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Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Instruction
10/09/2019
Are you interested in becoming a driving instructor? If the aforementioned career has ever interested you, you’re in luck! We’ve taken the time to construct a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some of the burning questions you have about driving instruction.
What are the requirements for becoming a driving instructor? To register for driving instruction training, you must first meet the following criteria:
- Have no more than six penalty points on your license
- Have held a full valid UK license for at least three years
- Must be over 21 years of age and meet legal, physical, and mental requirements
How long does it take to become a driving instructor?
As a rough estimate, it takes most candidates at least six months to complete their Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualification.
The process will be sped up greatly if you dedicate a lot of time and show a lot of devotion to the training. Sometimes ADI exams have long waiting lists, which could also dictate how long the process takes. Individuals working full-time or even part-time may take longer to pass then an individual who has a free schedule to commit to as much training as possible.
How hard are the ADI exams?
They say nothing worth having comes easy, right? The test you undertake is designed to be challenging in order to properly prepare hopeful instructors for what awaits them.
The DVSA have high standards that must be upheld. As previously stated, these tests require a lot of time and commitment, but with the right help and support, there is every chance that you will be able to pass the tests.
For some further reading, you should read an earlier article we published on how to pass your ADI exams.
What happens if you fail the ADI standards check?
If you have been unfortunate enough to fail your standards check then the examiner believes your performance on the test was unsatisfactory. You’re allowed up to two more attempts to pass the test. However, if you fail three times you will be removed from the ADI register and you’ll have to retake the ADI test to join the ADI register again.
How much does a driving instructor earn a year?
This question is largely dependent on the hours you choose. Obviously the more time you invest in your career, the better return you'll see. Part-time workers can expect roughly £18,000 to £22,000 per annum and full-time workers normally earn around £38,000 to £44,000 per annum.
How many hours do I have to work?
The flexibility of being a driving instructor means that you are your own boss and you decide how many hours you would like to work. This means you can easily fit your job around any other commitments and your own personal availability.
Are there additional costs I need to be aware of?
The only other additional costs that you should know about is the cost of a driving instructor training course as well as the cost of the ADI tests themselves.
Training courses vary greatly so we’d recommend searching for local courses investigating the different prices. Furthermore, you can view a full breakdown of ADI fees here.
Do you have a question that we didn’t cover? Get in touch with us today on 01353 749807 and we’ll be happy to answer any queries you may have.