Q What qualifications do I need to become a driving instructor? To become a driving instructor you must:
Hold a full UK unrestricted car driving licence. EU or EEA driving licences must be exchanged for a GB licence.
To have held the licence for the last four years out of six prior to entering the register after qualifying.
Prior to being entered onto the register, to have not been disqualified from driving at any time during the past four years.
You need to be a "fit and proper person". All spent and unspent convictions, motoring and non motoring will be taken into account
(Applicants will be required to have an enhanced level criminal record check. The information from this check will be used to assess the suitability of persons)
You will have to pass two qualifying practical tests within two years of passing the theory and hazard perception tests (Part 1)
You have to apply for registration within 12 months of passing the final part of the qualifying examination (Part 3)
Driving instructors come from all walks of life: Lorry drivers, bus drivers, ex service personnel, ex police, teachers, factory workers, office workers, secretaries, housewives, banking, retail , salesmen, tradesmen, and many others.
The main criteria to become a driving instructor are that you should enjoy driving and want to help others in learning to drive and developing their driving skills further. Also, you will enjoy meeting people and have an interest in people and can communicate well. Finally you will need lots of patience and a good sense of humour!
Q What skills do I need to become an Approved Driving Instructor? An ADI should possess the following qualities:
Patience - with some student drivers you may have to go over the same things many times
Understanding - you must be able to understand the student needs and feelings
Good communication skills
Inter-personnel skills - you must be able to deal with the public in an non-aggressive manner.
Ability to keep calm
Q How long will it take to pass all the tests? That depends on a couple of things.
How much time and effort you put in.
Availability of test dates
It is possible to pass all three tests in around 3 months but for others it can take over a year.
Q When can I start the course? As soon as you are ready.
Q Can I work around my training? Yes. We can arrange for your training to fit in with your current arrangements.
Q Do you offer a franchise scheme after I've passed Part 2? Not at the moment. However I work very closely with established driving schools so I will be able to find you a placement very easily.
Q How much can I earn? Whilst it is possible to earn £30,000.00 plus car per year, but if you want a home and social life I would suggest around an income of between £15000 to £24,000 to be a more realistic figure based on a 25 to 30 hour week. Obviously the amount you earn depends on where you live and how much work you do. If you gain more qualifications after you qualify such as becoming fleet registered, getting a diploma and a degree in driving instruction and get a high grade on a check test, then you can earn more. Working in the Middle East can pay around £1000.00 per week.
Q There are a lot of driving schools out there. Is there enough work for everyone? You have to earn the respect of the customers but once you build up a good reputation for being a good instructor then you will begin to get the recommendations. There may appear to be a surplus of driving instructors out there but in reality there is a shortage of good instructors. Aim to be the best!
Q What are the benefits of becoming a driving instructor? The main benefits of being a driving instructor is that you will be self employed and you can work when you want and that you will gain a lot of job satisfaction knowing that you are passing on your knowledge and watching your pupils progress. Also driving instruction can be a well paid part time job that you can work around family or other commitments.
What other options are there available after qualifying? Once you have qualified, you can take different routes in your career. Here are some ideas:
You could start your own driving school
You may want to take a franchise with a driving school (We can help you find a school)
Fleet training (Defensive driving courses for company vehicle users)
Instructing on National Driver Improvement Schemes
Other options could be specialising in teaching people with disabilities or special needs
You may wish to apply for a salaried position as a civilian Police instructor
Whichever route you choose to take we will be happy to advise you.
What is ORDIT? ORDIT stands for the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training. At present it is not compulsory for an instructor training organisation to belong to ORDIT as it is a voluntary register that is administered by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) Just because an organisation is not ORDIT registered, this does not mean to say that they are no good. At the same time, there are some organisations on ORDIT who do not provide a good service. Although I have been trained to ORDIT standard, at present I am not ORDIT registered but it is my intention to apply for an inspection. For further information please click here
For further details on becoming a driving instructor please Click here