Become a car driving instructor: step by step

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1. Overview
2. Book your ADI standards check
3. What to take to your standards check
4. What happens at the standards check
5. Your standards check result
6. Old 'ADI check test' grades

The approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check assesses your ability to teach pupils.

You’ll get a letter from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) when you need to book your ADI standards check.

You have to take a standards check even if you do not have a car or are not working as an ADI.

You can be removed from the ADI register if you do not book or go to your standards check.

You can only take standards checks in English or Welsh.

There are different rules for taking a standards check in Northern Ireland.

You usually have an ADI standards check every 4 years.

You might be asked to book a standards check based on your pupils’ driving test results.

Next:Book your ADI standards checkView a printable version of the whole guide

Show all steps

1. Step1:Check if you can become an instructor, Hide This Section
   1. Check if the role is right for you on the Safe Driving for Life website
   2. Check you're eligible to become a driving instructor
   3. Find out about the skills and knowledge you need
2. Step2:Apply to become a driving instructor, Hide This SectionYou 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 £8.22
   2. You need to agree to the responsibilities set out in the 'ADI register guide' before you apply.
      
   3. Read about driving instructor responsibilities
   4. Start your application
3. Step3:Get a trainer, Show This Section
4. Step4:Take the theory test (ADI part 1), Show This Section
5. Step5:Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2), Show This Section
6. Step6:Get practice teaching, Show This Section
7. Step7:Take the instructional ability test (ADI part 3), Show This Section
8. Step8:Register and start working as an instructor, Hide This SectionOnce you've passed the tests you must register within 12 months.
   
   1. Register for your first ADI certificate £300
   2. When you have your certificate you can start charging for lessons. You can either:
      
   • join a driving school
   • set up your own business
   • 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. You are currently viewing: Find out about ADI standards checks
   2. Renew your registration £300
   3. Improve your skills as an instructor