How to become a driving instructor

Start a new career from just £1295!

Train intensively to become a driving instructor as soon as possible, with the opportunity to earn £1,000+ a week while you learn. Voted the UK’s number 1 provider for both lessons and driving instructor training!

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How to become a driving instructor: 3 simple steps

There are 3 simple steps in learning how to become a driving instructor. You’ll need to meet these requirements for becoming a driving instructor before you’ll be allowed to get behind the wheel and teach people.

1. Apply with DVSA & Pre-checks
Eligibility

  • Over the age of 21?
  • Less than 6 points on your licence?
  • Held a full UK driving licence for 3+ years?

If the answer to these 3 questions is “Yes” – you’re eligible!

Next step? Get a DBS check – (costs just £6) & apply to become a driving instructor with a quick online application.
The Team at Bill Plant Driving School will provide you full guidance on your application and how to become a driving instructor.

2. Get Trained with Bill Plant Driving School
There couldn’t be a better time to train with Bill Plant Driving School. We were recently voted the UK’s National Driving School of the Year AND Training Provider of the Year for 2023, as judged by an independent judging panel, the voting public, and over 7,000+ driving instructors!

Driving Instructor Training courses are available with a range of options to suit your requirements. Did you know that the UK is experiencing unprecedented demand for driving instructors and you can earn money while completing your training with us?

  • Courses from just £1295
  • Earn £1,100+ in weekly driving lesson revenue while on a Trainee (PDI) Licence
  • Receive 20 hours of additional FREE Driving Instructor Training as a PDI

As one of the UK’s largest ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Training) registered training establishments, we’ve trained thousands of driving instructors since our inception, the next one could be you!

3. Pass the 3 Part Curriculum
Becoming a Driving Instructor simply requires you to pass 3 core assessments. All our courses will help you prepare for every part of the process to successfully qualify!

  • The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 1 test is comprised of a Theory and Hazard perception test. This assessment includes a multiple-choice section made up of questions on topics such as traffic signs and signals, road procedure and mechanical knowledge, alongside a hazard perception test to finish with just like when you yourself learnt to drive!
  • The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 2 test is made up of a basic eyesight check, several ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions to check your understanding and finally an assessment of your overall driving ability (which includes both driving independently and testing your ability to undertake specific manoeuvres).
  • The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 3 test involves delivering a real driving lesson to a pupil, under the supervision of a driving examiner. This Instructional Ability Test assesses your competency in terms of lesson planning, risk management and both teaching and learning strategies. To help prepare you for this, once you have completed your Part 3 training, Bill Plant Driving School can sponsor you on a trainee licence, ensuring you gain the vital practical experience you need to ace your final exam, all while earning an income alongside some additional free training!

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    Why become a Driving Instructor

    Becoming a driving instructor is more than just another job! Start your driving instructor training with Bill Plant Driving School and unlock your potential.

    Be Your Own Boss

    You’re in charge

    As a Driving Instructor, you are in complete control of your career and earning potential

    Flexible Hours

    Work / Life Balance

    Choose your own hours and book lessons that fit around your schedule

    High Earnings Potential

    £35-40K

    Working a full 30-40 hour week, at £30 per hour, will generate you £900-£1200 in weekly driving lesson revenue

    Unprecedented demand – we need you!

    Now is the best ever time to become a driving instructor. 8 out of 10 Bill Plant Driving School instructors are currently fully booked, with hundreds more reporting extremely busy diaries.

    Shortage of Driving Instructors

    Unprecedented demand for Driving Instructors and people wanting to learn to drive

    Covid-19 lockdowns backlog

    520,000+ driving tests in the backlog and hundreds of thousands of new 17 year olds who were unable to start their driving lessons

    Part 1 can be done online!

    Start your training straight away with no delays online, from the comfort of your own home

    Fast-track your new career

    Intensive Driving Instructor training options will get you on the road ASAP to meet the demand and maximise your earnings

    Step 1 of 3

    Click here to learn more about our Driving Instructor courses >

    Get your freedom from only £1295!

    Become a Driving Instructor with a Guaranteed Franchise Invitation from Bill Plant Driving School

    Nationwide franchise packages
    80% of Driving instructors have their diaries fully booked
    Exclusive VW Franchise Cars
    Once you’ve completed your driving instructor training, you are guaranteed a Driving School Franchise upon completion. You’ll benefit from some of the best marketing resources and business infrastructure in the industry. Plus, every Bill Plant Driving Instructor gets a market-leading Volkswagen tuition vehicle, the best car for learner drivers, as part of their Franchise.
    Not sure if the franchise is for you at this stage? Don’t worry, it’s not compulsory!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the main requirements for becoming a driving instructor?
    The main requirements for becoming a driving instructor are:

    1. You must have held a full UK driving license for a minimum of 3 years
    2. Have 6 points or less on your driving license.
    3. Be capable of passing the eyesight test, i.e. proving that you can read a number plate at 90 feet, even if that’s with the aid of glasses or contact lenses.
    4. Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with the UK Government, register as a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) and obtain a Personal Reference Number (PRN). These are legally required to become a driving instructor.

    Once you meet each of these, you’ll need to register for training.

    How much can I earn?
    This might sound cliché, but the more you choose to work the more you earn…and being your own boss means you can work as much as you want! Our Driving Instructors will generally earn £30 – £40 per hour, so the earning potential is in excess of £35,000 per annum if you choose to work a 35 hour week. Want to know more? Our guide on how much driving instructors earn can help.
    How long does it take to become a driving instructor?
    Training to become a driving instructor can take a number of months. The application process and checks can slow things down and your ability to pass the tests can too. Courses can take between 6 to 12 months depending on how quickly you pass each section. For a deeper dive on how long it takes to become a driving instructor, check our guide.
    How many attempts do you have to pass the exams?
    The DVSA allow you as many attempts at Part 1 as you need. Once you have passed your Part 1, you will then have two years to pass both Part 2 and Part 3. You are allowed three attempts at Part 2 and Part 3. If either exam is failed for the third time, then you cannot proceed any further in that instance, and can restart the process once your theory test has expired (2 years after you pass your Part 1 Exam).
    How easy is it to pass the exams?
    While we can’t speak for every driving school, in the last year, 89% of those who completed their training course, who opted for our PDI trainee licence, successfully qualified as Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs).
    Can I choose when, where and how much I work?
    Absolutely! As a Driving Instructor, you have complete control over all these aspects relating to your business. Can you really say you are your own boss if you are being told where and when you need to be somewhere? Unlike other major driving schools – we believe that the students we supply you are your customers to manage in entirety – meaning we do not schedule your driving lesson appointments or set your pricing whatsoever.
    How long do you have to have been driving to become an instructor – what driving ability do I need?
    To begin your training to become a driving instructor, you must have held your full driving licence for at least 3 full years. You’ll have to provide this when you apply for training and your tests.
    Your driving ability is then assessed through Part 2 of the ADI tests that are run by the DVSA.
    At what age can you become a driving instructor?
    As you have to have been qualified to drive for a minimum of 3 years, you won’t be able to start instructor training until at least the age of 21. You’ll not be able to register with the DVSA unless you are 21 and have held your license for at least 3 years.
    Do I have to have my own car?
    To undertake the tests to become an instructor you must have a car that complies with DVSA standards. When you join our driving school franchise you’ll get a market-leading Volkswagen tuition vehicle to use for your lessons, so you won’t need to buy your own car.

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