Are you considering becoming a driving instructor? Perhaps you're currently training to become one? Either way, this is the perfect podcast for you as Terry Cook and Chris Bensted take  a deep dive into the world of driving instructors.

Becoming a driving instructor in the UK involves several steps and requirements. This is by no means an exhaustive guide, more a basic overview of how to go about it. For a full in depth guide, you need to check out the podcast.

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements:

   • You must be at least 21 years old.
   • You should have held a full UK driving license for at least 3 years.

2. Apply for a Criminal Records Check:

   • You'll need to apply for a criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This is to ensure you don't have any serious criminal convictions that might disqualify you from being an instructor.

3. Pass the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Qualification Process:

   • To become an ADI, you must pass three parts of the ADI qualifying examination:
     • Part 1: Theory Test: This includes multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
     • Part 2: Driving Ability Test: This is a test of your driving skills, similar to the standard practical driving test, but at a higher standard.
     • Part 3: Instructional Ability Test: This assesses your ability to instruct and teach others effectively. It involves giving a practical driving lesson to an examiner acting as a student.

4. Complete the ADI Training Course:

   • You may choose to take ADI training with an approved driving instructor training provider. This can help you prepare for the qualifying exams and improve your teaching skills.

5. Register as an Approved Driving Instructor:

   • Once you pass all three parts of the ADI qualifying examination, you can apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to become a registered ADI.

6. Preliminary Check Test and Standards Check:

   • As an ADI, you are subject to periodic check tests and standards checks by the DVSA to ensure you maintain a high standard of instruction.

7. Continuous Professional Development (CPD):

   • ADIs are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on changes in driving instruction and best practices.

8. Start Your Career as a Driving Instructor:

   • After becoming an ADI, you can work independently or join a driving school as an instructor. You can provide driving lessons to learner drivers and work with them to help them pass their driving tests.

It's important to note that the process of becoming a driving instructor in the UK can be demanding, and it's essential to be fully prepared for the qualifying exams. Many prospective instructors seek professional training to increase their chances of success in the ADI examinations. The DVSA provides detailed information on the requirements and process for becoming a driving instructor on their official website.