Qualifying Process in order of events

The following is an overview of the process to become a driving instructor, chronologically inclusive of the fees & links to apply through its various stages. The information has been laid out this way to make the process clear & easy to use.

Please visit the DVSA (Gov.UK) website – then answer questions to see if you are eligible to train. How to find out more about your eligibiliy, as well as all the stages to qualify in more detail.

Eligibility

• Be 21 years or over
• Held a full driving license for at least 3 years
• No more than 3 points

Your application can be refused if you have:

• been banned from driving
• 5 or more penalty points
• been convicted of any non-motoring offences

Application

• Request the police make an online application for a (D.B.S*) Disclosure & Barring Service check at (no fee). < PLEASE NOTE when you follow this link, The "Organisation Id & Access code" are already entered ONLY PUT your email address in field 3 to move through to the next screen !!!
• Next, take your certificate with three types of proof of ID (Passport; utility bill; Driving Licence) to the post office. Locally, the Post Office offering the D.B.S* ‘CRB’ and ID verification service’ is in Wellingborough (fee £6)
• Register with the D.V.S.A online (no fee). You will then receive your certificate with your Unique Reference Number through the post.

Part One Theory Test

• Prepare for the multi-choice question and hazard perception tests
• Qualification must be completed within 2 years of passing Part One

Book your Part One theory test then go to the local Test Center to take the test (fee £81)

Part Two Driving Test

• Prepare for the Part Two advanced driving test

Book your Part Two practical test then goto the local Test Centre to take the one-hour test (fee £111)

Part Three Instructing Test

• Prepare for the Part Three instructing test (Standards Check)
• Gain practical experience teaching on a Trainee License (optional but recommended)
• Minimum of 40 hours instructing training to be completed first

Apply for a ‘Trainee Licence’ commonly known as the pink badge (lasts 6 months, fee £140)

• Attached to a driving school throughout the 6 months
• Extra 20 hours of instructing training needed within the first 3 months (Earn while you learn – Promotion feed you with pupils at this stage to help you practice your craft, & you are earning while learning to boot)

Apply for and take the one-hour Part Three test (fee £111)

Apply for the ‘Full ADI license’ commonly known as the Green badge – lasts 4 years (fee £300)