To become a driving instructor, you need to pass the DVSA ADI qualifying tests: Part 1 theory, Part 2 driving ability and Part 3 instructional ability. Geoff Capes Driving Instructor Training can support you through each stage of the process.

To begin the ADI qualification process, you’ll need to meet the DVSA eligibility requirements.

These include:-

• You must be aged 21 or over
• Have held a driving licence for at least three years
• Complete and pass an enhanced criminal record check
• Have no more than 6 penalty points on your licence

But meeting the official requirements is only part of it. Good driving instructors also need patience, strong communication skills, a willingness to keep learning and, most importantly, an interest in helping other people develop their confidence and skills.

ADI Part 1 is the theory and hazard perception test, Part 2 assesses your driving ability, and Part 3 assesses your instructional ability. You need to pass all three parts to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor.

No. You don’t need to have worked as a teacher or trainer before becoming a driving instructor.

Your ADI training is designed to help you develop the skills you need to plan lessons, communicate effectively, manage risk, ask the right questions and adapt your teaching to different learners.

People come into instructor training from all sorts of careers and backgrounds. What’s more important is being willing to learn, communicate and help other people succeed.

Not necessarily. People come into driving instruction at many different stages of their working lives, and life experience can actually be a real advantage.

Patience, communication skills, confidence dealing with different people and the ability to stay calm are all valuable qualities in a driving instructor.

If you’re considering a career change later in life, Geoff is happy to have an informal conversation about what’s involved and whether driving instruction could be right for you.

Yes, we can arrange your training around your work or family commitments. Many trainee driving instructors complete their ADI training while working full-time, with training arranged around their availability.

In fact, we usually recommend planning your career change carefully rather than feeling you need to leave your existing job before you begin.

The time it takes to qualify can vary considerably. It depends on how much time you can commit to your training, how quickly you progress through each stage, your DBS approval and, importantly, at the moment, the availability of DVSA test dates.

We’ll help you keep progressing with your training while you wait for test dates and give you an honest idea of current timescales when you speak to us. It’s best to think of becoming an ADI as a career change that requires commitment and preparation, rather than a quick qualification.

Qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor takes commitment. You’ll need to pass all three stages of the DVSA qualification process and put time into studying, practising and developing your instructional skills.

We don’t believe in pretending it’s an easy qualification – but with the right preparation, regular training and support, it is absolutely achievable.

Our role is to help you understand what’s expected at each stage, identify where you need to improve and make sure you’re properly prepared rather than simply rushing you towards a test.

The cost will depend on the training and support you need and where you are in the ADI qualification process.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package, we prefer to talk through your circumstances and explain the training, likely commitment and costs clearly before you make a decision.

You can request our free Becoming a Driving Instructor guide or speak to Geoff for an informal chat about your options.

Yes. Personal training is at the heart of the way we work.

Rather than treating you as one of many trainees on a large course, your training is tailored around your progress, strengths and the areas where you need more support.

Geoff deliberately limits the number of trainees he works with so that he can provide genuine personal support throughout the qualification process.

Failing a test doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your journey. The important thing is understanding why you didn’t pass and working on the areas that need improvement before your next attempt.

We can provide focused one-to-one support throughout the qualification process and also offer specialist ADI Part 3 rescue training for trainees who have failed or are struggling with Part 3.

No, we would love to welcome you to our team at Geoff Capes Driving School, but we are happy to provide instructor training for those wishing to start their own business. If you do decide to join our team, we provide full back office support, new students and the flexibility to choose when you work as well as ongoing support and training.

That depends on what you want to do next.

You may decide to build your own independent driving school, or suitable newly qualified instructors may have the opportunity to join the established Geoff Capes Driving School.

Whichever route you choose, our aim is to help you leave training with the skills and confidence to build a successful career – not simply pass the tests.

Being a driving instructor can offer a great deal of flexibility. You can choose the hours you work and build your diary around your lifestyle and other commitments. Some instructors work full-time, while others choose to work part-time. As with any self-employed career, the hours you choose to work will affect the income you can earn.