Maryam's Journey from PDI to Qualified Driving Instructor
From Trainee Licence to Passing ADI Part 3 First Time
Maryam had wanted to become a driving instructor since passing her own driving test at 17, but work and life meant that ambition had to wait.
After working in the beauty industry for several years and previously having a training experience that wasn't right for her, Maryam decided to continue her journey with Aceway.
She trained through the PDI trainee licence route, gaining real teaching experience while preparing for the final stage of the ADI qualification.
Maryam went on to pass her ADI Part 3 test first time, becoming a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor and continuing with Aceway as a part-time ADI alongside her existing work.
🎉 Another Part 3 Success! Congratulations to Maryam – DVSA Approved Driving Instructor 🎓
Maryam's Driving Instructor Training Journey – In Her Own Words
We asked Maryam about why she wanted to become a driving instructor, her previous training experience, why she chose to continue her journey with Aceway and how she balanced becoming an instructor alongside work and family life.
Here is Maryam's experience in her own words.
💬 Maryam’s Story
Why did you want to become an instructor?
“I wanted to become an ADI ever since passing my own driving test at 17 — over 10 years ago! But life and work kept me busy, so I never got around to it until recently.”
What were you doing before training with Aceway?
“I’ve been working in the beauty industry for several years. It’s something I’ve enjoyed, but I was ready for a new challenge and a career that felt more rewarding.”
Why did you choose Aceway Driving School?
“I had previously trained with another instructor but unfortunately didn’t have a good experience. I started researching other trainers and came across Ali Shahraki and Aceway Driving School. His qualifications and experience really stood out — Diamond Examiner, ORDIT Trainer, and so many five-star reviews on Google.
I even spoke to several ADIs around Birmingham, and they all recommended Ali as one of the best trainers to help me pass my Part 3. I contacted him, booked my first lesson, and it was amazing — everything just clicked!”
What did you enjoy most about your training?
“Meeting with my trainer, Ali. He’s so knowledgeable, patient, and supportive. Every session was productive and enjoyable — never dull!”
What was the hardest part?
“All the early paperwork and finding time to fit training around my full-time job and family life. But with Aceway’s flexibility and support, I made it work.”
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming an instructor?
“Stick with it! The satisfaction you get from helping others learn to drive and achieve their goals is incredible. It’s honestly one of the most rewarding jobs you can do.”
How has this changed your life?
“I finally have the freedom to leave my previous job and do what I’ve always wanted. Watching nervous learners transform into confident drivers is amazing. I can’t thank Ali and the Aceway team enough for helping me make this dream a reality.”
Gaining Experience as a PDI Before ADI Part 3
An important part of Maryam's journey was gaining experience through the PDI trainee licence (pink badge) route.
After reaching the appropriate stage of the ADI qualification process, Maryam was able to gain practical experience teaching learners while continuing to develop her instructional skills in preparation for ADI Part 3.
This gave her the opportunity to put her training into practice with real pupils while continuing to work towards becoming a fully qualified ADI.
Maryam ultimately went on to pass ADI Part 3 first time and become a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor.
The trainee licence is an optional route and eligibility and training requirements apply. Not every trainee needs or chooses to use a PDI licence.
Turning a Long-Term Ambition into a New Career
Maryam's journey to becoming an ADI didn't happen overnight. Becoming a driving instructor had been an ambition of hers for many years, but work, family responsibilities and her previous training experience meant her route was not straightforward.
Rather than giving up on the career, she found a training approach that suited her better and continued working towards her goal.
She also had to balance her instructor development alongside her existing work and family commitments, demonstrating that becoming an ADI does not always require someone to completely stop what they are already doing.
Eventually, that persistence resulted in Maryam passing ADI Part 3 first time and achieving the qualification she had wanted for many years.
Every trainee's circumstances and results are different, but Maryam's experience shows that a previous setback or delay does not necessarily have to mean the end of your journey towards becoming a driving instructor.
From PDI to Fully Qualified ADI
After developing her teaching experience as a PDI and continuing her preparation for the final qualification test, Maryam took her ADI Part 3 instructional ability test.
She passed ADI Part 3 on her first attempt, allowing her to complete her journey from trainee instructor to fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor.
Maryam then continued working with Aceway as a part-time ADI, alongside her other commitments.
Her result is Maryam's individual achievement and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of first-time success for other trainees. Every candidate's progress depends on their own development, preparation and performance on the day.
Could Your Journey to Becoming an ADI Start Here?
Maryam's journey wasn't completely straightforward. She had wanted to become a driving instructor for years, experienced training that wasn't right for her, and had to balance her development with work and family commitments.
She continued towards her goal, gained experience through the PDI trainee licence route and ultimately passed ADI Part 3 first time.
If you're thinking about becoming a driving instructor, already training elsewhere or currently working as a PDI, tell us where you are in your journey and we'll help you understand the next appropriate step.
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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