THE ROAD TO BECOMING AN APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

In order to qualify as an A.D.I. and be entered on the Approved Register you must meet the following criteria.

1. Hold a full British or Northern Ireland unrestricted car driving licence.
2. You must have held it for a total of at least 4 out of the past 6 years. Foreign, automatic and provisional licences can, in certain circumstances, count towards the four year period.
3. You must not have been disqualified at any time during the four year period prior to qualifying.
4. You must be a fit and proper person to have your name entered on the Register. Any convictions, including motoring offences, will be taken into account when you are assessed for suitability.
5. You must be at least 21 years of age.
6. You must pass all three of the qualifying examinations. These are –
   a. The instructors’ theory test.
   b. An advanced driving test.
   c. The test of instructional ability.

NOTE – It is illegal to charge money, or monies worth, for instruction in driving a motor car without your name being entered on the A.D.I. Register.

If you meet the first 5 criteria and wish to pursue this career you should then enter and pass the qualifying examinations. To achieve this you should –

1. First sit the THEORY TEST. You may sit this as often as you like until you pass. With help from DRIVERS WORLD once should be sufficient.
2. Next take the TEST OF DRIVING ABILITY. You are allowed only 3 attempts. Failure on the third will mean a wait of 2 years before starting over again.
3. When you pass you may then apply for a TRAINEE LICENCE. It is not necessary to do this, but doing so can enable you to gain experience under guidance from your sponsor. It also enables you to recoup some of your training costs prior to full qualification.
4. Finally, take the TEST OF INSTRUCTIONAL ABILITY. You are allowed only 3 attempts. Failure on the third will mean a wait of 2 years before starting over again. When you pass you may then apply for your full licence and entry onto the Register.

The whole process must not take more than two years from the date you pass the theory test.

NOTE – A Trainee Licence lasts for 6 months and allows you to charge for giving tuition during that period under the supervision of a nominated sponsor. If you feel you are ready you may apply for and take the Test of Instructional Ability before it expires.