Driving instructor
Teach people how to drive safely and get the skills they need to pass their driving test.
About the job
What it's like
Are you calm under pressure and enjoy helping people build confidence? Then a career as a driving instructor could be right for you.
In this role, you’ll help learners develop the skills they need to drive safely and pass their driving test. Driving instructors teach people of all ages and abilities, guiding them from basic vehicle control to handling busy roads and complex junctions.
You’ll spend most of your time in a car, working one-to-one with learners. Some may feel nervous or make mistakes, so patience and clear communication are essential. You’ll give constructive feedback, helping learners understand what went wrong and how to improve.
This is a role that requires focus and quick reactions, as you’re responsible for safety at all times.
Your tasks might include:
assessing a learner’s driving knowledge and planning lessons to suit their needs
teaching safe use of vehicle controls and essential driving skills
explaining road safety, driving laws and the Highway Code
guiding learners through manoeuvres such as turning, reversing and parking
using dual controls to respond quickly to potential hazards
preparing learners for driving tests and more advanced driving situations
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
UK Government – information on becoming a driving instructor
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- coaching
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- empathising
- verbal communication
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
To be a driving instructor your must be listed on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) or you must hold a trainee's 'Licence to give instruction'.
These processes are managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), an executive agency of the UK Department of Transport.
You would be trained by a organisation which is listed by the DVSA in the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT).
The qualifying examination for entry to the Register of Approved Driving Instructors is in three parts:
a computer-based theory test
a practical test of your driving ability
a practical test of your ability to instruct learners
To be at least 21 years old to accompany a learner driver but you can apply to start the qualifying process six months before your 21st birthday.
A full UK or European Union car driving licence. You must have your licence for at least three years before joining the register. If you have ever been disqualified from driving or have six or more penalty points, your application may be refused.
A Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check.
