Becoming a driving instructor is a very rewarding career. For some, the training can be challenging. You need to have an excellent understanding of the rules and regulations of the road and be able to impart this knowledge to the clients you teach.
To become a driving instructor you must pass the 3 DVSA ADI tests, our tips below should help you get the most from your training. At Geoff Capes Driving Instructor Training we provide full training and support at every stage to help you achieve your goal.
Before you start studying we think it’s important that you are sure it is the right career for you. Our book “What’s it really like working as a driving instructor?” will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you and if you still have questions get in touch for a chat. You can get your copy on our homepage by completing the form.
The daily life of a driving instructor is not just about teaching but also, business management, keeping records, creating lesson plans, teaching, monitoring pupil knowledge, and ability, being able to help clients understand the driving laws, road safety, and Highway Code, completing and demonstrate vehicle checks, as well as explain and demonstrate how to deal with emergencies.
You will need to have good driving skills, be patient, be a good communicator, friendly and approachable with a desire to help as well as enjoy driving.
If you feel that the role of driving instructor is for you and you have the necessary driving skills the next step is to check you eligibility. You must pass background checks, prove your eyesight is acceptable, have held a full UK or EU driving licence for a minimum of years, and be at least 21 years old.
The Highway Code
This may seem very obvious but you will need to have excellent knowledge of the Highway Code, road laws, and road safety. Studying these will not only give you a better understanding and improve your knowledge it will prepare you for any questions that your clients may have. A thorough knowledge of these is essential for your ADI theory test.
Practice Your Driving
It can be very easy to fall into bad habits after you have passed your driving test. Take the time to practice and refresh your skills to meet the regulations so that it becomes second nature. Comment on your driving, even when you have an empty car. This may seem strange but it can help you to maintain your focus and analyse your actions, acknowledge road signs, and other road users and describe why you are taking the actions you do.
Local Roads
Get familiar with the local roads around the driving test centre. This will help you create the essential tailored lesson plans that are required and help you to understand where driving instructors can teach different skills. Having excellent local knowledge will also be beneficial when you teach and take your ADI part 2 driving ability test and your part 3 instructional ability test.
Studying
We provide training sessions and 121 training, online studying too has many benefits and can help you prepare for your Theory and Hazard perception tests. Taking mock tests online will give you a better understanding of the types of questions you will be asked and how they are worded. It will also allow you to identify any gaps in your knowledge that need to be revisited.
Be Flexible
Not all learners will learn in the same way or at the same pace. Your teaching methods will need to be adapted to suit the way each client learns. A good instructor will take time to get to know each client to find what is best for them and ask for feedback at the end of the lesson to see if there were things that helped or hindered them. Being a good listener and receiving feedback is vital as it will help you improve your skills and improve your client’s learning experience.
Vehicle
At the beginning of the practical section of the part 2 test, you will be asked some “Show me, Tell me” questions about the car and its maintenance. You should know the bases and at least be able to perform basic routine maintenance to help keep a vehicle running properly.