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     Unlock Your Driving Potential with The Driving Genie – Discover the Difference with Our Experienced Instructors and Proven Track Record for Achieving Confident and Successful Drivers

Instructor FAQ

What’s a normal day for a Driving Instructor?
An interesting one! You’ll never be bored! As a Driving Instructor, you will teach all types of people from all walks of life and ages to drive. We don’t just teach 17 year old learner drivers. People learn to drive at all sorts of ages. Sometimes we teach people who are full licence holders, but due to various reasons may just need to re build their confidence with driving again.
How many days/hours do Driving Instructors have to work?
However many you like! The beauty of this job is that you are in charge of your own diary. I always talk through with my Driving Instructors how much they would like to earn and then work backwards from there. That will then give you how many hours you need to work to earn it.
Do I need any qualifications to apply to become a Driving Instructor?

No. To qualify to apply you will need:

  • To have held a UK or EU driving licence for a minimum of 3 years.
  • Not have any current motoring convictions (although some minor convictions are accepted at the DVSA’s discretion.)
  • Be over 21 years of age
  • Be able to read a number plate from 26.5 metres (new style plate) 27.5 metres (old style plate.)

Apply to become a driving Instructor here:

How much does it cost to train to become a Driving Instructor?

This varies greatly as to which school you choose to train you. Some will provide payment plans if this helps. It is very important to do your research! Look at reviews and the driving schools pass rates for their Driving Instructor courses. The national pass rate sits around 30%. This is not because becoming a Driving Instructor is difficult, it’s because there is a lot of sub standard training on offer. Find out how much of the training is one to one and in car, as this is what you need the most. Like most things in life, cheapest is not always best! You get what you pay for. The Driving Genie is very proud to boast a 100% pass rate for people who complete their whole Driving Instructor training course.

Are ADI’s & PDI’s employed or self employed?
Whether you work for a franchise or are independent you will likely be self employed. Most Driving Schools run this policy. This means you will be in charge of paying your own tax through self assessments. The Driving Genie has accountants that we can recommend to you.
What does the training for becoming a Driving Instructor involve?

Firstly, you have to apply to the DVSA to become a Driving Instructor. They will also ask you to complete a DBS application. Once you’ve been accepted to train as a Driving Instructor by the DVSA and have obtained your DBS you can then begin your Driving Instructor training course.

There are 3 parts to becoming a Driving Instructor, they are:

ADI Part 1 – Your theory

THE ADI part 1 test is very similar to that of what a learner driver has to do. It’s just more in depth, so it will include things like teaching styles as well as the knowing the Highway Code and hazard perception. You will also need to score higher than a learner. The Driving Genie will provide all of the training materials required in order to pass.

Find out more about the ADI part 1 test here.

ADI part 2 – Your Driving Test

The ADI part 2 driving test is where you will have your driving skills tested to ensure they are at the standard required. You need to able to practice what you preach! It is an hour long and you are allowed up to 6 driving Faults with no serious or dangerous faults. You’ll be asked 5 ‘show me, tell me’ questions and have to pass an eye sight test. If you do your training through The Driving Genie, we will ensure you are taught the skills to pass!

Find out more about the ADI part 2 test here.

ADI part 3 test -Your teaching skills

The ADI part 3 test assesses how you teach a student during a normal driving lesson. You will have needed to have completed 40 hours of training with your sponsor before being able to take the exam. The exam lasts around 45 minutes.

Find out more about the ADI part 3 test here.

Important information about your tests:

Your part 1 pass certificate is only valid for 2 years. You can take as many attempts as you like to pass it. You must’ve have subsequently passed your ADI part 2 and 3 exams before it expires. You only have 3 attempts at passing your ADI part 2 and 3 exams. If you should fail your third attempt at either exam and wish to continue to train to become a Driving Instructor, you will be required by the DVSA to start the process from the beginning again. This is why it is so important to do your research and find the right training company. The Driving Genie boasts a 100% pass rate for those that have completed our whole Driving Instructor training programme.

What’s a trainee licence?

Here at The Driving Genie, we recommend you take this option. A trainee licence allows you to teach for reward. You will be known as a PDI (potential Driving Instructor.) This will enable you to practice what you have learned during your training and earn a wage at the same time. A trainee licence, (or pink licence as its otherwise known,) for PDI’s is only valid for 6 months. During this time you are expected by the DVSA to take your test and hopefully pass and upgrade to a full teaching licence. You will then become an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor.) The ADI licence has to be renewed every 4 years. For more information about PDI licences see here.

What are costs are involved in being a Driving Instructor/PDI

Whether you are an ADI or PDI you will likely have to pay out some sort Franchise fee to your sponsor once you either pass your Part 3 exam or when you go on a PDI trainee licence and start teaching. Some schools will charge you for the learners they provide you, some will take a cut from your earnings. Some will do all 3! The Driving Genie will only charge you a minimal weekly franchise fee. Pupils are free, as many as you would like, and we don’t take a cut from your earnings. You will then need to pay out for your insurance, fuel and general car maintenance.

How much do Driving Instructors earn?

This depends on the costs that you are paying out. Most of which are explained above. Essentially you will earn whatever your hourly teaching rate is, minus your costs. So it will also depend on how many hours you want to work. At The Driving Genie, our average lesson cost (your earnings) is £37.50 – £40 per hour.

Can I use my car to teach people to drive in?

You can use most cars to teach people to drive in. There are stipulations made by the DVSA about what cars can and can’t be used for test though. Please check here before purchasing your car, as you will obviously need to take your students to test in it! For insurance purposes an ADI or PDI will also need to have dual controls fitted to the vehicle. Some Driving School franchises will provide cars within the franchise cost. The Driving Genie has found that it has been much cheaper for you to source your own car. So we do not provide this option as we believe in offering both our ADI’s and PDI’s value for money.