Are you looking to change your career path or fancy working alongside your current job? If you think you have what it takes to teach others and earn a valuable life skill, being a driving instructor may be a path worth considering. By becoming a driving instructor not only can it offer flexible working but it can also bring great job satisfaction. With more opportunities to become a driving instructor with driving instructor training in Wirral, Chester and North Wales it’s now easier than ever to change career path. So, if you are serious about becoming a driving instructor or are just interested in the process, these 8 simple steps will guide you through.

Step 1 - Check if you can become an instructor
Before completely setting your heart on becoming a driving instructor, you will need to first check that you are eligible to become one. Checking you are eligible would mean ensuring you are a qualified driver, acquiring any information on court cases or driving offences against you and a criminal record check. Providing all the above is fine, you will be able to move on to the next step.

Step 2 - Apply to become a driving instructor
On application, you will need to have an up to date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in place to start. To apply visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-become-a-driving-instructor

Step 3 - Get a trainer
Next step, like training for your first driving lessons, you will need a driving instructor. Driving instructor training isn’t available at all driving schools so make sure you choose one that’s right for you. Your trainer should be able to prepare you for the 3 Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) tests you will need to take.

Step 4 - Take your theory test (ADI Part 1)
Much like your first theory test, this theory test consists of a multiple choice section and a hazard perception test. The multiple choice questions will test you on your knowledge of the highway code and road signs and markings. The hazard perception test consists of a series of video clips, with you as the driver, where you will have to identify road hazards as you drive along. Although very much similar to your first theory test, this test is more comprehensive and in depth as you will need to have more knowledge of the road before teaching others how to drive. Once you have passed your theory test you will be able to move onto Part 2.

Step 5 - Take your driving ability test (ADI Part 2)
Great, you’ve passed your theory test, now you will need to take your practical test, or Driving Ability Test. Once you have had relevant training with your driving instructor, they will advise you whether you are ready for this test. Your driving instructor will take you through the relevant areas that you will be tested on. Only once you are ready you should take this test.

Step 6 - Practice Teaching
Once you have passed part 2 you have the option of applying for a 6 month trainee license to allow you to get experience with teaching students. Many driving schools offer help to trainee driving instructors with a possible job offer after you have become fully qualified.

Step 7 - Take your instructional ability test (ADI Part 3)
Only once you have passed Part 2 can you then progress onto taking your instructional ability test. This is a test which is to test your teaching abilities. The examiner will test this by playing to role of two types of pupil, one as a pupil who is a beginner or with limited knowledge and a pupil who is at test standard or a driving license holder who needs improvement training. You will have three chances of passing your final test. If on the unfortunate occasion you don’t pass your third try you will have to wait two years since the first test to retake Part 1 again.

Step 8 - Register yourself as a working instructor
If you’ve come this far that means you have passed all three parts of your ADI test. Congratulations! Finally, you will need to register yourself as a working instructor. To do so it will cost £300 and you will be provided with a badge that will need to be on display when you are teaching. You are now ready to start teaching.