The Organic Growers

Approved driving instructors teach new driver and offer refresher courses for senior drivers. Driving instructor career provides great flexibility in term of working hour. You choose your own working hours. Anyone could be a self employed approved driving instructor in UK since there are actually no age limits or initial qualification barriers. If you love to drive and like to mix with people, you can be the approved driving instructor.

To work as the DSA Approved Driving Instructors (ADI), you must pass a three part examinations:

1. Theory Test: Your knowledge of driving theory, regulations and rules will be examined.
2. Driving Test: This is an advanced level driving examination which is similar to the current exams for learner drivers.
3. Practical Test: It is a test of training ability. Examiners will check your teaching ability by pretending to be the learner driver.

You might need driving instructor training because these driving instructor exams are very tough. To give yourself a better chance of passing, it is in your interests to choose the most suitable driving instructor course. Prior to making any decision, you will have to learn exactly what the course offers, the jobs, training periods and qualification rates. This is important to make sure that you do not get caught out by misleading claims.

It is advised by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) that you must ask potential training organisations the following questions before choosing the one that you will pick to assist you to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

The trainer

• What ADI grade is your trainer?
• Ask your trainer for the success rate.
• Ask your trainer about the national pass rates for each part of the ADI examinations.

Driving Instructor Courses

• What amount is the course likely to cost you? You should know if the books and test fees are inclusive.
• What is the length of the whole course?
• What does the course cover?
• If you fail your test, could you receive additional assistance from training school?
• Would you need to pay for extra attempts?
• Is the course customisable if you need more than the training that is offered?
• Is an assessment of your suitability to become an ADI carried out beforehand?
• What would be the teaching method?
• Would they provide a training record detailing your progress?
• Are there going to be any other trainees in the car with you?
• Are they likely to provide dates for each of your lessons at the beginning of the course?

Trainee licence

• Is a trainee licence required?
• Are you guaranteed to get a trainee job? Is the training school likely to provide plenty of pupil for your needs?

Flexibility

• Could you be allowed to train part time while you are working on existing job?
• Would you need longer time if you are attempting to do two jobs simultaneously?

Payment

• Any refund policy?
• Do you receive any refunded fees if you are unable to complete the course?
• What are the responsibilities of your trainer, training center and you under the contract.
• Would they accept payment in stages?

When You Are Qualified

• Can the students be offered driving instructor jobs for a driving school? What is your salary? What would you be responsible for paying?
• What will be the setup cost?
• Do they offer loan?
• If you do the job as a self-employed ADI, can you work in the same area as the training school?
• Are you tied to the school for any set period?