How to Apply for a Second Trainee Driving Instructor Licence (PDI Licence) – DVSA Guide
If your 6-month trainee driving instructor licence is approaching its expiry date and you have not yet qualified as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), you may be wondering whether you can apply for a second trainee licence.
Yes, you can apply to the DVSA for another trainee driving instructor licence, but a second licence is not automatically granted.
The DVSA will consider why you need another licence, how you used your previous trainee licence and the evidence you provide to support your application.
This guide from Aceway Driving Instructor Academy explains how to apply for a second trainee licence, what evidence you may need, when DVSA is more likely to approve another licence, what happens when your first pink badge expires and what you should do if your application is refused.
Quick Answer: Can I Get a Second Trainee Driving Instructor Licence?
Yes.
The DVSA allows you to apply for another trainee driving instructor licence after your first licence expires.
However, getting another licence is not guaranteed.
DVSA guidance states that you are more likely to receive another licence if you did not get the full benefit from your first licence for a genuine reason and you can provide evidence supporting your circumstances.
Simply wanting another six months because you have not yet passed ADI Part 3 is unlikely to be enough.
What Is a Second Trainee Driving Instructor Licence?
A trainee driving instructor licence, commonly called a pink badge or PDI licence within the driving instructor industry, normally lasts for six months.
It allows an eligible trainee driving instructor to charge for driving lessons while gaining practical teaching experience before qualifying as an ADI.
If your first six-month trainee licence expires before you qualify, you can apply to DVSA for another licence.
However, this should not be viewed as an automatic renewal or extension.
DVSA considers applications for another trainee licence individually.
Is a Second PDI Licence Guaranteed?
No.
There is no automatic right to receive another trainee licence.
According to DVSA guidance, you will need to explain why you did not receive the full benefit from your previous licence and provide evidence supporting your reason.
DVSA specifically states that it is unlikely to grant another licence simply because you want more time to pass your ADI Part 3 test.
This makes the circumstances surrounding your first six months very important.
When Is DVSA More Likely to Give Me Another Trainee Licence?
DVSA states that you are more likely to receive another licence if you informed them that you had stopped using your first licence because circumstances prevented you from getting its full benefit.
One example specifically given by DVSA is a period of illness.
If you stop using your trainee licence for a significant period, DVSA advises returning the licence.
Although you will not receive a refund, this provides DVSA with a record showing that you did not have the full use of the original licence.
That can become a factor when DVSA considers a future application for another trainee licence.
What Reasons Could Support an Application for a Second Trainee Licence?
DVSA does not publish a simple list of circumstances that automatically guarantee another licence.
Applications are considered individually.
If circumstances genuinely prevented you from making full use of your original licence, explain:
-what happened;
-when it happened;
-how long you were affected;
-how it prevented you from using the trainee licence properly;
-what training you completed;
-what progress you made towards ADI Part 3; and
-what evidence you can provide.
Your explanation should be factual, specific and supported by genuine evidence wherever possible.
Do not invent or exaggerate circumstances simply to obtain another licence.
The final decision belongs to the ADI Registrar/DVSA.
When Is DVSA Unlikely to Give Me a Second Trainee Licence?
Current DVSA guidance specifically states that another licence is unlikely if you:
-simply want more time to pass ADI Part 3; or
-did not follow the rules for using your previous trainee licence.
The current ADI Register Guide also states that the ADI Registrar has previously refused applications where an applicant had not reasonably attempted the ADI Part 3 test during the six-month period covered by the previous trainee licence.
This is extremely important.
A trainee licence is intended to provide practical experience and help you prepare for qualification. It should not be treated simply as a way of continuing to work without progressing towards Part 3.
What Evidence Should I Include With a Second Trainee Licence Application?
The evidence will depend on your individual reason for requesting another licence.
The important point is that your evidence should support the explanation you give DVSA.
Think about your application from the Registrar's perspective:
Why did you not receive the full benefit of the original six months?
What prevented you from progressing normally?
Can you demonstrate what happened?
Did you continue developing towards becoming an ADI when reasonably possible?
Did you comply with the conditions of your trainee licence?
Did you make reasonable attempts to progress towards ADI Part 3?
Keep relevant documentation and training records that support your circumstances.
How Do I Apply for a Second Trainee Driving Instructor Licence?
Current DVSA guidance says there are two main things you need to do.
Step 1 – Apply for Another Trainee Licence
You need to make an application for another trainee driving instructor licence and pay the applicable DVSA application fee.
The current trainee licence application fee is £140.
Always check GOV.UK before applying because government fees and procedures can change.
Step 2 – Complete the Manager/Owner Declaration
You will also need the completed:
Application for Trainee Licence: Declaration of Manager/Owner
This confirms the relevant details concerning the training establishment supporting your trainee licence.
Step 3 – Send the Required Information to DVSA
Follow the current instructions provided by DVSA/GOV.UK when submitting the supporting documentation.
Because DVSA processes and contact instructions can change, use the current GOV.UK trainee licence service rather than relying on old forms or instructions found on third-party websites.
Step 4 – Provide Your Supporting Evidence
If your application is based on circumstances that prevented you from obtaining the full benefit of your first trainee licence, provide clear evidence supporting those circumstances.
Make your explanation easy for the person reviewing the application to understand.
Current DVSA guidance says there are two main things you need to do.
Step 1 – Apply for Another Trainee Licence
You need to make an application for another trainee driving instructor licence and pay the applicable DVSA application fee.
The current trainee licence application fee is £140.
Always check GOV.UK before applying because government fees and procedures can change.
Step 2 – Complete the Manager/Owner Declaration
You will also need the completed:
Application for Trainee Licence: Declaration of Manager/Owner
This confirms the relevant details concerning the training establishment supporting your trainee licence.
Step 3 – Send the Required Information to DVSA
Follow the current instructions provided by DVSA/GOV.UK when submitting the supporting documentation.
Because DVSA processes and contact instructions can change, use the current GOV.UK trainee licence service rather than relying on old forms or instructions found on third-party websites.
Step 4 – Provide Your Supporting Evidence
If your application is based on circumstances that prevented you from obtaining the full benefit of your first trainee licence, provide clear evidence supporting those circumstances.
Make your explanation easy for the person reviewing the application to understand.
How Much Does a Second Trainee Licence Cost?
The current DVSA application fee for a trainee driving instructor licence is:
£140
Always confirm the current fee on GOV.UK before applying.
Can I Keep Teaching While Waiting for My Second Trainee Licence?
This is one of the most important points on this page.
No – not for payment if your previous trainee licence has expired.
Current DVSA guidance is clear that:
you cannot be paid for giving driving lessons when you do not have a valid trainee licence.
Submitting an application for another trainee licence does not automatically extend your existing licence.
If your first trainee licence expires before another valid licence has been issued, you must stop charging for driving instruction.
Do not rely on outdated information suggesting that simply having an application under consideration allows you to continue paid instruction.
Always check your licence validity and current DVSA guidance.
Can I Still Give Free Driving Instruction After My Pink Badge Expires?
The specific restriction concerns charging money or money's worth for driving instruction without being appropriately registered or holding a valid trainee licence.
However, your individual circumstances, insurance arrangements and the nature of any training activity also matter.
Do not assume that removing the lesson charge automatically makes every arrangement acceptable.
Check the current DVSA requirements and make sure your insurance permits whatever activity you intend to undertake.
What Happens If I Did Not Follow My Trainee Licence Training Requirements?
This could significantly affect your position.
When you received your first trainee licence, you would have selected one of two DVSA routes:
Option 1: supervision for 20% of all lessons given while using the trainee licence.
or
Option 2: at least 20 hours of additional training.
DVSA states that you cannot change between these options after making your choice.
Failure to follow the conditions attached to your previous trainee licence can make another licence less likely to be granted.
What If I Failed ADI Part 3?
Failing ADI Part 3 does not automatically prevent you from applying for another trainee licence.
However, remember that the trainee licence and the ADI qualification process have separate rules.
You currently have a maximum of three attempts at ADI Part 3 within each qualifying process.
If you selected the additional-training route for your trainee licence and failed Part 3, DVSA requires a further 5 hours of training before your next attempt.
Use an unsuccessful Part 3 attempt as diagnostic information.
Rather than immediately booking another test, identify why the attempt was unsuccessful and develop those areas properly.
What If I Have Not Attempted ADI Part 3 Yet?
This could be important when requesting another trainee licence.
The current DVSA ADI Register Guide states that applications for another trainee licence have been refused where the applicant had not reasonably attempted Part 3 during the six months covered by their previous licence.
If you have not attempted Part 3, you should be prepared to explain why.
Simply saying that you were not ready may not, by itself, establish that you should receive another six months.
This is why structured training and good planning throughout your first trainee licence are important.
What Happens If My ADI Part 1 Two-Year Period Expires?
Your trainee licence expiry date and your ADI qualification deadline are not the same thing.
After passing ADI Part 1, you normally have two years to pass the remaining qualifying tests.
If you do not complete the qualification process within the required period, you may have to restart the ADI qualification process.
Therefore, before concentrating entirely on obtaining another trainee licence, check:
-when you passed ADI Part 1;
-when your two-year qualification period ends;
-how many Part 3 attempts you have used;
-when your trainee licence expires; and
-whether another trainee licence would actually give you sufficient useful time.
What Happens If DVSA Refuses My Second Trainee Licence?
You can appeal a DVSA decision refusing another trainee licence.
Appeals are handled by the General Regulatory Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal, which is independent of the government.
There are strict time limits.
For a trainee instructor appealing a registration decision, the current GOV.UK guidance states that the appeal must normally be made within 14 days of the decision.
If your application is refused, read the decision carefully and act quickly if you intend to appeal.
Consider obtaining appropriate professional or legal advice if necessary.
Can Aceway Guarantee That I Will Get a Second Trainee Licence?
No.
And you should be cautious of anyone who guarantees that DVSA will issue you another trainee licence.
The decision is made by the ADI Registrar/DVSA.
What a professional trainer can do is help you:
-understand the current DVSA requirements;
-review your circumstances;
-assess your instructional ability;
-identify weaknesses before Part 3;
-provide further instructor training;
-develop an appropriate Part 3 training plan; and
ensure you understand the steps you need to take.
The decision whether to issue another trainee licence remains with DVSA.
Should I Change Driving Schools to Get Another Pink Badge?
Changing driving schools does not reset your original six-month trainee period or automatically entitle you to another six months.
DVSA has separate rules for changing the training establishment named on an existing trainee licence.
If you leave one driving school and join another while your licence is still valid, you need to follow the DVSA process for obtaining a licence showing the new training establishment.
This is different from applying for another trainee licence because your original licence has expired.
Do not confuse the two processes.
My Pink Badge Is Expiring – What Should I Do Now?
If your trainee licence is approaching expiry, review your situation before simply submitting another application.
Check:
1. Your trainee licence expiry date – exactly when does your current licence end?
2. Your ADI Part 1 date – when does your two-year qualification period end?
3. Your Part 3 attempts – how many attempts have you already used?
4. Your training records – did you comply with your selected DVSA supervision or additional-training route?
5. Your Part 3 readiness – what areas still need development?
6. Your reason for another licence – why did you not receive the full benefit of your first six months?
7. Your evidence – what documentation supports that explanation?
8. Your training plan – what will you do differently if another licence is granted?
This gives you a much stronger understanding of your position before you approach DVSA.
Already Training With Another Driving School?
You do not necessarily need to have completed your original instructor training with Aceway for us to help with further ADI Part 3 development.
If you are currently a trainee driving instructor and:
- your pink badge is approaching expiry;
- you have failed Part 3;
- you do not feel ready for Part 3;
- you want an assessment of your current standard;
- you need additional instructor training; or
- you are unhappy with the training support you currently receive,
- you can contact Aceway to discuss your situation.
We can assess your instructional ability and identify what needs developing before your next Part 3 attempt.
Second Trainee Licence and ADI Part 3 Support With Aceway
At Aceway Driving Instructor Academy, our objective is not simply to help trainees stay on a pink badge for longer.
The goal is to help you develop into a competent, confident and professional Approved Driving Instructor.
Our support can include:
-assessment of your current instructional ability;
-ADI Part 3 preparation;
-client-centred learning development;
-lesson planning;
-risk management;
-teaching and learning strategies;
-reflective practice;
-practical instructor training;
-trainee licence guidance;
-PDI franchise opportunities; and
-continued professional development after qualification.
If your trainee licence is approaching expiry, dealing with the problem early gives you more options than waiting until the final few days.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Second Trainee Licence
Can you get a second trainee driving instructor licence?
Yes. You can apply to DVSA for another trainee driving instructor licence, but another licence is not automatically granted.
Can I renew my PDI pink badge?
A trainee licence does not simply renew automatically. You need to apply for another trainee licence and DVSA will consider your application.
How long does my first trainee licence last?
A trainee driving instructor licence normally lasts for 6 months.
Is a second trainee licence guaranteed?
No. DVSA considers the circumstances and evidence supporting your application.
Can I get another pink badge because I haven't passed Part 3?
DVSA specifically states that another licence is unlikely to be granted simply because you want more time to pass ADI Part 3.
What evidence do I need for a second trainee licence?
The evidence depends on why you did not receive the full benefit of your first licence. Your evidence should clearly support the circumstances described in your application.
Can I teach while waiting for my second trainee licence?
If your previous trainee licence has expired, you cannot be paid for giving driving lessons until you have a valid licence or other legal entitlement to charge for instruction.
What if I was ill during my first trainee licence?
DVSA specifically gives illness as an example of a situation where telling DVSA that you stopped using your licence can count in your favour when applying for another licence.
Does changing driving schools give me another six months?
No. Changing the training establishment attached to an existing licence and applying for another licence after expiry are different processes.
Can DVSA refuse my second trainee licence?
Yes. Another licence is not guaranteed.
Can I appeal if DVSA refuses another licence?
Yes. You can appeal to the General Regulatory Chamber. Current GOV.UK guidance gives trainee instructors 14 days to appeal a registration decision, so act quickly if you receive a refusal.
How much does another trainee licence cost?
The current trainee licence application fee is £140. Always check GOV.UK for the latest fee.
Can Aceway help me if I trained somewhere else?
Yes. Subject to assessment and availability, Aceway can provide further ADI Part 3 and instructor development training even if you originally trained with another organisation.
Need Help Before Your Trainee Licence Expires?
If your trainee driving instructor licence is approaching expiry, do not wait until the last few days to decide what to do.
Aceway Driving Instructor Academy can assess your current Part 3 standard, review the areas that need further development and provide additional instructor training.
Contact Aceway to discuss second trainee licence and ADI Part 3 support.
If you are applying for your first pink badge rather than another licence, read our separate guide:
How to Apply for a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence (PDI Pink Badge)
If you are applying for your first pink badge rather than another licence, read our separate guide:
How to Apply for a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence (PDI Pink Badge)
Official DVSA Information
Trainee licence rules and application procedures can change.
Always check the latest GOV.UK/DVSA guidance before applying or making decisions about whether you can legally give paid driving instruction.
The decision to issue another trainee licence is made by the ADI Registrar/DVSA, not Aceway.
