Before applying to become an Approved Driving Instructor, you should check that you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
You normally need to:
✓ Be aged 21 or over
✓ Have held a full UK or EU driving licence for at least 3 years
✓ Be qualified to drive the same category of vehicle you want to teach in
✓ Meet the required eyesight standard
✓ Be considered a fit and proper person to become an Approved Driving Instructor
DVSA will also consider your driving record, criminal record and other relevant information when deciding whether you are suitable to join the ADI register.
Before you can apply to start the ADI qualification process, you need to get a criminal record check.
For applications in England and Wales, you must obtain the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for driving instructor registration.
You cannot simply use a DBS check that you already have for another job or purpose.
Once your criminal record check has been completed, you can continue with your application to become an Approved Driving Instructor.
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from becoming an ADI. The Registrar considers whether you are a fit and proper person to join the register based on the circumstances and relevant information.
Once you have your criminal record check, you can apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to start the process of becoming an Approved Driving Instructor.
As part of your application, DVSA will assess whether you meet the requirements to become an ADI, including whether you are considered a fit and proper person to join the register.
You will need information from your criminal record check when completing your application.
Once your application has been accepted, you can move forward with the ADI qualification process and prepare for the three qualifying tests:
ADI Part 1 – Theory and Hazard Perception
ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability
ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability
Want to understand all 3 qualifying tests?
Once DVSA accepts your application, you can begin the qualification process to become an Approved Driving Instructor.
The qualification has 3 tests which must be passed in order:
Part 1 – Theory & Hazard Perception
Tests your driving knowledge, instructional knowledge and ability to recognise developing hazards.
Part 2 – Driving Ability
Tests whether your driving is at the high standard expected of a future driving instructor.
Part 3 – Instructional Ability
Tests your ability to deliver a safe, effective and client-centred driving lesson.
After passing Part 1, you have 2 years to pass Parts 2 and 3 and qualify as an ADI.
You do not need to wait until you have completed all three ADI tests before starting your professional development.
Good instructor training should help you build the knowledge, driving ability, coaching skills and instructional competence needed throughout the qualification process.
At Aceway, training is led by Ali Shahraki, an ORDIT-registered instructor trainer, Grade A ADI and Diamond Advanced Examiner with over 20 years of experience in driver and instructor training.
Your training can be tailored around the stage you are currently at, whether you are preparing for Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3.
After passing ADI Part 2, you may be eligible to apply for an optional trainee driving instructor licence, commonly known as a PDI pink badge.
A trainee licence can allow you to gain practical experience teaching pupils and charge for lessons while preparing for Part 3.
However, passing Part 2 does not automatically qualify you for a trainee licence. You must meet DVSA's training and eligibility requirements and be sponsored by an eligible training establishment.
Aceway can support eligible PDIs through the trainee-licence route as part of their instructor development.
If you're considering becoming a driving instructor, tell us where you are in your journey. We can help you understand the qualification process, training options and the most suitable next step.
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Driving Instructor Training in Birmingham
📍 Aceway Driving School – Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
🕒 Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 9:30AM–8PM
Sat–Sun: 10:30AM–1PM
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: 07914 578436
📧 Email: [email protected]
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