How to Apply for a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence (PDI Pink Badge) – 2026 Guide
If you have passed your ADI Part 2 driving ability test and want to gain real experience teaching learner drivers before taking your ADI Part 3 test, you can apply to the DVSA for a trainee driving instructor licence.
The trainee licence is commonly known within the driving instructor industry as a PDI licence, trainee licence or pink badge.
A trainee driving instructor licence normally lasts for 6 months and allows you to charge for driving lessons while gaining practical teaching experience and preparing for the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test.
This guide from Aceway Driving Instructor Academy explains who can apply, the training you need, how much the trainee licence costs, how to apply, the rules you must follow and what happens when your licence approaches expiry.
Quick Answer: How Do I Apply for a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence?
To apply for your first trainee driving instructor licence, you must have:
passed your ADI Part 1 within the required 2-year qualification period;
passed your ADI Part 2 driving ability test;
completed at least 40 hours of qualifying instructor training with a qualified ADI;
completed at least 10 of those 40 hours in a car;
had your training recorded on the appropriate DVSA instructor training declaration;
remained eligible to take your ADI Part 3 test; and
have a sponsoring driving instructor or training establishment.
You can then apply online through the official GOV.UK trainee driving instructor licence service.
The current DVSA application fee is £140.
What Is a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence?
Although the term PDI – Potential Driving Instructor is widely used within the industry, DVSA guidance says that when advertising your services to the public while using the licence, you should describe yourself as a “trainee driving instructor” rather than simply using “PDI”.
The trainee licence normally lasts for six months.
Is a Trainee Licence Compulsory to Become a Driving Instructor?
No.
You do not have to obtain a trainee licence to become an Approved Driving Instructor.
After passing ADI Part 2, you can continue training and prepare for your ADI Part 3 test without taking a trainee licence.
However, a trainee licence can provide valuable experience because it allows you to teach real pupils and charge for lessons while developing your instructional ability.
The important point is that a trainee licence should be treated as a training opportunity, not simply as permission to work as a driving instructor.
The objective should be to develop the skills required to pass ADI Part 3 and become a safe, effective and professional Approved Driving Instructor.
Who Can Apply for a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence?
Under current DVSA requirements, you can apply if you:
1. Have passed ADI Part 1
Your ADI Part 1 theory test must still be within the relevant two-year qualification period.
Once you pass ADI Part 1, you normally have two years to complete the remaining qualification process.
2. Have passed ADI Part 2
You must have passed the ADI Part 2 test of driving ability before applying for a trainee licence.
3. Have completed at least 40 hours of instructor training
You must have completed at least 40 hours of training in providing driving instruction with a qualified ADI.
At least 10 hours of this training must have taken place in a car.
Your training must be recorded on the relevant DVSA instructor training declaration.
4. Be eligible to take ADI Part 3
You must remain eligible to take the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test.
What Is the 40-Hour Training Requirement?
Before applying for your first trainee licence, you must complete at least 40 hours of training with a qualified Approved Driving Instructor.
At least 10 hours must be completed in a car.
This training is designed to help you develop the knowledge and practical instructional skills required to teach learner drivers safely and effectively.
At Aceway, we believe these 40 hours should be treated as genuine professional development rather than simply hours that need to be completed to obtain a pink badge.
A trainee instructor needs to develop skills including:
Lesson planning;
Client-centred learning;
Adapting teaching to different pupils;
Effective questioning;
Giving appropriate feedback;
Identifying faults;
Analysing why faults happen;
Choosing appropriate teaching strategies;
Managing risk;
Sharing responsibility with the learner;
Developing pupil independence;
Reflection and self-evaluation; and
Preparing for the competencies assessed during ADI Part 3.
The quality of the training matters just as much as completing the required hours.
What Form Proves I Have Completed My 40 Hours?
Your instructor training must be recorded using the appropriate DVSA instructor training declaration.
For a first trainee licence application, this provides evidence that you have completed the required 40 hours of training.
Your trainer should make sure the training is properly recorded and that the relevant declaration is completed correctly.
The appropriate DVSA instructor training declaration form would be DVSA/ADI21T and you can download it from here.
How Much Does a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence Cost?
The current DVSA fee for a trainee driving instructor licence is:
£140
You will need a debit or credit card when applying online.
DVSA fees can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK information before submitting your application.
How Long Does a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence Last?
A trainee driving instructor licence normally lasts for:
6 months
This gives you an opportunity to gain practical experience teaching learner drivers while preparing for ADI Part 3.
Six months can disappear quickly.
A common mistake is to spend the early part of the licence concentrating mainly on building a diary and earning money, then start worrying about Part 3 when the licence is approaching expiry.
A better approach is to treat the entire six months as a structured development programme.
Your teaching experience, additional training, reflective practice and Part 3 preparation should happen throughout the licence period.
How to Apply for Your Trainee Driving Instructor Licence
Once you have met the requirements, you can apply through the official GOV.UK online service.
Step 1 – Make Sure You Are Eligible
Check that you have:
passed ADI Part 1 within the relevant period;
passed ADI Part 2;
completed at least 40 hours of qualifying instructor training;
completed at least 10 hours of that training in a car; and
completed the appropriate training declaration.
Step 2 – Get Your DVSA Login Details
For the online application you will need your DVSA:
-online user ID; and
-password.
Your user ID can normally be found on correspondence sent to you by DVSA.
Your online user ID is not the same as your ADI personal reference number.
If you do not know your user ID, GOV.UK provides a process for requesting it from DVSA.
Step 3 – Apply Online
Complete the trainee driving instructor licence application using the official government service.
The application currently costs £140.
GOV.UK states that the online application takes approximately 30 minutes. Apply Online
Step 4 – Complete the Required Declarations
After making the online application, you must complete the documentation required by DVSA.
For a first trainee licence this includes:
-The Application for Trainee Licence: Declaration of Manager/Owner;
ADI 3L (MD) Download here
and
-The appropriate instructor training declaration proving completion of your required 40 hours of training.
DVSA/ADI21T and you can download it from here.
-Also the Application for trainee licence ADI 3L which you can download from here.
Step 5 – Send the Documents to DVSA
Current GOV.UK guidance says the required documents should be emailed to the Approved Driving Instructor Registrar at:
[email protected]
Always check the latest GOV.UK instructions before applying because DVSA forms and processes can change.
DVSA application requirements and the documents requested by the ADI Registrar can change. Always follow the latest instructions provided by DVSA and the ADI Registrar when completing your application.
Do I Need a Driving School to Get a Trainee Licence?
A trainee licence is linked to your training establishment.
Your licence will show the name and address of the training establishment from which you are authorised to give instruction.
This is important because a trainee licence does not allow you simply to set yourself up independently as your own driving school.
Under DVSA rules, you can only give instruction through the training establishment shown on your trainee licence.
Your sponsoring ADI and training organisation therefore play an important role during your trainee period.
Can I Charge Learners for Driving Lessons on a Trainee Licence?
Yes.
A valid trainee driving instructor licence allows you to charge pupils for driving lessons while you gain experience.
This allows you to develop your instructional skills in real lessons and can help cover costs such as your vehicle, insurance and other expenses.
However, you are still a trainee driving instructor, not a fully qualified ADI.
Your advertising must not give pupils the impression that you are already a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor.
Do I Have to Display My Pink Trainee Licence?
Yes.
When giving driving lessons under your trainee licence, the licence must be displayed on the nearside edge of the front windscreen of the vehicle.
This identifies you as a trainee driving instructor.
This is why the trainee licence is commonly referred to within the industry as the pink badge.
What Are the Two Trainee Licence Training Options?
When applying for your trainee licence, DVSA currently requires you to choose between two options.
This is an important decision because once you have chosen an option, you cannot simply change to the other option afterwards.
Discuss the decision carefully with your sponsoring ADI or training organisation.
Option 1 – 20% Supervision
Under this option, your sponsoring ADI must supervise you for 20% of all the lessons you give while using your trainee licence.
You must keep records of:
-The number of hours of lessons you give; and
-The number of hours you are supervised.
The appropriate DVSA supervision record must be maintained and signed as required.
This option gives you regular observation and feedback while teaching real pupils.
Option 2 – 20 Hours of Additional Training
Instead of 20% supervision, you can choose to complete at least:
20 additional hours of training.
Under current DVSA rules, this additional training must be completed:
-Within the first 3 months of receiving your trainee licence; and
-Before you book your ADI Part 3 test.
At least 25% of this additional training must be practical in-car training.
The additional training must be recorded using the appropriate DVSA instructor training declaration and submitted to DVSA.
Which Option Is Better: 20% Supervision or 20 Hours Additional Training?
There is no single answer that is right for every trainee.
The correct option depends on your experience, learning needs, availability, training arrangement and how you develop best.
However, the decision should be based on which option will develop you into the better instructor, rather than simply choosing whichever appears easiest.
At Aceway, we encourage trainees to think about:
Their current instructional ability;
How much experience they already have;
Areas requiring development;
How they respond to observation and feedback;
The variety of pupils they are teaching;
Their Part 3 preparation; and
How much structured support they are likely to need.
Your sponsoring trainer should discuss both routes with you before you make your choice.
What Happens If I Choose the 20-Hour Training Option and Fail Part 3?
Under current DVSA rules, if you choose the additional-training option and fail your ADI Part 3 test, you must complete a further:
5 hours of additional training
before your next Part 3 attempt.
The additional training must be recorded on a new instructor training declaration.
You currently have a maximum of three attempts at ADI Part 3 during each qualifying process.
This is another reason why Part 3 should not be treated as something you simply keep attempting until you eventually pass.
After an unsuccessful attempt, your development should focus on understanding what happened, identifying the underlying weaknesses and improving those areas before your next attempt.
What If I Do Not Book Part 3 Within the First 3 Months?
If you selected the additional 20-hour training option and do not book your ADI Part 3 test within three months of receiving your trainee licence, current DVSA rules require you to complete a further 5 hours of training before booking the test.
Your trainer should help you plan your development and Part 3 preparation so important deadlines are not missed.
What Rules Must I Follow as a Trainee Driving Instructor?
Holding a pink badge comes with responsibilities.
Under current DVSA rules, you must:
-Remain a fit and proper person;
-Complete the required supervision or additional training;
-Correctly display your trainee licence;
-Teach through the training establishment named on your licence; and
-Accurately describe yourself as a trainee driving instructor when advertising.
You must not advertise yourself in a way that makes pupils believe you are already a fully qualified ADI.
DVSA specifically advises using the description “trainee driving instructor” when advertising to the public.
Can I Work Independently on a Trainee Licence?
No.
A trainee driving instructor licence is connected to the training establishment named on the licence.
You cannot use the trainee licence simply to establish your own independent driving school.
This is one of the important differences between working on a trainee licence and becoming a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor.
Once you successfully qualify and join the ADI register, you have significantly more freedom over how you operate your driving instruction business.
What Happens When My 6-Month Trainee Licence Expires?
When your trainee licence expires, you must stop being paid for giving driving lessons unless you have another valid licence or have qualified and obtained the appropriate ADI registration.
A trainee licence does not automatically renew.
If exceptional circumstances prevented you from making proper use of your first licence, you may be able to apply to DVSA for another trainee licence.
However, a second trainee licence is not guaranteed.
Is your pink badge approaching expiry?
Read our separate guide:
How to Apply for a Second Trainee Driving Instructor Licence
Our second-licence guide explains the DVSA process, when another licence may be considered, what happens when your first licence expires and the mistakes to avoid.
Can I Change Driving Schools While on a Trainee Licence?
Yes, but your trainee licence is linked to the training establishment named on it.
If you leave one driving school and join another, you must apply to DVSA for a new trainee licence showing your new training establishment.
DVSA currently states that there is no fee for this change, and you can continue giving driving lessons while waiting for your replacement licence.
Once your new licence arrives, you should return the old licence to DVSA.
Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before changing training establishments, as processes can change.
What Is the Purpose of the Trainee Licence?
The main purpose of the trainee licence is to give you practical experience preparing to become a qualified Approved Driving Instructor.
The goal is development, not simply accumulating lesson hours.
Teaching many pupils does not automatically make someone a better instructor.
Quality development requires you to reflect on questions such as:
What happened during the lesson?
Why did it happen?
Did the pupil understand the risk?
Was my teaching strategy appropriate for this pupil?
Did I give too much help or too little?
How effectively did I manage risk?
What could I do differently next time?
How can I gradually transfer responsibility to the learner?
That reflective approach helps turn practical teaching experience into genuine instructor development.
Preparing for ADI Part 3 While on Your Trainee Licence
Your trainee licence gives you an excellent opportunity to develop the competencies required for ADI Part 3.
Do not make the mistake of trying to memorise a perfect Part 3 lesson.
Real pupils do not follow scripts.
A professional instructor needs to be able to:
identify the pupil's needs;
agree an appropriate lesson plan;
adapt when circumstances change;
identify developing risks;
manage those risks appropriately;
help the pupil understand their mistakes;
choose appropriate teaching strategies;
ask effective questions;
provide meaningful feedback;
encourage reflection;
adjust the level of support; and
help the pupil become increasingly independent.
These are skills that develop through quality training, real teaching experience and reflection.
Trainee Driving Instructor Training With Aceway
Aceway Driving Instructor Academy provides driving instructor training and development for people working towards becoming Approved Driving Instructors.
Our instructor training is supported by extensive experience in driver education, coaching, instructor development and ADI Part 3 preparation.
Support can include:
ADI Part 1 support;
ADI Part 2 training;
ADI Part 3 training;
trainee licence preparation;
qualifying instructor training;
practical instructional development;
client-centred learning;
lesson planning;
risk management;
reflective practice;
Part 3 preparation;
trainee franchise opportunities; and
continued development after qualification.
We also work with trainees who originally started their instructor training elsewhere, subject to availability and assessment.
Can I Earn While Training to Become a Driving Instructor?
Once you meet the DVSA requirements and have been issued with a valid trainee driving instructor licence, you can charge pupils for driving lessons while gaining practical experience.
This is sometimes described as “earn while you learn.”
However, there is an important distinction.
The trainee licence should not become an excuse to focus entirely on earning money and neglect your development.
The strongest trainees use their paid teaching experience to become better instructors while continuing structured training towards ADI Part 3.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PDI Trainee Licence
What is a PDI licence?
A PDI licence is the commonly used industry name for a DVSA trainee driving instructor licence. It allows an eligible trainee instructor to charge for driving lessons while gaining experience before qualifying as an ADI.
What is a pink badge?
“Pink badge” is the common nickname for the trainee driving instructor licence because the licence displayed in the vehicle identifies the holder as a trainee rather than a fully qualified ADI.
How long does a trainee driving instructor licence last?
A trainee driving instructor licence normally lasts for 6 months.
How much does a PDI trainee licence cost?
The current DVSA application fee is £140. Always check GOV.UK before applying in case the fee changes.
Do I need to pass ADI Part 2 before applying?
Yes. You must have passed the ADI Part 2 driving ability test before you can apply for a trainee driving instructor licence.
How many hours of training do I need before applying?
You need at least 40 hours of qualifying instructor training, with at least 10 hours completed in a car.
Can I charge for driving lessons with a pink badge?
Yes. Once you have a valid trainee driving instructor licence, you can charge pupils for lessons while following the conditions of your licence.
Can I start my own driving school with a trainee licence?
No. Your trainee licence is connected to the training establishment shown on the licence, and DVSA rules do not allow you to use it to operate independently.
Do I have to display my trainee licence?
Yes. Your trainee licence must be displayed on the nearside edge of the front windscreen while you are giving driving lessons.
Do I need another 20 hours of training after receiving my licence?
That depends on which DVSA option you select. You must either receive supervision for 20% of your lessons or complete at least 20 hours of additional training.
Can I change from the supervision option to the 20-hour training option later?
No. Current DVSA guidance says you must choose one of the two options and cannot change to the other after making your decision.
What happens if my pink badge expires before I pass Part 3?
You must stop charging for driving lessons when your trainee licence expires unless you have another valid licence or have qualified and obtained the appropriate registration.
You may be able to apply for another trainee licence, but another licence is not guaranteed.
Read our separate How to Apply for a Second Trainee Driving Instructor Licence guide for more information.
Can Aceway help if I trained with another driving school?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances and availability, Aceway can provide further instructor training and ADI Part 3 development even if you originally trained with another provider.
Need Help With Your Trainee Licence or ADI Part 3 Training?
If you have passed ADI Part 2 and are considering a trainee licence, it is worth getting the structure right from the beginning.
At Aceway Driving Instructor Academy, we can help you understand the trainee licence process, assess your current instructional ability and build a structured development plan towards ADI Part 3.
Whether you are starting your trainee licence, already teaching on a pink badge or need additional Part 3 support, contact Aceway to discuss your situation.
Speak to Aceway about PDI trainee licence and ADI Part 3 training.
Applying for Second trainee licence?
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Official DVSA Information
Trainee licence rules, fees, forms and application processes can change.
Always check the latest official GOV.UK and DVSA guidance before applying or making decisions about your trainee licence.
This guide is designed to help trainee instructors understand the process and should be read alongside current DVSA guidance.
