your vehicle.
Join over 9,000 driving professionals who trust BG Insurance to protect their livelihood.
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