How to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
Every year, more than 700,000 new driving licences are issues in the United Kingdom. Although many learners choose to learn to drive with a friend or relative, there are clear benefits involved in learning to drive with a professional and qualified instructor. Driving is a complex skill where many factors come into place, so teaching others how to drive is not a simple task. Being a driver does not automatically mean that someone will be a good driving teacher, and it is for this reason that professional driving instructors possess the necessary knowledge, experience, and specialised training required to help others acquire safe driving skills.
There are thousands of qualified driving instructors in the UK. Many have chosen their profession as it offers flexible working hours and the possibility of becoming self-employed. Driving instructors can set their own hourly rates, and many also highlight that their jobs give them a genuine sense of job satisfaction, as they see learners progress and become skilled drivers themselves. If you are considering a career as an approved driving instructor, this article will describe the skills and qualifications involved in the process.
Who can become an Approved Driving Instructor?
The basic legal requirements to become an Approved Driving Instructor are being aged 21 or above, having held a full driving licence for at least three years, and not having been disqualified from driving a vehicle during the four years prior to application. Drivers who have a criminal record or who have up to three fixed penalty points in their licences may still apply to become an ADI, but they should be aware that their application may be unsuccessful. Potential ADIs must also obtain a criminal record certificate.
In addition to passing three mandatory examinations, approved driving instructors need to have a set of personal skills that can help them be more successful and competent in their jobs. Experienced driving instructors agree that some of the most important personal characteristics are being patient, being able to offer advice in a firm but diplomatic manner, empathising with learners (especially with nervous learner drivers), being flexible, having outstanding communication skills, and being able to make quick decisions.
Understanding the process involved in gaining fully-qualified ADI status
The Driving Standards Agency oversees the process of appointing new driving instructors. The first step is to submit an application to the Registrar in order to become a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI). All PDIs are issued with a personal reference number and with an individual reference number.
Once they receive confirmation that their application has been approved, Potential Driving Instructors must pass three separate examinations or tests. It is possible to prepare for the tests individually, although the Driving Standards Agency recommends that specialised tuition is sought, as the pass rates for candidates who prepare on their own are not particularly high. Even in the case of candidates who prepare through a school, pass rates for 2012 were as low as 30 per cent. The Driving Standards Agency offers free information on organisations that can run instructor training courses through their Official Register of Driving Instructor Training, or ORDIT.
The first examination is a theory test that assesses a candidate's knowledge of driving regulations. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes, and is followed by a hazard perception test, which consists of fourteen 1-minute long videos.
The second examination is a 1-hour driving ability assessment, prior to which an eyesight test is performed. Candidates must attend the examination with a suitable car and demonstrate outstanding skills behind the wheel. The results of this test are communicated to candidates in writing. Passing this examination gives candidates a trainee driving instructor status, and allows them to charge a fee for their instruction and to display a triangular pink badge that attests to their trainee status.
The last examination assesses the instructional or teaching ability of candidates. The examination is divided into two practical 30-minute tests, during which an examiner will take the role of a learner driver in two different scenarios. Candidates are required to identify and analyse the learner's faults and to provide suggestions for remedial action. Candidates are also tested on their lesson's structure, the feedback given, and their communication skills.
Once they have passed the three examinations, PDIs must apply to the Registrar for full Approved Driving Instructor status. This must be done within 12 months of taking the last examination, as otherwise the Driving Standards Agency will consider that a candidates' skills are not up-to-date and will request them to re-take the examinations.