Driving Instructor Training

Become a driving instructor in North Wales

Training in Bangor, Rhyl, Wrexham and across North Wales and Chester

Tomas and driving instructor training car

Train as a driving instructor

To become a driving instructor, you need to pass three Driving Instructor tests. While this may seem challenging, Andrew’s Driving provides the training and support to help you succeed and make the goal easily achievable. You must complete all three tests in order, typically within six months, most people take between Three and twelve months dependant on how much time they are able to commit to. This can be done while balancing your current job. After passing the first two tests, you can work and earn money with a trainee license, which is excellent preparation for the third test.

Part One Theory Test

The first test in qualifying to be a driving instructor is the ADI PART 1, also known as ‘The Driving Instructor Theory Test. This is a multiple choice one, not too dissimilar from the one that the students you will soon be teaching also have to undergo as part one of their driving test.

It’s split into two sections

One Multiple Choice theory test and another Hazard Perception Test.

Both sections must be passed within the same session and we provide all of the training free of charge via our online theory test, which is specifically aimed at the driving instructor tests.

A newly Qualified instructor at Rhyl Driving Test Centre

Jesse

From Abergele passed all 3 driving instructor tests in Rhyl

Multiple Choice

The multiple choice section consists of four parts, each containing 25 questions, making a total of 100 questions. To pass, you must achieve at least 20 out of 25 in each part and a total score of at least 85. The four parts cover road procedures,

traffic signs and signal.
car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge.
driving test, disabilities and the law,
publications and instructional techniques.

The pass mark is 85/100, although you must also achieve a minimum of 20 out of the 25 questions in each section, this is to ensure that there are no weaknesses in your knowledge.

The multiple choice questions are presented on a computer and you will need to select the correct answer for each.

Hazard Perception

The second phase of ADI part 1 theory test is hazard perception. In this test you will have a computer with a screen and a mouse, by watching the screen you must watch out for developing hazards and click whenever you see one. The longer it takes for you to react to a developing hazard the more points that you will lose for each one. You must score at least 57 points out of a total of 75.

The test itself is exactly the same as the hazard perception test that learner drivers will be taking This test is set for potential driving instructors , in view of this the pass mark is set quite a bit higher than it is for learners.

The test can be taken as many times as needed, if you prepare properly and spend some time studying, you should be able to pass the test first time. After passing, you can swiftly move on to part 2 test of driving ability.

The hazard perception test is the second part of the ADI part 1 theory test. During this test, you will use a computer with a screen and mouse to watch for developing hazards and click whenever you see one. If you take too long to react to a hazard, you will lose points for that hazard. To pass, you need to score at least 57 out of 75 points. This test is the same as the one for learner drivers, but as an instructor, you need a higher score to pass. You can take the test as many times as you need, and with proper preparation, you should be able to pass it on your first attempt. After passing, you can quickly move on to part 2, which tests your driving ability. If you want to speed up your journey to becoming a driving instructor, you can prepare for both part 1 and part 2 at the same time, but you must pass part 1 before you can take part 2.

Again we provide full online training for the driving instructor hazard perception test, making it much less stressful.

Driving instructor Part 2 Test

The second part of the exam is a practical driving test that lasts for around an hour, that assesses your driving skills. To move on to this part, aspiring driving instructors must first pass their theory test. It is important to complete this test within two years of passing the theory test.

During the drive you will be asked to perform a few manoeuvres which could include

Parallel parking
Reverse Bay Park
Parallel parking
Driving forward into the parking bay and reverse out
Pulling up on the right hand side of the road

Following directions from a sat nav is also included in the test.

Driving Instructor Part 3 Test

This is the last step in becoming a fully qualified ADI. The Part 3 instructional ability test assesses how well you can instruct a student and is the final test in the qualification process. To take this test, you must have passed both Part 1 and Part 2. Additionally, you should complete this test within two years of passing your theory test.

During this test you will need to instruct a real pupil whilst the senior driving examiner watches the lesson from the back seat, you must demonstrate that you are in control of the lesson, and show that you are aware of the pupils actions.

You must also ensure that learning takes place, you may take a full licence holder for this test however if no learning takes place then you will not be successful, It is highly recommended to use a student that is about half way through the learning journey.

Training for the part 3 is carried out with Role playing situations and we also provide real pupils for you to teach under our supervision, so you never need to worry about being thrown into something that your are unsure about.

Once the initial 40 hours of training is complete you should be feeling confident and excited about going out there and teaching your own pupils.

Trainee Licence

The DVSA will issue you a trainee license (Pink Licence) that allows you to teach lessons for pay. This means you can start working with Andrew’s as a potential driving instructor and begin giving lessons, which is a great way to improve your teaching skills before your part three test. You can also start earning money as a driving instructor. Your trainee license lasts for six months, during which you will receive 20 hours of personalized in-car training from our ORDIT approved trainer before your part three test. Once you pass the test, you can apply to be listed in the DVSA register of approved driving instructors, and most trainees follow this path.

Green ADI Badge for Qualified driving instructors

Direct Route

A few of Andrew’s trainees opt to continue their training until they are ready for the test without using a trainee licence. The part 3 test, which assesses your instructional ability, lasts about one hour, during which a DVSA examiner observes you conducting a client-focused driving lesson with a student. You have only three attempts at both the part 2 and part 3 tests, and the trainee licence provides essential experience to help you prepare for these assessments. Therefore, while you have the option to take the direct route, we generally advise against it; ultimately, the choice is yours to make.

Specialised ADI Training

We are Ordit registered and specialise in training ADIs and PDIs, attracting individuals from all corners of the UK seeking our expertise. Becoming a driving instructor is not just a dream but a tangible goal with the right guidance and training. Given that you are permitted only three attempts at both part 2 and part 3 of the assessment, it is crucial to receive proper training from the very beginning to enhance your chances of success. We have seen many PDIs turn to us from large national driving schools because they find themselves on their final attempt at part 3, a situation you undoubtedly want to avoid. If you are unable to pass after three tries, you will be required to halt your progress and wait a mandatory two years from the date you successfully completed the part 1 test, and you will need to restart the entire process, including the necessary criminal record check. To prevent finding yourself in such a predicament, securing the right training from an ORDIT approved trainer is essential. Our pass rate for the ADI part 3 test is 100% against a national average of below 25% so you know that you are in the best hands when it comes to qualifying as a driving instructor

What is the cost of driving instructor training?

Our pay as you go training is £50 per hour, we also have some deals where we can substantially reduce the training costs, and we also work with local schemes provided by various local councils to help people gain vocational skills.

Once you are qualified you can expect to earn a good hourly rate as a self employed driving instructor, we also offer employed positions where we take care of your tax and national insurance, there is also a good pension scheme available for our employed driving instructors.

Will I need to give up my job?

You can train around your existing work commitments, however you will need to take into account that it may take a little longer if you don’t have the time to commit to the training. As well as the in car training we will also provide you with training material to go through in your own time, becoming a driving instructor is a rewarding career and a little effort at the onset can set you up for success.

How do I get started?

To get started as a driving instructor you will need to apply to join the register and apply for your CRB check.

You must not have more than 6 points on your licence, and you must not have been banned from driving within the last 3 years. We are more than happy to meet up with potential instructors for a coffee and then we can explain things in a bit more detail. There is no obligation with this meeting, its just that its a lot easier to explain face to face.