What is ADI training?
ADI stands for Approved Driving Instructor. It’s the qualification regulated by the DVSA that lets you work as a driving instructor in the UK, either independently or as part of a franchise. Until you hold it, the only way to teach for payment is on a trainee licence.
ADI training (driving instructor training) is how you prepare for the qualifying exam. The exam comes in three parts, each testing something different.
What are the three parts of the ADI qualification?
ADI Part 1: Theory and Hazard Perception
The ADI Part 1 test is a computer-based test in two sections: multiple-choice theory questions covering the Highway Code, driving techniques, road safety and how to teach, plus a hazard perception test. You need to pass both sections to move on.
ADI Part 2: driving ability
The ADI Part 2 test is a practical driving test with a DVSA examiner, assessing your driving to a higher standard than the learner test. It also includes vehicle safety questions.
ADI Part 3: instructional ability
The ADI Part 3 test is the instructional ability test. You teach a real pupil for about 45 minutes while a DVSA examiner scores how well you teach, not how well you drive. It’s the part most people need the most support with.
How do you apply to start ADI training?
Before you can book ADI Part 1, you need a DBS check and a DVSA application. The DBS comes first, and it has to be a new one arranged through the DVSA even if you already hold a check from another job. It costs £8.22.
Once that’s back, you apply to DVSA and receive a Personal Reference Number (PRN). That’s what you use to book all three ADI tests.
Start the DBS as soon as you can. Everything else waits on it.
How do you train to become a driving instructor?
You can prepare for the ADI qualification independently using DVSA materials, or enrol on a structured course with a training provider.
Many providers appear on the ORDIT register, the DVSA’s voluntary register for instructor trainers. ORDIT trainers have been assessed by a DVSA examiner against the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training, so it’s a useful quality signal when you’re deciding where to train.
What to expect from your training programme
We provide all your required learning equipment, such as complimentary online training resources and study materials, alongside access to our brand new Bill Plant app – giving you hours of training materials & DVSA content on the go!
We offer 10 hours of expert training, focused on improving your driving ability, to hone your skills and techniques. This will include ‘Show me, Tell me’ questions to test your knowledge of basic car maintenance to help you prepare for the exam.
You will receive up to 42 hours of training with an ORDIT (Official Registered Driving Instructor Training) Trained Driving Instructor, who will develop your instructional ability and coach you on how to teach pupils to drive safely through a mix of online and in-car sessions. This element of your training includes:
- Core Competencies
- Lesson Planning
- Risk Management
- Teaching & Learning Strategies
To help you with this stage of training, we also offer you a complimentary downloadable ‘Driving Instructor Lesson Plans & Diagrams’ eBook, which will help you throughout your Driving Instructor career!
Most trainees select this hugely beneficial road to success! You’ll be issued a trainee license once you’ve completed your Part 3 training by the DVSA, which we’ll sponsor you on for 6 months. This means you can start providing driving lessons while earning money every week as a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) with Bill Plant Driving School. Obtain the vital practical experience you’ll need to pass your Part 3 Exam and upon successful completion, you’ll be added to the DVSA’s register as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
Diverse training options
Intensive Driving Instructor Training is our trainees’ favourite course option!
Available in London, Cheshire, North West, East Midlands, Scotland, East of England, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Manchester, Nottingham, West Midlands, North East, Sheffield, Slough, Wales, St Albans, South East, Staffordshire, Birmingham, Yorkshire & Humber.
Available nationwide. Train in a region familiar to you and fit training sessions in and around your schedule. Perfect for those in full-time employment, looking for a career change.
40+ Nationwide Training Hubs
With over 40 driving instructor training hubs available throughout the UK, you’ll never need to travel too far to take your in-car driving instructor training! Contact us for more information about your nearest training hub.
Driving Instructor Training with Bill Plant Driving School
Bill Plant Driving School is one of the UK’s largest providers for expert Driving Instructor Training nationwide! We train hundreds of new Instructors each year. Train to become a Driving Instructor and you could be the next expert Instructor!
That’s just £19 per hour for your training if you pay in full and opt in to our PDI Training Scheme.
Flexible payment options, including Partial Payments & Instalment Plans available on all courses.
One of the UK’s largest providers of fast-track Intensive Driving Instructor Training courses.
Once you’ve completed your Part 3 training, you have the option to join our PDI franchise to continue your learning.
Earn while you learn by joining our PDI Trainee Programme
Regardless of what training course you choose, did you know that you can receive 20 hours of extra FREE training while earning an average of £36 per hour?!
Join our award winning PDI Trainee Programme
Once you’ve completed the final stage of your training, make sure you’re ready to pass your Part 3 Test! Earn while you learn and increase your chances of success with our PDI Trainee Programme.
This route substantially increases your chances of passing your Part 3 exam as you will be required to bring a real pupil alongside you to your test! It enables you to gain vital practical experience teaching learner drivers under the sponsorship of Bill Plant Driving School, while earning hundreds of pounds in lesson revenue per week.
Join our franchise!
- Nationwide franchise packages
- Exclusive VW Franchise Cars
- Car insurance, servicing, and maintenance covered by us
- Dedicated full-time support
Driving Instructor Training Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t worry, you can still train to become a Driving Instructor, whilst doing a full-time job alongside your training. Driving Instructor Training consists of 3 parts. You can complete Part 1 at home whilst being supported by our dedicated Training Support team. Only 8 days are needed to complete our intensive training course.
- 10 hours of Part 2 training (completed over 2 consecutive days)
- Part 3 training (completed over 6 days)
If you need to be more flexible with your training, then our flexible training course is right for you! You can schedule all your in-car sessions at dates/times that are convenient for you.
No, you do not need to provide your own vehicle to complete your Driving Instructor Training. The in-car sessions of your training programme will take place in the comfort of one of our market-leading Volkswagen tuition vehicles! For your Part 2/3 exams, you can have the choice to use your own car, but you can also rent one from us, or use one of our tuition vehicles if you’re on our PDI Trainee License.
There are no hidden costs for your Driving Instructor Training. All payments made to us are for your training only. For your PDI & ADI licenses, you’ll need to pay the DVSA, regardless of your training provider.
Correct as of April 2025, the current costs for tests and license badges can be found in our Driving Instructor Training Information Pack.
To be able to start training and be eligible to become a Driving Instructor, there are a few requirements to which you must be able to meet:
- You must’ve held a full UK driving license for 3+ years.
- Have 5 points or less, on your driving license.
- You must be able to read a number plate from 90 feet away (you’re allowed to wear glasses/contact lenses for this).
- You must be able to pass a DBS check with the UK government.
- To legally qualify as a Driving Instructor, you must also be able to register as a PDI and obtain a Personal Reference Number (PRN).
No we cannot guarantee a pass, as the DVSA conduct the tests. It’s the same way in which nobody can guarantee that you’ll pass your driving test immediately as a learner driver. With that being said, we’ve invested heavily into resources to ensure that we can maximise your chances of passing first time.
Absolutely not, the franchise is completely optional on completion of the training. Whether you choose to join our franchise or take on your new career independently, is completely your own choice. With that being said, why wouldn’t you want to join the National Driving School of the Year & Training Provider of the Year 2025?!
Once you pass Part 1, you have two years to pass Parts 2 and 3. You get unlimited attempts at Part 1, but Parts 2 and 3 are capped at three attempts each.
If you use all three attempts at either test without passing, you start the whole qualification again from Part 1. You can’t retake Part 1 until two years have passed from the date you originally passed it, so there’s no way to shortcut the wait by restarting early.
Yes. After passing Part 2 and completing 40 hours of Part 3 training, you can apply for a trainee licence and work as a PDI (Potential Driving Instructor).
As a PDI you teach real pupils and can charge for lessons, so you’re building genuine teaching experience, and income, while you finish preparing for Part 3. It’s also the closest thing to a rehearsal for the test itself, because Part 3 assesses exactly what you’ll be doing every day on a trainee licence.
Pass all three parts and you apply to join the ADI register. You need to apply within 12 months of passing Part 3, or you’ll have to sit all three tests again.
Your first ADI badge costs £300 and lasts four years. Once it arrives you’re a fully qualified ADI and can work independently or with a driving school franchise.