Become A Driving Instructor

by admindvla February 4, 2016 12:06 pm0

To become an approved driving instructor – also known as an ADI – there are several steps you need to go through.

Learner DriverStep One- Complete The Online Questionnaire

Visit www.gov.uk/become-a-driving-instructor to complete a short questionnaire to see if you are able to begin your application process to become an ADI. The questions asked include:

  • Are you over the age of 21?
  • Have you held a full car driving licence for a minimum of 3 years?
  • Are you already registered in another EU country as a driving instructor?
  • Have you ever been disqualified from driving or obtained more than 6 penalty points on your driving licence?
  • What type of car do you hold a licence for?
  • Do you have any non-motoring convictions?

After completing the questionnaire, you will be told if you are able to proceed with your application.

Step Two- The Application Process

The application process for becoming a driving instructor involves a number of stages, which are outlined below:

Stage One- Get A Criminal Record Check

You need to get a special criminal record check, specifically for driving instructors. This needs to come from a company named TMG CRB, as they are responsible for providing criminal record checking services for the DVSA.

Stage Two- Apply To The DVSA

The next stage is to put in an application to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, who are also known as the DVSA, to start your qualifying process moving. You can only do this once you have received your criminal record disclosure (CRB).

Stage Three- Take The ADI Tests

Once you have submitted your application and it has been approved, you will need to sit the 3 ADI qualifying exams and pass them.

Stage Four- Apply For Your First ADI Badge

After you have successfully passed the three ADI tests, you will then need to apply for your first ADI badge and get registered as an ADI. You will need to do this within a year of passing the three tests.

Red L PlateThings To Remember

There are certain things that you need to keep in mind when you are starting the application process for becoming an ADI.

Becoming A Driving Instructor And The Law

In order to be able to legally charge a person (money or monies worth) for being given driving instructions in a car, you need to either be on the ADI register or have a trainee licence to give instruction, as issued by the ADI registrar.

There are certain legal requirements as outlined in these acts/ regulations:

  • The Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended)
  • The Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 2005 (as amended)
  • Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Act 2009
  • The Driving Instruction (Compensation Scheme) Regulations 2012
  • The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1996

It is not a requirement to read the legislation in order to become an ADI, but you can access copies of the information online if you wish to do so.

The ADI Registrar’s Role And Powers

The ADI Registrar is in charge of the DVSA’s ADI register. They have the power to:

  • Refuse to let you join the register if you don’t meet the registration rules
  • Refuse to let you stay on the register if you don’t meet the registration rules
  • Remove you from the register, under certain circumstances
  • Refuse you readmission to the register if you were removed for any of these reasons outlined above

The ADI Registrar acts on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transports when they ask you to give information to initially register or to remain on the register, as well as when they make decisions regarding your registration.

You can find more information about becoming and being an ADI at www.gov.uk/guide-to-the-approved-driving-instructor-register.