Driver Instructor Training Course

As part of the course we will take you through each aspect of the testing process and give you the help and experience required to pass each aspect. Once qualified you will be given the option to join our team of driving instructors to kick start your career.

Before you start you must get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

Driver Instructor Training

After registering and getting your personal reference number you need to take 3 tests, The first test is the theory test

Revision and practice:

You can use books and software to revise for the theory test. We will provide this as part of the course.

Multiple-choice questions

The questions in the theory test are based on:

• The Highway Code
• Know your traffic signs
• Driving – the essential skills
• The official theory test for approved driving instructors pack
• The Driving Instructor’s Handbook

Study these to learn the rules and skills you’ll be tested on.

You can buy them online or from most high street bookshops.

Hazard perception test

We will provide you with everything you need to pass this part of the test or you can buy the official guide to hazard perception for your PC or Mac to learn hazard perception skills and then test them.

The 2nd test is the practical driving test to be driven in an advanced manor

What happens during the test

There are 5 parts to the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test:

• An eyesight check
• ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
• General driving ability
• Manoeuvres
• Independent driving

How long the test lasts

The test takes around one hour.

The eyesight test

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

26.5 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
27.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.

You’ll fail the test if you do not pass the eyesight test. It will count as one of the 3 attempts you’re allowed at the ADI part 2 test.

‘Show me, tell me’ questions

You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety tasks.

You’ll be asked:

3 ‘tell me’ questions at the start of your test, before you start driving
2 ‘show me’ questions while you’re driving – for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers

You’ll get a driving fault for each incorrect answer you give.

You’ll get a serious fault and fail the test if you answer all 5 questions incorrectly, or if you lose control of the car while answering any of the ‘show me’ questions.
Your general driving ability

You’ll have to show the examiner all of the following:

• Expert handling of the controls
• Use of correct road procedure
• Anticipation of the actions of other road users and then taking appropriate action
• Sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
• Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
• Driving in an environmentally-friendly manner

You’ll drive in varying road and traffic conditions, including motorways or dual carriageways where possible.

You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Reversing your vehicle

The examiner will ask you to do 2 of the following exercises:

• Parallel park at the side of the road
• Reverse into a parking bay and drive out
• Drive into a parking bay and reverse out
• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

• Directions from a sat nav
• Traffic signs

The examiner will tell you which you have to do.

Following directions from a sat nav

The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up for you.

You cannot follow directions from your own sat nav during the test.

Going off the route

Your test result will not be affected if you take a wrong turning, unless you make a fault while doing it.

The examiner will help you get back on the route if you do.

If you cannot see traffic signs

Can’t see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.
If you make mistakes during your test

You can carry on if you make a mistake. It might not affect your test result if it’s not serious.

The examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.

The 3rd test is the instruction test

What happens during the test

A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency examiner will watch you give a client-centred driving lesson lasting about an hour to one of your pupils.

The examiner will look for evidence that you meet the national standard for driver and rider training.

Your pupil

Your pupil can be a learner or a full licence holder.

They can’t be an approved driving instructor (ADI) or someone else who is preparing to take the ADI part 3 test.

You can take your trainer or mentor with you, but they can’t take part in the lesson.

What you’ll be marked on

You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:

• Lesson planning
• Risk management
• Teaching and learning strategies

The 17 areas of competence are listed in the ADI part 3 test report form, which the examiner will fill in at the end of your test.

You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out if you’ve passed the test, and what your grade will be.