Get a trainee driving instructor licence

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Overview

You can apply for a trainee driving instructor licence after you pass the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test.

A trainee licence:

  • helps you get experience instructing pupils to drive so you can prepare for the ADI part 3 test
  • lasts for 6 months

You can charge for lessons to cover the cost of things like your insurance and vehicle costs.

Who can apply

You can apply for a trainee licence if you:

  • have passed your ADI part 1 test in the last 2 years
  • have passed the ADI part 2 test
  • have had at least 40 hours of training from a qualified ADI in providing driving instruction (at least 10 of which were done in a car), recorded on the ADI 21T declaration form
  • are eligible to take the ADI part 3 test

Being refused a trainee licence

You can appeal to the General Regulatory Chamber if you鈥檙e refused a trainee licence.

The rules and process for .

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Become a car driving instructor: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if you can become an instructor

    2. Check you're eligible to become a driving instructor
    3. Find out about the skills and knowledge you need

  2. Step 2 Apply to become a driving instructor

    You must get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

    1. Get a DBS check 拢8.22

    You need to agree to the responsibilities set out in the 'ADI register guide' before you apply.

    1. Read about driving instructor responsibilities
    1. Start your application

  3. Step 3 Get a trainer

    Get a registered trainer to help you prepare for the 3 qualifying tests.

    1. Find driving instructor training courses

  4. Step 4 Take the theory test (ADI part 1)

    1. Revise and practise for your test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a theory test centre
    4. Book your test 拢81

    Once you've passed the theory test, you must pass the other parts of the test within 2 years or you'll have to start the whole process again.

  5. Step 5 Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)

    1. What happens during the test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a driving test centre
    4. Book your test 拢111

  6. Step 6 Get practice teaching

    If you鈥檝e passed ADI part 2 you have the option to apply for a 6 month trainee licence to get experience teaching students.

    1. You are currently viewing: Find out about trainee instructor licences
    2. Apply for a trainee instructor licence 拢140

  7. Step 7 Take the instructional ability test (ADI part 3)

    1. What happens during the test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a driving test centre
    4. Book your test 拢111

  8. Step 8 Register and start working as an instructor

    Once you've passed the tests you must register within 12 months.

    1. Register for your first ADI certificate 拢300

    When you have your certificate you can start charging for lessons. You can either:

    You'll have at least one standards check every 4 years. You also need to renew your registration and get a new DBS check every 4 years.

    1. Find out about ADI standards checks
    2. Renew your registration 拢300
    3. Improve your skills as an instructor