Approved driving instructors coach new driver about driving. In addition they offer refresher courses for individuals who have not been driving for awhile. Driving instructor is a job that fits with your lifestyle due to the fact you can select your own working hours. Since there are no age limits or initial qualification barriers, anyone could be a self employed driving instructor in UK. If you love to drive and like to mix with people, you can be the driving instructor.
To work as the DSA Approved Driving Instructors (ADI), you have to pass a three part examinations:
- Theory Test: This would examine your understanding of driving theory, regulations and rules.
- Driving Test: It is an advanced level driving test that is comparable to the current tests for learner drivers.
- Practical Test: It tests your ability to teach. Examiners will check your teaching ability by pretending to be the learner driver.
Since these driving instructor tests are quite difficult, you will need driving instructor training. It is in your interests that you should select the most appropriate driving instructor course in order to give yourself an improved chance of passing. Before you make any decision, you may need to realize precisely what the course offers, the jobs, training periods and qualification rates. This is crucial to make sure that you do not get trapped by tricking claims.
It is recommended by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) that you should ask potential training organisations the following questions before selecting the one that you would choose to assist you to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
The trainer
- What ADI grade is your trainer?
- Ask your trainer for the success rate.
- Are they aware of the national pass rates for each part of the ADI examinations?
- What is the course fee? Does it include books and test fees?
- What is the length of the whole course?
- What does the course cover?
- Will you get additional support when you fail your qualifying examination?
- Do you have to pay for extra attempts?
- Is the course customisable if you need more than the training that is offered?
- Is an assessment of your suitability to become an ADI carried out beforehand?
- What would be the teaching method?
- Do they track your progress?
- Are you going to share the car with other trainees?
- Are they going to provide dates for each of your lessons at the beginning of the course?
Trainee licence
- Is a trainee licence necessary?
- Are you guaranteed to get a trainee job? Is the training school likely to provide enough pupil for your needs?
Flexibility
- Are you allowed to train part time when you are working on existing job?
- Will you need longer time if you are trying to do two jobs simultaneously?
Payment
- Any refund policy?
- For anybody who is unable to complete the course, do they offer refund?
- Which are the responsibilities of your trainer, training center and you under the contract.
- Would they accept installment plan?
When You Are Qualified
- Would the students be provided driving instructor jobs for a driving school? What is your salary? What would you be responsible for paying?
- What would be the setup cost?
- Will there be a loan offered?
- Will you be able to work in the same area as the driving school if you operate as a self-employed ADI?
- Are you tied to the institution for any set period?
