Frequently Asked Questions

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Achieving a high level of skill and knowledge doesn’t happen overnight. Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is both challenging and deeply rewarding — and the effort is absolutely worth it. 

As a driving instructor, you’re responsible not only for your pupil’s safety but also for the safety of everyone else on the road. That’s why the standards for professional driving instructors are set high.

Here’s what you’ll need to meet those standards.

Who Can Become a Driving Instructor?

One of the key requirements set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is that you must be a ‘fit and proper person’. The DVSA’s ADI Code of Practice outlines the professional standards and expected conduct for Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) in the UK. You can view the full code [here].

Requirements and Restrictions

• To begin your ADI training, you must:
• Be at least 21 years old 
• Have held a full UK driving licence for a minimum of 3 years 
• Have no motoring convictions 

You’ll also need to register with the DVSA in England, Scotland, or Wales, or the DVA in Northern Ireland.

As part of your application, you must complete a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, even if you've previously undergone one.

Skills and knowledge

There are also key personal qualities that will help you succeed as an Approved Driving Instructor. One of the most valuable is being a people person — someone who others enjoy learning from and feel comfortable around.

If you have a passion for learning new skills and expanding your knowledge — and enjoy sharing what you’ve learned — you’re already on the right track. Patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure are also essential, especially during those inevitable challenging moments behind the wheel.

In addition to your teaching skills, you’ll need the practical abilities to run a small business. This includes managing your finances, staying on top of paperwork, and planning your time efficiently.

How to Get Started

You can begin your journey to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) by applying through GOV.UK (for England, Scotland, and Wales) or nidirect (for Northern Ireland).

Before you apply make sure you have the following information ready

• Your driving licence number
• Your full name, exactly as it appears on your driving licence
• A criminal record disclosure number from the last 6 months
• Details of any motoring or non-motoring offences, including any driving disqualifications
• Information on any upcoming court cases

A declaration that you’ve read and understood the DVSA’s ADI Register Guide

What Happens Next?

Once your application is approved, you can begin your training and prepare for the ADI Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 tests.

If you choose to train with us, we will guide you through the registration process — taking the stress out of getting started.

What to Expect from Your Training

When you book ADI training with NK Driving Academy, it typically includes a combination of practical in-car instruction and theory-based learning. We offer comprehensive study materials along with access to platforms where you can connect with trainers and fellow trainees — creating a supportive learning environment.

Training with NK Academy

At NK Driving Academy the training includes

• 40 hours of 1-to-1 in-car tuition with a dedicated trainer
• Sessions tailored to your personal learning style and pace
• Full access to our learning resources and support network

This personalised approach ensures you’re fully prepared for each stage of the ADI qualification process.

Before you can begin practical training, you’ll need to pass ADI Part 1, the theory test. It costs £81 and is made up of two parts:

• A multiple-choice test covering The Highway Code, driving techniques, road safety, and the theory behind instructing learners.
   
• A hazard perception test, where you’ll watch video clips and identify developing hazards as they appear.
   

Although the format is similar to the theory test you took as a learner, this version is much more challenging. You’ll be expected to show a much deeper, expert-level understanding of the rules of the road and how to teach them.

Good preparation is key, and most training providers include study materials to help you get ready.

Once you’ve passed the theory test, you can move on to ADI Part 2, the driving ability test, which costs £111. While this test is similar in structure to the practical driving test you took as a learner, the standard is much higher.

You’ll need to show expert-level driving skills across a range of road types and traffic conditions, as well as demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Highway Code. The goal is to prove that you’re a safe, confident, and highly competent driver — someone qualified to teach others.

Before taking the ADI Part 3 test — the assessment of your instructional ability — you’ll need to complete at least 40 hours of instructor training. This training helps you develop the practical and theoretical skills needed to become a confident, effective driving instructor. At least 10 of these hours must be in-car with a qualified trainer.

At this stage, you can also apply for a trainee driving instructor licence (PDI). This allows you to start giving paid lessons while gaining real-world experience. Although it’s optional, most trainees choose this route as it offers invaluable hands-on practice.

Once you’ve completed your 40 hours, your trainer will need to complete an ADI 21T form, confirming that you’ve met the training requirements and are ready to take the final test.

After you’ve passed ADI parts 1 & 2, the ADI part 3 tests instructional ability. You'll instruct a student for about an hour – either a learner or a full licence holder – while an examiner sits in the back. You'll need to meet the national standard for driver training, so you'll have to be at the top of your game. 

Once you’ve passed all three ADI tests, the final step is to register as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). You’ll need to do this within 12 months of passing your final test. Once registered, you’ll be able to officially call yourself an ADI and start charging for driving lessons.

Joining the register

To join the ADI register, you’ll need to apply for your first ADI badge. The registration fee is £300 and the badge is valid for four years. As part of your registration, you’ll also be allowed to use DVSA-approved logos in your advertising, and you can choose to be listed on the GOV.UK website where learners search for instructors.

Every four years, you’ll need to renew your registration and take an ADI standards check. This also costs £300 and helps ensure that all instructors continue to meet the required professional standards.

Career progression

For many instructors, teaching people to drive is a rewarding long-term career. Watching your pupils pass their tests and grow in confidence can be incredibly satisfying. But if you're interested in progressing further, there are other options available. These include:

• Starting your own independent driving school
• Teaching disabled drivers through the Motability scheme
• Training drivers for the emergency services
• Instructing HGV or commercial vehicle drivers
• Becoming an ADI trainer to help others qualify as instructors

Finding pupils and building your business

Getting a steady stream of pupils is something that usually comes with time and experience. Right now, there’s still a high demand for driving lessons due to the post-pandemic backlog, so it’s a good time to become an instructor.

However, when you’re just starting out, it can be helpful to join a franchise. This gives you the reassurance of having a regular supply of pupils while you focus on building your skills and business. For example, The AA offers its franchisees a consistent and uncapped supply of learners, as well as support with bookings, a branded car, and business tools to help you succeed.