Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor can be a very enjoyable career. You get the pleasure
of helping people to drive, seeing them progress from getting in the car and not knowing what a
clutch is, to getting them through their driving test!

Having to teach someone to do anything actually is quite difficult. Imagine one day coming
across somebody who has lost the ability to eat. Now this is something simple that we do every
day, and take for granted - but now think of all the things you would have to teach that person -
you would have to teach how to open your mouth, which muscles to use to do that; what to do
with your teeth, how to chew; how to get the food to the back of the throat, and then how to get
the food down your throat! You are probably thinking that right now we have lost the plot, but
look at the similarities to driving. We all drive everyday, there are 26 million cars on the road and everyone makes it look easy - but how would you teach someone to use the clutch, change gear, steer, use the mirrors brake and make sure you were in the correct lane for the journey you were about to take - all at the same time! And then add to the equation those who aren't natural drivers,
and don't get what you say first time, or second time, or for the fourtieth time! If you can imagine
yourself doing all this, read on!

The process itself is portrayed as a simple and easy one - IT IS NOT! It is hard, you have a lot to
learn but it is achievable with the right help and support. There are three exams to take, all build
up your knowledge and ensuring that the training that you are passing onto paying customers.
The first test is a theory test, with a computer based set of questions you need to answer, and a hazard perception test to pass at the same sitting. The second test is a test of driving ability,
where you must drive to an exlemporary standard for an hour, demonstrating up to 6 manouvres,
over a variety of different roads including motorway. Finally you must take at least 40 hours of
training to teach people - you can then go out and practice these skills on pupils with a trainee
licence or take the final test immediately - (although we don't quite recommend this.) This final
test measures your ability to pass on this information.

The qualifications for registration as an ADI are that you must:
1 Have held a full UK unrestricted car driving licence for 4 out of the last 6 years. Foreign licences, automatic, or a provision licence held after passing the test MAY count towards this 4 years

2 Not been disqualified from driving at any point in the 4 year period

3 Be a fit and proper person, ie. no unspent convictions

4 Have less than 5 penalty points on your licence

5 Pass the 3 qualifying exams within 2 years of passing the 1st exam Click on the links above to
read a little more about the three exams needed to pass.