Driving Instructor Training Courses

If your thinking about becoming a driving instructor then you've come to the right place. Driving Instructor courses are available all over the UK and this web site aims to bring you the most up to date information if you are interested in becoming a driving instructor.

The first steps to becoming a qualified driving instructor is to register with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) for you to be able to train as a Approved Driving Instructor.

To qualify for registration you must meet the following criteria:

• Held a full UK/EU driving licence for at least 4 years
• Not have been disqualified during the last 4 years
• Pass a criminal record and motoring conviction check

The Driving Instructor Training

First of all the DSA will send you a information pack, which includes details of your future driving instructor career and a ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) application form.

Once you have started a training course with you local driving instructor school you'll be well on your way to prepare for the ADI exams.

The ADI exams consist of three parts:

• A computer based theory test
• A practical test of driving ability
• A practical test of teaching ability

You training course provider will have you well prepared for these exams.
You must pass each one before you can move on the the next.

What does the work involve?

Driving instructors teach people to drive a car safely, understand the rules of the road and develop the skills they need to pass their driving test.

As a driving instructor you would start by assessing the learner's knowledge and skills. You would then use this information to plan a series of lessons targeted towards helping them gain their driving licence.

Most driving lessons follow a similar pattern. As a driving instructor you would teach your clients how to:

• Operate the vehicle controls with confidence
• Develop the correct driving attitude and approach
• carry out maneuvers safely, including turning, reversing and parking
• Develop a sound understanding of driving laws
• Deal with emergency situations
• Maintain their vehicle

You would normally use dual controls to make slight adjustments to the learners driving when necessary. As the learner becomes more competent, you would take them out on busier roads, dual carriageways and more complex junctions like roundabouts.

Driving instructors also teach road safety, the Highway Code and basic vehicle checks. When the instructor thinks the learner is ready they will apply for a driving test date. As well as preparing learners for the practical test, the instructor may also cover the theory side in depth, although most learners do this in their own time.

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