Should you look into becoming a driving instructor after passing your driving test?

When you pass your driving test, you may feel like you have accomplished a great feat and don't be fooled, because you have! Learning to drive is not always easy, and passing your test is an impressive accomplishment.

But what comes next? For some people, the answer is becoming a driving instructor. But wait, is this really the right move for you? Do you have what it takes to be a driving instructor? Below, we discuss a few things to consider before making the jump into this career.

Can you become a driving instructor straight after passing my driving test?

There are a few things to consider before making the jump from student driver to driving instructor. Here are a few things to think about:

Do you have the required skills?

Being a driving instructor requires more than just being able to drive. You must also be patient, have good people skills, and be able to stay calm under pressure. If you do not think you have these qualities, then becoming a driving instructor may not be the best career move for you.

Are you prepared to commit?

Becoming a driving instructor takes time and effort. You will need to complete a certified training program, and then pass a series of exams. Once you are certified, you will need to keep your skills and knowledge up to date by taking continuing education courses. In addition, you will need to be prepared to commit to teaching for at least a few years.

Secondly, as a driving instructor, you will be responsible for helping your students learn the skills they need to pass their driving tests. This means that you will need to be patient and understand the learning process. If a large sum of students that were taught under you are failing their tests then you would undergo a review. 

Is teaching driving something you're passionate about?

One of the most important qualities of a good driving instructor is a passion for teaching. If you're not passionate about teaching, then becoming a driving instructor may not be the right career choice for you.

So, should you become a driving instructor after passing your test? Only you can answer that question. But, if you have the required skills, are prepared to commit, and have a passion for teaching, then becoming a driving instructor may be the perfect next step for you.

What age and experience are needed to become a driving instructor?

You must be aged 21 or over and have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years. You will also need to have a good knowledge of the Highway Code and be able to pass a criminal records check. Once you have met these requirements, you can begin your training to become a driving instructor if given the opportunity.

The first step is to complete an approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 theory test. This covers topics such as the Highway Code, driving theory, and instructional techniques. You will then need to pass the ADI part 2 practical test, which assesses your driving skills. Finally, you must pass the ADI part 3 practical test, which tests your ability to teach pupils. Once you have passed all three tests, you will be qualified to start giving driving lessons.

For most driving instructor companies, you must also have a driving record with no more than 6 penalty points but this may differ by organisation.

Conclusion

You must be aged 21 or over and have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years. This means that individuals who want to become a driving instructor after passing their driving test will have to wait the required length of time, which is set for safety reasons. 

Many driving instructors are overwhelmed with the pressure of the demand, but if you're patient and a lover of teaching, then you may have found your next profession!