Before starting your training, you’ll need to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to become an ADI. This requires having a criminal records disclosure number. You can apply on GOV.UK or use the provided link to go straight to the government page. Once accepted into the qualifying process, you can begin your training for the three ADI tests.

The Theory Test and Hazard Perception test costs £81 to book. 

While guidance is free, you’ll still need to pay for the test itself. We’ll suggest an app to help you prepare for both parts. You must pass both to succeed overall. For the multiple-choice section, you need at least 85 out of 100 overall, with a minimum of 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories. 

Even if your total score is high enough, failing to meet the category minimums means you won’t pass. For the hazard perception part, you must score at least 57 out of 75. Passing earns you a certificate letter, which is required to book your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 2 test. Your pass certificate number is valid for two years.

Driving lessons

You’ll probably need around 10 to 20 hours of driving lessons.

During your initial driving assessment, your trainer will simply ask you to drive the way you think you should in order to pass a driving test. This approach is a great way to begin, as it will show you exactly what areas you need to work on to succeed in your driving test. 

This gives you time to work on fixing any issues between your driving lessons. In each session, your trainer will address any faults and explain the steps needed to correct them so you can pass your part two exam.

Yow will receive a PDF work sheet on the faults to work on between each of your lessons, included on the PDF will be the brief topic of your next lesson.  This will give you the time to practice and research any literature

The cost to book the ADI driving test is £111

Part three training

Part three training will give you the knowledge to structure driving lessons effectively and work toward achieving your driving instructor qualification. Click the link below to view the DVSA breakdown of the Part 3 driving instructor test.

The cost to book the ADI driving test is £111

Part three training (without a pink licence)

Part three training is essential, even if it’s just to understand the test format and know exactly what’s expected of you during the exam.

You need to know the topic for the test, which will determine which student or individual you’ll take with you. If you’re not a trainee driving instructor, you won’t have a student to bring along.

You need to create a well-structured lesson that includes a beginning, middle, and end. What does this mean? 

Beginning

1. Recap on last lesson

Throughout

1. Risk management

2. Teaching strategy

3. Level of instruction

4. Aim and objective

5. Short lesson brief

End of lesson

1. Debrief

2. Feed back at the end of your lesson.

3. Lesson and improvements.

4. Plan for the next lesson.

If you choose not to go with the trainee (pink badge) package, there’s no set minimum or maximum number of lessons. Your trainer will provide a structure to help you pass your Standards Check.

Once qualified

Once you’re a fully qualified driving instructor, you can choose to join our team or work independently.

Parts 2 and 3: 

• Prepare for your Practical Test DVD

• The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive

• Practical Teaching Skills for Driving Instructors

• Road craft, The Police Driver's Handbook

As a PDI (potential driving instructor), you are entitled to a 15 per cent discount when you order these titles directly from TSO, DVSA's official publishing partner - call 0333 200 2401.