Do you love to drive and teach? If yes, then becoming a driving instructor in the UK could be the perfect job for you. As a driving instructor, you will have the ability to get learners through their driving tests and ensure they are confident and safe on the road. But how about getting started in this field?
In our blog today, we’ll go through the details of how to become a driving instructor in Britain – the essentials you need to have (or achieve) and the different stages to working towards your full qualification. Whether you’re beginning your journey into a new career or easing your way into a change, there’s plenty of support available, and this is the first review because Learn and Drive UK will help to support you along the way of this journey.
Why Become a Driving Instructor?
Before we get started and find out how to become a driving instructor, let’s consider why this is a good career to get into:
- Job Satisfaction
Driving instructor. Whether it is your first day behind the wheel on the job or not, you are aiding someone in reaching a momentous occasion: obtaining the freedom of mobility. It’s a rewarding career when you consider you’re contributing to safer roads and teaching people an important life skill. - Flexible Working Hours
Many driving instructors have flexible working hours and can fit work around their own plans. Whether you want to work standard weekdays or on the weekend, this flexibility can be quite attractive for those seeking a work-life balance. - Growing Demand
New drivers always mean needing driving instructors. With an increasing number of people looking to obtain their driving licence, there continues to be a demand for good-quality instructors. - Earning Potential
You can make good money just by becoming a driving instructor. It’s great as wages can vary based on location, experience and how many lessons you do each week; some driving instructors can make between £30,000 to £40,000 a year.
What do I Need to Become a Driving Instructor in The UK?
If you want to become a driving instructor in the UK, there are several requirements to fulfil and steps to complete. Here’s what you need to know:
- Be Over 21
Under the age of 21, you cannot apply to become a driving instructor. This is one of a number of minimum legal requirements defined by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Be In Possession of a Valid Full UK Driving License
You must have had a full UK driving license for at least three years to become a driving instructor. Please observe that this license certificate has to be free from any major endorsements (point/ban). - Pass a Criminal Background Check
You’ll also need to complete a criminal background check so that we can confirm you’re someone who is suitable to work with students. This is so crucial as driving instructors occupy a position of trust and act to teach and advise learners in traffic. - Meet Medical Requirements
You must meet medical requirements for driving. This means that you are fit to be able to teach and have the situational awareness to drive appropriately on the road. Medical evidence: If you have a relevant medical condition, you may need to provide medical evidence to show that you’re fit to drive.
How to Train to be a Driving Instructor in the UK
- After meeting a few basic eligibility requirements, you’ll have several tasks to complete to become a fully fledged driving instructor. Here’s the process:
- Become an approved driving instructor (ADI). Apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to become an ADI
- The primary and mandatory part of becoming a driving instructor is to first apply to DVSA to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). It must pass three crucial tests, which consist of:
- Meet the Three Tests for ADI Status
You need to complete the following three exams to become ADI qualified:
- Part 1: Theory Test
The exam is conducted in two parts; the first is a theory test (written). This consists of multiple-choice questions as well as a hazard perception test. You will be challenged on your understanding of road signs, driving laws, and safe driving techniques. It’s crucial to be well-prepared by reading the Highway Code and other publications pertinent to driving. - Part 2: Driving Ability Test
The second part is the practical driving test. This tests how well you can drive and if you have basic driving skills. The test will involve a range of manoeuvres, such as turning, stopping, parking, and following road signs and rules. Your control of the car and showing your responsibility on the road and as a driver will be tested here. - Part 3: Instructional Ability Test
The third component is a demonstration of your teaching ability. This is a test of your ability to show how you give instructions to a DVSA examiner. You have to demonstrate that you can teach a student how to drive, track their progress and give clear, structured instructions.
Complete a Training Course (Optional)
It is not a legal requirement to take a formal training course, but many prospective driving instructors opt to take a course to aid them in preparing for their exams. Some training courses even explain how you may pass the theory and practical test, and advise you on the best ways to teach driving. Learn and Drive UK provides expert driving instructor training, enabling you to be the best instructor you can be.
Register with the DVSA
Once you have passed all three sections of the test, you will be able to register with the DVSA to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). You will then be ready to begin teaching students and provide driving instruction as a career.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
After having completed their qualification, driving instructors must continue to develop their skills and knowledge. The DVSA suggests that driving instructors undertake CPD to ensure they continue to develop further as teachers and to remain aware of any new driving laws and rules.
What is the average driving instructor salary in the UK?
The potential earnings for UK driving instructors can differ due to several factors, including location, how long you have been instructing and how many lessons you have. The hourly rate for lessons is typically between £25 and £30. That said, some teachers may charge more in areas of high demand or for more experience.
The opportunity to work whenever you want whilst earning a good wage, along with time to suit other commitments, is one of the main reasons that tens of thousands of people look to qualify as a driving instructor each year.
Why Learn and Drive UK for ADI Training?
At Learn and Drive UK, we provide driving instructor training, which is all-inclusive, so that you can pass the ADI exams and kick-start your new career as an approved driving instructor. This is what sets us apart:
- Instructor Experience: Our instructors have many years of driving instruction and instructor training experience.
- Flexible Training Schedules: We have flexible training hours to meet your needs.
- High Pass Rate: We are dedicated to teaching the future driving instructors who wish to pass the ADI exam and start working.
- Lifelong Support: Once you’re certified, you are part of the RB community, and we treat your success as our success and offer you professional development and job placement assistance.
Conclusion
How to become a driving instructor UK. Deciding to be a driving instructor in the UK is a very satisfying job. If you follow through the process I outlined in this blog, combined with the necessary criteria set by the DVSA, you too can start your journey on the shared pavement to becoming an ADI. If you love teaching, enjoy driving, or you’re seeking a flexible and rewarding career, training to become a driving instructor can be full of opportunities.
Here at Learn and Drive UK, L11 Driving Tuition, we have a 100% commitment to help you pass through the process and become a driving instructor. Contact us today to find out about our training packages for driving instructors and become a driving instructor!
Start at WWW.LearnandDrive.UK now.