Considering training to become a driving instructor?
To become a fully qualified instructor will require enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work. This combined with finding the right trainer for you will ensure your qualifying success.
There are 3 exams that you will need to take and pass each one within 3 attempts. You will have 2 years to take and pass all 3 exams from the date you pass the first exam – this being Part1.
You can pass all 3 exams in 3 months, depending on the DVSA availability and if you trained on a full-time basis. Otherwise it can take between 6 – 12 months if you plan to train on a part-time basis between your current job.
The first qualifying step to becoming a Driving Instructor is you should:
- Be 21 years old
- Have held a full licence for 3+ years
- Have no more than 5 points to your licence
- Complete a DBS Check from the Government Online Disclosure Service
Click the link to complete the DBS Check https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-check-become-driving-instructor
If you pass the checks, the next step is to move on to Part 1 Theory Test. Click link to book Theory Test: https://www.gov.uk/book-your-instructor-theory-test when your application to start the ADI qualification process https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-become-a-driving-instructor has been accepted
Part 1: Theory Test
The theory test is part one of your driving instructor training course and aims to question your knowledge at a higher level of a learner driver, meaning it is essential to revise and prepare as much as possible.
The test consists of a Hazard Perception section and a selection of multiple-choice questions. Both parts of the exam must be passed in order to receive overall completion in which you must receive 57/75 on the Hazard perception section and 85% on the multiple-choice questions.
However, the multiple-choice questions are divided into 4 separate categories with 25 questions in each category:
- Road procedure
- Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- Driving test, disabilities and the law
- Publication and instructional techniques
You must receive a minimum mark of 80% which totals to 20/25 correct answers on each section to pass. This means you could exceed an overall pass of 85% but still fail if you did not receive at least 20% on each topic.
The questions in the theory test are based on:
- The Highway Code
- Know your traffic signs
- Driving – the essential skills
- The DVSA official theory test for approved driving instructors pack
- The Driving Instructor’s Handbook
You study these to learn the rules and skills you’ll be tested on. You can buy these online or from most high street bookshops
You can finish the multiple choice questions part when you’ve answered all the questions. You don’t have to use the full 1 hour and 30 minutes
You can have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception test starts
Hazard perception test
Before you start the hazard perception test, you’ll be shown a video about how it works, click the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdQRkmdhwJs
You.ll then watch 14 video clips that
- feature everyday road scenes
- contain at least one developing hazard – but one of the clips features 2 developing hazards
You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen
Pass mark
To pass the hazard perception part, you need to score at least 57 points out of 75
If you pass
You’ll receive a pass certificate letter. You’ll need this when you book and take your approved driving instructor ADI part 2 test, click the link: https://www.gov.uk/adi-part-2-test
Part 2: What happens on the Part 2 Driving Ability Test
There are 5 parts to the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test:
- an eyesight check
- ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
- general driving ability
- manoeuvres
- independent driving
How long the test last
The test takes around one hour
The Eyesight Test
You are required to read a number plate from a distance of:
- 26.5 meters for vehicles with a new-style number plate
- 27.5 meters for vehicles with an old-style number plate
New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as MK22 BLP
You’ll fail the test if you do not pass the eyesight test. It will be count as one of the three attempts you’re allowed at the ADI part 2 test
‘Show me, Tell me’ Questions
You’ll get a driving fault for each incorrect answer you give
You’ll get a serious fault and fail the test if you answer all 5 questions incorrectly, or if you lose control of the car while answering any of the ‘show me’ questions
General Driving Ability
You’ll have to show the following skills:
- expert handling of the car
- use of correct road procedure
- anticipation of the actions of other road users and then taking appropriate action
- sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
- consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
- driving in an environmentally-friendly manner
You’ll drive in varying road and traffic conditions, including motorways or dual carriageways where possible
You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop
Reversing Manoeuvres
You will be asked to do two of the following reverse manoeuvres:
- parallel park at the side of the road
- reverse into a parking bay and drive out
- drive into a parking bay and reverse out
- pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 cars lengths, and rejoin the traffic
Independent Driving
You’ll be asked to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:
- directions from a sat nav
- traffic signs
If the requirement is for you to follow directions from a sat nav, the examiner will provide this and set it up for you
You cannot follow directions from your own sat nav during the test
Your test result will not be affected if you take a wrong turning, unless you make a fault while doing this
The examiner will help you get back on the route if you do
When following traffic signs where a sign is covered by an over grown tree as an example, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next sign clearly
Part 3: Teaching Ability
The Part 3 – Ability to Teach test to become a driving instructor is considered to be the hardest test.
You will need to have pass Part 1 and 2 tests to go unto Part 3, so there is no reason why you cannot pass the Part 3 as long as you receive the right training.
Our course is designed to fit around other commitments you may have. Training takes place in-car and home studies.
In-car training is on a one to one basis, we will advise you and work with you to take the three parts of the qualifying examination, however, the timing of when you go for these is down to you and how ready you feel.
What’s Included?
Part 3 is a 40 hour course which includes, in-car practice, home study, self-evaluation and mock test.
Here we teach you to use your newly developed driving skills and train you to pass on and teach others safe driving for life.
Your trainer will help you learn to self-evaluate the progress you are making. Evaluating your own progress and recognising your strengths, limitations and development needs is key to being self-aware. This means you can set your own goals knowing exactly what it is you need to do in order to improve your driving skills and driving instructional techniques.
The in-car sessions also focus on your driving technique and help you develop this beyond the DVSA Part 2 driving standard.
Communication and feedback
We look at different learning styles and how to build rapport, different questioning techniques and the importance of asking effective questions, the use of feedback for personal development, and for the development of the student driver, different feedback techniques, such as eliciting feedback and the use of scaling. The overall focus is on client-centered learning techniques.
The Test
The test slot you will be given is 45 minutes long.
You should know the area you are taking your Part 3 in well, as you will need to demonstrate good lesson planning and score at least 7 marks on the Risk Management section of the test.
You will be expected to provide your own pupil for the day of the test. Your chosen test centre will not provide a pupil for you, nor will the examiner do role play for you like the old Part 3 format.