22/10/2020
Embarking on the Journey to Become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is a rewarding career path for those passionate about road safety and helping others develop essential driving skills. It's a role that demands professionalism, a high standard of instruction, and a deep understanding of road rules and safe driving practices. To embark on this journey, you must first declare that you have read and understood the comprehensive guide provided, which details everything from your responsibilities as an ADI to the intricate qualification and registration processes. This guide also sheds light on the crucial roles played by the ADI Registrar and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in maintaining the integrity of the profession.
Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Driving Instructor
As a driving instructor, your responsibilities extend far beyond simply teaching someone how to steer and change gears. You are entrusted with the safety of your pupils, yourself, and all other road users. This necessitates demonstrating a high regard for all aspects of road safety in every lesson. Your driving and instructional abilities must be of a consistently high standard, delivered with a professional demeanour and a responsible attitude towards your pupils and the profession as a whole. Furthermore, you are legally required to display your ADI registration certificate, often referred to as an 'ADI badge', or a trainee licence, whenever you are providing paid instruction. Failure to do so is illegal and can result in prosecution.
Legal Requirements for Accompanying Learner Drivers
To legally accompany a learner driver, you must meet several key criteria. You need to be 21 years of age or older, possess a full driving licence for the category of vehicle you are instructing in, and have held that licence for a minimum of three years. Crucially, to charge for driving instruction, you must be either on the ADI register or hold a trainee driving instructor licence. It is illegal to accept payment for lessons if you do not meet these qualifications.
The Regulatory Framework: DVSA and the ADI Registrar
The ADI Registrar, who works for the DVSA, is responsible for maintaining the official register of ADIs. This role is pivotal in ensuring that only qualified and suitable individuals are permitted to teach new drivers. The Registrar has the authority to refuse entry onto the register, or to remove individuals from it, if they fail to meet the established registration rules or are not deemed a 'fit and proper' person. Decisions regarding registration are made on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Registrar can request information to assess an individual's suitability.
What it Means to be a 'Fit and Proper' Person
The concept of being a 'fit and proper' person is central to maintaining public trust and the reputation of the driving instruction industry. While not explicitly defined in law, the ADI Registrar interprets this to encompass personal and professional standards, conduct, and behaviour that could be considered unacceptable by the public or fellow ADIs. This assessment involves evaluating the potential risk an instructor might pose to the public. DVSA will scrutinise your background, checking for any motoring or non-motoring cautions, convictions, fixed penalty notices, driving disqualifications, pending court proceedings, or any history of being barred from working with children. Information is gathered from various sources, including application forms, DVLA records, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, police reports, and complaints made by the public. The Registrar can also access additional information throughout your registration period, such as DVLA reports of motoring convictions and police information regarding allegations or cautions.
The Path to Qualification: Tests and Licences
The journey to becoming an ADI involves passing a series of three qualifying tests designed to ensure you meet the national standard for driver training. These tests are:
| Test Name | Type of Test | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| ADI Part 1 | Theory Test | Unlimited |
| ADI Part 2 | Driving Ability | 3 |
| ADI Part 3 | Instructional Ability | 3 |
It's crucial to note that you must book your ADI Part 3 test within two years of passing the ADI Part 1 test; failure to do so means you'll have to restart the entire qualification process. If you exhaust your attempts for the Part 2 or Part 3 tests, you will also need to restart. After successfully passing the ADI Part 2 test, you can apply for a trainee driving instructor licence. This licence permits you to gain six months of practical on-road instruction experience before undertaking your ADI Part 3 test. The ADI Registrar can refuse this licence if you are not deemed a 'fit and proper' person.
Criminal Record Checks and Their Significance
A criminal record check is a mandatory part of the ADI application and renewal process. It's important to understand that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. DVSA will consider various factors when assessing your suitability, including the relevance and seriousness of any offences, the circumstances surrounding them, the time elapsed since the offence, and whether there is a pattern of offending behaviour. Each case is reviewed individually, and you will be given the opportunity to explain your circumstances before a final decision is made. Certain offences, both motoring and non-motoring, can make it highly unlikely for your application to be accepted or for you to remain on the register. These include serious driving offences like driving under the influence, dangerous driving, and specific non-motoring offences such as assault, drug offences, and fraud, particularly those involving financial impropriety or illegal instruction.
Registering as an ADI and Maintaining Your Status
Once you have successfully passed all three qualifying tests, you must register as an ADI within one year of passing the ADI Part 3 test. Upon registration, you are officially recognised as an 'Approved Driving Instructor (Car)' and can legally charge for your services. Your registration is valid for four years, after which it must be renewed. It is your responsibility to keep your registration up to date, including renewing it every four years and informing the ADI Registrar of any changes to your personal details or any new cautions or convictions within seven days. You will also be subject to ADI standards checks, which assess your ongoing instructional ability. Failure to meet the required standards or attend these checks can lead to your removal from the register.
Continuing Professional Development and Specialisation
As an ADI, continuous professional development (CPD) is encouraged to keep your skills and knowledge current. DVSA also offers a voluntary special test for instructors to assess their driving skills to the highest standard, with results graded as gold, silver, bronze, or fail, which can be used in your advertising. Additionally, you have the option to register to teach the Pass Plus scheme, a practical training course designed to enhance the skills of new drivers and improve their road safety. This requires no additional training or tests to teach, simply registration.
Fees and Costs: Who Sets Them?
The fees associated with the ADI tests and registration itself are set by the DVSA. However, the costs for driving instructor training courses can vary significantly, as these are determined by the individual training organisations. Similarly, the fees for your pupils' driving tests are also established by the DVSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ADI registration last?
Your ADI registration is valid for four years. You are responsible for renewing it before it expires.
What happens if my ADI registration runs out?
If your registration has expired, you can re-register within 12 months of the expiry date, provided you still meet the 'fit and proper' person criteria. If it has been more than 12 months since your registration expired, you will need to restart the entire process of becoming a driving instructor.
Can I teach if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from becoming an ADI. DVSA assesses each case individually, considering the nature, seriousness, and recency of any offences, as well as the potential risk to the public.
What are the main responsibilities of an ADI?
Key responsibilities include ensuring the safety of your pupils and other road users, maintaining a high standard of driving and instruction, displaying your ADI badge or trainee licence, and adhering to a professional code of conduct.
Who sets the ADI test & registration fees?
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) sets the fees for ADI tests and registration.
By understanding these requirements and committing to a high standard of professionalism, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as an Approved Driving Instructor, contributing significantly to road safety in the UK.
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