Becoming a Driving Instructor – Training Information

There are 3 exams you need to take and pass each one within 3 attempts. You’ll have 2 years to complete all 3 exams from the date you pass the first exam – Part 1.

Typically trainees take between 6 months – 12 months if they have an existing job and they are doing their training in between.

Step 1 – DBS Check – Head to https://www.gov.uk/criminal-recordcheckbecome-driving-instructor this costs £8.22.  

Step 2 – Once DBS has been completed you then need to apply to become an instructor, this service is free and can be done here –

https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-become-a-driving-instructor   

Part 1 – Theory and Hazard Perception Test – £81  

You must pass both the theory & hazard perception parts to pass the test.

To pass the multiple-choice part, you must get both:

• an overall score of at least 85 out of 100
• at least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories of questions

To pass the hazard perception part, you need to score at least 57 points out of 75.

Part 2 – Driving Ability Test £111  

There are 5 parts to the ADI part 2 test:

• an eyesight check
• ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
• general driving ability
• manoeuvres
• independent driving

The test will take around one hour, starting off with an eyesight test, you must be able to read a number plate from 27 metres away, if you can’t then you will fail the test. If you successfully read the number plate then you will be asked 5 questions about vehicle safety, these are known as ‘Show me, tell me’ questions, you’ll be asked 3 tell me questions before you start driving and 2 show me questions whilst driving, you will get a driving fault for every incorrect answer, you will fail the test if you answer all 5 questions incorrectly or if yuo lose control of the vehicle whilst performing the show me questions. You will have to show the examiner your general driving ability which includes:

• expert handling of the controls
• use of correct road procedure
• anticipation of the actions of other road users and then taking appropriate action
• sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
• consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
• driving in an environmentally-friendly manner

You’ll drive in varying road and traffic conditions, including motorways or dual carriageways where possible. You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop. The examiner will ask you to do 2 of the following tasks:

• parallel park at the side of the road
• reverse into a parking bay and drive out
• drive into a parking bay and reverse out
• pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

The independent drive will last for around 20 minutes, this may be done by following traffic signs or taking instructions from a sat nav, your examiner will determine which one. You are not allowed to use your own sat nav, the test centre will provide one if necessary. If you take wrong turn this will not mean you have failed unless you make a serious fault whilst doing it. If you feel you have made a mistake you should still proceed with the test as it may not mean that you have failed.

Pink Badge – PDI Trainee Licence – £140  

We highly recommend that once you have passed your part 2 and completed your part 3 training that you gain your PDI Trainee Licence which entitles you to teach learner drivers, earn money and train all at the same time before you take your Part 3 test. The badge is valid for 6 months and you must have 20 additional hours of training within 3 months from the start date of your badge.

 We will sponsor you and provide you with all you need to do this. If you prefer not to do this then you can apply to take your Part 3 test without having a trainee badge.  

 Part 3 – Approved Driving Instructor Test (ADI) £111  

This part 3 test lasts for about 45 minutes, a DVSA examiner will watch you giving a driving lesson to one of your pupils. To commence the lesson discuss the goals and risk management with your pupil. This should take less than 4 minutes. Your pupil has to drive for about 40 minutes of the lesson and you cannot spend the whole lesson teaching a manoeuvre however you can include a short recap of one you’ve taught to that pupil before.

You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:

• lesson planning
• risk management
• teaching and learning strategies

You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out if you’ve passed the test, and what your grade will be.

Once you have enrolled on our course we will help you with everything you need in order to successfully pass these tests, the knowledge, support, guidance and expertise that you will be given is second to none – we will help you every step of the way.