Qualifying as a driving instructor

Three steps to financial independence

No one can charge a fee for providing driving tuition unless they are an approved driving instructor, an ADI. To become an ADI, you must (1) be registered with the Driving Standards Agency and (2) have passed what's known as the qualifying examination. The information on this page is a summary of the government's own advice.

At the Wimbledon Driving School, we provide tuition to help you pass the qualifying examination. Applying to join the register is something you can do online.

Registration
The first step is to obtain a criminal record check by calling 0870 850 2455.

Next, apply for registration as a potential driving instructor, a PDI, at www.direct.gov.uk.

Registration is not automatic. You must:

• have held a full UK or EU driving licence for four out of the past six years
• be free from disqualification for the past four years
• be a 'fit and proper' person

Qualifying examination
The examination is in three parts, all of which must be completed within a period of two years.

Part 1: Theory

The theory test consists of a multiple-choice test and a video-based hazard-perception test. The multiple-choice test lasts 90 minutes and involves 100 questions; the hazard-perception test lasts 15 minutes. The standard is high (the pass marks are 85% and 76% respectively), but there are plenty of written and online learning materials to help you prepare. Nationwide pass rates in 2010/11 were 47%.

You can have as many attempts at Part 1 as you need. When you pass, the clock starts ticking on the two-year timescale for Parts 2 and 3.

Part 2: Driving technique
The driving test starts with an eyesight test. You must be able to read a number plate at 27.5m with or without glasses.

There follows an hour-long test of your driving skills. Up to six minor faults are allowed, but just one serious or dangerous fault will lead to failure. You can make up to three attempts to pass Part 2. Pass rates in 2010/11 were 54%.

If you pass Part 2 and have at least 40 hours' training with an accredited school like ours, you can apply for a pink trainee licence. The trainee licence lasts only six months, but it does allow you to charge pupils for driving tuition.

According to the rules, only 25% of those 40 hours have to be in the car. At the Wimbledon Driving School, all 40 hours will be in the car. Few driving schools can match that quality of tuition.

Part 3: Instructional ability
The hardest test of the three is the last one. It tests your ability to instruct pupils of varying abilities. There are two parts to the hour-long test. In each part, the examiner pretends to be a pupil – a beginner, a more experienced learner, or a qualified driver undertaking driver development training. Your task is to assess their ability level and tailor your instruction to fit. You can make up to three attempts to pass Part 3. Pass rates in 2010/11 were 34%.

Qualification as an ADI
When you've passed Part 3, you can apply for the green licence that allows you to practice as an ADI, either independently or with a school such as the Wimbledon Driving School. You must apply within one year of passing Part 3. If you don't, you'll have to go back to Part 1 and start the process over again.

Registration as an ADI lasts four years, during which time you will be subject to check tests. Before the four years are up, you can reapply for another four years. Your registration will not be renewed if you fail or refuse to take a check test.

Why wait? Start your new career today
Why not pick up the phone to start the ball rolling? We can talk you through registration and the source materials you need for passing Part 1. And we'll explain how our tuition will help you sail through Parts 2 and 3.

And don't forget, that initial, hour-long aptitude test-drive is free.

Call 0800 511 8800 to start your journey to a new career.