About Me - My driving instructor journey

I have always enjoyed helping people to understand things, whether this is at work, home, Church, the garage or doing a hobby.

For example, when doing my hobby of photography, I often found that I enjoyed helping someone else get the shot more than getting the shot myself.

Becoming a driving instructor is one of the few careers that are regulated and licenced by the government. It is illegal to charge for driving lessons if you are not licenced by the government.

When helping my children gain their driving licence I was surprised to find that I was better as an instructor than as just a passenger, normally whenever I was in a car I made sure that I was driving it.

I then realised that I would like to be a driving instructor and help people to learn the skills to drive safely. While doing a lot of research I found out it's not as easy as it looks.

The process to become an instructor is a long and hard one.

I first had to pass a Criminal Records Check.

I then had to take an extended theory test, as well as the standard hazard perception test, but with a higher pass mark. (ADI part 1)

I then had to take an advanced driving test covering every type of road for over an hour, with only six minors, or driver faults allowed. (ADI part 2)

This then left me with a choice of how to proceed, I could either take another test (ADI part 3) to gain my ADI licence, or I could do 40 hours of training before getting a trainee licence, followed by taking another 20 hours of training. I could then take the ADI exam (ADI part 3). This is the route I have chosen, as I believe it is better to receive over 60 hours of training to teach me to be a better instructor to help students pass.

Having received over 40 hours of training I then applied for, and been granted a trainee licence to give driving lessons.

Since then I have received over 20 hours of training, so I have now applied for the ADI part 3 test. To be a good instructor there is a lot to learn.

Unfortunately I failed this test, so I am now starting the journey again, please ask me where I am in the process.

Contact Dave Upcott - Instructor

Areas covered: Plympton, Plymstock and Plymouth

Phone: 0791 9800 791

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