Training to become an Approved Driving Instructor
What you need to start your driving instructor training
You need a full British or Northern Ireland unrestricted car driving licence and have held it for a total of at least 4 out of the past 6 years prior to entering the register after qualifying.
About the Mutual Driving Instructor Training Programme
The Mutual Driving Instructor training programme is designed to synchronise with a three-part DSA examination; each part is taken in sequence. (Application for the second test is dependent on passing the first and so on).
Unfortunately, there is a small waiting list for each test; Therefore, Intensive training is of little value. Courses are on a part-time basis, allowing time to absorb everything properly, and ensuring training continues through to each test.
You should note that you are restricted in the number of attempts to pass Test 2 and 3. The maximum is three attempts each, so it is important that you follow the advice of your instructor when it comes to the test application.
A test taken too early means possible failure.
The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) is responsible for the ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) qualifying tests.
Driving Instructor Course Duration
Your course commences on the day you enroll with us. Your test is planned taking into account the test waiting list and your existing commitments.
Provided you pass the first two tests, it is possible to start work as a Trainee Driving Instructor within as little as 12 weeks.
Alternatively, if you wish to pass part 3 first it is possible to complete the course and pass all tests in approximately 16 – 20 weeks. In fact, from the time you pass Test 1, you have up to two years to pass Test 3 if you choose.
Part 1 - ADI Theory
Tests consist of a multiple choice section and a video based hazard perception section. The first test will take place at a DSA examination centre.
Multiple-choice questions
This is a test of your knowledge of the Highway Code the rules of the road and your knowledge of instructional techniques. You select your answers by simply touching a computer screen.
The system has been carefully designed to make sure it is easy to use. The test is also available in Welsh.
The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions on subjects including:
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Road procedure, Traffic sings and signals car control, pedestrians, and basic, mechanical knowledge, Driving Test, disabilities. Law Publications instructional techniques. All subjects are arranged into four ‘bands’, with each band requiring Pass-mark of 80%.
Pass-mark of 80%. The overall pass mark for the question paper is 85% and you are given 90 Minutes to complete the question paper, which is usually more time than most candidates need!
For home study, mutual instructor training provides all necessary material and DSA recommended reference books.
Hazard perception
After a break of up to three minutes, the hazard perception part will start; this is designed to test your ability to identify hazards, which arise whilst you are driving.
You will be shown a tutorial video first.
This using simple footage with a sound track (headphones supplied), which will explain how to complete this part of the test.
Part 2 - ADI Test and Training
As you will be teaching others how to drive, it is only fair that you demonstrate the ability to drive correctly yourself.
Driving and eyesight test
The second test is a driving and eyesight test conducted by a DSA Supervising Examiner. It will start from a driving test centre local to the school and will last approximately 1 hour.
You will be required to drive in a brisk, businesslike and disciplined manner over a varied route committing no more than 6 minor faults. You will need to demonstrate your ability to manoeuvre the car safely.
Eliminating bad driving habits
You may have a number of bad driving habits when you drive!
The training course is designed to eliminate these bad habits in your driving.
In preparation for test 2, the school provides an individual assessment of your driving. This is followed by a minimum of 10 tuition hours.
Pre-test assessment
You will also undergo a pre-test assessment to ensure your have reached test standard additional training can be arranged before the test itself should you require it.
All training is conducted in our vehicle and apart from individual assessments you will work as a team with either one or two other trainees taking it in turns to drive, then analyzing faults in each others driving under the supervision of your trainer, as well as improving your own driving for the test, and this method will help prepare you for the final stage.
Part 3 - ADI Test and Training
The ability to pass on your knowledge
By passing the first and second parts of the examination, you will have demonstrated a good knowledge of the subjects new drivers needs to learn. The object of the final test is for you to demonstrate the ability to pass on your knowledge of these subjects to onto a learner driver.
The test itself is in two parts and lasts approximately one hour. In each part of the test the examiner plays the role of a different ‘learner driver’ first, a complete beginner or learner with limited knowledge and ability, then a pupil of about driving test standard.
As this part of the qualifying examination is more involved than the previous two
Mutual provides extra training for it. In fact, more time is spent on this part of the course than the first two parts put together.
The practical part of the course will give you the opportunity to put into practice everything learned from the preparation sessions. Your instructor will play the role of your pupil enabling you to develop your skills and become fluent with your tuition. As with Test 2, a pre test assessment is conducted to ensure any remaining problems can be corrected before the real test.
Start work using a trainee licence
When you have completed this part of the course, you may decide to start work immediately using a Trainee Licence. This enables you to give driving instructions for financial reward for a period of up to 6 months in certain circumstances it can be much longer before you are required to pass the final test in order to continue giving instructions.
Given instructions for financial reward will also help you finance your part 3.
87% of our trainees have gone on to become DSA Approved Driving Instructors
We offer a money back guarantee on part 1, please call our adviser for more information on 020 8880 7548
*conditions apply
We know you will have questions that need answering, if so why not call us: 020 8880 7548