What is the work like?As a driving instructor, you would teach people how to drive safely and develop the skills they need to pass their driving test.
You would start by assessing the learner's driving knowledge and skills. You would then plan a series of lessons based on this assessment, to get learners to the point where they can take their driving test.
Most driving lessons follow a similar pattern. As an instructor you would teach your clients about:
using vehicle controls with confidence the correct approach to road safety safe manoeuvring, turning, reversing and parking driving laws and the Highway Code dealing with emergency situations basic vehicle checks. You would normally use dual controls in the vehicle to make slight adjustments to the learner's driving when necessary. As the learner becomes more competent, you would take them on to busier roads, dual carriageways and more complex junctions like roundabouts.
As well as normal road driving, you might also give lessons in night driving and, for people who have passed their test, motorway driving.
Once you believe the driver has reached the right standard, you would apply for a driving test date. You might also cover the theory side in more depth, although most learners will do this in their own time.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?Your first step to becoming an instructor is to register with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to train as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
To apply for registration, you must:
have held a full UK or EU driving licence for at least four years out of the last six have not been disqualified during the last four years complete criminal record and motoring conviction checks pass a theory test and two practical exams within two years of the theory test. The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) exams come in three parts:
a computer-based theory test a practical test of driving skills a practical test of teaching ability. You must pass each part before taking the next. You can sit the theory test as many times as you like, but you only have three attempts at each of the practical tests in any two-year period.
Courses are run by specialist training schools and by driving schools. Costs, course length, content and teaching methods all vary, so check with individual training providers on the ORDIT list.
Once you have passed the first two parts of the ADI exams, you could apply to join the trainee licensing scheme (although this is not compulsory) to help you gain experience of driving instruction. The trainee licence is valid for six months and gives you the right to receive payment for driving instruction with a driving school.
Experience in a driving job or teaching would give you an advantage. Many driving schools prefer applicants over the age of 21 because insurance premiums are lower. You can find full details about becoming a driving instructor on the Transport Office website.
You can also get a starter pack from the DSA, which has information about the career and an ADI application form. The pack also includes a list of approved training providers – the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT).
What further training and development can I do?Once you have passed all three parts of the qualifying ADI exams, you can join the ADI register and are given a registration certificate to display in your car.
You have to renew your registration every four years, which includes a test of your continued ability and fitness to work as an instructor. Your name can be removed from the register if you fail to meet the required standards.
Specialist driving instructors Specialist instructors usually have further professional qualifications. Some employers in road haulage and bus and coach services train their experienced drivers to become instructors within the company or at a specialist training school.
The DSA has introduced a voluntary register of LGV instructors. A similar register for the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) industry is run by GoSkills, the Sector Skills Council for passenger transport. Contact the DSA and GoSkills websites for details.
The Transport Office website has information on the criteria for becoming a certified motorcycle instructor.
Professional qualifications The Driving Instructors' Association (DIA) offers various continuing professional development (CPD) schemes and qualifications. Examples include the Diploma in Driving Instruction, in partnership with Middlesex University, and the Advanced Instructor and Examiner qualifications (DIAmond).
The DSA is also developing a CPD scheme. See the DIA and DSA websites below for more details.
You could also work towards the NVQ Level 3 in Driving Instruction. The NVQ covers areas such as safe driving, monitoring driver progress and driving regulations
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Full-time driving instructors can make around £16,000 in the first year. Average earnings for established instructors are around £25,000 a year. Experienced instructors can earn over £30,000 a year. Income is based on the cost of the driving lesson and the amount of hours worked. Lessons can be charged from around £15 to £27 an hour. Instructors can work up to 48 hours a week. Car maintenance, running costs and other expenses would have to be paid out of this amount.
Instructors working through a franchise would usually pay a weekly fee of up to £300, but be provided with a car. They would also pay for their own fuel.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?Your working hours would have to fit around your learner's needs, which could often include evenings and weekends. There may be seasonal variations in bookings, particularly around Christmas or during the summer because of the school holidays.
You would spend most of your time in the car, sitting in the passenger seat during lessons. Each lesson would normally last between one and two hours.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
excellent driving skills, road safety knowledge and enthusiasm for driving the ability to give clear instructions the ability to adapt your teaching style to suit each client, such as nervous learners patience and good 'people' skills the ability to stay calm and point out mistakes in a constructive way a sense of humour good observational skills and the ability to react quickly and safely to any problems a basic knowledge of car mechanics. What opportunities are there?You could start work with a franchised driving school and eventually move into self-employment. Competition can be intense as there are no restrictions on how many instructors can operate within an area.
As an experienced instructor, you could specialise in particular areas of driving. Examples include advanced or high-performance driving, disabled drivers' instruction, passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) tuition and large goods vehicle (LGV) driver training.
You could also become a senior instructor or a driving school manager. The DSA occasionally recruits experienced driving instructors as driving examiners.