The Requirements

Before you start, note the following prerequisites to becoming an instructor:

• You must have held a full driving licence for at least three and a half years.
• You must be over 21 years of age.
• You need to be able to spend up to five hours a week to train as an instructor.
• You should enjoy driving.
• Must be able to read a number plate from 27.5m (90ft).

You also need a commitment to learning, a desire to work with others, and the ability to keep calm, maintain control and inspire trust.

You will be required to pass three examinations in order to become a driving instructor, our training package has been designed specifically with this in mind.

The ADI exams

The ADI exams are in three parts:

• computer-based theory and hazard perception tests
• practical test of driving ability
• practical test of instructional ability

You must pass each part before the next exam can be taken, and you must complete all three parts within two years of passing the first part.

Our training has been researched, developed and designed by training professionals. It consists of a combination of learning techniques and styles, including:

• home study
• practice sessions
• 1:1 support
• in-car training with a driving instructor trainer

The course is an easy to follow modular structure so that you can fit your training around your life. The course should take between six and eighteen months to complete. Parts 1 and 2 (theory and driving ability) can be studied together to reduce the time it takes to finish the course.

You can choose to pay for all three parts up front and receive fantastic discounts or spread the cost by purchasing each part as you progress.

Theory (DSA* part one)

Working at home using your theory course workbook, CDs and manuals supplied by the AA you will work through the course and arrange the test when you are ready. The test has 100 multiple-choice questions, of which you need to get at least 85 right.

You will also need to achieve minimum marks of 80% in four areas:

• road procedure
• traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
• driving test, disabilities, law
• publications, instructional techniques

Hazard perception test

As part of the theory test, you will be shown 14 video clips, each containing at least one developing hazard. One of the clips will have two hazards to identify. You need to get 57 out of a maximum of 75 marks to pass.

We're here to help

You may be working at home but you are not alone. Advice and help will be on hand from your trainer when you need it.

Practical ability (DSA* part two)

This part of the course consists of 15 hours of 1:1 in-car training to bring your personal standard of driving to the high level required by the DSA. Our Driving Ability workbook will also help you through your course.

Instructional ability (DSA* part three)

So far you will have shown you are a very good driver. Now you'll need to show you can teach others.

You will receive 40 hours of in-car training to prepare you for the final test: two half-hour driving lessons where the examiner acts as a pupil. The course programme for this part is outlined in the Instructional Ability workbook.

After you've passed

Once you have passed you will be guarteed a posistion with our driving school within your local area. As a qualified driving instructor you will be able to meet interesting people and to enjoy a rewarding career.