Disability Driving Instructors in the UK: What You Need To Become One

06/03/2023

The number of disabled drivers in the UK has dropped in recent years. It's more vital than ever that there are disability driving instructors available for the people who need them.

If you consider becoming a driving instructor, it's easier than you think. And there are considerable overlaps in the equipment, skills and temperament required.

This guide explains exactly how to become a disabled driving instructor. It also includes what drive disability equipment you may need.

How to Become a Disabled Driving Instructor

First, you will need all the essential qualifications required of any other approved driving instructor (ADI). Read this guide for more information on the steps to become one.

Second, "disabled" and "disability" are huge umbrella terms. Everyone driving with a disability is different. So, their needs and requirements in a vehicle and instructor are different too.

These are some of the circumstances in which learner drivers may prefer specialised disability driving instructors:

• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Physical disabilities e.g. wheelchair user or prosthetic user
• Learning disabilities

After a few years, you could become a sought-after driving instructor who can teach a range of students with many different needs. But when you are first starting out, it's good to start with one specialism.

There is no one specific qualification for ADIs to become disabled driving instructors. And all drivers need to pass the same driving test. But let's say you want to start disabled driving lessons with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Learning British Sign Language (BSL) would be beneficial and helpful.

Or if you want to teach students with physical disabilities, you may need to make modifications to your vehicle. If a student needs many specific modifications, you may need to be adaptable and hold lessons in their vehicle.

And as with any new driver, disability driving instructors must be patient, flexible and supportive. Learner drivers with disabilities may need things explained in a different way or need more instruction.

Fitness to Drive Assessments

Every person must declare any illness or condition to the DVLA when applying for their provisional license. The DVLA makes a 'fitness to drive' assessment for every applicant, and there is no specific disabled driving assessment.

Every learner driver with a provisional license for a manual car is fit to drive. However, many new drivers with disabilities choose to learn in an automatic car instead. It is up to specialist driving instructors and mobility centres to suggest modifications to the learner driver to assist their driving.

Equipment for Disability Driving Instructors

Driving instructors for disabled drivers are not required to have any specialist equipment. You might need many potential modifications, adaptations and equipment as a driving instructor. It would be impossible to prepare for every need and circumstance.

On the one hand, your students with learning disabilities may not need special equipment. However, other students might need wheelchair loading and several handles.

Driving instructors for disabled drivers need to make their assessments. But if you are starting as a disabled driving instructor, here is some essential equipment you will need to teach every student.

L-Plates

All motor vehicles with provisional license holders behind the wheel must follow DVLA guidelines. So you will need to invest in some good L-plates to attach to your instructor vehicle! It is always a good idea to keep backups in your car.

Check out our selection of L-plates here, as well as other plates.

Dual Controls

One of the first modifications you will want to make to your instructor's car is to install dual controls. All instructors need a second set of foot pedals on the left-hand passenger side of the car for safety reasons - they are also helpful as demonstration tools.

We have a range of dual controls to suit your vehicle. These dual controls for right-hand drive vehicles are ideal for most cars.

Extra Handles

When teaching students with physical disabilities, extra handles are always a great idea. Whether your students have issues with fatigue, limited mobility, or use a wheelchair full time. Handles on the sides of the seats or car roof may greatly benefit.

Appointment Cards

Many students will likely input their driving lesson appointments into their phones, but it is good practice to write them on an appointment card too. Then, the student will not need to remember the lesson, and the student's parent or guardian can access the information.

Our range of appointment cards is customisable. You can add your logo and contact information when you order.

Exterior Signage

Once you are a fully-certified driving instructor, make sure everyone knows it! Install roof signs and apply exterior signage around your vehicle with your name and contact information.

Make sure you include that you are a specialist driving instructor on your signs. It is surprising how often people do not realise disability driving instructors exist. Many will jump at the chance to work with one who understands their specific needs.

Word of mouth is still essential for advertising! Check out our huge range of signs, including roof, vinyl and magnetic, to enhance your instructor vehicle.

Become a Disability Driving Instructor and Make a Difference

Disability driving instructors are essential so everyone who wants to get their driving license can. Most adults in the UK are 100% capable of operating a motor vehicle. And for many, driving is a lot more than travelling from A to B. Driving offers independence, freedom, and the chance to lead a fulfilling life.

Are you interested in becoming a specialist ADI? Browse our complete range of training and development materials for driving instructors.