Do you want to become a driving instructor in Birmingham? The demand for teachers across the West Midlands is growing, with thousands of new learners eager to start their driving journey each year. Under the guidance of our experienced, DVSA-approved instructors, you can develop the skills to help others. We’re focused on giving you the freedom and flexibility to work when (and where) you want.
Pass At Once’s driving instructor courses in Birmingham are designed by drivers, for drivers, so if you live in areas like Edgbaston, Moseley, Sutton Coldfield or Alum Rock, get in touch to learn more about what we offer.
What do you need to become a driving instructor?
To start your career as a driving instructor, you must have held a full UK driving licence or a European/Economic driving licence for at least 3 years and be over 21 years of age. You also need to be able to do is to read a car number plate from a distance of:
- 26.5m for vehicles with a new style number plate or
- 27.5m for vehicles with an old-style number plate
How to become a driving instructor
Our driving instructor training is split into three tests. Before getting out on the road, you’ll need to pass a multiple-choice theory/hazard perception and instructional ability test. You will need to pass these in the following order:
Part 1. Multiple choice theory test and hazard perception test
Part one of our driving instructor courses comprises two elements: the first, a computer-based series of multiple-choice questions (related to driving theory) and the second, a hazard perception test. It’s normal to feel like your driving instructor training is similar to standard driving tests. However, there are some differences. The standard UK theory test has 50 questions, of which you must answer 43 questions correctly.
The instructor test consists of 100 questions, of which you must answer 85 or more to pass. The hazard perception test involves watching 14 video clips on a computer monitor and pressing the keyboard each time a hazard is displayed. To pass Part One, you must pass both the theory and hazard perception tests. Failing either part means you must retake the theory and hazard perception test from the beginning.
If you fail part one, you can retake it as many times as you want. But don’t worry: we’ll provide you with all the study materials needed to Pass At Once. Once you have revised (and feel ready to sit the exam), our instructors will also provide you with a mock test to identify any weaknesses in your theoretical knowledge. If any remedial training is required, we will also provide this, along with training you on how to pass the hazard perception test.
Part 2. Driving ability test
To become a driving instructor in Birmingham, you will be required to demonstrate practical skills. With the examiner in the passenger seat, you will be tested on various elements of driving (as in a standard test), but you cannot make more than six minor faults. If you get more than this (or one serious/dangerous fault), you will fail part two.
Students will then be given two more attempts to retake the test. In the unlikely event, you fail the test three times, you will not be allowed to take any further tests. Instead, you will have to re-qualify for driving instructor training.
Part 3. Instructional Ability Test
Part three tests your ability to teach. One of our examiners will be seated in the driver’s seat, playing the role of a pupil for two consecutive half-hour tests. At the beginning of the test, the examiner will brief you on pre-set subjects they would like you to teach. Then, you will teach the examiner a lesson! For part three, you’ll be given 40 hours of training by a member of our experienced team. As part of driving instructor training, you’ll be taught how to deliver a lesson and correctly identify faults.
Once you have completed these 40 hours, we will be able to sponsor you to become a trainee driving instructor (meaning you can start to teach real pupils!) As with Part Two, you will only be given three attempts to pass. If you don’t pass on your third attempt, you will have to redo the course from the beginning.
Why become a driving instructor?
When you’re looking for friendly, patient driving instructor courses in Birmingham, Pass At Once is proud to offer the highest standards of teaching. There are countless reasons to get on the road as a teacher, but here are some of our favourites:
Job satisfaction
Do you want to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives? As a newly-qualified instructor, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to match. By guiding learners from their first lesson to passing their test, our students will help others take the wheel.
Earning potential
The need for driving instructors is strong, especially in densely populated cities like Birmingham. With supply comes demand, and through our driving instructor courses in Birmingham, this could translate into a steady stream of students! As you build your client base, there’s potential to increase your earnings through referrals, repeat business and by solidifying your reputation as an experienced instructor.
Flexibility
If you’re someone who wants to set your schedule (and break free of the 9–5), becoming a driving instructor is the perfect opportunity. If you want to work evenings one week and only weekends another, you can! It’s all about setting a schedule that aligns with your personal commitments. Now, you’ll have more time to accommodate responsibilities, pursue other interests, or just enjoy more control over your daily life.