Become a Driving Instructor
Train to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with the support of Claire Wilmot, a highly experienced instructor trainer.
Your Trainer — Claire Wilmot
Claire is a highly experienced instructor trainer. She first started her career as a driving instructor in 1996 and has been training driving instructors since 2000. She is a Grade A instructor, the highest grade awarded in the ADI standards check system.
Claire, along with her husband Ged, wrote Who's In The Driving Seat? The Driving Instructor's Guide to Client-Centred Learning, which reached No.1 overall on Amazon UK.
Her training approach is built around coaching and client-centred learning, helping trainee instructors understand how people actually learn rather than simply following a fixed script.
Claire is responsible for training the majority of the instructors within Latics Driver Training.
Becoming a driving instructor is a rewarding career that offers flexibility, independence and the satisfaction of helping people reach an important life milestone. The ADI qualification is made up of three parts, and we can support you through all of them — from your initial theory preparation right through to your instructional ability test.
The Three Parts of the ADI Qualification
Part 1 — Theory Test
DVSA fee £81A computer-based test with two sections, both of which must be passed in the same sitting.
- ·Multiple choice: 100 questions across 4 categories. Pass mark is 85 out of 100, with a minimum of 20 out of 25 in each individual category.
- ·Hazard perception: 14 video clips with 15 developing hazards in total. Pass mark is 57 out of 75.
- ·Once Part 1 is passed, Parts 2 and 3 must both be completed within 2 years.
- ·There is no limit on the number of Part 1 attempts.
Part 2 — Driving Ability Test
DVSA fee £111An advanced driving test lasting approximately one hour. You must demonstrate expert-level ability — well above the standard required to pass a learner test.
- ·Includes an eyesight check, Show Me Tell Me vehicle safety questions, general driving, two manoeuvres, and approximately 20 minutes of independent driving.
- ·Pass mark: no more than 6 driving faults, and zero serious or dangerous faults.
- ·Maximum of 3 attempts. Failing all 3 means restarting from Part 1.
Part 3 — Instructional Ability Test
DVSA fee £111A test of your ability to teach. An examiner observes a full driving lesson you deliver, lasting approximately one hour.
- ·Marked against 17 competences across three areas: Lesson Planning, Risk Management, and Teaching and Learning Strategies.
- ·Each competence is scored 0–3. Maximum score is 51. Pass mark is 31. Grade A is awarded for 43 or above.
- ·Automatic failure if your Risk Management score is 7 or below, or if your pupil, the examiner, or a third party is placed in immediate danger at any point.
- ·Maximum of 3 attempts. This is widely regarded as the most challenging part of the qualification.
Fees correct as published on GOV.UK. Subject to change by DVSA.
What You'll Need
- ✓Be 21 or over
- ✓Have held a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years
- ✓Not have been disqualified from driving in the last 4 years
- ✓Have fewer than 5 penalty points on your licence in the last 3 years — applications with 5 or more are routinely refused
- ✓Pass an enhanced DVSA criminal record (DBS) check
- ✓Be considered a fit and proper person by the DVSA Registrar
DVSA Fees at a Glance
Fees correct as published on GOV.UK. Subject to change by DVSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the ADI qualification take?
It varies. Once you pass Part 1, you have 2 years to complete Parts 2 and 3. Most candidates who train consistently work through the qualification within 6–12 months, but there is no set timeline.
Can I work while I train?
Yes — once you have passed Parts 1 and 2, you can apply for a trainee licence (the "pink badge") which allows you to charge for lessons while you prepare for Part 3. To qualify, you must have completed at least 40 hours of training (including a minimum of 10 hours in-car) and be sponsored by a qualified ADI. The licence costs £140 and lasts 6 months. At least 20% of all lessons you give must be supervised by your sponsoring ADI.
How many attempts do I get?
Part 1 has unlimited attempts. Parts 2 and 3 each allow a maximum of 3 attempts. If you fail Part 2 three times, or fail to complete both parts within 2 years of passing Part 1, you must start the process again from Part 1.
How much does ADI training cost?
Training costs vary depending on how much support you need and which parts of the qualification you are working towards. Get in touch and we'll discuss what's right for you.
What does a qualified driving instructor earn?
Most ADIs working full time earn between £25,000 and £40,000 per year. As a self-employed instructor you set your own hours, rates and number of learners.
Interested in Training?
Get in touch and Claire will talk you through the process and what's involved.