How to become a driving instructor

To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)

You must have held a full driving licence for at least 4 years
Be able to read a car number plate from a minimum distance of 90 feet.
Your licence should be free of endorsements, although certain allowances may be made. Anybody with serious criminal convictions cannot be accepted.
You must pass a searching three part examination. This comprises of theory, driving and instructional ability.

You must have your name entered on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors
Once you have satisfied all of the above criteria, you will then be a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). You must then send in your registration fee, and you will receive your 'green badge'. This must be displayed whilst giving lessons for reward. Display it in the lower left corner of the front windscreen.
Your registration will last for 4 years. You can renew the registration on payment of a fee, however your continued fitness and ability to instruct is monitored. If certain standards are not met, you could ultimately be removed from the register.

You love driving, but have you the patience of a Saint?

There will always be people who want and need to learn to drive, so equally there will always be a call for professional driving instructors to teach them. Becoming a qualified Driving Instructor is not simply starting a new job, but learning the skills of a new profession which can last the rest of your working life. A good sense of humour and product knowledge are a good starting point. Can you teach a mature learner like Maureen Reece of television documentary `Driving School' fame?
You need to be patient - it's not always easy to be the perfect driver and spend your time sitting next to people who can't drive ! Not only is it a very rewarding and interesting career, but as nearly all driving instructors are self employed, there is a higher degree of freedom and flexibility than in many other professions. This should appeal to women, who are always in demand as driving instructors, yet only a small proportion of DSA registered driving instructors are female.

If you would like more information please take a look at The 1st Call Driving Instructor Training Program.