Become a driving instructor

Train with a qualified instructor trainer, qualify as a DVSA-approved driving instructor, and build a career where you set the hours and the rate.

Talk to us about training
Why do it

A qualification you own, and hours you control

Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor isn't a course you buy — it's a licence you earn from the DVSA, and once you have it, nobody can take it off you. You set your own rate, choose your own hours, and decide whether to work independently, join a franchise, or work alongside us.

The catch is that it's a real qualification with a real failure rate, and the teaching test at the end catches out plenty of excellent drivers. That's exactly why who trains you matters.

  • Trained by a certified, qualified instructor trainer — not a franchise call centre
  • One-to-one training built around your driving, not a fixed syllabus
  • Train around your current job, evenings and weekends included
  • Support through the trainee licence route so you can earn before Part 3
  • Honest advice on franchising versus going independent afterwards
Driving instructor training in Cambridgeshire with Local Instructors
ADI Parts 1, 2 & 3
fully covered
The qualification

Three parts, one badge

Everyone qualifies the same way. Here's what each stage actually involves — and where people tend to come unstuck.

1

Part 1 — Theory & hazard perception

A tougher version of the learner theory test: 100 multiple-choice questions across four bands, plus a hazard-perception test with a higher pass mark than the one you sat as a learner. We work through the banding so you don't scrape one section and fail on it.

100 multiple-choice questionsHazard perceptionUnlimited attempts
2

Part 2 — Your own driving ability

An examiner assesses your driving to a standard well above the learner test: eyesight check, vehicle safety questions, core manoeuvres and around an hour of general and independent driving. Most people need to unlearn a few habits here — that's normal, and it's the bit we drill hardest.

Eyesight & 'show me, tell me'Set manoeuvres~1 hour of driving3 attempts
3

Part 3 — Your ability to teach

The real test of the job. You deliver a genuine lesson to a real pupil while an examiner watches, marked across seventeen competencies grouped into lesson planning, risk management and teaching & learning strategies. This is where good drivers become good instructors, and it's where most of your training time goes.

Real lesson, real pupil17 marked competencies3 attempts

The clock that matters

You have two years from passing Part 1 to complete Parts 2 and 3, and three attempts at each. Miss that and you start the whole process again — which is why we plan your test dates backwards from day one rather than booking them as you go.

Before you start

Can you register?

The DVSA sets these, not us. Meet all five and you can begin.

21 or over

You need to be at least 21 to register as a trainee driving instructor.

Licence for 3+ years

You must have held a full UK or EU car driving licence for at least three years.

26.5-metre eyesight

You need to read a modern number plate from 26.5 metres, glasses or lenses allowed.

Clean recent record

You must not have been disqualified from driving at any point in the past four years.

Enhanced DBS check

You'll need to pass an enhanced DBS check — you'll be teaching young people.

Not sure?

Send us your situation and we'll tell you straight whether you're eligible before you spend anything.

Requirements are set by the DVSA and can change — the current list is always on GOV.UK.

Your training

What you get from us

Part 1 preparation

Structured theory work with a focus on the four question bands, plus hazard-perception practice at the higher ADI pass mark. We check your banding as you go so nothing sneaks up on test day.

Part 2 driving training

In-car sessions in a dual-controlled vehicle, rebuilding your driving to instructor standard. Honest feedback on the habits you've picked up since you passed — everyone has some.

Part 3 teaching training

The bulk of your time. Lesson planning, risk management and client-centred teaching, practised on real pupils and marked against the same seventeen competencies the examiner uses.

After you qualify

Guidance on your first Standards Check, setting your rates, finding pupils, and deciding between franchise and independent. Qualifying is the start, not the finish line.

FAQ

Instructor training questions

The things people want to know before committing.

Thinking about making it a career?

Tell us where you are — full licence, current job, rough timescale — and we'll tell you honestly what qualifying would take.

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