Driving instructors coach new driver about driving. They also offer refresher courses for individuals who have not been driving for awhile. Driving instructor is a job that fits with your lifestyle since you can pick your own working hours. Anyone could be a self-employed approved driving instructor in UK simply because there are actually no age limits or initial qualification barriers. If you love to drive and like to mix with people, you can be the driving instructor.
Before you can operate as an approved driving instructor you have to pass the DSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualifying exam and become accepted onto the ADI Register. The qualifying exam consists of three parts:
- Theory Test: This will examine your understanding of driving theory, rules and regulations.
- Driving Test: This is an advanced level driving test which is much like the current exams for learner drivers.
- Practical Test: It tests your ability to teach. Examiners will check your teaching ability by pretending to be the learner driver.
Since these driving instructor exams are very tough, you should have driving instructor training. To give yourself a better chance of passing, it is in your interests to select the most suitable driving instructor course. Prior to making any decision, you will have to figure out precisely what the course offers, the jobs, training periods and qualification rates. This is essential to ensure that you do not get caught out by deceptive claims.
It is encouraged by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) that you must ask potential training organisations these questions before selecting the one that you would select to help you qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
The trainer
- You should know the ADI grade of your trainer.
- The success rate of the trainer.
- Are they aware of the national pass rates for each part of the ADI examinations?
- What amount is the course likely to cost you? You need to know if the books and test fees are inclusive.
- How long does the training course take?
- What does the course cover?
- In case you fail your attempt, could you get additional support from training school?
- Would you have to pay for extra attempts?
- Is the course customisable if you need more than the training that is offered?
- Do they check your suitability to become an ADI before the start of the course?
- What would be the teaching method?
- Would they provide a training record detailing your progress?
- Are there going to be any other trainees in the car with you?
- Are they likely to provide times for each of your lessons at the start of the course?
Trainee licence
- Is a trainee licence required?
- Are you guaranteed to get a trainee job? Is the training school going to provide plenty of pupil for your needs?
Flexibility
- Could you be allowed to train part time while you are working on existing job?
- Will you need longer time if you are attempting to do two jobs at the same time?
Payment
- What could be their refund policy?
- Could you receive any refunded fees when you cannot complete the course?
- Which are the duties of your trainer, training center and you under the contract.
- Do they accept installment plan?
When You Are Qualified
- Are they likely to offer driving instructor jobs? How much would you earn and what could be your cost?
- What will be the setup cost?
- Will there be a loan available?
- Are you going to be able to work in the same area as the driving school if you do the job as a self-employed ADI?
- Are you tied to the school for a set period?
