What are you looking for

£32,000 Starter

Average salary (a year)

£45,000 Experienced

Average salary (a year)

20 to 40 variable

Typical hours (a week)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this job

You can get into this job by doing an instructor course with a commercial training organisation.

Other Routes

Your first step is to check if you can apply to become an approved driving instructor.

The next stage is to find a training provider on the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) register.

You'll need to pass the approved driving instructor part 1 and part 2 exams. If successful, you can get a 6-month licence that allows you to train learner drivers and legally charge for lessons.

You must then pass the part 3 exam to fully qualify as an instructor and get onto the ADI register.

What it takes

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Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to teach learners how to do something
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work on your own
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to monitor your own and your learner's performance
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • pass motoring conviction checks
  • pass enhanced background checks
  • be able to read a licence plate at 90 feet or 27.5m, with glasses or contact lenses if worn

  • have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 3 years
  • be over 21 years of age

What you will do

Discover the day to day takes you'll do in this role

Day-to-day tasks

As a driving instructor, you could:

  • plan a series of lessons and routes for your learners
  • teach learners about road safety, driving laws and The Highway Code
  • instruct learners on controls, and how to steer, turn, reverse and park safely
  • explain what to do in emergency situations
  • discuss basic vehicle checks
  • prepare learners for their driving test
  • keep records of appointments and payments
  • manage your business

Working environment

You could work from a vehicle, in an office or from home.

Career path and profession

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities

With experience and training you could move into specialist areas, like advanced driver training or training disabled drivers. You might also train drivers of passenger carrying vehicles, large goods vehicles (LGV) or emergency services vehicles.

GOV.UK has information on professional development and if you're highly experienced, you could become a driving examiner.

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