Teaching others to drive is an amazing feeling because you are giving them the skills to enjoy a newfound sense of freedom and independence that can improve their lives in many ways.
Becoming a driving instructor could be a great career option for anyone that enjoys spending time behind the wheel and wants to help others. So, how can you become a driving instructor?
How to Become a Driving Instructor
- Check Eligibility
- The Application Process
- The Application Process
- Take the Tests
- Insurance
Check Eligibility
First, you need to make sure that you are eligible to become a driving instructor. Obviously, you will need to have a driving license and you will need to have held this for over 3 years with no motoring offenses such as speeding, driving under the influence, or improper maintenance of a vehicle.
The Application Process
Before you begin your training, you will need to register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which will also require obtaining an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application.
Once complete, you can begin to receive certified training from a registered trainer who will prepare you for the various assessments and tests.
Take the Tests
After your training. you will be ready to take the three tests involved in becoming a driving instructor and you will need to pass all of these. These are:
Theory (ADI pt. 1): Multiple choice questions and a hazard perception test.
Driving ability (ADI pt. 2): An eyesight check, ‘show me, tell me’ safety questions, general driving ability, maneuvers and independent driving.
Instructional ability (ADI pt.3): DVSA examiner watches you give a driving lesson lasting 45 minutes.
Registration
Once you have passed your tests you can then register as a driving instructor. This will cost £300 and you must register within a year. You will then be able to either join a driving school as an instructor or set up your own business.
Insurance
It is also vital that you have sufficient insurance in place from the very start. You will need to have driving instructor insurance (on top of your own personal vehicle coverage) which will protect both you and your clients from incidents that may occur.
It is also important to note that if your students opt to take lessons in their own car you must ensure that they are covered by their own learner driver insurance. This will be a temporary form of insurance that will allow them to learn and practice in their personal vehicle during lessons with you or under the supervision of a friend or family member (they must be over 21 and had their license for at least 3 full years).
These are the main steps to becoming a driving instructor. For those that enjoy driving and want to help others, being a driving instructor can be incredibly rewarding and you can get a huge amount of satisfaction from helping people to develop a life-changing skill that can provide a newfound sense of freedom and independence. Having seen how to become a driving instructor, please leave your suggestions in the comment section.