For Quality One to One Pay as You Go Driving Instructor Training

Here are some questions that are frequently asked by people when enquiring to become a driving instructor.

Why become a driving instructor?Every year over a million people want to learn to driveDriving instruction is a career that you can build around your family or other commitmentsEnjoy a worthwhile job where you can really help

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 CRB 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!

Ask yourself these questions:Do you enjoy driving?Are you bored with your present job?Do you want to enjoy the benefits of being your own boss?Do you enjoy meeting people?Do you enjoy helping people?Do you want a career that you can build around other commitments?Do you want a recession proof job with a secure future?Are you 21 or over?Have you held a full UK or EU driving licence for a minimum of 4 years? (with no more than 5 penalty points)Are you free from any spent convictions?

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 timesUnderstanding - you must be able to understand the student needs and feelingsGood communication skillsInter-personnel skills - you must be able to deal with the public in an non-aggressive manner.Ability to keep calmEnthusiasm- Be able to motivate othersA good sense of humour also helps!

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
In theory, it is possible to pass all three tests in around 3 months but you would have to work really hard and be very lucky with test dates. Usually, it will take between 6 months to 18 months to qualify.

Becoming a driving instructor requires a lot of hard work, with lots of studying and practice, therefore, you will need to be fully committed, self disciplined and self motivated if you want to succeed. 

Q When can I start the course?
As soon as you have had your CRB check and you are ready.

Q Can I work around my training?
Yes. Usually your training will fit in with your current arrangements.

Q How much can I earn?
We've all seen those adverts "EARN £30,000.00 PLUS COMPANY CAR". Whilst it is possible, to earn £30,000 a figure of between £8,000 to £24,000 would probably be more realistic. This would be based on a 20 to 30 hour week which would give you a family and social life. If you're looking to get rich quick it's probably not going to happen in driver training. The truth is it will take time to build up your business and a good reputation.

Obviously, the amount you earn depends on where you live and how much work you do. You could consider gaining more qualifications after you qualify such as
becoming fleet registered or gaining specialist qualifications and, hopefully, along with a high check test grade you can earn more. You may find an area of training that you wish to specialise in such as advanced driving, minibus training, teaching disabled people, 4X4 driving. The list is endless.

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, 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 good well paid part time job that you can work around family or other commitments which can be good if you have a young family.

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 schoolYou 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 SchemesOther options could be specialising in teaching people with disabilities or special needsYou may wish to apply for a salaried position as a civilian Police instructor

Whichever route you choose to take advice is always on hand.

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