Driving Instructor Training in Greater Manchester

Train to Become a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor

Becoming a driving instructor is about more than passing three tests. You’ll learn how to teach, communicate, manage risk and adapt your approach to help different pupils become safe, confident drivers.

Ready to Find Out More?
Download our free guide to becoming a driving instructor or speak to Geoff for an informal, no-pressure chat.

0161 327 2136

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One-to-One Instructor Training

Personal training focused on your progress, strengths and development

Support Through ADI Parts 1, 2 & 3

Guidance throughout each stage of the DVSA qualification process

Flexible Training Around You

Arrange your training around your existing work and family commitments.

Could You Become a Driving Instructor?

You don’t need to have worked in education or taught before. Our trainees come from all sorts of careers and backgrounds.

Some have wanted a complete career change for years. Others are looking for more flexibility, greater independence or simply a job they can genuinely enjoy.
What matters is your approach.

A good driving instructor needs patience, reliability, good communication skills and the ability to work with different personalities and learning styles. You also need to be willing to learn yourself, accept feedback and put the time into developing your skills.

To start the process of becoming an Approved Driving Instructor, you’ll also need to meet the DVSA’s eligibility requirements. These include being aged 21 or over, having held a full driving licence for at least three years and completing the necessary suitability and criminal record checks.

To start ADI training you’ll need to:

Be aged 21 or over
Have held a full driving licence for at least three years
Have no more than 6 penalty points on your licence
Complete the required criminal record check

Not sure whether you’d make a good driving instructor?

Give Geoff a call. He’ll happily talk through what’s involved and give you an honest opinion before you make any decisions.

Speak to Geoff - Call 0161 327 2136

How Do You Become a Qualified Driving Instructor?

To join the register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), you’ll need to complete the DVSA qualification process.

There are three qualifying tests, each covering a different part of the knowledge and skills you’ll need as an instructor.

ADI Part 1 - Theory & Hazard Perception

The first stage tests your knowledge of driving theory and your ability to recognise developing hazards.

However, this goes beyond the knowledge required by a learner driver. As a future instructor, you’ll need a much broader understanding of road procedures, traffic signs, driving law, instructional techniques and the principles behind safe driving.

We’ll help you understand what’s expected, prepare effectively and develop the knowledge you’ll continue to use throughout your career.

Part 1 covers areas including:

Road procedures
Traffic signs and signals
Driving law
Car control and mechanical knowledge
Instructional techniques
Publications and guidance
Hazard perception

Passing Part 1 allows you to move on to the practical stages of your training.

ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability

Being an experienced driver doesn’t automatically mean you’re driving at the standard expected of an instructor.

Part 2 is a practical driving test designed to demonstrate that you can drive safely, confidently and consistently to a high professional standard.

Your training will help identify habits you may have developed over the years and refine areas such as observation, planning, anticipation, positioning and vehicle control.

The aim isn’t simply to teach you a particular test route. It’s to develop a standard of driving you can demonstrate and, eventually, teach to someone else.

We’ll work on areas including:

Observation and awareness
Planning and anticipation
Appropriate use of speed
Positioning
Vehicle control
Manoeuvres
Independent driving
Dealing safely with different road and traffic conditions

And because your training is one-to-one, sessions can concentrate on the areas you need to develop rather than following a generic programme.

ADI Part 3 – Learning How to Teach

For many trainees, Part 3 is where becoming a driving instructor really starts to feel real.

Knowing how to drive is one thing. Helping somebody else learn to drive safely is something completely different.

You’ll learn how to plan effective lessons, assess your pupil’s needs, explain things clearly, ask useful questions, identify problems and adapt your approach when something isn’t working.

You’ll also learn how to manage risk while still allowing your pupil to make decisions and develop independence.

Your Part 3 training will cover areas including:

Lesson planning
Client-centred learning
Risk management
Identifying your pupil’s needs
Effective questioning
Giving useful feedback
Recognising and correcting faults
Adapting your teaching style
Helping pupils develop independent driving skills
Reviewing progress and setting goals

Most importantly, Geoff won’t simply give you a script to follow.

You’ll develop an understanding of why different teaching techniques work and how to choose the right approach for the pupil sitting beside you.

That’s what turns passing a test into becoming a capable instructor.

Meet Your Instructor Trainer

Geoff Capes - Driving Instructor Trainer

When you train with Geoff Capes Instructor Training, you’ll know exactly who is responsible for your training.

Geoff has decades of experience in the driver training industry and has helped instructors successfully work their way through the ADI qualification process and develop their skills beyond it.

His approach is straightforward: honest feedback, individual training and helping you understand why something works rather than simply teaching you what to say to pass a test.

Meet Geoff

What Does Training With Geoff Actually Look Like?

No two trainees arrive with exactly the same experience, confidence or way of learning, so we don’t believe instructor training should be one-size-fits-all either.

Your training is one-to-one and tailored around you.

Geoff will identify what you’re already doing well, where you need further development and what you should work on between sessions.

You’ll receive straightforward, constructive feedback and plenty of opportunity to practise and develop your skills.

Training can also be arranged around your existing commitments. Many of our trainees continue working while they qualify, so we’ll work with you to create a training schedule that is realistic for your circumstances.

And because you’re training with a local, independent provider, you’re not passed between different trainers or left trying to get answers from a national support centre.

You’ll know who is training you and who to contact when you need help.

I Want You to Become a Great Instructor – Not Just Pass Three Tests

It’s very easy to become completely focused on passing Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

Of course those tests matter. You can’t become an ADI without passing them.

But passing the tests isn’t the ultimate goal.

The goal is being able to sit beside a real pupil and confidently help them become a safe, independent driver.

That’s why Geoff’s training looks beyond the test itself.

You’ll learn skills that will help you deal with real pupils — from someone who picks things up immediately to a nervous learner who needs a completely different approach.

Because once you’ve qualified, there isn’t going to be a trainer sitting beside you telling you what to do.

My aim is to make sure you’re ready for that.

I’ll Support You – But You Need to Put the Work In

I think it’s important to be upfront about this.

Becoming a driving instructor takes commitment.

You’ll need to study, practise between sessions, prepare for your tests and be willing to act on feedback. Some parts of the qualification may come naturally; others may take more work.

DVSA test availability can also affect how quickly you progress through the qualification process, so becoming an instructor isn’t something that should be rushed or built around an unrealistic deadline.

What I can promise is that you won’t be expected to work everything out on your own.

I’ll give you the training, guidance and support you need.

If you’re prepared to put the work in, I’ll be there to help you throughout the journey.

How Long Does Driving Instructor Training Take?

There isn’t one timescale that applies to everyone.

How quickly you qualify will depend on several factors, including the amount of time you can commit to training and study, your progress through each stage, DBS approval and the availability of DVSA test dates.

Rather than promising that you’ll qualify within a set number of weeks or months, we’ll help you progress at a pace that’s appropriate for you and make sure you’re properly prepared before each test.

You can complete your training alongside your current job, allowing you to work towards your new career without having to give up your existing income before you’re ready.

What Happens After I Pass Part 3?

Passing Part 3 means you can apply to join the register of Approved Driving Instructors — but it doesn’t mean our support has to end there.

Once qualified, you have choices:

> Join Geoff Capes Driving School

Once qualified, suitable trainees may have the opportunity to continue their journey with Geoff Capes Driving School.

This gives you the opportunity to become part of an established local driving school, with ongoing guidance and support as you build your experience as a newly qualified instructor.

> Start Your Own Driving School

You don’t have to join us after qualifying.

If your goal is to become completely independent and build your own driving school, that’s absolutely fine.

Our job as your trainer is to help you become a competent, confident driving instructor — not tie you into a franchise.

Whatever you decide to do next, the skills you develop during your training will give you the foundations to start building your career.

Real People. Real Career Changes.

Success Stories

Doug Walsh - Qualified Driving Instructor

Training Built Around Doug

“The best thing about the training was doing it one-to-one. I had dedicated support and always felt supported.”

Read Doug’s Story

I Should Have Done It Years Ago!

“I’m much happier and my mental health has improved. Seeing the pupils improve and remembering how far they’ve come during your lessons is an amazing feeling. And I can work to my own hours and schedule, do the school drop-off and be there for important assemblies.”

Read Nikki’s Story

From Fish and Chips, and Parcel Deliveries to a Career Kevin Loves

“I can honestly say it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made career-wise! I knew I needed a local company that would give me the help I needed to become a good instructor, and I found that with Geoff Capes Driving School and his team.“

Read Kevin’s Story

Read Success Stories

Already Training But Struggling With Part 3?

You don’t have to have started your instructor training with us to ask for help.

If you’ve already begun your ADI training but you’re struggling with Part 3, have failed a Part 3 test or need help preparing for a Standards Check, Geoff also provides specialist one-to-one training.

Sometimes a different perspective and an honest assessment of what’s going wrong can make a huge difference.

FIND OUT ABOUT PART 3 & STANDARDS CHECK TRAINING

Driving Instructor Training FAQs

Can I become an automatic driving instructor?

Yes. It is possible to qualify and teach in an automatic vehicle, although the type of driving licence you hold and the vehicle you use for the ADI tests can affect what vehicles you’re subsequently entitled to teach in. Speak to Geoff before starting your training and we can explain the options.

Do I have to join Geoff Capes Driving School when I qualify?

No. There is no obligation to join our driving school. Some trainees choose to join us while others establish their own independent driving school. The choice is yours.

What happens if I fail an ADI test?

Failing a test doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your training. We’ll look at what happened, identify the areas that need further work and help you prepare for your next attempt. There are DVSA limits on the number of attempts available at each qualifying stage, which we’ll explain as part of your training.

How long does it take to qualify as a driving instructor?

There is no fixed timescale. It depends on how much time you can commit to training and study, your progress through each stage, DBS processing and DVSA test availability. We’ll help you progress at a realistic pace and prepare properly for each stage rather than rushing you towards a test.

What are the three ADI tests?

The qualification process consists of ADI Part 1, which tests theory knowledge and hazard perception; Part 2, which assesses your driving ability; and Part 3, which assesses your ability to teach a pupil effectively and safely.

Can I train to become a driving instructor while working full-time?

Yes. Many trainees continue working while completing their ADI qualification. Training can be arranged flexibly around your work and other commitments.

Do I need teaching experience to become a driving instructor?

No. You don’t need previous teaching experience. Learning how to teach is an important part of your instructor training. What’s more important initially is having the right attitude, good communication skills and a willingness to learn.

Not Sure Whether It’s Right for You?

Start With My Free Guide

You don’t have to decide today.

My FREE Becoming a Driving Instructor Guide explains more about the qualification process, training and what life as a driving instructor is really like.

It’s designed to help you decide whether this could be the right career move for you – with no pressure or obligation to start training.

Sign up, get your free copy and take the first step towards finding out if it’s right for you.

Prefer to talk it through?

Call Geoff on 0161 327 2136 for an informal chat.