Thinking of Becoming a Driving Instructor?

Question 1

Can a PDI join a national association or a local association?

PDI

Answer

The answer is you can join both. As discussed above, a local association is a place to meet other ADIs and PDIs and feel less isolated. Often, they have speakers who will help you learn and understand the industry. Even as a PDI, it’s a good idea to be part of a national association for information, support and guidance if you need it, training events, membership discounts and much more. The ADINJC has a support line where you can talk through a query or issue; it's 0800 8202 444, or contact our secretary on secretary@adinjc.org.uk. If you pay monthly and need to stop your qualification process, you can cancel the membership at that point, so it's not something you need to feel tied into if you no longer need it. www.adinjc.org.uk

Question 2

Can I change the date of my qualifying tests if I need to?

PDI

Answer

Yes, if you contact the DVSA by email or phone. Telephone: 0300 200 1122 or email customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk You can find a lot more information on cancellations here: https://www.gov.uk/change-driving-test

Question 3

Can I take pupils on a motorway?

PDI

Answer

Only a fully qualified ADI with a dual-controlled car can take a learner onto a motorway at a suitable stage of their training. A PDI cannot.

Question 4

Does the pupil have to drive away from the test centre when the Part 3 starts?

PDI

Answer

With only 45 minutes, it’s much better if the pupil can drive away and back to the test centre for themselves. It’s what the examiners are expecting to happen. Remember, you are starting the lesson when you collect your pupil, and the lesson has already started when you begin your Part 3. The choice of a pupil is really important and to be discussed with your trainer.

Question 5

How long will it take to qualify?

PDI

Answer

Currently, the training process can typically take a year or more. It is possible to do it in less than that time, but this depends on test availability from DVSA and your own availability and how much time and effort you apply to your training. If you intend to take the trainee licence option, it may well be possible to be on that within 6 months and then take Part 3 whilst you are on your licence.

Question 6

How long will the entire Part 3 last so I can let my pupil know?

PDI

Answer

Part 3 lasts for 45 minutes. That’s from when the examiner gets in the car for the lesson. It is part of our skill as a good ADI to keep to time, so don’t run over. The examiner should not ask you to shorten it to less than 45 minutes. You will need some extra time to pick up the pupil and get to the test centre. The guidelines allow for the examiner to take 10-15 minutes marking your Part 3 and then a further 15-minute debrief with you on your own. It’s a private conversation, so your pupil will not be present, but your trainer can be with you. You can see that altogether you need to allow around 90 minutes for Part 3, depending on your travelling distance with your pupil.

Question 7

Is the car included with my training?

PDI

Answer

Some larger companies include a car with their franchise agreement, but it is vital that you read the contracts carefully so you understand your responsibilities and what you will be paying monthly. Cars can also be leased through industry suppliers who specialise in this; the car doesn’t have to be brand new, just suitable for teaching people to drive. If you already have a suitable car, you can easily get it fitted with suitable dual controls.

Question 8

Is the work of an ADI something I can do part-time and around other commitments?

PDI

Answer

Yes, you can choose your own hours if you work for yourself, and so it's suitable if you have to work around getting children from school or just working school hours or maybe less in the school holidays. However, remember that pupils will need regular lessons and will also have to take at least one driving test, which may be outside of these hours. It is better to be as flexible as possible. If you decide to work for a company, you will need to discuss that with them. It's also useful for pupils to have lessons at different times of the day and at night so they gain insight into various driving scenarios.

Question 9

What does buddying up mean and is it useful?

PDI

Answer

This term means joining up with other PDIs or ADIs to help with your training. At the Part 3 level, it can be very beneficial to have other PDIs for support and to chat with. For example, local WhatsApp groups or Facebook Groups. It can help people feel supported and have a place to ask questions when we buddy up, so you don’t feel isolated. Having another PDI sit in on some lessons can mean you will get used to having someone watch you teach, so when it comes to the test day, you are used to being watched. Being part of a local association or group can be a place to share views, too and local associations usually welcome PDIs. However, nothing can take the place of good training, and if you have any doubts about what you are hearing or reading or any groups, then discuss with your trainer or a trusted source.

Question 10

What if I want to complain about my test results?

PDI

Answer

If you feel that your test wasn’t conducted fairly, then you can follow the complaints procedure. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency/about/complaints-procedure. However, you can’t appeal against your decision. This is also where being part of a national association could help you with guidance.

Question 11

What is the cost of the tests?

PDI

Answer

The ADI Part 1 test is £81 ( correct at May 2025), and the Part 2 and 3 tests are £111.00 each. If you need to take them again, you need to apply for and pay for them again each time. When you pass all the tests, your first registration to join the ADI register is £300. You have 12 months after passing to apply for this, but you cannot start work and charge until you have that green certificate to display. You can use up the remaining time on a trainee licence first, though, if you want to. A trainee licence costs £140 for 6 months; sometimes a second licence may be necessary and applied for. You will need to re-register as an ADI every 4 years, which costs £300. Your training costs will also need to be considered, and these vary depending on where you choose to train.

Question 12

What will I do if my pupil lets me down last minute for the Part 3?

PDI

Answer

It’s essential to plan to have a reserve pupil for the day and to explain to them that you may need to contact them. If you end up with no pupil, you will need to go to the test centre and explain what has happened to the examiner. You will be sent a new appointment. However, whilst this may be acceptable once, it won’t be acceptable if it happens too many times.

Question 13

Where do I find a good trainer or training school?

PDI

Answer

You will need to research all the various options. Word of mouth from people who have trained before can be useful, and often a trainer or a large company will have a training guide to download or they will send to you. Talk to them on the phone or on an online call, or preferably, meet up with a trainer and see how you get on and what their training is about. Look at their terms and conditions and read any contracts very carefully before you sign up for them. If you add your postcode to this section of the DVSA website, it will show you trainers you can use. https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-instructor-training?step-by-step-nav=80bd32e4-9708-4214-bc0f-50358223bb09. These trainers are on the DVSA official register of driving instructor trainers called ORDIT.

Item	Cost
Part 1: Theory Test	£81
Part 2: Advanced Driving	£111
Part 3: Instructional Ability	£111
Trainee Licence (6 months)	£140
ADI First Registration	£300
ADI Renewal (every 4 years)	£300

Thinking of Becoming a Driving Instructor?

Are You Suitable?

Your Qualification Journey

Part 1 – Theory Test

Part 2 – Advanced Driving Test & Eyesight

Part 3 – Instructional Ability

The costs at a glance

Work & Lifestyle

Training & Finding a Trainer

Support & Community

Resources & Learning Materials

Books (official DVSA recommended)

Websites & Online Guides:

DVSA: Apply to Become a Driving Instructor

Safe Driving for Life

Intelligent Instructor Guides

Videos:

Free ADINJC YouTube series – short 10-minute videos packed with tips.

Ready to start your journey?

FAQs

Useful Links:

Use these links to update your registration online: