To become a driving instructor you’ll need a superb standard of driving ability, coupled with wide-ranging knowledge of how to teach others to drive.
You must have an awareness of how people learn, an ability to assess learners and to communicate well while teaching inexperienced pupils.
To demonstrate all these skills, you must pass three rigorous exams to become an approved driving instructor (ADI).
The Theory Test ( ADI Part 1)
This consists of two parts: multiple choice and hazard perception. You must pass both of these parts.
For the multiple choice section, you will face questions on road procedure, traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge, the driving test, disabilities, law publications and instructional techniques. In the hazard perception section, you will be shown 14 video clips featuring developing hazards in everyday road situations, which you must spot.
Those with special needs, such as dyslexia, will be given more time to complete the test.
Test of Driving Ability (ADI Part 2)
The practical test covers safety questions and includes an eye test, as well as examining your driving technique.
You will also be asked to perform various checks on different vehicle components.
For the test of driving ability, a very high standard of competence is required. You must show thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety and that you can apply them.
You must be able to demonstrate a range of skills, including expert handling of the controls; use of correct, considerate road procedure, including anticipating the actions of other road users and the taking of appropriate action. You must also be able to make correct manoeuvres as appropriate.
Full details of what is required are available from the DSA.
Instructional Ability (ADI Part 3)
This two-part test examines the level of your knowledge and ability to pass this on to pupils with competent instruction.
Your examiner will take on each of two roles, that of beginner and of someone about to take their driving test.
The instruction you give should be tailored to the time available and to the standard of the ‘pupil’ being played by the examiner.
You must hold valid insurance for this part of the test, including insurance for your examiner.
After you pass the Part Three test you can apply to join the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
How will I be assessed?
The examiner will assess how you maintain control of the ‘lesson’, your behaviour towards your ‘pupil’ and how you observe and correct their mistakes.
Most importantly, the relevance of your instruction to the particular pupil and the suitability of your teaching to the road conditions will be closely monitored to give a fair and accurate report of your skills.
