What it takes to become a driving instructor

09.08.2017

• Advice
• How to become a Driving Instructor

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Becoming a driving instructor: The benefits

Becoming a Driving Instructor provides flexible working, the opportunity to become your own boss, great job satisfaction and with great earning potential.

What's involved?

To qualify as a Driving Instructor you will need to pass three tests within a two year period from passing part 1.

Part 1 - Theory Test

The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions and 14 hazard perception clips. The questions will be in each of 4 categories.

• Road procedure
• Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
• Driving test, disabilities, and the law
• Publications and instructional techniques

The test lasts around 1 hour 45 minutes and you have to pass both the tests at the same time.

Part 2 - Test of driving ability

The test consists of an eyesight test reading a number plate from a distance of 26.5 metres for vehicles with a new style number plate or 27.5 metres with the old style.

You will be asked 5 Vehicle safety questions, these are known as the 'show me' questions where you'll have to show them how to carry out 3 checks and 2  'tell me' questions where you will have to explain how to.

You will then be tested on your driving ability. The test lasts around 1 hour.  To pass this test you can only make 6 minor faults (faults that are not dangerous or serious). You will be tested on the following:-

• Expert handling of the controls
• Use of correct road procedures
• Anticipation of the actions of other road users and then taking appropriate action
• Sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
• Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
• Driving in an environmentally friendly manner
• You will drive in varying roads and traffic conditions which will include motorways or dual carriageways where possible
• Manoeuvres

You must also be able to carry out all of the following:

• Move away straight ahead or at an angle
• Overtake, meet or cross the path of other vehicles
• Turn left-hand and right hand corners
• Stop the vehicle as if you are in an emergency
• Drive in reverse and enter limited openings to the right and left
• Reverse park the vehicle into the space behind a parked car
• Reverse park into a parking bay
• Turn the vehicle to face in the opposite direction using forward and reverse gears

Independent Driving

You will have to drive for about 10 minutes either following traffic signs or a series of directions given to you before you set off or a combination of both

Part three - Test of Instructional ability

You will be assessed for about 1 hour teaching a 'real pupil'.  During the test you will be assessed on the 3 main competencies of lesson planning, risk management and teaching learning strategies. You will also be assessed on an additional 17 sub competencies as laid down in the 'National standard for driver and rider training'.

Ready to become a driving instructor?

If becoming a driving instructor is of interest to you, then you can head over to our 'Become a driving instructor' page where you can view videos, or contact us for more information.