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 choose between two routes. There’s no pressure either way; it comes down to what suits your situation and cash flow.
Standalone Route
A clean, one-off payment of £1,499. You get full access to all three course parts — online materials, DVSA test practice, and the in-car training hours for Parts 2 and 3. Pay once, train, qualify, and manage your own journey from there. No contract, no ongoing commitment, no extras. Once your training hours are delivered, you’re on your own — which suits a lot of people just fine.
Franchise Pathway
Designed for the trainee licence period, which is the stage most people find hardest. Rather than a single large upfront payment, you spread the cost over 24 weeks, with a minimum deposit of £499 due today. You choose how much you put down:
• £499 today, then £110/week for 24 weeks
• £799 today, then £100/week for 24 weeks
• £1,099 today, then £86/week for 24 weeks
All three options cost the same in total. You choose based on what works for your cash flow.
The franchise pathway includes everything in the standalone route, plus:
• Trainee licence support: 12 additional in-car hours and 8 online hours
• Weekly group support sessions shared with other PDIs
• 1-1 support from your trainer when you need it
• Access to our student lead dashboard at no extra charge
• A materials pack including your branded rooftop sign and diagram book
The contract runs for 24 weeks, aligned to your DVSA trainee licence period. Once you qualify, you’re free to leave after finishing the remaining payments, no exit fee, no long-term commitment. If you fail and want to continue, a new 24-week period begins.
If you choose to stay after qualifying, we offer a simple rolling monthly arrangement at a reduced rate with no minimum term.
What Stays the Same Regardless of Route
• The same core training for everyone: no shortcuts, no reduced hours based on the route you choose
• Transparent pricing: every cost is explained upfront and tied directly to training, support, or materials
• No hidden fees and no surprise charges at any stage
• Personal support from your trainer throughout
How Long Does It Take?
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.
Ready to Get Started?
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. We’ll talk you through which route makes sense for your situation and what the next steps look like.
- Read the DVSA official guide
- Read how to pass the ADI tests.
