WHEN
considering a career as a Department of Transport
Approved Driving Instructor, people often express
the following concerns:
Is
there enough work out there?
Yes.
When your name is on the Register of Approved
Driving Instructors you will be able to charge
for teaching driving of a motor car. Apart from
instructing learner drivers you could also teach
advanced driving, give motorway lessons,
refresher courses and so on. The market is vast.
How
long does it take to qualify?
Generally about
six or seven months. Waiting times for practical
tests and whether you are successful at the first
attempt at each test will influence the time
taken.
Is
it essential to take out a trainee licence?
No.
Many students achieve ADI status without having
taught any 'real' learner drivers. Realistic
role-play by a competent trainer will prepare
students for real life and the ADI Part 3 test.
The major benefit is that you will get immediate
feedback regarding your teaching - both good and
not so good points. This avoids the danger of
unrecognised, uncorrected driver errors becoming
habitual. However, it can be beneficial to be
teaching some 'real' learners during the training
period.
Do
I have to link in with a particular driving
school?
No.
Once qualified you can choose to set up
independently or take up a franchise with a
larger organisation. By contacting other driving
schools you can discover who is offering the
package most suitable for you. Good instructors
are always being sought, so don't feel obliged to
any particular organisation that promises a 'job' after training. You
will have a qualification for a service that is in demand.
Is it
necessary to have a 'suitability test' before starting a course?
Not at all. As
long as you satisfy the DSA's requirements you
can start training. However, having a positive
and helpful attitude will play an important role
in your development as a teacher.
Should
I take a driving / teaching assessment before I
decide to go on a course?
No,
it's not necessary. The required skills can be
acquired as long as you are willing and able to
accept advice and guidance. You will also have to
be prepared to invest a lot of time in study and practise.
Can
I use my own car for training or for the tests?
Yes.
As long as it's manual, right-hand drive and
legal and roadworthy. It makes sense to use your
car - you're obviously familiar with it and know
its capabilities well. After all, why waste time
familiarising yourself with a different car for
training or the tests? Clients have trained with
Instructor Training and Publications in the
following vehicles: Rover 800, Land Rover
Discovery, Porsche 911, Volvo 740 estate, Renault
Laguna, Vauxhall Cavalier, as well as the usual range of cars such as
the Corsa, Cleo, Micra, Peugot 106 and so on.
The vehicle itself is not the issue, it's your
driving or teaching skills that are being
developed and tested. It isn't necessary to fit
dual-controls for the training or for any of the
ADI Tests. Dual-controls are not a legal
requirement but it is advised that you fit them
when teaching on a commercial basis.
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