Check your eligibility and begin your application
Eligibility
- Are you over 21 years of age?
- Have you held a full UK driving licence for over 3 years?
- Do you have less than 6 points on your driving licence?
If you answered yes to all three questions, you should be eligible to apply to become a driving instructor.
Your application
Before starting your application you must first get a criminal record check (cost: £8.22). Then, when you're ready, start your application.
Find a trainer or register with a driving school
You can use the resources on GOV.UK to find a registered trainer in your area. They will help you prepare for the 3 qualifying tests.
Complete the 3-part curriculum to become a qualified driving instructor
ADI part 1: Theory test
This first part combines a theory test with a test of your hazard perception skills. The assessment includes a multiple-choice section made up of questions on topics such as the Highway code, traffic signs, road procedure and practical teaching skills, alongside a hazard perception test to finish with just like when you yourself learnt to drive!
The theory test costs £81 and you can book your test online at GOV.UK.
ADI part 2: Driving ability test
This test is made up of a basic eyesight check, several ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions to check your understanding and finally an assessment of your overall driving ability which includes both driving independently and testing your ability to undertake specific manoeuvres.
Get practice teaching
If you’ve passed ADI part 2 you have the option to apply for a 6-month trainee licence to get experience teaching students. You can start to earn money by joining a driving school or becoming sponsored by an ADI as a trainee instructor to get the necessary practical experience essential to passing ADI part 3.
To apply for the trainee licence you need to have had at least 40 hours of training from a qualified ADI in providing driving instruction (at least 10 of which were done in a car), recorded on the ADI 21T declaration form.
The trainee instructor licence costs £140 and you can apply for your trainee licence online.
ADI part 3: Instructional ability test
Under supervision from a driving examiner, for this part of the test you will deliver a real driving lesson to a pupil. This instructional ability test assesses your competency in terms of lesion planning, risk management and both teaching and learning strategies.
You are limited to 3 attempts at your part 3. Unfortunately, if you fail all 3 times you will have to wait 2 years from the date you passed your ADI part 1 before you can begin again. You will then have to retake the ADI Part 1,2 and 3 tests again until you pass them all.
The instructional ability test costs £111 and you can book your test online at GOV.UK.
Register and start working as a fully qualified instructor
Once you’ve passed all 3 tests you must register within 12 months. When you have received your certificate, you can start charging for lessons. You can either join a school or set up independently.
You will have one standards check at least once every 4 years, and will need to renew your registration and DBS check every 4 years.
You can register your first ADI certificate for £300 and renew your registration at GOV.UK.