Becoming a driving instructor is a rewarding career choice, offering the opportunity to teach others an essential life skill while enjoying a flexible and often fulfilling working life. If you’re considering a career in driving lessons, there are specific steps and requirements to follow.
In this blog, we’ll outline the steps to becoming a successful driving instructor, from the training course to the importance of road safety.
At Lanes School of Driving, we help individuals kick start or grow their careers as driving instructors. We effectively train our drivers with the required skill sets to become reliable driving teachers.
Call us on 020 8166 5678 or drop us an email at to contact our team!
Looking for a driving school for training? Contact Lanes School of Driving to kickstart your promising career as a driving instructor.
Steps To Become A Driving Instructor
Becoming a driving instructor requires dedication, professional qualifications, and a genuine passion for teaching others to drive safely. Below are the key steps to follow:
1. Meet The Basic Requirements
You must meet some essential eligibility criteria before starting your driving instructor career path. You need to:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years.
- Have a clean driving record without significant convictions, especially road safety-related ones.
If you meet these criteria, you can move forward with the following stages of becoming a driving instructor.
2. Complete The Driving Instructor Training Course
The next step is to enrol in a driving instructor training course. These courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills to teach new drivers effectively and safely.
A reputable course will cover both theoretical and practical aspects, including:
- Driving instructor skills such as communication, patience, and the ability to assess a learner’s progress.
- The latest driving instructor regulations and road safety protocols.
- Best practices for conducting driving lessons and preparing students for the driving test.
Choosing a quality driving school to undertake your training is critical, as it can directly impact your role as a driving instructor.
3. Pass The Three-Part DVSA Test
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) oversees the UK’s certification process for driving instructors. The process is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: The Theory Test – This is a written exam that assesses your knowledge of road safety laws and the theory behind driving.
- Part 2: The Driving Test – This practical test evaluates your driving ability to ensure you meet the required standard to teach others.
- Part 3: The Instructional Ability Test – This test assesses your teaching ability, focusing on how well you can explain driving techniques, give instructions, and manage a learner during a driving lesson.
All three exam parts must be passed before you can become a fully qualified driving instructor. The DVSA provides study materials and resources to help you prepare for these tests.
4. Register With The DVSA
Once you’ve passed all the required exams, you’ll need to register with the DVSA to work as a driving instructor legally. Upon registration, you will receive a badge that certifies you as an approved driving instructor (ADI). This badge must always be displayed during your driving lessons and when you’re teaching.
5. Maintain Your Skills And Qualifications
Becoming a driving instructor is not the end of your learning journey. Ongoing professional development is essential to maintain your qualifications and ensure you’re up to date with the latest driving instructor regulations and best practices.
This includes undertaking regular checks and assessments by the DVSA and completing periodic driving instructor training courses. Staying informed about changes to traffic laws, road safety, and new driving technologies will also help you continue providing the best service to your students.
Key Driving Instructor Skills
While technical knowledge and qualifications are vital, being a successful driving instructor relies heavily on soft skills. These include:
- Patience: Teaching someone to drive can be stressful, particularly when they’re just starting. A successful driving instructor must stay calm and patient, even in challenging situations.
- Communication: Effective communication is key to ensuring your students understand instructions and feel confident behind the wheel.
- Adaptability: Each student learns at their own pace. A great driving instructor must be able to adapt their teaching style to suit the individual needs of each learner.
- Knowledge of road safety: Besides being a good teacher, you must be well-versed in road safety rules and best practices. This ensures you can pass on vital information to your students and help them become safe, confident drivers.
Driving Instructor Career Path
Once qualified, the driving instructor career path offers a variety of opportunities. You can work for a driving school or set up your own business. Working for an established school offers a steady stream of clients and the benefit of a structured work schedule. However, if you have the entrepreneurial spirit, setting up your own independent driving school could allow you greater flexibility and potential for earning.
As your career progresses, you may also consider specialisation in certain areas, such as teaching advanced driving, offering driver training for businesses, or even training other potential instructors. Expanding your skills and qualifications will increase marketability and help grow your career.
Contact Lanes School of Driving
Reach Out To Lanes School of Driving For A Successful Career As A Driving Instructor
Becoming a driving instructor is an exciting and rewarding career that allows you to impact people’s lives positively.
Remember, success in this field requires technical driving knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively and understand the individual needs of your students. You can enjoy a fulfilling and successful career as a driving instructor with the right dedication and passion.
If you want to kickstart your career as a driving instructor, Lanes School of Driving offers the perfect blend of expertise, experience, and personalised support to help you succeed.
With over a century of experience, we ensure you gain all the necessary driving instructor training and practical experience to excel in this rewarding profession.
Contact us today to take the first step toward a successful and fulfilling career in driver training.
