everything you need to know!

There are many reasons why becoming a driving instructor might suit you:

Money
Based on the average hourly price of a driving instructor in Essex (£40 per hour), working a 36 hour week, you could earn up to £74,880.

Work/Life balance
You choose the hours you want to work. If you need to have a certain day off for other commitments, then you take that day off. The choice is up to you.

Work for yourself
One of the biggest perks of being a self employed driving instructor is that you are your own boss. You don't need permission to take a day off and you don't have anyone breathing down your neck, putting pressure on to get work done.

Make a positive change
There is no better feeling in this job, helping someone else make a positive change in their life. Learning to drive is a life changing skill and opens up so many opportunities.

Becoming a driving instructor in the UK, including Essex, is a rewarding career choice that allows you to teach safe and responsible driving. To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), you must meet specific legal requirements and complete a structured qualification process set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Below are the steps involved and the associated costs:

Getting Started:

Before applying, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old.

• Have held a full UK or EU driving licence for at least three years.

• Have no more than six penalty points on your licence.

• Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

• Be able to read a number plate from 27.5 metres away.

Step 1: Apply for a DBS Check

Before registering as a potential driving instructor, you must complete an enhanced DBS check. You can apply through the DVSA-approved platform:
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Step 2: Register with the DVSA

Once your DBS check is completed, you must apply to the DVSA to start the ADI qualification process. This includes passing three tests:
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Step 3: Pass the Three ADI Tests

To qualify as a driving instructor, you must pass the following tests:

1. ADI Part 1 – Theory and Hazard Perception Test

   • Similar to the standard learner driver theory test but more advanced.

   • You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass.

   • Unlimited attempts allowed.

   Cost: £81 per attempt

   2. ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test

   • An advanced practical driving test lasting around one hour.

   • Only three attempts allowed; if you fail all three, you must restart the process.

   Cost: £111 per attempt

   3. ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test

   • A test assessing your ability to teach pupils.

   • Conducted by a DVSA examiner observing a real driving lesson.

   • Only three attempts allowed.

   • A score of 0-30 = Fail

   • A score of 31-42 = Grade B

   • A score of 43-51 (maximum) = Grade A

   Cost: £111 per attempt

Step 4: Get a Trainee Licence (Optional)

A trainee licence can only be taken once 40 hours training of part 3 has been completed, you must pass part 3 withing 6 months.

Cost: £140 for a 6-month licence

Step 5: Join the ADI Register

Once you pass all three tests, you must register as an Approved Driving Instructor with the DVSA.

Cost: £300 for a 4-year registration

Total Estimated Costs

The total cost of becoming an ADI varies based on the number of attempts needed for each test. Below is an estimated breakdown:

• DBS Check: £30

• DVSA Registration: £300

• Theory Test: £81

• Driving Test: £111

• Instructional Test: £111

• Trainee Licence (Optional): £140

• Final ADI Registration: £300

• Training Costs: £1,000-£4,000 (varies by instructor training provider)

Ongoing Costs

Once qualified, driving instructors have ongoing costs such as:

• ADI Licence Renewal: £300 every 4 years

• Vehicle Insurance: £500-£1,500 per year (varies by provider and coverage level)

• Vehicle Maintenance & Fuel Costs

• Marketing & Business Costs