In our review of different careers we take a look at how to become a driving instructor, which in many cases will allow you to run your own driving school small business.
What Does a Driving Instructor Do?
As a driving instructor, you will be taking people who are usually inexperienced drivers out on the road and teaching them to drive. You can be taking out anyone from those whose first time it is sitting in the drivers seat, to people who have been driving for years but have lost their license and need to retake their test.
You will be teaching people the mechanics of how to use the vehicle, road safety, how to conduct basic vehicle checks, best practice for driving, driving laws, rules, and regulations and common sense. You will be driving in a car that has dual controls allowing you to override their brakes and clutch.
You will be self-employed and usually will work anywhere in between 6am and 9pm depending upon the needs of your client. You are able to set your own hours but this would entail turning away clients. You may be able to do this but it depends on how successful you are as an instructor.
Is Becoming a Driving Instructor Right For Me?
A driving instructor needs the following skills and attributes:
- Patience; lots and lots and lots of patients.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills; you will need to manage your own schedule.
- Quick reactions.
- The ability to give clear instructions.
- A knowledge of basic car mechanics.
How Much Can a Driving Instructor Earn?
The average salary for a driving instructor is approximately £25,000 a year.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Driving Instructor?
Commonly, to become a driving instructor, most people will go through a company that they will then hire their car from after they have passed the necessary tests.
You will usually pay a fee of between £3,000 and £4,000 and the company will provide you with training to enable you to pass the tests, sometimes the cost of the tests are inclusive in this fee, sometimes they are exclusive.
Initially, you will need to get a DBS check that will check your criminal history to determine whether you are able to become a driving instructor. Once this is complete you will need to register with the DVSA. You then need to take a the ADI (approved driving instructor) theory test and hazard perception test, a practical driving test, followed by an ability to teach test.
Once you have passed all of these you are qualified to teach people to drive. Every four years you will then have to pass an ADI standards check to enable you to continue working as a driving instructor.
