Thinking of becoming a driving instructor?
Driver training can be a worthwhile and rewarding job for the right kind of person allowing you great flexibility and job satisfaction.
However, not everyone who sets out on the road of driving instructor training ends up as happy as the people illustrated here.
Despite what many training companies might promise, Driving Standards Agency figures suggest that the qualification rate could be be around 14% but this does not account for those who never get as far as registering with the DSA. (The DSA publish pass rates for each separate part of the exam but do not have figures for overall qualification).
The state of the training side of the industry was highlighted in a special ITV report programme in early 2009. Things remain the same.
Informed estimates have suggested that as few as 6% who pay money for driving instructor training actually qualify! At best the figure is unlikely to be above 20%. This means that embarking on a career in driver training could be a risky business.
BUT... With a little research and a bit of hard work you can qualify and go on to have a rewarding career The advice provided in these pages could be the difference between a great career as a driving instructor or a costly mistake...
Here you will find positive factual information, but also some cautionary advice. We pride ourselves on our ethical standards and feel that as an industry leading web site (SmartDriving) we have a duty to share our knowledge about the driving instructor training business and help to protect you from some of the potential pitfalls.
You can find further advice from the Driving Standards Agency by clicking here (opens in new window/tab).
Click here for our video page showing the official DSA video information about driving instructor qualification.
Why do we offer so much free advice?
Simply because we care... But we are also business people.
If you find the advice helpful, we hope that, whoever you train with, that you will become a member of the SmartDriving web site when you start your training - and at that point you might also wish to buy materials and services from us. We also hope that you will consider The Instructor Training Company as a potential training and career provider as you think about becoming a driving instructor..
Our philosophy is simple - we aim to build positive working relationships with our clients - in for us order to do this you need to be sure that you can trust SmartDriving and any company, product or service that we recommend.
Another example of our 'goodwill philosophy' can be found in our free Better Driving Course (a full self-teach driving course which can also help you to save £££'s on your training costs).
Before reading on you should be aware of these facts...
- Some companies have restrictive refund policies or tie you in to restrictive franchise contracts that will leave you earning less than the minimum wage.
- The fact that a company is ORDIT Registered offers no guarantee that you will receive good quality ADI training to help you to become a driving instructor.
- Not all newspaper and TV job opportunities for driving instructors are what they might at first appear to be...
- You can earn £30,000 plus per year as a driving instructor and to enjoy all the benefits of being your own boss... But this is realistic only if you run your own business.
- Driving instruction is a great career with good earnings potential and great job satisfaction – but you must do your 'homework' to make sure that you get the best possible start.
Do your homework!
The advice given on this web site will help you make a sensible and informed career choice, and help ensure that you get the best possible start to your new career
Click here now for a cautionary tale... This person was one of the many 'unlucky' ones. 'Cries for help' like this hit the SmartDriving in-box every month - luckily we were able to help and the story had a happy ending. Had Michelle seen the advice in these pages before starting her training she would never have chosen the training provider who let her down so badly.
The Instructor Training Company
At this point it is important to tell you that although the information on this site aims to offer independent advice, we are affiliated with The Instructor Training Company.
Although we are linked to The Instructor Training Company, if you read, understand and follow the advice on this site you will be well equipped to determine the best training and career options for you.
Your starting point...
Because this site contains quite a lot of advice and guidance, you might like to start with the 'Frequently asked Questions' page for an overview of driving instructor training and driving instruction as a career.
Click the forward arrow to start finding out more about driving instructor training and become a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor...
