How to become a Driving Instructor

Each Year thousands of people start out along the road to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). This means for most the start of a new career, or in some cases a part-time supplement.

Being an ADI is not easy. This job will involve mixing with all sorts of people, some of whom you may not find it easy to get on with. You will need good people skills and a lot of patience and understanding.

The nature of the job means that you will probably have to work unsociable hours to fit in with your pupils' needs.

You will be responsible for your own safety, that of your pupil and other road users. You will need a high level of concentration throughout your working day. Your last lesson of the day has to be conducted with the same enthusiasm and competence as your first.

How does that sound so far? Further details can be viewed at Instructor training pages.

You should not embark upon this career lightly, as the qualifying process is tough, the national pass rate is low and typically takes several months to complete.

Our aim is to provide quality training to all trainees, as a result our success rates for each examination far exceeds national statistics. The DSA Part 3 pass rate is just 28%, compared to an average of 72-92% for our own trainees over the last 7 years.

However, it's a rewarding career. Consider;

  • Flexible working hours
  • Independence of being your own boss
  • Excellent earnings potential
  • No two days are the same
  • Help a variety of people to achieve a skill for life
  • Achieve real job satisfaction


The career suits men and women of all ages (over 21), from all walks of life. You don't need any previous qualifications - apart from a Driving Licence and those requirements listed later.

Pay as you learn



Compass Driving Instructor Training, adopts a pay as you learn approach to training, unlike major training establishments. We do not ask for fees up front*, only for each training session. What ever your individual reason for becoming a Driving Instructor, our flexible pay as you learn approach makes a change of career more affordable. *This applies to practical training only

For a more detailed guide on Driving Instructor training and the benefits of teaching for a living , visit our training company at www.teachforaliving.co.uk where you will be taken through the process in a logical process, be able to view videos and check out more commonly asked questions.

Please see our Terms and Conditions