If you’re thinking about a career change, you might be wondering how hard it is to become a driving instructor.
The honest answer is that it can be challenging but also very rewarding. Becoming a qualified driving instructor involves meeting certain requirements, passing three separate tests and learning how to teach others effectively.
But while it requires effort, plenty of people from a wide range of backgrounds successfully qualify each year. With the right training, patience and a willingness to learn, becoming a driving instructor is a realistic and fulfilling career path.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process. You’ll learn about the steps involved, which parts are the trickiest and what to expect if you get started.
How hard is it to become a driving instructor?
For most people, becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI) is a challenging but very achievable goal. It’s not something you can do overnight. However, many trainees qualify every year thanks to a combination of the right training and commitment.
The driving instructor training process involves:
- Passing three separate ADI tests set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
- Developing strong teaching and communication skills
- Putting in consistent time to study and practise.
While this process isn’t necessarily easy, it’s far from impossible. With the right support and a structured approach to training, most people build confidence as they progress.
What do you need to become a driving instructor in the UK?
To get started with becoming a UK driving instructor, a driver must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have held a full UK car driving licence for a minimum of three years
- Have five points or less on their driving licence
- Successfully undergo a full driving instructor DBS check.
Alongside these requirements, you must pass three levels of ADI qualifications. There is also a list of personal qualities that make a candidate perfect for the role. Below, we’ll talk you through what it takes.
What qualifications do you need to become a driving instructor?
To become a driving instructor, you’ll need to pass three separate ADI tests. Each one brings its own challenges, and trainees usually find that the difficulty increases as they go through the process.
ADI Part 1 – Theory test
The first step is to pass the ADI Part 1 theory test. Much like a theory test for a standard driver’s licence, this test will assess your knowledge of the Highway Code, signage and best practices on the road. With consistent revision, most people find this part manageable.
ADI Part 2 – Practical test
After passing ADI Part 1, trainees move onto the ADI Part 2 practical test. This part tests driving ability and knowledge of the car. You’ll need to demonstrate a high level of driving skill, awareness and control throughout the test.
ADI Part 3 – Instructional ability test
The final step is the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test. This is where you put everything together as an instructor. It’s the final part of the process and is widely considered as the most challenging step. You’ll need to communicate clearly, adapt to different situations and demonstrate strong teaching skills in a real lesson scenario.
To qualify, you’ll need to pass all three tests within a set time frame. Trainees are also limited in how many attempts they can take, which is why many choose structured training courses to help them prepare.
How difficult are the ADI tests?
One of the reasons people ask how hard it is to become a driving instructor is because of the pass rates for each ADI test.
According to Gov.uk figures, on average, ADI test pass rates are roughly:
- ADI Part 1 (theory) around 40-50%
- ADI Part 2 (practical) around 40-50%
- ADI Part 3 (instructional ability) around 30-35%.
These figures show that the process can be challenging, particularly at the later stages. However, with the right training, effort, preparation and practice, you can give yourself the best chance of passing each test.
Personal qualities required to become a driving instructor
Being a driving instructor is as much about people skills as it is about driving ability. The truth is there’s a certain knack for giving driving lessons. You can know all you like about driving and handle the car to a professional standard without being fit to do the job.
Here are some of the main qualities of a good driving instructor:
- Patient and calm under pressure
- A confident driver with good road awareness
- Comfortable explaining things clearly to others.
Being a largely social job, driving instructors need to approach driving lessons with these qualities to ensure their students get the best experience possible.
There are many pros and cons to being a driving instructor. But for the right person, it’s a perfectly suited career path with many benefits.
What are the challenges of training to become a driving instructor?
While there are plenty of benefits to becoming a driving instructor, there are also challenges. To give a full idea of how the role looks from day to day, here are some you may encounter.
Fitting learning into your schedule
Learning new skills takes time, especially if you’re balancing other commitments. You’ll have to find a balance between learning for the future and earning in the present.
Luckily, you can earn money as a trainee driving instructor by charging for lessons while working on your PDI licence. This stage, between parts 2 and 3 of your ADI tests, allows you to earn money while getting that all-important practice.
Thinking like a learner driver
If you’ve been driving for years and years, it can be tricky at first to remember what it was like to be a learner. Driving’s second nature to so many of us that we don’t even think about what our feet and hands are doing.
Becoming a driving instructor means going back to basics. You’ll need to put yourself in the shoes of someone who’s never been behind the wheel before. This is where the patience and compassion elements come in.
Getting used to a new work environment
Being a driving instructor is a work environment like no other. If you’ve come from an office or a job where you’re constantly on your feet, hours in a car might be a bit of a shock to the system. You’ll have a whole new clientele to get used to as company, but spending your hours with trainee drivers can be incredibly rewarding and insightful.
One quick tip is to make sure you get out and stretch your legs and get some fresh air between lessons. You might also ask friends or family to do the bulk of the driving on weekends or days off.
Learning and dealing with setbacks
Learning something new as an adult can be tricky. For many of us, it’s been a long time since we manically revised the Highway Code ahead of our theory test. Chances are, elements of the Highway Code have changed since then, and the exact meaning of some road signs might elude us sometimes.
Being a driving instructor means having an in-depth knowledge of the rules of the road. Like any qualification process, it may take more than one try to succeed. The key is to learn from feedback, stay consistent and keep building your skills over time.
Become a driving instructor with Bill Plant Driving School
Do you feel that becoming a driving instructor could be the right fit for you? Then the next step is choosing how you want to train.
Working with a structured training provider can make the process much clearer. It will help you understand each stage, prepare for your tests and build the skills you need to succeed.
At Bill Plant Driving School, we offer comprehensive driving instructor training designed to support you from your first step through to qualification. With training available across the UK, you can learn in a way that fits around your lifestyle.
You can explore our training courses or get in touch with our team today for more information.
Top tips for learning to become a driving instructor
Making a career change can feel like a big step. That’s especially true when it involves learning new skills and passing exams. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make the process smoother and build your confidence as you progress. Here are some ways you can help the learning process go smoothly.
Tip 1: Enrol in a good driving school: Learning with an experienced and supportive training provider can make a big difference. Good training helps you understand what to expect at each stage and gives you the guidance you need to progress with confidence.
Here’s what one of our recent graduates had to say about their time learning with Bill Plant Driving School:
“The training was intense at times but still enjoyable. Regular contact from the support teams too, always a friendly voice to lift you on the days you felt weren’t going according to plan. From the very first phone call I made to The Bill Plant office enquiring about starting my journey, to the present day I have never been disappointed. Thank you all.”
Read more reviews on TrustPilot.
Tip 2: Commit to a study/practice routine: Like learning any new skill, you need to dedicate time to it to achieve the fastest and strongest results. Consistency is key. Make sure you put aside strict slots of time to practise your craft, whether it’s studying for the theory test or being out on the road for your practical driving test.
Tip 3: Teach whilst you learn: Having a PDI licence allows you to teach lessons as a trainee driving instructor, while making money as you go. This will provide you with invaluable experience on your journey and increase your confidence as a teacher.
FAQs
Is it easy to become a driving instructor?
Becoming a driving instructor isn’t necessarily easy. The process involves passing three tests and learning how to teach others effectively. However, with the right training and consistent effort, many people find the process manageable and go on to qualify successfully.
How difficult is it to become a driving instructor?
This varies from person to person. Some find the theory and driving tests straightforward, while others find the teaching element more challenging. Overall, it’s a structured process that becomes easier with practice and experience.
Can anyone become a driving instructor?
To become a driving instructor, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. These include being 21 or older, holding a full UK driving licence for at least three years and passing a DBS check. Beyond that, having patience, good communication skills and a willingness to learn can make a big difference.
How long does it take to become a driving instructor?
Although everyone is different, you can expect to complete driving instructor training within six to nine months. This can vary depending on how quickly you progress through the tests and how much time you can dedicate to training.
How many tests do you need to pass to become a driving instructor?
To become a driving instructor, you need to pass three tests: a theory test, a practical driving test and an instructional ability test. These are set by the DVSA and you’ll need to complete them within a set time frame.
What are the rewards of being a driving instructor?
Becoming a driving instructor can be the ideal career change for the right person. In their day-to-day life, professional driving instructors can look forward to complete job flexibility, uncapped earnings and a true sense of job satisfaction through teaching people a valuable life skill.