So you want to be a driving instructor (ADI)?

Thinking about becoming a driving instructor in the UK? Brilliant choice! It’s a fantastic career if you love driving and have a knack for teaching, there’s a bit of a process to get there. Don’t worry, though. we’ll walk you through it step by step.

First things first: Do you qualify?

Before you get too excited, let’s make sure you tick all the boxes:

• You need to be at least 21 years old.
• You’ve got to have had your full UK or EU driving license for at least three years.
• Your driving record needs to be squeaky clean. That means fewer than 6 points on your licence and no disqualifications in the last four years.
• You need to be legally allowed to work in the UK. Obvious, but worth mentioning.

The journey to becoming an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)

Once you’ve cleared the first hurdle, now comes the fun part – becoming an official ADI. You’ve got three main challenges to overcome:

Level 1: The Theory Test (ADI Part 1)

This isn’t your average theory test, there are hundreds of questions in the question bank. You can practice the ADI questions here. You’ll be tackling:

• Multiple-choice questions about driving techniques, road safety, driving test law, and how to teach effectively.
• A hazard perception test

Level 2: Prove you can drive (ADI Part 2)

Time to show off those driving skills! This test is tougher than a regular driving test, and it’s much easier if you have done training with someone like RoSPA or IAM. You’ll need to:

• Handle the car like it’s an extension of your body.
• Show off your observation skills.

Level 3: Show you can teach (ADI Part 3)

You’ll need to prove you can actually teach someone to drive. The examiner will pretend to be a learner, and you’ve got to:

• Spot their mistakes without getting frustrated.
• Give feedback that’s actually helpful.
• Adapt your teaching style and be sensitive to the learner’s culture and needs.

Extras

• You’ll need to pass a criminal record check. It’s just to make sure you’re all good to work with learners.
• Consider getting some training. It’s not compulsory, but it’s like having cheat codes for the tests.
• If you pass the driving test (Level 2) but want more practice before the teaching test, you can get a trainee licence.

You’ve made it! Now what?

Congrats! You’ve passed all three tests. Now you can:

1. Register as an official ADI. You’ll get a green badge for your car.
2. Start teaching people to drive and watch them go from nervous wrecks to confident drivers.

To keep your ADI status:

• You need to renew your registration every 4 years.
• You’ll have regular check-ups to make sure your teaching is still top-notch.

And there you have it! It’s not super easy, but you can get qualified in a short space of time. If you’re passionate about driving and teaching, it’s totally worth it. Plus, think of all the entertaining stories you’ll have about learner drivers’ adventures (or misadventures).