1. Check Your Eligibility

To qualify, you must:

• Be 21 or older

• Have held a full UK or EU driving licence for at least 3 years

• Have no recent driving bans or serious convictions

• Pass an enhanced DBS (criminal record) check

• Be physically fit and able to read a number plate from 90 feet

Eligibility simply means you meet the DVSA’s legal and safety standards to train others. This step ensures only skilled, safe, and trustworthy drivers become instructors.

 

2. Apply to the DVSA

Once you’re eligible, you can apply online through GOV.UK under “Apply to become a driving instructor.”
You’ll need:

• Your driving licence details

• Your DBS reference number

• A declaration that you meet all eligibility criteria

After the DVSA approves your application, you can move forward to the next stage — training and ADI qualification tests.

 

3. How A&A Driving School Helps

At A&A Driving School, we make the process easy:

• We’ll check your eligibility and help you apply correctly.

• We’ll guide you through DBS verification and DVSA’s online system.

• We prepare you for what comes next: the Part 1, 2 and 3 instructor exams.

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1. Part 1 – The Theory & Hazard Perception Test

Before you can move on, you must pass the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) ADI Part 1 exam. It’s a theory test focused on instructional knowledge and hazard awareness. 

• Contains 100 multiple-choice questions (split across knowledge bands such as road procedure, signs, car controls, instructional techniques). 

• Also a hazard perception section with videos where you spot developing hazards. 

• You must pass this test before booking Part 2.

 

2. Part 2 – The Driving Ability Test

Once you’ve passed Part 1, you can take the ADI Part 2 driving test. This assesses your driving skills and vehicle safety knowledge, to ensure you can teach from a base of excellent driving. 
Key elements include:

• An eyesight check (must read a number-plate at required distance) before driving begins. 

• “Show me / Tell me” vehicle safety questions: e.g., describing or demonstrating how to carry out vehicle safety tasks. 

• General driving ability under varying traffic conditions: correct use of the road, anticipation of others, vehicle control. 

• Manoeuvres (e.g., parking, reversing) and independent driving (about 20 minutes following either signs or a sat-nav) to demonstrate you can drive at an advanced level. 

 

3. Why These Tests Matter

Passing these two exams shows that you’re not only eligible to teach but have the theoretical knowledge (Part 1) and the practical driving expertise (Part 2) to confidently train learner drivers. A&A Driving School ensures you’re fully prepared for both.

• The tests must be taken in order: you cannot book Part 2 until you’ve passed Part 1. 

• There are time limits: once you pass Part 1 you generally have 2 years to pass Parts 2 and 3 before your Part 1 result expires. 

 

4. How A&A Driving School Supports You

At A&A Driving School we:

• Provide focused training for the ADI Part 1 theory and hazard perception exam — covering all key knowledge areas and helping you build confidence.

• Offer coaching and practical sessions for Part 2 — refining your advanced driving skills, preparing you for the “show me/tell me”, manoeuvres and independent driving segments.

• Help you with scheduling, booking tests, and briefing you on what to expect on the day, so you go into each test well-prepared and calm.

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1. Why a Trainee Licence?

This licence allows you to begin giving driving lessons under supervision. It gives you practical experience teaching learners while you prepare for the final qualifying exam (Part 3). It’s a crucial step on the path to fully registering as an approved driving instructor.

 

2. What You Must Have Before Applying

You can apply for the trainee licence only after you’ve met these DVSA requirements:

• Passed the ADI Part 1 (theory & hazard perception) and Part 2 (driving ability) tests.

• Completed at least 40 hours of training with a qualified instructor (ADI) — this must include a portion of practical in-car instruction.

• Be eligible to sit the ADI Part 3 (instructional ability) test.

 

3. Applying for the Licence

Here’s how to apply:

• Use the online application service on GOV.UK for “Apply for a trainee driving instructor licence”.

• Pay the application fee (currently £140).

• Submit required documentation: your training declaration (ADI 21T form), a “Declaration of Manager/Owner” form (ADI 3L(MD)), and the online application.

• Once granted, the licence is valid for 6 months.

 

4. Conditions & What You Can/Can’t Do

While holding the trainee licence:

• You can charge for giving driving lessons under the supervision of your sponsoring school or ADI.

• You must not advertise yourself as a fully-qualified instructor.

• You continue preparing for the ADI Part 3 test, gaining teaching experience, refining your instructional skills.

• If you do not pass Part 3 within the licence period, you may need to re-start parts of the process.

 

5. How A&A Driving School Supports You

At A&A Driving School, our trainee-licence support includes:

• Arranging your 40-hour training block with experienced ADIs.

• Helping you complete and submit the ADI 21T and ADI 3L(MD) forms correctly.

• Guiding you on giving paid lessons under supervision, making the most of your 6-month licence.

• Providing feedback and coaching as you prepare for your final Part 3 test so you move smoothly to full registration.

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1. What is the ADI Part 3 Test?

This is the practical test assessing your ability to teach learners — essentially your instructional competence. 

• You’ll conduct a real driving lesson while an examiner observes. 

• The test is typically around 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

• You’ll be marked across 17 competencies grouped into three categories: Lesson Planning, Risk Management, Teaching & Learning Strategies. 

 

2. What You Must Bring & How to Book

• You can book the Part 3 test via GOV.UK when you’ve passed Part 2. 

• Fee is currently £111 in England, Wales & Scotland. 

• On test day bring: your full driving licence (or trainee licence), your car that meets DVSA requirements, the pupil (learner or full licence holder but not an ADI) and your training log/documentation.

 

3. What You’ll Be Assessed On

The examiner looks for evidence you meet the national standard to train others. 

• Lesson Planning: how you prepare and organise the session.

• Risk Management: how you identify and mitigate hazards.

• Teaching & Learning Strategies: how you communicate, adapt and engage the pupil.
  Each competency scored 0-3; you’ll receive a total score (max 51) with results graded: Grade A (43-51), Grade B (31-42) = pass. Fail if under 31 or if serious risk issues. 

 

4. What Happens When You Pass / Fail

• Pass: You can apply to join the ADI register, get your ADI badge and start working as a fully qualified instructor. 

• Fail: You may retake the test (you usually have up to 3 attempts within the two-year window from passing Part 1). Failing three times means you may need to restart from Part 1. 

 

5. How A&A Driving School Supports You

At A&A Driving School, we help you succeed this final stage by:

• Delivering focused coaching on lesson planning, risk management and teaching strategy.

• Assisting you to choose and prepare your test day pupil and vehicle, ensuring you meet DVSA requirements.

• Helping you book the test via GOV.UK, and briefing you on what to expect on the day so you go in confident and ready.

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1. What registration means

• You can now legally call yourself a “DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (Car)”.

• You are permitted to charge for giving driving lessons.

• Your name is entered on the ADI register and you’re visible via the “Find driving schools, lessons and instructors” service.

• Your registration lasts for four years — after which you must renew.

 

2. How to register

• You must register within one year of passing your Part 3 test; otherwise you may need to re-start the process. 

• Book your first ADI badge online (via GOV.UK). The current fee is £300.

• Use your DVSA user ID, driving licence number, and payment details to complete the registration.

 

3. After registration – what you’ll need to do

• Display your ADI certificate/badge visibly in your vehicle when giving lessons.

• Keep your registration active by renewing every four years and updating DVSA within 7 days of any major changes (name, address).

• Be aware that you may be required to undergo a standards check to confirm you maintain the national standard of instruction.

 

4. How A&A Driving School supports you

At A&A Driving School we guide you through every step of registration:

• Helping you prepare and submit your online registration for your first ADI badge.

• Ensuring you understand your responsibilities as a registered instructor and what is required for renewal.

• Supporting your transition into teaching learners professionally, with the backing of a trusted brand and network.

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