Generally being a Driving instructor allows you a great deal of flexibility in the hours you work. You might choose to work around your family, or social commitments, or even work part time – the choice is yours! It's nice just to be able to take an afternoon off, to go to your child's school play or to the gym.

Previous experience and qualifications not required

This is one of the few industries that does not require formal qualifications.

The D.V S.A. (Driving Vehicles Standards Agency) requires that anyone wishing to train as a driving instructor has no more than 6 penalty points on their licence, have held a valid full UK licence for at least 3.5 years, and meet the physical criteria required to safely control a vehicle. All that is required is to be personable, be a competent driver, have the willingness to undertake your driving instructor training and apply the effort needed, good communication skills, to be calm and patient. A sense of humour definitely helps.

Earnings potential

Once you have trained to be a Driving Instructor your potential earnings are in your hands. You are in charge of amount of hours you teach and the price you charge for your driving lessons. The average price of a driving lesson is between £30 to £35, this is a little dependent on the area you're teaching in. Do your sums carefully, remember there are expenses to take into account; but in the long run you can earn very good money working flexible hours.

Who we are 

Access is a family run business that has been trading successfully for 26 years in the learner market alongside the Driving Instructor training industry in Leicester, Hinckley, and throughout Leicestershire. We have excelled in both fields. Our main strengths are our teaching techniques, and the personal one-to-one approach towards our trainee Driving Instructors. Nowhere throughout the industry in training Driving Instructors will you find a team that will be more committed to your success.

Our reputation is built on results

Our Driving Instructor trainers excel in every sphere of driving instructor training. Teaching, a positive attitude, commitment, aptitude, and their ability to get you through your tests.

All our Instructor trainers are:

D.V.S.A. approved

Institute of Advanced Motorist

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Members of the MSA

Driving instructors association

Below is the process of becoming, and training to be a Driving Instructor:

You can train at your own pace with our tried and tested modern, straight forward training methods that consistently lead to the success for trainee Driving Instructors of all ages and abilities. Upon deciding to train with Access Instructor Training you will begin a logical, structured training program on a one-to-one basis with your trainer. Some trainees complete the course very quickly, but you may choose to study at a more measured pace - we can help you plan your studies to take into account your outside commitments, like the needs of your children, or an existing job. Throughout, you will be taught and supported by your trainer, who will be totally committed to your success. If you think driving instruction is for you, but you are not sure whether your driving is up to standard, don't worry! If you want an assessment please contact us, it is your attitude and communication skills that matter the most.

Overview

Our training is designed to merge with the Driving Vehicles Standards Agency's three-part exam. You can do all your training over a two week period if you wish, or you can take it step by step. Train for one exam pass it, then train for the next and so forth.

You have to take the 3 exams in turn. The exam waiting times vary greatly depending on the exam you're applying for, the area, time of year, and the DVSA examiners availability. In theory, you could be qualified within 12 weeks, but that is subject to exam availability.

You can take the part 1 test as many times as you need to, or as many times you want; although most people do pass first time. You do not need to be in a classroom, we have used a home study course successfully for years. Once you pass part 1 the clock starts ticking, you have 2 years from this point to pass the final 2 exams. Plenty of time we believe, all that is needed is to remain focused and committed. You can have up to three attempts at passing parts 2 and 3. In the unlikely event you did fail parts 2 or 3 three times, you would have to wait 2 years from when you passed your part 1 to start again. Your trainer will advise you when you are ready for the exam; therefore, giving you the best chance of passing. We'll do all we can to make sure you pass!

Part one / Theory exam

Takes place at a Driving Standards Agency examination centre, usually in a major town or city, and consists of 100 multiple choice questions on subjects including:

1. Road procedure

2. Car control

3. Basic mechanical knowledge

4. Highway Code

5. Instruction techniques

The exam is computer based in two parts, the Theory Test and Hazard Perception. This is a very similar set up to the theory test learners have to do; although, at this standard the questions may appear to be more and harder, most of the questions if you have been driving for a while are based common sense and your existing driving experience. You will need to study though for the ones that are not.

The subjects are arranged into four bands, each with an 80% pass mark. The overall pass mark for part 1 is 85%.

Hazard perception test.

You will watch 14 video clips of every day road situations, the idea is to spot the developing hazard and click as soon as you see it. In 1 of the clips it will have 2 developing hazards, You score max 5 points for each developing hazard.

Pass rate is 57 out 75.

You are given 1 1/2 hours to complete the test, but most people finish early. Best of all, 99% of our students pass first time! I have never known anyone training with us ultimately not to pass this test.

Part two / Driving ability exam

You get in-car training to totally fit in with your requirements, on average 10 to 15 hours is more than adequate to bring a candidate's driving up to standard. Mock test scenario, plus final test preparation. In between the in-car training, you must practise, and adopt part 2 style as your normal way of driving.

A Driving Standards Agency supervising examiner conducts the driving, and eyesight test. The test is approximately an hour long. You are expected to drive in a business-like, disciplined manner along a varied route showing your ability to manoeuvre, and control the car safely.

Trainee instructors will have to demonstrate the skills they’ll be teaching to learner drivers.

Driving independently for around 20 minutes while following directions from a sat nav or a series of traffic signs.

Doing 2 of 4 possible reversing manoeuvres:

Parallel park at the side of the road.

Reverse into a parking bay and drive out.

Drive into a parking bay and reverse out.

Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and re-join the traffic.

You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety tasks. You’ll be asked: 3 ‘tell me’ questions at the start of your test, before you start driving 2 ‘show me’ questions while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers.

There is no comparison between this test and your original learner test; apart from they are both in a car. The maximum minor faults you are allowed to are 6. This is an advanced driving test, and needs the commitment it deserves. The good news is with Access driving instructor training 98% of our trainees pass 1st time.

If you’re unsure about anything at all, please contact us, and we will give you an assessment lesson to demonstrate in practice what is required to put you at ease.

Part three / The teaching exam

In preparation for the final test, part 3 is where we teach you how to teach others, and again we give you as much support, and help as we can to maximise your chances of success. The prior driving instructor training you have received will help you with this final phase.

Car training, this includes extensive role-play by your trainer to prepare you for your part three test. You will receive in-car training to totally fit in with your requirements, on average 20 to 30 hours is adequate to bring a candidates knowledge up to part three standard in addition with 30 hours home study and practice.

The procedure for part 3, is you take a pupil along with you to the exam and perform a real lesson with a senior examiner sitting in the back of the car assessing your performance.

You will pick a topic from the marking sheet below, which is matched to your pupils ability and needs. The lesson must be well planned with objectives and goals clearly outlined.

 

 

 

Marking Sheet - a bit more in depth.

Lesson Planning

Did you identify the pupil’s learning goals and needs?                                      

This may sound like common sense, but you must know at the beginning of the lesson what the pupil's needs are and what they want to achieve out of this lesson.

Was the agreed lesson structure appropriate for the pupil’s experience and ability?                                                                                        

You need to agree with the pupil upon the lesson plan. It needs to be agreed that the lesson is appropriate, not too difficult, but hard enough to challenge the pupil, so learning takes place.

Was the practice area suitable?

Again the area chosen needs to push the pupil, so learning can take place without overwhelming the pupil.

Was the lesson plan adapted, when appropriate, to help the pupil work towards their learning goals?

This one's not difficult, if you're teaching junctions and the pupil keeps stalling the vehicle, you need to adapt your lesson and teach clutch control.

Total marks available section = 12

Risk Management

Did the trainer ensure that the pupil fully understood how the responsibility for risk would be shared?

You need explain to your pupil what your shared responsibilities are, get them to confirm. Talk about dual controls, when, why you would use them. Are they fit to drive?

Were directions and instructions given to the pupil clear and given in good time?

Needs to be in good time, spoken clearly without ambiguity.

Was the trainer aware of the surroundings and the pupil’s actions?

You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, planning ahead for your pupil.

Was any verbal or physical intervention by the trainer timely and appropriate?

If you need to intervene, either verbally or physically, then the timing of your intervention is important, too soon and you are not really giving the pupil a chance to react or too late which could be safety issue.

Was sufficient feedback given to help the pupil understand any potential safety critical incidents?

Any safety incidents must be addressed correctly and also it is your responsibility to ensure that the pupil understands what went wrong and why it was a safety issue. You must get confirmation from the pupil.

Total marks available for this section = 15 ( you must score more than 7 in this category )

Teaching and Learning strategies

Was the teaching style suited to the pupil’s learning style and current ability?

You need to teach to the correct level for your pupil. Do not over or under instruct.

Was the pupil encouraged to analyse problems and take responsibility for their learning?

Ask questions to try and help the pupil come up with the answers for themselves. Effective question and answer technique, ( not in depth on the move )

Were opportunities and examples used to clarify learning outcomes?

Don’t miss these opportunities, lots of things happen around you whilst on the road, many times these can be used as learning opportunities.

Most of all was it correct? Did it cover everything and was it in line with the question asked, or the situation?

Was the pupil given appropriate and timely feedback during the session?  

If your pupil makes a mistake, it needs to be identified there and then, if it needs to be a more detailed response then follow it up as soon as it is safe to pull up. Praise your pupil, correct fault, then praise them some more, if you need to identify a fault sandwich it.

Were the pupils queries followed up and answered?

Answer any questions your pupil asks, if you are asked an awkward or technical question which you are unsure of the answer then, then ask yourself why you don't know the answer. If you can't answer the question in detail there and then, answer at the end of the test, but don't forget.

Did the trainer maintain an appropriate non-discriminatory manner throughout the session?

Do not be derogatory to any other road user. Even further if there is a pedestrian waiting to cross the road in a red coat and you wish to identify this to the pupil, that is all you say. You do not need to highlight colour, race or stature.

At the end of the session – was the pupil encouraged to reflect on their own performance?

At the end of the lesson you should allow a few minutes for a recap, and discuss with your pupil what went well, what went not so well, and what they feel they have achieved.

Total marks available for this section = 24

The maximum marks are 51. Score 42 or above you get a A, score 31 - 42 you pass with a B, score 30 and below, then it's a fail I'm afraid.

I know the marking sheet may seem complicated, but with training it will become more apparent.

This is by no means an exhaustive account of becoming a Driving Instructor, and with practice passing the tests will become easier. When you start teaching pupils you would ideally have a good knowledge of:

 Controls

Moving off / Stopping

Turning left or right 

Emerging

Emergency stop

Pedestrian crossings

Meet cross overtake

Crossroads

Progress / Hesitancy

Reversing

Reverse parking

Thank you for taking the time to read this page, I hope you have found the information informative, and interesting. I wish you every success on your possible chosen career; if you want any advice please Contact Us.

We offer a free 1 to 1 full consultation. 

Our fees are:

Part 1 £99.00 complete home study course with full tutor back up. (to be honest you could find all the information you need on the Internet)

Part 2 £35.00 per hour using one of our school cars or £30.00 per hour using your own car. ( Recommended )

Part 3 £35.00 per hour

Please remember there are also exam fees.

We have tried to keep our fees as competitive as possible, whilst offering the highest calibre of training.

There is also a guaranteed placement with Access Driving Tuition once you qualify.

With a bit of effort and time you could greatly improve the quality of your live style for you and your family.

Best of luck.