Have you ever considered becoming a
driving instructor?
Below is a guide to help you understand
what is required.
About the qualifying examination you need to pass
Before you can legally operate as a driving instructor in the UK you have to pass the necessary DSA (ADI) qualifying exam and be accepted onto the Government ADI Register.
The qualifying exam is made up of three parts;
Theory /Hazard perception test
Driving test similar to the current tests for learner drivers,
Instructing test where the examiner expects you to give them a driving lesson as he or she plays the role of a learner driver.
Once you have passed the first two parts (i.e. theory and driving) and receive a minimum of 40 hours of Part 3 training from a sponsoring driving school such as Chris School Of Motoring you can potentially start to earn money as a trainee instructor on a trainee license
Please note the sponsorship and minimum training is a legal requirement to be eligible for a Trainee Licence.
About the Part 1 Test
The first part of the test is a theory test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Each question has 4 possible answers, only 1 is correct. You will have 90 minutes to answer 100 questions that will be split into four bands which will be:
· road procedure
· traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
· driving test, disabilities, law
· publications, instructional techniques
The overall pass mark for the test is 85%. However, you must reach a minimum mark of 80% in each of the 4 subject areas. So you must get at least 20 out of 25 in each band. A score of 25, 25, 25 and 19 would give you 94% but would not be acceptable
Hazard perception
You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development.
The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 57 out of 75.
The ADI Part 2 Test
The part 2 test is about one hour long, you will be required to drive to a high standard, you will be allowed six miner faults
The first part of the test is an eyesight test.
You are required to read a car number plate with letters and figures 97.4mm high at a distance of no less than 27.5m, with the use of glasses or contact lenses if worn
The test will last about an hour, and you will be required to drive on roads with varying speed limits and traffic volumes. This will include fast dual carriageway and or motorways. You will be expected to show that you can put into practice the principals of good driving and road safety
The examiner must be satisfied you have consistently demonstrated:
Expert handling of the controls
Use of correct road procedures
Anticipated the action of other road users and taken appropriate action
Sound judgment of distance, speed and timing
Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
You would also be required to perform any or all of the following manoeuvres
- Stop the vehicle as in an emergency
- Carry out a left and right reverse
- Turn in the road exercise
· Reverse parking exercise on the road
The ADI Part 3 Test
The test is divided into two phases, each lasting about 30 minutes.
During phase 1, the examiner will role play a learner driver of limited ability and experience.
Phase 2 the examiner will role play the part of a learner with far more experience or in fact a full licence holder seeking extra training. You will be expected to deal with each of these situations correctly
During this test the examiner will role-play the part of a learner driver, and your task will be to deliver a well-structured driving lesson, identifying and dealing with any faults you see in your 'learners' driving. The examiner will choose the subject for the lesson from one of 10 pre set tests, and will use the lesson to assess and grade your performance.