Check if you can become an approved driving instructor (ADI) in Great Britain and find out:

• what you need to do to qualify
• what rules apply if you have an automatic or manual licence

Check if you can become a driving instructor.

When you apply to become a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) you will be asked to declare that you have read the ADI starter guide: ‘Your guide to the approved driving instructor register’ sometimes referred to as the ADI 14. Download ‘Your guide to the approved driving instructor register’

What you will need

You can apply online to become a PDI with the DVSA. This service is available between 06:00 and midnight and you will need to disclose:

• Your full UK or European Union / European Economic Area unrestricted car driving licence: held for at least four years.
• Criminal record disclosure number, and the date the disclosure was produced
• Details of any motoring or non-motoring offences, and disqualifications from driving
• Details of any pending court cases brought against you. You MUST be a ‘fit and proper’ person in order to be accepted onto the register. Things like criminal records and motoring convictions will be taken into consideration.

All applicants wishing to be included on the DVSA register will need a criminal record check.

The cost for entry onto the ADI register is currently £300.

Once you have been accepted onto the register by the DVSA, you will be required to take and pass three tests as outlined below.

• Theory and Hazard Perception Test (part one)
• Driving Ability Assessment (part two)
• Test of Instructional Ability (part three)

Once you have passed part one, you have two years to pass parts two and three.

Is this the right career choice for me?

Becoming a driving instructor can be hard work with unsociable hours, but it can also be very rewarding.

It will be your responsibility to develop a high standard of driving behaviour in your pupils and teach them how to stay safe on our roads.

You will need to have a lot of patience and understanding with a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of driving.

You will need to be a high regard for all aspects of road safety as you will be responsible for the safety of not only yourself and your pupil, but also to other road users too.

A professional approach to your pupils is required at all times.