Driving instructor
Driving instructors teach people the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and pass their driving test.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £15,000 - £30,000
Typical hours (a week): 30 - 40
How to become a driving instructor
You can get into this job through:
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
Other routes
You first need to apply to become an approved driving instructor. You can find training providers on the Approved Driving Instructor Register Guide. You'll need to pass the approved driving instructor part 1 and part 2 exams. You'll then get a licence to give instruction and legally charge for lessons. You must also pass the part 3 exam to get onto the register of approved driving instructors.
More info
Professional and industry bodies It may help your career if you join a driving instructor association. Further information You can find out more about how to become a driving instructor from GOV.UK.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- customer service skills
- the ability to work on your own
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass motoring conviction checks
- pass enhanced background checks
- be able to read a licence plate at 90 feet or 27.5m, with glasses or contact lenses if worn
- have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 3 years
- be over 21 years of age
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- checking each learner's driving knowledge and ability
- planning a series of lessons to get learners ready for their driving test
- teaching about road safety, driving laws and the Highway Code
- giving instruction on the use of vehicle controls, steering, turning, reversing and parking safely
- demonstrating how to deal with emergency situations
- discussing basic vehicle checks
- keeping records of appointments and payments
- managing your business
Working environment
You could work from a vehicle, in an office or from home.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience and training you could move into specialist areas like training disabled drivers. You might also train drivers of passenger carrying vehicles, large goods vehicles (LGV) or emergency services vehicles. GOV.UK has information on professional development and if you're highly experienced, you could become a driving examiner.
