Can I Become A Driving Instructor?
Finding the right driving instructor can make or break someone’s driving experience, so you need to ensure you’re suited for the job.
What are the personal qualities I need to be a driving instructor?
Every driving instructor has their own style of teaching, but in order to get the best from your learners there are some particular qualities that’ll make you stand out.
We’ve pulled together some of the personal qualities you should have, as well as some of the requirements needed before you start your driving instructor training.
Be patient and calm
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. As a driving instructor, there’s a lot you can do to create a relaxing environment.
- Empathy – we can all remember how scary learning to drive can be
- Give your learner time to become familiar with your car and the road
- Let them know this is a safe place and mistakes will happen
- Don’t raise your voice at learners or other drivers
- Reassure learners you’re there to support them and take control when needed
Be organised and reliable
Many learners will be scheduling lessons in-between work, school, and other commitments, so it’s important to have good time management.
- Keep to your set dates and times, as you would expect your clients too
- Allow yourself time to get to and from different locations
- Plan your routes ahead of lessons
- Stay up to date with traffic news, in case you need to alter your lesson
- Provide plenty of notice if you have to cancel and provide an alternative date
Have good communication skills
As a driving instructor you’ll need to teach, advise, and correct your learner throughout the lesson, so having good communication skills is key. You can achieve this by:
- Summarising at the start of the lesson about what you’ll be covering
- Provide clear and constructive feedback
- Explain where your learner has gone wrong and how they can correct it
- Review the lesson and ask your learner if they have any questions
- Confirm lesson times and dates
- Advise next steps such as test details and what to expect
Remain professional
Learning to drive can be life-changing for some people, so they need to know that you’re taking this seriously too.
- Confirm lesson times and dates
- Avoid canceling or give plenty of notice if you need to
- Provide feedback and areas to improve on
- Treat learners with respect
- Be patient and adaptable – everyone learns at different speeds
- Remain polite, friendly, and supportive
Have a sense of humour
Learning to drive should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your clients. If you have a friendly and approachable persona, it’ll help your learner:
- Feel more relaxed
- Reduce stress levels
- Boost their confidence
- Make lessons more gratifying
What are the requirements to start training?
Along with the personal qualities we’ve highlighted, there are also some requirements you need to pass before you can begin your driving instructor training. You need to:
- Have held a driving license for at least 3 years
- Be able to read a license plate at 90 feet (27.5m)
- Have no more than 6 points on your license
- Allow the DVSA to run a DBS check on you
Where do I start my driving instructor training?
If this sounds like the perfect job, then you can get started on your new career right away. With LIDIA’s on-demand platform, we offer a variety of flexible courses that work around your lifestyle and commitments. Meaning, you can complete your training wherever and whenever works best for you.
Start by signing up for our taster course
This is a great way to try before you buy. Our free taster course has been created for you to experience three lessons from our full access on-demand course or ADI Standards Check training. You can get a feel for the courses and our style of teaching.
View all of our flexible driving instructor training options
Not only do we offer multiple on-demand courses, including Full Instructor Training, Trainee Licence Course, and ADI Standard Check course, we also offer different pricing packages from just £49.50 – matching the right course to suit you. There are no upfront fees either, so you have the flexibility to train your way.