Is a career as a driving instructor right for you?

27/11/2024

Working as an approved driving instructor (ADI) can be an incredibly rewarding career path, but it takes the right skills and attitude to do well in this role. If you’re thinking about training to become an ADI, you should take a good amount of time to think about what the job entails, the requirements and the benefits you’ll enjoy by working in this profession. In this article, we will help you identify if a career as a driving instructor is right for you by discussing the intricacies of this role, including the required qualifications and skills.

Understanding the Role of a Driving Instructor

Driving instructors, also known as ADIs, are professionals responsible for teaching new drivers the skills and knowledge necessary to drive safely and competently. As an instructor, you will not only teach the practical mechanics of driving but also instil a sense of responsible driving behaviour in your students. This might include driving an automatic or manual car or focusing on advanced techniques like eco-driving.

Daily Responsibilities

A driving instructor's day-to-day responsibilities largely revolve around supporting learner drivers. This will include planning and conducting lessons that cover theory-based and practical learning. Beyond this, you will need to ensure that the lessons are safe for yourself, your learners and other road users at all times. Another big part of the job is tracking learner progress so that they can advance towards their tests at their own pace.

Skills Required as an ADI

It takes a blend of hard skills and soft skills to work effectively as an ADI. Soft skills that can be useful in this role include patience and good communication abilities to help learners develop driving skills in a safe, comfortable way. You will also benefit from being adaptable, as each student you teach will have their own strengths and weaknesses that you will need to account for. A keen eye for detail is also useful, as you will be expected to identify and correct any mistakes that your learners make on the road.

For hard skills, it can be useful to look at specialised trainer resources that can help you build the right skills to help teach. These tools can make your educational journey much more effective when learning to become a driving instructor.

Training and Qualifications to Become an ADI

Becoming an ADI in the UK requires undergoing a rigorous training process, which is regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). There are a wealth of resources available to help you prepare for this training process and give you the tools you need to thrive in the role.

To qualify for the training process, you must hold a full UK or EU driving licence for at least three years as well as meet a few other legal requirements. If you’re successful, then you will enter the course and work towards the ADI qualifying exams. These exams are segmented into three parts: the theory test, a driving ability assessment and a test of your instructional abilities.

Training to become an ADI does have a price tag, with costs varying depending on the training provider. Generally, the total cost for training and exams can range from £2,000 to £4,000.

What to Expect Financially

The earnings of a driving instructor can vary widely based on location, hours worked, and whether you are self-employed or working for a driving school. On average, a driving instructor in the UK can expect to earn between £20,000 and £30,000 annually. However, there are opportunities to earn anywhere up to £51,000 per year by specialising in certain types of instruction, or even running your own driving school.

Challenges of the Profession

While the career offers significant benefits, it also comes with its challenges that you should be aware of. By weighing up the pros and the cons, you can give yourself the best idea as to whether or not a career as an ADI is right for you. Some of the main challenges you may face in this role include:

• Variable Income: Earnings can be inconsistent, especially when you are starting out and building a brand for yourself.
• Working Hours: Your working hours can include evenings and weekends to accommodate learners' schedules.
• Stress: Dealing with different personalities and the responsibility of teaching someone to drive can be stressful.

Although these challenges may put you off at first, for most ADIs these issues go away with time and experience in the job. So, if you’re worried that the role is too stressful then know that this won’t always be the case, especially as you gain experience.

Is a Career as an ADI Right for You?

If you are someone who enjoys teaching, has a passion for driving, and possesses strong interpersonal skills, a career as a driving instructor could be a rewarding choice. It offers the chance to run your own business, the flexibility to set your schedule, and the fulfilment of teaching an essential life skill. Before deciding, consider shadowing a driving instructor to get a firsthand view of what the job entails. Talk to existing ADIs and ask about their experiences. With the right preparation and mindset, becoming a driving instructor can be a profoundly rewarding career.

If you have any questions about becoming an ADI, or would like assistance in finding the best resources to get started, please get in touch with our team at Grade Six.