THE EXAMINATION PROCESS AND TRAINING GIVEN:

The qualifying examination to become a driving instructor is in three parts. The exams are conducted by the Driving Standards Agency. We will give you complete training for each part.

Part one – the theory test

The first part of the theory test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes. You must get 85% to pass. These questions will test your knowledge on a variety of subjects; these are: Road Procedure, Car Control, Mechanical Principles, Pedestrians, Traffic Signs, The Driving Test, Disabilities, The Law and Instructional Techniques.

To prepare you for these multiple-choice questions we will guide you through a structured revision plan which includes home study as well as tutorial sessions at our office. We will provide you with all the necessary books and publications you need to prepare for the theory test.

Directly after the multiple choice questions will be a separate hazard perception test which will last about 15 minutes. This consists of 14 video clips featuring a variety of different road and traffic conditions. The video footage on the computer screen is similar to the view out of your windscreen when you are driving. You will be asked to respond, by pressing a mouse button, as soon as you recognise from the clues that a hazard may develop which might result in the driver of the vehicle having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. To prepare you for this part of the test we will give you a hazard perception tutorial session at our office where we will brief you about the hazard percetion test and then coach you through hazard perception clips on one of our computers.

You are allowed as many attempts as is necessary to pass the theory test, but with plenty of effort and dedication you should pass on your first attempt.

Watch the following video for more information about this test:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldL-Mdkp-aE&feature=channel

Part two – test of driving ability.

This is a practical test of driving ability lasting one hour. It is an advanced driving test where you must demonstrate a very high level of competence. You must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety and that you can apply them in practice. You must prove you can drive as close to perfection as is possible. If you are committing driving faults during this test the examiner will not consider you capable to teach learner drivers. After all, if you can’t drive correctly how will you be able to teach other people how to drive? Again, we will provide full training to prepare you for this test and this usually takes about 9 hours. If more than 9 hours is required then it will be provided. You will only be allowed three attempts to pass this test.

Watch the following video for more information about this test:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jfef9d-K5k&feature=channel

Part three – test of instructional ability.

The objective of this test is to assess the value of the instruction you give and your ability to pass on your knowledge to your pupil. The test is in two parts, each lasting about 30 minutes. You will be asked to give instruction to a Driving Standards Agency (DSA) examiner who will role-play the part of a learner driver. In the first part of the test he will take on the role of a beginer or a novice pupil. In the second part of the test the examiner will role-play a pupil at about test standard or a full licence holder requiring some 'brush-up' lessons.

The training for this is in three stages. Firstly, there will be classroom sessions and practical demonstrations covering the theory behind this test. Secondly, you will be issued with audio CD’s and a presentation folder containing lesson plans and lesson briefings relating to the lessons you could be asked to teach on the test. You will need to spend many hours of home study learning these briefings. Thirdly, there will be around 35 hours in-car practical training where we will role-play the lessons you could be asked to teach on the day of the test. The training we provide is very thorough and our aim is to train you be be a fully rounded driving instructor. Again, only three attempts are allowed to pass this test. If you are unsuccessful on any of these tests then we will provide extra training as is necessary to help you prepare for your next attempt.

Watch the following video for more information about this test:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sglivbzKMIQ&feature=channel


Times of training.

We deliver driving instructor training Monday - Friday in the daytime. Most people who have a full time job are prepared to use some holiday time for their training.

You will come to our office for all your training sessions. We are based in Mansfield Woodhouse, near Mansfield (Nottinghamshire).


How long will the training last?

We can't say for certain because this depends on your ability and the time you have to dedicate to the course. But as a guide: If you dedicate yourself to the course full-time then from start to finish you could complete the course in 4 or 5 months. If you have a part-time job, but still have several spare hours per week to commit to the course then you could complete the course in 6 or 7 months. If you have a full-time job then it will probably take you about a year to complete the training. This is a rough guide as to how long it could take you.


Earning potential

The average driving instructor working a 40-hour week will earn about £600 per week. This is a great job and you will be rewarded both financially and in terms of job satisfaction.


What to do next....

If you're interested in becoming a driving instructor the best thing to do is arrange an appointment and come and have a chat with us. Phone: 01623 640011

For more information about becoming a driving instructor click on the following link:

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1082103911