Become an Approved Driving Instructor
Not yet qualified?
With over 10 years of experience in training, The Road Ahead is able to take you through the entire qualification process with flexible packages to suit your current needs.
Training can be offered on a one to one or two to one basis with support throughout the whole experience and beyond.
Instructor training consists of:
- Part 1 – Theory test
- Part 2 – Driving ability test
- In-car training and observation
- Part 3 – Instructional ability test
- Followed by continued personal development
Qualification can take between 6 months and 2 years depending on your current circumstances and availability to train.
Training can be given on a pay as you go arrangement or built into a future franchise contract to alleviate high initial training costs.
The DVSA Tests to become a Driving Instructor
DVSA ADI Part 1 – Theory and Hazard Perception Test
The ADI Part 1 Test can be taken as many times as required.
Training
We recommend trainees take a minimum of 6 hours theory training, in addition to private practice.
Theory training is carried out at a public location
DVSA ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test
The DVSA ADI Part 2 test can be taken a maximum of 3 times.
Training
Each trainee comes to us with a different level of ability and experience and therefore require different levels of training to prepare for this practical test. Total training hours required tend to fall between 10 and 20 hours. Private practice is also recommended and carried out in the advised way will shorten the number of hours required.
Practical driver training is normally carried out in 2-hour sessions, normally in the trainees own car but can be in a school car if needed.
DVSA Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) - Trainee Licence
Minimum 40 hours compulsory training to qualify to take a trainee licence
This training is a compulsory requirement of the DVSA if a trainee is to take a trainee licence (pink badge). A minimum of 40 hours of training MUST be taken before the trainee can apply for their trainee licence. Additional hours may be required if the syllabus hasn’t been completed or the trainee requires extra time to reach the standard required.
Instructional training is provided by our experienced instructor trainers and is usually carried out in 2-4 hour sessions, in the trainee's own car or a school car. This training will be both 1-1 and 2-1 and in a larger group, as peer to peer learning is a hugely beneficial way to train for this industry.
DVSA Trainee Instructor Licence
You can apply for this licence once the 40 hours of training is complete and allows the trainee up to 6 months to gain experience of driving instruction, whilst continuing to train and learn, but they can also charge a fee for these lessons. The trainee must declare a sponsor who will oversee the development of their training, this will form part of the franchise they join with The Road Ahead.
During the first 3 months of this licence, the trainee must complete an additional 20 hours of training and make their best effort to successfully complete the Part 3 test. Should the trainee not have passed the Part 3 test prior to their trainee license expiring, they can apply for an extension.
Become a franchisee of The Road Ahead
At this point of the training the trainee can become a franchisee of The Road Ahead and receive all the benefits of being part of our team. The contract is signed from the start date of the trainee license for a minimum of 1 year although should the trainee fail to qualify within the timeframe allowed by the DVSA then the contract will be cancelled.
20 hours compulsory training – preparing for ADI Part 3
These hours are used for the trainee to be observed giving driving lessons, given additional in car
training and to ensure the trainee is fully prepared for the Part 3 test and the career in front of them.
This training is generally carried out in 2 - 4 hour sessions.
DVSA ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test
The DVSA ADI Part 3 Test can be taken a maximum of 3 times.
Training
Training has been completed as above.
Should the trainee fail attempt 1 they are required to take a compulsory minimum of 5 hours additional training. It is important to recognise that this is a minimum requirement and additional
hours may be beneficial.
Should the trainee fail attempt 2 the same rules apply.
DVSA ADI Certificate
On successful completion of the ADI Part 3 the trainee can then apply for the above certificate. This lasts for 4 years before it needs to be renewed. Each renewal costs £300. Within the lifetime of the certificate the DVSA will reassess the ADIs quality with a Standards Check.
Driver Coaching Visual Aids
Set yourself for success with The Road Ahead's Driver Coaching Visual Aids!
Designed by driving instructors, for driving instructors. They are blank, with plenty of space for you to tailor your content to your session.
Learn More
Learn More
How Much Does It Cost?
| Training Only | Road Ahead Franchisee | |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | £30ph | £25ph |
| Part 2 | £50ph | £45ph |
| Part 3 (Adhoc) | £55ph | £50ph |
|
40 hours (Trainee Licence) |
£2000 | £1750 |
|
Additional Training - 20 hours (mandatory if on a trainee licence 5 hour package |
£1000 £250 |
FOC FOC |
| Start up franchise fee | £225 one off | |
| Weekly franchise fee | £90 pw |
To qualify for Road Ahead Franchisee rates you must sign a contract that will start on the date of your trainee or full ADI certificate (whichever starts first) starting.
If you have completed your 40 hours training with another provider and you wish to join The Road Ahead, in order to receive the franchise benefits, you must sign a contract to start on the date your trainee certificate starts.
DVSA Fees
| Part 1 Test Fee | £81 |
| Part 2 Test Fee | £111 |
| Part 3 Test Fee | £111 |
| Trainee (PDI) Licence | £140 |
| ADI Certificate | £300 |