What Is A PDI And How To Become One: PDI 101

21/01/2021

Remember the days when you first learned to drive? The difficulty of learning to navigate the roads and parallel park?

What if you'd had someone who could guide you through that whole process? Wouldn't that have helped the experience so much more?

Well, such a career path exists if you're interested, and the benefits don't stop there. But what is this job, and what can it do for you? 

Well, we're glad you asked. It's time to delve into our guide of PDI's and how to become a driving instructor! 

But enough talk, right? Shift into 1st gear and let's rev it up!

What is a PDI?

A PDI (or potential driving instructor) is someone who is employed by a driving school to teach prospective students how to drive. In certain cases, they will also offer bonus training to licensed drivers to improve their skills further.

They differ from an ADI (approved driving instructor) in that they are training to become an ADI, and have only completed a set amount of the required courses. Until they become an ADI, they cannot start a private business regarding driving instruction. 

The responsibilities of a PDI include educating aspiring drivers on both the mechanics of a car and the rules of the road. You also need to prep these drivers for dangerous scenarios that could happen while on the road. If you need a refresher (or want to share resources with your students), there are books and teaching materials you can find online that will help with these tasks.

Finally, you need to assess that your students absorb that knowledge and have coordinated plans for their lessons. There will also be administrative work you'll need to handle like student paperwork and handling "class schedules". 

Why Become a PDI?

One of the main perks of becoming a PDI is that there's a low barrier for entry. You don't need any fancy degree or years of experience to start getting into the industry. Instead, you have to complete a specific training plan that puts you on a level playing field with every other potential PDI.

Another benefit to the position is that it's in constant demand. No mode of transportation is going to replace the ubiquity of driving, so you don't have to worry about losing out on clients as much. You're also helping to forge the next generation of drivers into safe and responsible citizens who will take care to follow the law and reduce the high number of road accidents happening now. 

Working as a PDI is also a good choice for those who have a busy schedule. Since the job is part-time, and you can schedule appointments around your schedule once you move up the ranks to ADI, you don't have to worry about life colliding with your work. PDI is also one of the few jobs able to convert to COVID-19 restrictions with ease, as you can implement protective measures into the vehicle.

The job is also a great fit for those who would go crazy stuck in a cubicle doing office work. This way, you're always going somewhere new and meeting new people.

How to Become a Driving Instructor

However, to become a PDI, you first need to go through an application process. Without this, you'll get reported for working as an unlicensed driving teacher to the Drivers and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA). 

So, your first step will involve signing up with the DVSA. In order to do so, you'll need to have a driver's license for three years and have never had convicted of a crime involving motor vehicles. You'll also need to be 21 years old, have good eyesight, and pass a criminal background check.

Once you're registered, you need to prepare for passing three tests. The first test is the theory test, or making sure your driving legal knowledge is up to snuff.

Subjects you'll get tested on include the Highway Code, traffic signs, and the rules of the Driver's Handbook. You'll also have to watch video clips of drivers and analyse what mistakes they made. 

The second test concerns you demonstrating your driving ability to a test administrator. Areas of testing include eyesight tests and demonstrating certain driving manoeuvres. 

Finally, the third test puts you through a mock lesson with a student that will get observed by a test administrator. After passing these three tests, you are qualified to become an ADI. It's important to note that all of these tests have fees you'll need to pay before you can take them. 

You get a PDI certification once you pass either the first test or the second test, in addition to logging 40 hours of training. This gives you a pink sticker that allows you to teach at a driving school for money. However, you'll need to have passed the remaining tests and become an ADI within 6 months or you lose out on the PDI certification too.

How to Prepare

One of the best ways to prepare for the tests is to hire yourself a trainer. They are trained in the general flow of the tests and will guide you through the exact information you'll get tested on in the exams. Plus, they can offer you advice on how to manage your responsibilities as a driving instructor once you've got the position.

It's also worth considering getting modifications for your car to better prepare it for driving instructions. One such modification is a device that will allow you to control the speed of the car from the passenger seat. You can also purchase additional mirrors for your car that will allow you to view blind spots typical car mirrors cannot see.

Drive Off to a Better Future

And there you have it! Now that you know all about what a PDI is and how to become a driving instructor, you're ready to get started on this lucrative position today! And if you need special equipment for all your teaching needs, make sure to check out our top-quality training packs and other gear perfect for driving instructors!