Driving instructor training is the process of becoming a DVSA-approved driving instructor (ADI). To qualify, you must pass three stages:

Part 1 – Theory Test

The first test comprises of 2 parts. The first element is a computer based multiple-choice theory test. This is similar to the theory test you took as a learner driver, except you have 100 questions, and you must correctly answer 85 or more to pass.

The second element of the theory test is a hazard perception test. Again, this is similar to the test you took as a learner, but here you are shown 14 video clips featuring road scenes, and you must click every time you see a hazard. The earlier you spot the hazard, the more marks you gain, out of a possible 75 marks. To pass this part, you must gain at least 57 points.

To pass Part 1, you must pass both the theory and hazard perception test. If you fail one part, you must retake both parts of the test again. Part 1 test can be retaken as many times as required..

Part 2 – Driving Ability

You will be driving on different types of road which include dual carriageways, country lanes and motorways. You will have to demonstrate the skills you will be teaching learner drivers.

This includes:

• Driving independently for around 20 minutes while following directions from a satnav or a series of traffic signs.
• Doing 2 of 4 possible reversing manoeuvres:
  • Parallel park at the side of the road
  • Reverse into a parking bay and drive out
  • Drive into a parking bay and reverse out
  • Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and re-join the traffic.
• Answering 2 safety questions whilst driving- e.g. showing the examiner how they’d use the car’s cruise control

You are allowed a maximum of 6 minor faults, but if you get any more, or if you get a serious/dangerous fault, you will receive a fail. Unlike the part one test where you have unlimited attempts you pass. For the Part 2 driving test you will get a further 2 attempts to retake the test. In the unlikely event you fail the test 3 times, you will not be allowed to take any further tests. Instead you will have to start the qualifying process from Part 1 all over again.

Training for the Part 2 driving test will require a driving instructor trainer to assess and correct your driving skills and show you the driving test routes, to increase your potential of passing this part of the test. There is no set number of hours, but we recommend 8-10 hours.

Part 3 – Instructional Ability

This is the final test, which will assess your ability to teach. Here, you will give a driving lesson to a real pupil while the examiner assesses your ability to tailor the training to that pupil’s learning goals and needs.

For many candidates, this is the hardest part. Our driving instructor trainers have years of experience and know what the examiners want you to teach them. You will be given 40 hours of training from our instructor trainer. These lessons will consist of training on how to deliver a professional driving lesson and find out how to find and correct your pupils’ faults.

Like the Part 2 test, you only have 3 attempts to pass; if you fail on your third attempt, you will have to redo the course all over again from Part 1.

Our driving instructor training programme prepares you for each stage with structured lessons and expert guidance from experienced trainers.