Thinking about becoming a driving instructor? Whether you’ve just started looking into it or you’re already comparing providers, this guide walks you through everything: what the DVSA requires at each stage and how Driverstation supports you through it.

Why Become a Driving Instructor?

It’s a career that genuinely works around your life. You set your own hours, you’re your own boss, and most full-time instructors earn £39,000 – £40,000+ a year. You also get the satisfaction of helping people reach a real milestone, passing their driving test.

The demand is there too. The DVSA has been urgently recruiting examiners, and the shortage of instructors means learners are waiting months for lessons. If you qualify now, you’re stepping into a market where work is ready and waiting.

Before You Start: Eligibility

Before anything else, make sure you meet the DVSA’s basic requirements:

• You must be at least 21 years old
• You must have held a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years
• You must have fewer than 6 penalty points on your licence
• You’ll need to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• You’ll need to register with the DVSA and obtain your Personal Reference Number (PRN)

Once you’ve ticked those boxes, you’re ready to start training.

Part 1: The Theory Test

What the DVSA requires: The Part 1 test has two sections. First, a multiple-choice exam with 100 questions across four bands. You need to score at least 85% overall and get a minimum of 20 correct answers in each band. Second, a hazard perception test where you need to score at least 57 out of 75.

How Driverstation prepares you: Our Part 1 course covers everything you need to know, including access to third-party theory test practice software so you can test yourself before the real thing. You study at your own pace, online, around your existing schedule.

Part 2: The Driving Ability Test

What the DVSA requires: Part 2 assesses your own driving to a high standard. You’re allowed up to 6 minor faults, but no serious or dangerous faults. You have a maximum of 3 attempts; if you fail all three, you’ll need to wait 2 years before restarting the entire ADI qualification process.

How Driverstation prepares you: Our Part 2 course includes 8 hours of in-car driving ability training, plus video tutorials showing you exactly what’s expected during the test. You’ll know the standard required and have the practice behind you to meet it.

Part 3: The Teaching Test

What the DVSA requires: Part 3 is the final and most challenging step. It’s a 45-minute assessment where you deliver a driving lesson while an examiner observes from the back seat. They’re looking at your teaching ability, your use of client-centred learning, and how well you manage the lesson.

How Driverstation prepares you: Our Part 3 course includes 40 hours of training, 30 hours in-car and 10 hours online. The online sections can be studied in your own time, and the in-car training is arranged near your local area. We focus on building your confidence with real teaching techniques, not just getting you through the test.

Choosing Your Route

Once you start training with Driverstation, you have two routes to choose from. There’s no pressure either way; it comes down to what suits your situation.

Standalone Route: Everything you need to qualify, nothing more. You complete the core training at £1,400, work towards your Parts 1, 2 and 3 independently, and manage your own journey. A good fit if you’re confident working independently and aren’t looking for ongoing franchise support.

Franchise Route: Designed for the trainee licence period, and more focused on the Part 3 test, the stage that most people find hardest. You get an additional 20 hours of training (£360) to prepare for your trainee licence, a 6-month franchise period with ongoing support and guidance at £80 per month, a professional materials pack (£200, one-off) including rooftop sign and magnetic panels, and an optional student supply package (£200 per month) that sources learner enquiries for you if you need them. You start earning from lessons while you’re still working towards full qualification, and once the 6 months are up, you’re free to stay or leave, no pressure.

What Stays the Same Regardless of Route

• Core training is £1,400 for everyone, with no different treatment based on the path you choose
• Pay-as-you-go training sessions available for the standalone option
• On-demand support from a trainer throughout
• Transparent pricing, every cost is explained upfront and linked to something specific

Ready to Get Started?

The process takes most people between 6 and 12 months, depending on how much time they can commit each week. You don’t need to leave your current job; the training is designed to fit around your life.

If you’re ready to take the next step or just want to ask a few questions first, head over to our instructor training page and get in touch.

• Read the DVSA official guide

• Read how to pass the ADI tests.