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Training Tools You Need to Become a Driving Instructor

10/08/2021

Between April 2019 and March 2020, there were almost 2 million theory tests in the UK alone. On top of that, there were over 1.5 million practical tests. 

Each year many new students want to learn how to drive. With so many potential students, have you ever thought of becoming a driving instructor? 

Drivers of all skill levels will have learned how to drive from a trained, qualified, driving instructor. Keep reading to find out how to become a driving instructor yourself.

Can Anyone Become a Driving Instructor?

You will have to have owned a full driving license for three years to become a driving instructor. This means you will need to be at least 21 to be able to qualify. 

Apart from the age, you will need to hit a few other benchmarks before you can apply. You will need to read a license plate at 90ft and pass a criminal records check. The criminal check will need to be returned stating you are a fit and proper person for this job. 

These are the only soft skills you will need. Your instructor will teach the rest through your lessons. Saying that, if you don't enjoy driving, then maybe search for another career. 

Driving Instructor Training

You will need the right tools for training to become a driving instructor. Follow this checklist as a guideline to becoming a driving instructor. We've suggested the training tools you'll need as you go.  

Check If You Are Eligible

Apply to Become a Driving Instructor

Gain the Knowledge You Need

Take the Basic Tests

The Final Stages

Tools to Help You Pass 

Be sure to purchase ADI supplies before you start your practice driving lessons. These are products designed to help all trainee instructors reach their full potential. 

You will need to maintain the highest level of knowledge regarding driving. You need to know the answers to all of your student's questions as and when they arise. 

Using the tools provided will help you to achieve the ideal driving lessons for all of your students. If you put in the time to revise all the necessary information, passing your tests should be easy.

What Happens Once You Pass?

You have completed all the training and passed all of your tests. What is expected of you now? This is the point where you need to decide which route you wish to follow. 

Will You Decide to Join a Franchised Driving School as an Instructor?

Driving schools will supply you with the equipment you need to teach your students. They will also provide the students for you to teach. But, there is a fee you will need to pay to work through them. 

Will You Decide to Become an Independent Driving Instructor?

Becoming an independent instructor will gain you 100% of the profit from each students lesson. But, you will have to supply all the equipment yourself. This includes the specialist car equipment required for the lessons.

The Average Earnings of an Instructor

When you start your career as an instructor, you will be looking at earning between £15,000 and £20,000 a year. As you progress, you can start taking home £30,000 after a short while. 

The above figures are only the average incomes. There is the possibility to earn more depending on how much time you are willing to put into it. By joining a franchise, you can take advantage of a steady supply of students. 

If you decide to be an independent driving instructor, you can earn more profit from each student. Yet, when you are new to the industry, you may struggle to have a high supply of students until your image grows. 

Do You Need a Special Car to Instruct?

You can instruct students from any car in good condition that isn't convertible. But, it is highly recommended to add a set of dual controls to maintain a high level of safety. 

Dual car controls are a set of pedals that mirror those on the driving side of the car. They are placed on the instructor's side to control the vehicle should the need arise.

What Insurance Do You Need?

The last thing you will want to purchase is the proper level of insurance. There are specific insurances available for instructors in the event of an accident. 

Any Driver Cover

This cover will give protection for any person driving your car. It doesn't matter what level of experience the driver has. As long as they have either a full or provisional license, they can drive your car. 

Replacement Dual Control Vehicle

If you supply your own equipment due to being self-employed, this cover will help you. It allows you to gain a cover car with all the equipment you need while repairing your damaged vehicle. 

Modified Vehicle Cover

As mentioned already, there is a list of potential equipment modifications you will use for your car. This policy will allow you to claim for each piece in the event of an accident.

Hire and Reward

The hire and reward cover allows you to take people and their property into your car for a price. You will need this cover if you are taking payment for your lessons.

Learn to Teach

There are quite a few more steps to become a driving instructor than a simple driver. An instructor will have far more responsibilities than those they teach. Safety should be the priority over everything.

Do you hit all the aspects needed to become a driving instructor? If so, go ahead and take the remaining steps, and you will be able to earn as a driving tutor in no time. 

If this article has found you in the position to take the next step to become an instructor, get in contact with us. We can help supply the information you need to start your career as an instructor.

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