Become an Instructor
We’re proud to have supported and trained nearly 80 people on their journey to becoming driving instructors. Many of them are now part of our team
Thinking of Becoming a Driving Instructor?
Donna Harding ADI – 20yrs, Instructor Trainer & Founder, Drive Like a Boss
Training to become a driving instructor can be a significant career change, and it’s important to understand what the training involves, the financial commitment, and the realities of the role before you decide to take the leap. People join the profession from all kinds of backgrounds, and while certain skills or experiences can be useful, no previous qualifications or specific career history are required. What matters most is your willingness to learn, adapt, and support others.
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What many people don’t realise when thinking about changing their career to becoming a driving instructor is that this job is really about teaching. Many people do not appreciate that the skills they will require to become an ADI is the same skill set as a teacher. Now, it isn’t quite the same as standing in front of a classroom of 30 children, although our “classroom” does move, which certainly keeps things interesting! The big advantage for us is that it’s one‑to‑one, and most of our learners genuinely want to be there. That already feels like a better start than a maths teacher’s Monday morning!
It’s important to remember that you’re not just helping someone to pass a test. You’re guiding them through a structured learning process, understanding how they think, how they develop skills, and how to build their confidence. At the same time, you’re responsible for managing risk every moment you’re on the road, making calm, safe decisions while supporting someone who is still developing their own judgement.
I’m genuinely passionate about this industry, because I believe safer roads start with us — the driving instructors. We’re in a unique position to shape the next generation of drivers, helping them build not just the knowledge and skills they need, but the attitudes and behaviours that keep everyone safe. Every lesson is an opportunity to facilitate, even influence how someone thinks, how they respond to situations, and how they make decisions behind the wheel. That responsibility is huge, but it’s also what makes this career so meaningful. It is why, for me personally I never want to do anything else!
Benefits of Becoming a Driving Instructor
- Flexible working hours that allow you to shape your schedule around your life and your family.
- A rewarding career where you help learners gain confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
- Make a difference the opportunities and freedom gaining a licence gives people
- Strong demand for quality instructors, especially those who teach with modern coaching methods.
- Earning potential it is possible to earn a good salary, you can increase your income easily if you take on more learners
- Variety in your day, with each learner bringing different strengths, needs, and challenges.
- Opportunities to specialise, from instructor training to advanced driving or disability‑adapted tuition.
- Control your diary giving you the freedom to run your business your way.
Challenges to Consider
- Income can fluctuate due to cancellations, seasonal dips, or learner availability.
- High responsibility, as you manage safety, risk, and legal compliance on every lesson.
- Mental and emotional demands, requiring patience, focus, and strong communication skills.
- Upfront and ongoing costs, including training, vehicle expenses, insurance, and fuel.
- Working independently, which can feel isolating without a support network.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have held a full UK or EU/EEA driving licence for at least 3 years with no motoring bans during that time
- You must be able to read a number plate from:
- 27 metres for a vehicle with a new‑style number plate
- 5 metres for an old‑style number plate
Even though the legal standard for everyday driving is reading a plate at 20 metres, the DVSA sets a stricter distance for instructors to ensure higher visual accuracy and safety.
This eyesight check will be done at the beginning of your Part 2 Test
- The DVSA must consider you a fit and proper person, which includes:
- A clean and appropriate criminal record (checked via DBS)
- Good conduct and professionalism
- No history of serious motoring offences you must have 5 or fewer penalty points on your licence to be eligible to become a driving instructor.
- 0–3 points → Usually accepted without issue
- 4–5 points → Still acceptable, but the DVSA may look more closely at the circumstances
- 6 points → Considered the cut‑off; you can still apply, but the DVSA may refuse your application unless you provide strong evidence and explanation
The DVSA expects instructors to demonstrate impeccable driving behaviour. Points suggest risk, so the more you have, the more scrutiny you will face.
The 3 Stages of Becoming an Instructor
There are 3 parts to the qualifying process to becoming a driving instructor.
When you have been accepted to start the qualifying process by the DVSA, you can start your training towards the three ADI tests. These are known as ADI part 1 – Theory Test, ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test and ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test.
You have to pass the tests in this order, and the part 2 and 3 tests have to be passed within a two year period from when you passed part 1. Once these are all completed, you can then join the ADI register as an Approved Driving Instructor.
ADI Part 1 – Theory Test
Part 1 is a two‑part theory exam designed to assess your knowledge of driving, road safety, and instructional techniques.
What Part 1 includes:
100 multiple‑choice questions
Covering:
- Road procedure
- Traffic signs and signals
- Car control and mechanical knowledge
- Driving test regulations and disabilities
- Instructional techniques
Hazard perception test
Includes:
- 14 video clips
- One developing hazard in each clip, one clip has 2 hazards
- Pass mark is a minimum 57 out of 75
Key facts:
- You need 85/100 overall and at least 20/25 in each category to pass.
- You need 57/75 to pass the hazard perception.
- Unlimited attempts allowed.
ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test
Part 2 is your advanced driving test, assessing whether your driving meets the standard expected of a professional instructor.
What Part 2 includes:
- Eyesight check
- ‘Show me, tell me’ questions
- A 60‑minute driving assessment
Key facts:
- You have 3 attempts to pass.
- You must pass Part 2 before moving on to Part 3.
ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test
Part 3 assesses your teaching skills, not your driving. You’ll deliver a real driving lesson to a learner while a DVSA examiner observes.
What Part 3 assesses:
- Lesson planning
- Risk management
- Teaching and learning strategies
- Communication and feedback
- Adaptability to the learner’s needs
- Ability to identify and correct faults
Key facts:
- You have 3 attempts to pass.
- You must take and pass Part 3 within 2 years of passing Part 1, or you must start the entire process again.
Our Reviews
Is becoming a Driving Instructor right for you?
The following link takes you to the DVSA’s website to help you decide if it is the right career for you –
Driving instructor suitability assessment
If you are ready to start the process to become an ADI you must get a criminal recored check. Please note you must use the official DVSA link to do this, any other criminal record check is not valid, even if you already have had a previous check that is in date, you must still apply for a new one.
If you’re ready to begin the process of becoming an ADI, the first step is to complete a criminal record check. It’s important to use the official DVSA link for this — no other type of check is accepted. Even if you already have a recent certificate from another role, you’ll still need to apply for a new one specifically for your ADI application.
Get a criminal record check to become a driving instructor – GOV.UK
How Drive like a Boss can Support you with your training?
We’ve now trained almost 80 driving instructors, and seeing so many of them thriving within the Drive Like a Boss team is something we’re incredibly proud of. If you choose to start your journey with us, you won’t just follow a structured training programme — you’ll be stepping into a community that believes in you from day one. We’ll guide you through every stage of the ADI tests, but more importantly, we’ll help you grow into a confident, skilled instructor with a career you can truly be proud of. This isn’t just about qualifying; it’s about building a future where you make a real difference.
We take a joined‑up approach to your training, blending all three parts of the qualification so they make sense as one coherent journey. Each stage builds on the last, giving you a clear understanding of how the knowledge, skills, and teaching techniques fit together. This way, you’re not just preparing for individual tests — you’re developing the complete skill set you’ll rely on throughout your career.
There are a number of suppliers where you can obtain the books. These are the ones recommended you purchase.
You cannot take your part two test until you have passed part one. It is important to note that upon passing part one you have two years in which to fully qualify.
Parts 2 & 3
While Part One is focused on theory, Parts Two and Three are entirely practical. Part Two is your opportunity to demonstrate your driving ability, and by this stage you should already have a clearer understanding of what’s expected, thanks to the knowledge gained during your Part One studies.
It’s also important to remember that each stage is integral. When preparing for Part Two, we blend in elements of Part Three to deepen your understanding and help everything make sense as a whole.
That said, theory and practical skills are very different. Your existing driving habits — including any unhelpful ones picked up over the years — will influence how much training you may need before you’re ready for the Part Two test. Some people need only a few sessions, while others benefit from more time to refine their skills. Our role is to help you identify what you need and support you every step of the way.
Part 3
Part Three is where your instructional ability is put to the test — and of all three stages, this is the one most people find the most demanding. During your Part Three test, you’ll deliver a real driving lesson with an examiner observing from the back. This isn’t a role‑play or a simulation; it’s a genuine lesson, and you’ll be assessed on your ability to create learning, manage risk, and deliver real value for the pupil.
Your Part Three training with Drive Like a Boss is varied, hands‑on, and designed to give you real depth. You’ll have one‑to‑one training sessions, opportunities to sit in the back and observe lessons delivered by Donna and other members of the Drive Like a Boss team, with plenty of chances to see different teaching styles in action.
We also provide our own structured training manual and access to our dedicated training website, giving you clear guidance and resources that support the way you like to learn. Our aim is to cover every angle and ensure your preparation is thorough, practical, and genuinely useful to you not only to pass the part 3 but as you become a fully qualified ADI.
Trainee Licence
You may choose to take the trainee licence route, also known as the pink badge. This licence is issued by the DVSA and allows you to teach for reward while you continue your training. In practice, this means you can start gaining real experience as a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) and begin delivering actual lessons. It’s one of the most effective ways to sharpen your instructional skills ahead of your Part Three test — and it also allows you to start earning as a driving instructor.
If you choose to go onto a trainee licence, you must first complete a minimum of 40 hours of training.
Your trainee licence is valid for six months, during which you’ll continue to receive a minimum of 20 hours training before taking your Part Three test.
What is a Trainee licence?
A trainee licence — often called the PDI licence or the pink badge — is a temporary licence issued by the DVSA that allows someone who is part‑qualified to give paid driving lessons while they complete their training to become a fully qualified ADI.
It’s a key stepping stone in the qualification process, and for many trainees it’s the most valuable part of their development because it gives them real experience with real learners.
A trainee licence is a 6‑month licence that lets you teach learner drivers legally for payment before you pass your final ADI Part 3 test. It’s designed to help you gain the practical teaching experience you need to prepare for that final exam.
You display a pink triangular badge in the windscreen, which identifies you as a PDI (Potential Driving Instructor).If you do not manage to qualify within the 6 months, you will normally be granted a 2nd badge provided you have satisfied all training requirements while on the pink badge. Very rarely will you be granted a 3rd badge.
When You Can Apply for a Trainee Licence?
You can apply for a trainee licence once you have:
- Passed ADI Part 1 (theory)
- Passed ADI Part 2 (driving ability)
- Completed at least 40 hours of instructor training with a qualified ADI – At least 10 hours must be in car training.
You must agree to –
- Supervision from your trainer, or
- 20 additional hours of training during the licence period
Why Choose a Trainee Licence?
Choosing to go on a trainee licence can be one of the most valuable steps in your journey to becoming a driving instructor. It gives you the chance to work with real learners, build your confidence, and turn everything you’ve learned in training into genuine teaching skill. Instead of waiting until your Part 3 test to experience the realities of the job, hands‑on practice where you discover how different learners think, how to manage risk in real time, and how to adapt your teaching to suit each individual. It’s also a brilliant way to find your rhythm, develop your own style, and get a feel for what kind of instructor you want to be. Many PDIs say the trainee licence is the moment everything starts to “click” — because nothing builds your ability quite like being out there, teaching for real.
It is worth mentioning that although you can charge money for the driving lessons you are delivering, the trainee licence must be used to develop your skills as an instructor and help your training. And preparations towards your Part 3 rather than a focus on the income it generates.
Training while on your pink badge
When you move onto your trainee licence, your training naturally shifts. You’ll now be working with real learners, giving you the chance to put your knowledge and developing skills into practice. Real lessons bring real situations — and that’s exactly what we want. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to talk things through with your trainer, whether you want to check how you handled a situation, plan an upcoming lesson, or role‑play a scenario to explore different approaches.
There’s no “right or wrong” at this stage. It’s about learning, refining, and building confidence. Your trainer will join you in the back of some lessons, giving them the chance to pinpoint areas that need strengthening within your lesson delivery. Afterwards, you’ll go through the lesson together in detail — looking at what worked well, what could be improved, and how to develop your approach further. You’ll also continue to observe lessons delivered by other members of the Drive Like a Boss team, giving you a broad range of insight and experience.
As your Part Three test approaches, your training will adapt again. The focus becomes sharper, more targeted, and fully aligned with what you’ll need on the day — ensuring you’re as prepared and confident as possible.
What if I don’t want to go on a trainee licence?
If you choose not to go on a trainee licence, you will still need to gain experience with real learners. Think of it like learning to swim — it’s a practical skill, and if you never get in the water, you can’t develop the ability. Teaching is exactly the same. Without real learners to work with, you can’t build the practical instructional skills you’ll need. That being said you do not have to go on a training licence to gain experience, The trainee licence allows you to charge for the lessons that you provide.
Without a trainee licence, you cannot teach for reward, which means you cannot charge for lessons in any form — not even to cover petrol. Any lessons you give must be completely free of charge.
If this route feels right for you, we will help you in finding ways to gain the experience you’ll need.
Approved Driving Instructor | Regulated Professions Register | GOV.UK
How much does it cost to train?
Our one‑to‑one training is £45 per hour. Part One doesn’t cost you anything beyond purchasing the recommended books and paying for the Part One test itself.
Parts Two and Three require one‑to‑one training, but I can’t tell you your exact total cost at this stage — and that’s intentional. We don’t sell packages because everyone starts from a different place, learns at a different pace, and needs different levels of support. Some people pick things up quickly, others need more time to build confidence and consistency.
There’s no upfront fee. You simply pay as you go, session by session, so you stay in control of your training and your budget.
Want more information?
Many people at this stage ask for an information pack or more details about the training. The truth is, there isn’t much more that can be sent that isn’t already covered here. If what you’ve read has sparked your interest and you’d like to explore things further, the best next step is for us to meet for a coffee.
A face‑to‑face chat gives you the chance to ask anything you want, talk through any concerns, and make sure you have a full understanding before making a decision. It also helps you work out two important things: whether this is the right career for you, and, if it is, whether we’re the right team to support you on that journey.
Send an email direct to donna at donna@drivelikeaboss.co.uk or send a txt to 07822 000397.
Train with Drive like a Boss
To support your learning I have developed a training website which is designed to supplement your practical training www.bossyourpart3.co.uk we have also written our own training manual which will guide you through your Part 3 training.
I really hope you like what you have read, if you would like to know more I would normally suggest we meet for a coffee and discuss in more detail answering any questions you inevitably must have.
Please find the link to start the process to become an Instructor here –
