How to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI):
The Basics
Introduction
To become a driving instructor you must be at least 21 years of age. You must also have held a full UK driving license for a minimum of three and a half years.
If you want to work as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Britain, you'll need to be registered on the Driving Standards Agency's (DSA) Register of ADIs. The only exception to this is if you hold a trainee licence to give instruction - issued by the ADI Registrar.
Once registered, an ADI may work for a motoring school, or become self employed. Some ADIs choose to take additional qualifications so that they can train drivers of large goods vehicles, or fleet drivers.
The ADI qualifying tests
The qualifying examination is in three parts:
(Part one) Theory - a multiple choice section and a video-based hazard perception section:
The theory test calls for a higher standard of knowledge than that expected of a learner driver, so you'll need to prepare thoroughly.
(Part two) Driving ability - an eyesight test followed by a practical test of driving technique.
The ADI part two test assesses whether you can drive while showing a high level of competency and confidence. The test also covers vehicle safety. After passing the ADI part two test, you can start preparing for the final part of the ADI qualifying exam - the test of instructional ability. You can also choose to apply for a trainee licence so you can instruct pupils after passing the part two test.
(Part three) Instructional ability - a practical test of your ability to instruct.
To stand the best chance of passing, you'll need to be thoroughly prepared. You have only three attempts, which means good preparation is essential.
The 'ability to instruct' test covers three main key subject areas:
- core competencies
- instructional techniques
- instructor characteristics
Summary
You must pass all three parts of the examination in this order and must complete the whole examination within two years of passing the theory test (part one). This will ensure that your training is structured and that the information gained from studying for the theory test is still relevant when you qualify. There is no limit to the number of attempts you may have at the part one test.
You are only allowed three attempts at each of the practical tests - parts two and three. If you do not pass in the three attempts, you must wait until the end of your two-year period before you can start again, beginning with part one.