Become a Driving Instructor and revitalise your career!
Work/Life
All our instructor's set their own work schedule, work when they want to and NEVER have to apply for holidays!
Customers on Tap
Operating under a 30 year old brand all our instructor's diaries are full and stay full from day one!
Great Earnings Potential!
Driving instructors are now in the top 20 highest paid jobs in UK (ONS, Oct 22)
Why Choose Us?
- Exclusive Franchise Opportunities: Upon successfully completing our training program, you will be invited to join our elite team as a franchisee. This exclusive opportunity is extended solely to instructors we have personally trained. By affiliating with us, you gain the prestige of working under our renowned brand, known for excellence in driver education.
- N.R.D.S Plan: As a franchisee, you will have access to our cutting-edge N.R.D.S (New Driver Training System) Plan. This innovative teaching approach ensures that you can efficiently and effectively train your pupils, instilling in them the essential skills and knowledge needed for safe driving.
- Comprehensive Support: We understand the challenges that driving instructors may face, which is why we offer a range of perks and support, including spare vehicles to cover breakdowns. Our commitment to your success is unwavering.
- Continuous Professional Development: To stay at the top of your game, we provide ongoing professional development opportunities led by some of the leading UK instructor trainers. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques and regulations, enabling you to provide the highest quality instruction.
Testimonials
I couldn't have made a better decision after being made redundant. A clear passion for teaching from Nigel and the whole team shows in the high standards that we promote each day to our clients. I wish I'd have done this year's ago.
I came to Nigel as a trainee instructor having started my Part 2 training with another trainer. The difference in standards of teaching, support and encouragement was huge, and I passed my Part 2 after a mock test and some pointers from Nigel. The program for Part 3 shows clear steps for teaching students and I was given lots of opportunities to practise and review these steps in my training. Both Nigel and Nick were fantastic, answering question and (...)
Been working with Nigel for the past year to complete my driving instructor training, the knowledge and support that Nigel has shown me has been invaluable. I have learnt new driving techniques and styles and would highly recommend him to anyone who is wanting to learn how to drive. He has given me so much confidence and determination to pass the various examinations and to follow my dreams to hopefully become an Advanced Driving Instructor.
We have over 100 5 star reviews on Google
Features
Better work/life balance
Work when you YOU want to work!
No Holiday "Applications"
Never "Apply" for another holiday
Train around your current job
We train you as you still work
The Approved Driving Instructor Qualifying Process
1. Ensure You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Embarking on the path to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) starts with ensuring you meet the necessary requirements. Before investing in training or applying to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), take a moment to confirm you fulfill these important criteria:
Age Requirement
You must be at least 21 years old to begin the ADI qualification process. This ensures you have sufficient maturity and life experience to teach others effectively.
Driving Licence Experience
You must have held a full UK or EU driving licence for a minimum of three years. This rule ensures you have the practical driving experience required to train learners. During this time, you should have maintained a strong driving record, demonstrating safe and responsible driving behavior.
- Key Tip: If you've held a licence in the EU, make sure it has been exchanged for a UK licence before applying to become an ADI.
Clean Driving Record
To qualify, you must have no more than six penalty points on your licence. This reflects your ability to follow road laws and maintain high driving standards. Points for minor infractions may still allow you to proceed, but significant violations could disqualify you from becoming an instructor.
- Important Note: Endorsements like drink-driving convictions or dangerous driving incidents can prevent you from qualifying.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
All potential ADIs are required to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This ensures the safety of your future pupils and verifies your suitability to work in a professional teaching role.
- What to Expect During the DBS Check:
- You’ll need to provide proof of identity and residency, such as a passport, driving licence, or utility bill.
- The DVSA will conduct a background check to ensure there are no convictions or warnings that would make you unsuitable to work with learners.
- Key Tip: Start this process early, as obtaining a DBS check can take several weeks. A delay here could push back your application timeline.
Medical Fitness to Drive
Although not explicitly mentioned in some requirements, maintaining good health is critical for being an effective driving instructor. You should be able to meet the eyesight requirements (reading a licence plate from 20 metres) and be physically and mentally fit to instruct learners in potentially high-pressure situations.
At Nigel Richards Driving School, we guide you through these initial steps, offering advice and support as you prepare your application. Meeting these criteria ensures you're ready to move forward confidently and begin your journey toward becoming a fully qualified ADI. If you have any concerns about your eligibility, our team is here to assist and clarify the requirements.
2. The Training and Qualification Process: Part 1 - The Theory Test
Once you’ve ensured you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step in becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is preparing for and passing Part 1 of the ADI qualification process: The Theory Test. This foundational stage assesses your knowledge of driving laws, road safety, and the essential principles required for instructing learners.
What is the Part 1 Theory Test?
The ADI Part 1 Theory Test is a two-part computer-based exam that evaluates:
- Multiple-Choice Questions: A series of 100 questions on road safety, driving law, instructional techniques, and the Highway Code.
- You must score 85% overall and at least 80% in each category to pass.
- Hazard Perception Test: A practical evaluation of your ability to identify developing hazards on the road through video clips.
- You need to score a minimum of 57 out of 75 to pass.
Both sections must be passed in a single sitting to successfully complete Part 1.
How to Prepare for Part 1
At Nigel Richards Driving School (NRDS), we offer comprehensive support to ensure you succeed in this crucial stage. Here’s what the preparation involves:
1. Study Materials and Resources
We provide access to essential materials, including:
- DVSA-approved Theory Test Books and Apps: Covering all potential multiple-choice questions.
- Hazard Perception Practice Software: Sharpen your ability to spot hazards through realistic scenarios.
- NRDS Learning Guides: Tailored content designed to simplify complex topics and boost retention.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
To excel, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with the test format and repeatedly practice until confident:
- Complete mock tests to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Practice hazard perception regularly to enhance your reaction times and accuracy.
- Use our personalized study plans to focus on weaker areas and track your progress.
3. Support and Coaching
Our team of experienced trainers will:
- Help you create a structured study schedule.
- Provide tips for mastering each section of the test.
- Offer one-on-one support to answer any questions or concerns.
What to Expect on Test Day
- Location: The test is taken at a local theory test centre.
- Duration: Expect to spend around 1.5 hours completing both sections.
- Requirements: Bring your provisional driving licence and confirmation of your booking.
Key Tips for Success
- Stay Consistent: Regular, short study sessions are more effective than cramming.
- Understand the Highway Code: It forms the backbone of many test questions.
- Practice Hazard Perception: Recognizing hazards quickly is a skill that improves with practice.
- Review Mock Tests: Use your results to refine your knowledge and technique.
What Happens After Passing Part 1?
Once you’ve passed the Theory Test, you’ll be ready to move on to Part 2: The Practical Driving Test, where you’ll demonstrate advanced driving skills. At NRDS, we’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring you’re prepared to excel in the next stage of your ADI journey.
At Nigel Richards Driving School, we’re committed to making your dream of becoming a driving instructor a reality. If you have questions about the Part 1 Theory Test or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
📞 Contact us today to begin your journey!
FAQs
To become an Approved Driving Instructor and be entered on the DVSA register of driving instructors you must first apply for a DBS check. Once this is passed then you can apply to start the process. If application is successful then you will be issued with an ADI PRN and you can apply for Part 1 and start.
There are 3 examinations, commonly known as Parts 1, 2 and 3
Part 1 is a theory test of your knowledge of driving, the highway code, rules of the road, teaching driving, coaching skills and disabilities etc. The exam in 100 questions followed by a theory test.
You must get at least 85 correct with at least 20 correct in each band. This will be followed by a hazard perception test where you must score at least 57 out of a possible 75 points.
If you pass you be presented with written confirmation and then able to apply for next stage.
Part 2. is a practical driving test lasting for 1 hour. The route will take in all traffic conditions from single track country roads to city centres and motorways if available. To pass you must get less than 6 minor driving errors. You will be asked 5 questions and be required to perform two reversing exercises.
Part 3 is a test of your instructional ability. You will be accompanied by an adi examiner whilst you give a lesson of about 45-50 minutes. You can choose any pupil you want andteach any of the suggested subjects. The pupils should not be a beginner but more of an advanced standard. There are a maximum of 51 points to be gained on the test and to pass you must attain a least 31 to pass.
It is important to note that you may have as many attempts as you like for PArt 1 but you are only allowed 3 attempts at parts 2 and3
Our ADI training is done by Nigel and Nick Roberts
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Nick Roberts our ADI trainer
Nigel Richards
Our 60+ hour training package can be taken as and when required to fit around you current lifestyle or taken more intensively if for instance you have been made redundant.
Which ever way you choose to do the training it usually takes around 8-12 months to qualify. We have had people do it in less but this is the average.
So for example if you applied for DBS in start of say April then you would be aiming to get the Part one training done and the Part 1 passed for mid May latest.
Part 2 training could then commence leading up to ideally a mid-late June test.
Now here there is an an option called the TRAINEE LICENCE. This means that once you have passed Parts 1 and 2 AND received at least 40 hours Part 3 training you can then apply to go on Trainee Licence for 6 months to get experience in teaching pupils for reward to prepare for Part 3. This means that you could be earning a living as an instructor for around mid July.
The Part 3 would then be booked for around October/November.
This is a very rough time scale just to give you an idea and the schedule is very much dependent on when test dates are available.
Dave Johnson starting on his trainee licence after being made redundant
In a recent survey by the Office of National Statistics for the first driving instructors entered the top 20 best paid jobs in the UK. Source (The Chronicle)
This is mainly due to the huge back log from Covid creating a Tsunami for learner drivers who were delayed stating to learn for months and it is likely going to take years to correct.
With this in mind driving lesson prices have risen markedly and we are currently charging £39/hour lesson if paid singly.
The hours you can teach for are unrestricted. You could take 6 two hour lessons a day if you wanted (£468)!
But realistically 6 or 7 hours a day is nice, 8 or nine can be done a few days a week also without too much hassle.
So if we say 7 hours a day = £336/day x 5 days = £1680
You have of course got fuel, wear and tear and depreciation out of that.
Fuel would be about 2.5 fill ups depending on car and size of fuel tank (I'm speaking in Ford Fiesta terms, as that's what I know)
Wear, tear and insurance (which isn't as high as you think!) would be say £10-20 a day
So you can see there is still a fair margin to be made each week. Of course this is taxable but being self employed all the expenses can be offset against the total earnings.
This is just a rough idea if you would like to sit down and chat about it then please ring us on 07751815618 to discuss or meet up for a coffee.