Become a driving instructor
Teach people to drive. Be your own boss.
Become a driving instructor for only £1,400. Here is who can apply, the three tests you take, what they cost, and how we train and support you along the way.
Be your own boss
Run your own diary and your own car, and answer to your pupils.
Freedom and flexibility
Choose the hours that suit your life. Diary management is your choice.
Earn up to £40k a year
Our instructors can make up to £40,000 a year. What you earn depends on the hours you choose to teach.
Full training and ongoing support
We train you through the qualifying tests and stay with you once you are teaching.
Make a real impact on lives
A driving licence opens up work, family life and freedom. You are the person who gets someone there.
To qualify as a driving instructor in the UK, you must meet all six of these.
Become a car driving instructor, on GOV.UK- Be at least 21 years old
- Have held a full UK or EU driving licence for at least 3 years
- Have no more than 6 penalty points on your licence
- Not have been banned from driving in the last 4 years
- Pass a criminal record check (DBS)
- Be medically fit to drive
Get your DBS check
£5.40Apply for a DBS check on GOV.UKBefore you can apply, you need a criminal record (DBS) check for driving instructors.
Apply to become an instructor
Apply to become a driving instructor on GOV.UKOnce your DBS check is back, you apply to the DVSA to start the qualifying process.
ADI part 1: theory test
£81- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 14 hazard perception clips
Multiple-choice questions
There are 100 questions, 25 in each of these 4 categories:
- Road procedure
- Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- Driving test, disabilities and the law
- Publications and instructional techniques
Hazard perception
You are shown a video about how it works, then you watch 14 clips of everyday road scenes. Each has at least one developing hazard, and one clip has 2. You score up to 5 points for each hazard: the sooner you click as it starts to develop, the higher your score.
Pass mark
You get your result at the test centre, and you must pass both parts.
- Multiple choice: at least 85 out of 100 overall, and at least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories
- Hazard perception: at least 57 points out of 75
ADI part 1 test on GOV.UKRevision material
- Theory Test Pro (a paid add-on: make sure you select the ADI/PDI option)
- The Highway Code
- Know Your Traffic Signs
- Driving: the essential skills
- The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive
ADI part 2: driving ability test
£111- About 1 hour
- 3 attempts
What the test covers
- An eyesight check
- 'Show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions
- General driving ability
- Manoeuvres
- Independent driving
Pass mark
- No more than 6 driving faults
- No serious or dangerous faults
ADI part 2 test on GOV.UKIf you do not pass
The examiner tells you what faults you made, and you can take the test again after a first or second fail. If you fail a third time, you have to retake and pass part 1 again, and you have to wait 2 years from when you first passed part 1 before you can take it.
Trainee licence (optional)
£140- Valid for 6 months
- Teach and earn while you train
Once you have passed part 2 you can choose to go on a trainee licence. It lets you teach and earn: you need a car with dual controls and valid insurance, and you can charge for lessons to cover costs such as your insurance and vehicle.
Trainee driving instructor licence on GOV.UKWhat it involves
- A mandatory 40 hours of training with an ADI
- A driving school to sponsor you
- Either 20 hours of additional training, within 3 months of getting your trainee licence or before your part 3 test
- Or supervision for 20% of all the lessons you give on your trainee licence
- It can be extended if needed
ADI part 3: instructional ability test
£111- About 45 minutes
- 3 attempts
- Pass mark 31 out of 50
The final test. A DVSA examiner watches you give a client-centred driving lesson to one of your pupils for about 45 minutes.
ADI part 3 test on GOV.UKWhat you are marked on
17 areas of competence, each scored from 0 to 3 and added up to give your result and your grade. They are grouped into 3 categories:
- Lesson planning
- Risk management
- Teaching and learning strategies
Test and licence fees are set by the DVSA and can change. Check the current fees on GOV.UK before you book anything.
How long does it take?
The process could take anywhere between 3 and 18 months.
How much does the training cost?
You can become a driving instructor with us for only £1,400. You pay the DVSA separately for your tests and your trainee licence.
Can I work while training?
Yes. You can charge for lessons if you choose to go down the trainee licence route.
Is there a high demand?
Yes. There is currently a shortage of instructors.
Are the tests included?
No. You pay the DVSA directly for your tests and your trainee badge.
What happens if I fail part 2 or part 3 on my final attempt?
You can reapply 2 years after the date you passed your part 1.
Do I choose my own hours?
Yes. Diary management is your choice.
Are the tests hard?
With the right amount of training, you put yourself in a better position.
Do I need a car?
If you go down the trainee licence route, you can either buy or lease a vehicle with dual controls and valid insurance.
Already qualified, or nearly there? Join our team. Prefer to talk it through? WhatsApp us.
- Open 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm
- Nottingham and surrounding areas, door to door
- enquiries@gearsdrivingschool.com