To start with, here's a few abbreviations that you ought to know:

PDI (Potential Driving Instructor), what you become once you start your training.

ADI (Approved Driving Instructor), what you are aiming to become (i.e. fully qualified).

DSA (Driving Standards Agency) The people who conduct driving tests, etc.

S.E. (Senior Examiner) you'll be meeting the SE in due course!

Note: It is illegal to give driving instruction for money, or monies-worth unless the instructor is either a fully qualified instructor ADI, or a potential driving instructor PDI, AND has a valid licence issued by the DSA. You ARE allowed to teach someone though, if it is done completely without charge, including petrol costs. This is an important point because we can use this to help you get qualified cheaply.

The system

The road to becoming a fully qualified driving instructor is fairly straightforward.

Training companies will often make it seem harder in an effort to justify their large fees.

These are the facts:

The average pass rates for each test seem to remain at the same level each year, they are:

Part 1. 50 %
Part 2. 45 %
Part 3. 27 %

You apply for an ADI Starter pack from the DSA at a cost of £5. This pack contains the various forms that you will need, in order to book yourself in for the first of 3 qualifying exams.

Part 1. A computer-based theory and hazard perception test. Cost £80

Part 2. A practical driving test. Cost £99

Part 3. A test of your teaching ability. Cost £99

Pass all 3 tests and pay for your instructors licence, currently £300 for a 4 year licence.

That's a total of £583. Most training companies charge in excess of £2000 PLUS the test fees.

You can buy a CD-Rom pack from various places that will help you pass

the part 1 theory test for around £10. A copy of the Highway Code is just £2-50, or you can even view the most up-to-date version FREE online at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm

Just one more item that I would recommend is a book entitled 'Driving - The essential skills' which is sold for around £13, depending on where you buy it, or get a copy from your local library.

So, you are looking to invest a total of £600 in yourself, assuming that you pass each test first time.

For example, buy the starter pack, a copy of the Highway Code and a CD-Rom pack, pay the appropriate test fee and your total cost to pass Part 1 should be no more than £100.

Then move on to Part 2 when you are ready / can afford to do so.

The same again for Part 3. Remember £300 of that £600 investment is only paid once you have passed ALL the tests and are applying for your licence, also known as your 'Green Badge'.

Click the link and we will look at the requirements for the Part 1 exam