How to become a Driving Instructor

Each Year thousands of people start out along the road to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). This means for most the start of a new career, or in some cases a part-time supplement.

Being an ADI is not easy. This job will involve mixing with all sorts of people, some of whom you may not find it easy to get on with. You will need good people skills and a lot of patience and understanding.

Are you qualified?

The career suits men and women of all ages (over 21), from all walks of life. You don't need any previous qualifications - apart from a Driving Licence and those requirements listed later.

You will be responsible for your own safety, that of your pupil and other road users. You will need a high level of concentration throughout your working day. Your last lesson of the day has to be conducted with the same enthusiasm and competence as your first.

You should not embark upon this career lightly, as the qualifying process is tough, the national pass rate is low and typically takes several months to complete.

However, a career as a driving instructor is extremeley rewarding,consider;

• Flexible working hours
• Independence of being your own boss
• Excellent earnings potential
• No two days are the same
• Help a variety of people to achieve a skill for life
• Achieve real job satisfaction

Pay as you learn

Compass Instructor Training, adopts a pay as you learn approach to training, unlike major training establishments. We do not ask for fees up front*, only for each training session. What ever your individual reason for becoming a Driving Instructor, our flexible pay as you learn approach makes a change of career more affordable.

*This applies to practical training only

Where can further information about becoming an ADI be found?

A more detailed explanation of all procedures can be found in the DSA Starter pack (ADI 14) available from the Driving Standards Agency Website.

Not everyone will be able to meet the DSA requirements to enter the register of Approved Driving Instructors.

One of the legal requirements for an applicant to become an ADI, is that they MUST be a 'fit and proper person'. The Registrar, requires that all applicants complete an Enhanced Level Criminal Record Check.

You Must:

• Hold a full UK or European Union/European Economic Area unrestricted car driving licence
• Have held it for a total of at least four out of the past six years prior to entering the register after qualifying. An automatic or foreign licence counts towards the four years.
• Not have been disqualified from driving at any time in the four years prior to being entered on the register.
• In addition you should be aware that you cannot accompany a person to drive unless you have held a Full UK or EU/EEA driving licence for three years and must be aged 21or more.