WHY TRAIN TO BECOME A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR?
There are many reasons why people from different walks of life train to become a driving instructor but the main reasons in no particular order are -
- The challenge of a completely new career.
- To be self employed (or be your own boss) either running your own business or franchise.
- The job satisfaction of training someone a skill for life.
- The flexibility of choosing your working hours.
- Take your holidays/time off whenever you choose.
- Increased earning potential - certainly for many if not all.
CAN I APPLY TO BECOME A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR?
Yes you can if -
- If you are a ‘fit and proper person’ you will be elligible to have your name entered on the ADI register. Motoring offences will be taken into consideration when assessing your suitability to be entered on the ADI register.
- If you are to hold a full UK of EU car driving license and to have held this license for 4 out of the last 6 years.
- Have not been disqualified from driving at any time in the last 5 years.
- You have a clean license ideally or up to 3 points on your driving license will probably be acceptable. If you have 5 points you should contact us before proceeding further.
HOW DO I QUALIFY TO BECOME AN APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR (ADI)?
In order to qualify you must pass three examinations -
- The first (Part One) examination is an IT based theory test.
- The second exam (Part 2) is a practical test of your driving ability.
- The third exam (Part 3) is a practical test of your instructional ability.
You must pass all 3 exams within 2 years of passing your Part 1 test in order to qualify. The timescale is very fair given that many people training to become an ADI are not able to devote more than a few hours training a week in their quest to pass Parts 1 - 3.
The Part 1 test
The 100-question theory test is has a multi choice of four answers per question, one of which is correct. The test is separated into 4 bands of 25 questions. Within each band you must score over 20 marks but your overall mark must score a minimum of 85 marks to pass. You have 90 minutes to complete the test.
The second element of the Part One is a Hazard Perception test. You are shown 14 film clips and must spot developing hazards involving other road users. By clicking the mouse button as soon as you see (or better still anticipate) the hazard your reaction time is converted into a points score. You must score at least 57 out of 75 to pass.
You have an unlimited number of attempts to pass the Part 1 test but the fewer attempts to pass the cheaper and quicker it will be to progress to the next stage!
The Part 2 test
This test consists of eyesight and driving technique tests. The test lasts for about an hour and you must:
- Be able to read a car number plate at a distance of 27.5 m (90ft) to pass the eyesight test.
- Pass a driving test of an advanced nature. A very high standard of driving ability is required.
- You will also be required to carry out four manoeuvres, an emergency stop and be able to move off safely and under control from the side of the road on uphill and downhill gradients.
You have three attempts to pass your Part 2 test in order to progress to final qualifying stage. Again with the correct training and preparation this should be achieved.
The Part 3 test
This test lasts for an hour and is in two 30-minute phases. The examiner will adopt the role of pupil in both phases and will ask you to teach him/her on a particular subject eg dealing with pedestrian crossings. Your ability to instruct pupils at different stages in their training will be assessed. You must pass both phases in the same test to pass.
You have three attempts to pass your Part 3 test in order to qualify as an ADI. Failure to do so means that you will have to go through the whole qualifying process again.
For all the details involved in the process in becoming a driving instructor click on the following link -