Join our Franchise and become a valued member of the Shift team. We’re a local Driving School and you’ll never be just a number to us. We prioritize your development, well-being and career aspirations whilst using our behind the scenes technology to seamlessly supply you with students that suit you and your lifestyle.
Become a Driving Instructor
Newcastle, Gateshead & Surrounding Areas
Be Your Own Boss
As a driving instructor, you have the freedom to create your own schedule and run your own Shift franchise.
Earn a Great Income
Being a driving instructor offers a fantastic earning potential, upto £35 per hour to be exact. And let’s not forget the tax deductible expenses.
Flexible Working Hours
You’ll have the flexibility to work around your other commitments, whether it be family, hobbies or other work. You can choose when and where you work, making it the perfect job for those seeking a better work-life balance.
Make a Difference
You’ll have the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives by teaching them a valuable life skill. You’ll help students gain independence, confidence and freedom, while promoting safe driving and contributing to safer roads.
Features & Benefits
Franchise Holidays
Receive 4 weeks per year free from Franchise Fees.
Total Drive App
Receive a complimentary subscription to Total Drive. This will make managing your diary a breeze!
Large Client Pool
We have lots of pupils ready and waiting for amazing instructors like you.
No Lengthy Contracts
We want our instructors to be happy and not feel trapped. There’s no hidden fees or charges here.
Marketing Campaigns
We advertise via our website, Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram & Tiktok.
Personal Development
Whether its Part3, Standards Checks or you just want to further your skills, the support is here for you.
Getting Started
Eligibility and DBS Checks
Check Your Eligibility
Check if you can become an approved driving instructor (ADI) in Great Britain by clicking here.
You must:
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Have had a full car driving licence for at least 3 years
- Have not been banned (disqualified) from driving in the last 4 years
Motoring offences and other convictions
Your application can be refused if you have:
- Been banned from driving
- 5 or more penalty points
- Been convicted of any non-motoring offences
The ADI Registrar will consider whether or not you’re suitable to become a driving instructor.
Your application is unlikely to be accepted if you’ve been:
- Convicted of a sexual, violent, financial or drug-related crime
- Banned from working with children
DBS Check
You need to get a criminal record check if you’re applying to become an approved driving instructor (ADI) for the first time.
You can’t use one you have already – you must get a new one.
If you’re looking to get a criminal record check to renew your ADI registration, that’s different. Click here for renewals.
When you’re ready, you can start the process by clicking Apply below.
Apply for your DBS Check
Before you start
You’ll need to use the:
- Organisation PIN 105205
- Secret word axis
- Organisation name DVSA – PDI (PO)
Choose Your Path
Pink or Green…
Become a Fully Qualified Driving Instructor
Complete all your DVSA qualification tests including Part 3
- Part 1 – Theory and hazard perception
- Part 2 – Driving ability
- Part 3 – Instructional ability
Become a Trainee Driving Instructor
Increase your teaching experience further by delivering real learner lessons in a tuition car under the official DVSA Trainee Instructor Licence Scheme for upto 6 months before attempting your Part 3 Test.
- Part 1 – Theory and hazard perception
- Part 2 – Driving ability
- Apply for your Trainee Licence
- Part 3 – Instructional ability
Part 1
Theory
Multiple Choice Questions
You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.
There are 25 questions in each of these 4 categories:
- Road procedure
- Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- Driving test, disabilities, and the law
- Publications and instructional techniques
A question and several possible answers appear on a screen. You have to select the right answer.
You’ll get your results immediately after taking the test. You must pass both parts to pass the test.
To pass the multiple-choice part, you must get both:
- An overall score of at least 85 out of 100
- At least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories of questions
Hazard Perception
You’ll then watch 14 video clips.
The clips:
- Feature everyday road scenes
- Contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ – but one of the clips features 2 developing hazards
You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.
What is a developing hazard?
A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction.
How the scoring works
You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard. To get a high score, click the mouse as soon as you see the hazard starting to develop. The later you click, the lower your score.
You do not lose points if you click and get it wrong. However, you will not score anything if you click continuously or in a pattern.
You only get one attempt at each clip. You cannot review or change your responses.
If You Pass
You’ll get a pass certificate letter if you pass the test. You’ll need this when you book and take your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test.
Your pass certificate number will last for 2 years. You must qualify as an ADI in that time, otherwise you’ll have to start the application process again.
If You Fail
You’ll get a letter at the test centre. It’ll tell you which parts you did not score enough points on so you know what to practise.
You must book and take the full test again.
Booking your Part 1 Test
To book you will need:
- UK driving licence number
- Personal reference number from DVSA
- Email address – you have to book by phone if you do not have one
- Credit or Debit card
Part 2
Your Driving
What happens on the test?
There are 5 parts to the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test:
- An eyesight check
- Show me, tell me vehicle safety questions
- General driving ability
- Manoeuvres
- Independent driving
To pass the test you must be able to:
- Drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
- Show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive
The national standard for driving cars tells you everything you must be able to do to pass the test.
Your allocated Shift Driving Instructor will ensure that you are independent in all areas and that your driving is of a high standard before sending you for your test.
Booking your Part 2 Test
You can book your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test when you’ve passed your ADI part 1 test.
To book you will need:
- UK driving licence number
- Credit or debit card
- Driving instructor’s personal reference number if you want to check they’re available
Part 3
Instructional Ability
What happens on the test?
During a client-centred driving lesson with one of your pupils, a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner will observe you for approximately 45 minutes.
Prior to commencing the lesson, it is necessary to have a brief conversation with your pupil regarding the goals for the lesson and risk management, which should not take more than 3 minutes.
The pupil must drive for a minimum of 40 minutes throughout the lesson, and it is not permissible to spend the entire lesson focusing on a single manoeuvre; however, you can provide a brief refresher on a manoeuvre that was taught in a previous lesson.
At the end of the lesson, you should allocate no more than 3 minutes for your pupil to reflect on their performance. The examiner will assess whether you meet the national standard for driver and rider training by observing your conduct during the lesson.
What to take to your test
You must bring:
- A pupil
- Your UK driving licence
- A suitable car
You should also bring a log of the training you’ve been doing to qualify as an approved driving instructor (ADI).
Your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back if you do not take the right things with you.
Your pupil
Your pupil can be a:
- Partly trained learner
- Fully trained learner
- Full licence holder
If you bring a partly trained learner, they should be able to drive for 40 minutes without frequently stopping.
Your pupil cannot be an ADI or someone who is preparing to take the ADI part 3 test.
What you’ll be marked on
You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:
- Lesson planning
- Risk management
- Teaching and learning strategies
The 17 areas of competence are listed in the ADI part 3 test report form, which the examiner will fill in at the end of your test.
You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out if you’ve passed the test, and what your grade will be.
Your Test Result
After you give the lesson, the examiner will discuss your performance and give you the result.
You’ll get your grade and completed ADI part 3 test report form by email at the end of the test.
| Total score | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30 | Fail | Your performance is unsatisfactory, and you will not join the ADI register |
| 31-42 | Grade B | You’ll be allowed to join the ADI register |
| 43-51 | Grade A | You have shown a high standard of instruction and you’ll be allowed to join the ADI register |
You’ll automatically fail if:
- You get a score of 7 or less in the ‘risk management’ category
- The examiner stops the lesson because you’ve put yourself or someone else in danger
If you pass
You can apply for your first ADI badge if you pass the ADI part 3 test. You must apply within 12 months of passing the test, or you’ll have to pass all 3 qualifying tests again.
If you do not pass
You can take the test again if you fail the first or second attempt. You must book the next attempt within 2 years of passing your ADI part 1 test.
If you chose the extra training option (option 2) when you applied for your trainee licence, you must do 5 hours of extra training before you retake the test.
Failing the third attempt
You have to retake and pass the ADI part 1 test and ADI part 2 test again if you fail the ADI part 3 test at your third attempt.
Booking your Part 3 Test
You can book your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test when you’ve passed your ADI part 2 test.
To book you will need:
- UK driving licence number
- Credit or debit card
- Driving instructor’s personal reference number if you want to check they’re available
Are you Ready?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and become a driving instructor, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of becoming a qualified driving instructor and help you achieve your career goals. Contact us now to find out more and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding new career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a driving instructor?
To become a driving instructor, you need to have a full UK or European driving licence for at least 3 years, be over 21 years old, pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and complete a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approved driving instructor training course.
How long does it take to become a driving instructor?
It can take anywhere between 2 and 12 months to become a fully qualified driving instructor, depending on how much time you can dedicate to your training and how quickly you progress through the various stages of the training.
What are the benefits of becoming a driving instructor?
As a driving instructor, you can enjoy the benefits of being self-employed and being your own boss. Work as little or as much as you like. You can also earn a really good income and let’s not forget the tax deductible expenses. You will also have the satisfaction of teaching others a valuable life skill.
How much can I earn as a driving instructor?
According to the National Careers Service, a qualified driving instructor can earn between £20,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on the number of hours worked and the location. The reality is, it depends on how much you work, what car you drive, the price you pay for insurance and car finance etc. At present our hourly rates are £35 per hour* so that’s a good place to start.
Can I become a driving instructor if I have points on my licence?
It depends on the nature and number of the points on your licence. You will need to declare any points or driving convictions when you apply to become a driving instructor, and the DVSA will assess your application on a case-by-case basis.
