The ADI Qualification Process
The text on this page gives an reminder of the ADI qualification process.
Please note that the DVSA have withdrawn their training advice videos without notice - therefore the videos on the right are currently unavailable. We will update these as soon as the DVSA make their new material available.
The information below outlines the legal requirements.
If you are fully familiar with this information you can skip this page - scroll to the bottom of this panel for the next step.
Basic legal requirements
Before working as a driving instructor in the UK for money or 'money's worth', you must satisfy certain legal minimum requirements.Â
These are set by The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency.
The Register of Approved Driving Instructors is administered by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The DVSA set the standards, conduct examinations and ensure that instructors maintain a minimum standard of competency throughout their careers.
The first two requirements must be met in order to apply for the qualifying examination. You must be absolutely sure that you meet these requirements before starting a driving instructor training course.
Driving licence
The regulations state that if an person meets all the requirements for registration and has passed all three qualifying tests, AND has held a licence for an unbroken period of four years, the Registrar MUST allow registration.
However…
If an person meets all the requirements for registration and has passed all three qualifying tests, AND has held a licence for an unbroken period of three years but less than four years, the Registrar MAY allow registration at his discretion.
Motoring convictions may be taken into account - normally no more than a maximum of six penalty points are permitted.
Although the regulations state that you must have held a licence for four years, you can start training, and be allowed onto the register before that time...
Note: Your licence period must be continuous. Any disqualification from driving - even a one month ban 'resets' the clock to zero meaning that you cannot become a driving instructor until you have held your licence for the requisite period starting at the end of the ban.
If you currently have more than 6 penalty points it is possible that your application to join the Register of Approved Driving Instructors will be refused, however there is no bar on application - all applications are considered on individual merit.
A 'Fit and Proper Person'
In order to operate as a driving instructor you must be what the DVSA describe as a 'fit and proper person'. This relates to criminal convictions not spent under the rehabilitation of offenders act.
Each application is dealt with individually; contact the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency for further advice. Convictions involving fraud or matters of a violent or sexual nature are not normally acceptable.
Criminal record checks must be completed before an examination application can be made - click to get full details here (External link to Government web site).
Exam
You must pass the three-part driving instructors examination set and administered by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the driving arm of The Department of Transport)
The examination consists of Theory (including Hazard Perception), driving and practical teaching tests.
Each part of the exam is taken on a separate occasion; the waiting lists vary from region to region but can be anything up to three months.
As part of the examination process your eyesight will be tested; you must be able to read a car number plate from a minimum distance of 90 feet (with glasses or contact lenses if normally worn).
Note that you must notify SmartDriving before applying for 'Part-One' of your examination. Contact us when you have completed Unit 16 to discuss your exam application.
Registered or Licensed
In order to charge a fee (or get 'money's worth') for driving instruction, your name must be on the official register of driving instructors or you must be licensed on a temporary teaching permit (The Trainee Licence) from the DVSA.
To be entered onto the Register of Approved Driving Instructors you must pass all three parts of the Qualifying Examination within a two-year time period and pay the requisite registration fee.
To be licensed you must pass the first two parts of the qualifying examination, sign a declaration that you have met the statutory training requirements and pay the requisite fee.
(All instructors working for gain must display their Registration or Licence certificate in the front windscreen of the training vehicle)
You can get detailed information about the legal requirements and other issues on the UK Business link (Government) web site by clicking here (opens in new window/tab).
Note for Northern Ireland:
If you are taking your exam in Northern Ireland some rules and regulations are different. The course does not specifically reference these, however, you must be aware of driver licensing, driving test and ADI test rules.
Useful Links for Northern Ireland:
Next: Click the 'Next' link to complete your first Study Preparation Unit - 'Motivation'.