The Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an executive agency of the Department of Transport. In respect to
driver training the agency is responsible for conducting all theory and practical driving tests in Great Britain and
has the responsibility for maintaining the Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and the Official Register
of Driving Instructor Trainers (ORDIT).
It is illegal for anyone to charge for driving tuition unless their name is on the Register of ADIs or they are
licenced as part of the Trainee Licence scheme. To become an ADI you need to pass the DVSA ADI qualifying
examination and meet certain minimum legal requirements. You must:
1. Hold a full UK or EEA unrestricted car driving licence;
2. Be aged 21. You can start the qualifying process 6 months before your 21st birthday. You must have had your full
licence for at least 3 years to supervise a learner driver.
3. Have held your licence for at least 2.5 years prior to entering the Register after qualifying;
4. Not have been disqualified from driving at any time in the 4 years prior to being entered in the Register;
5. Be a ‘fit and proper’ person to have your name entered in the Register. All convictions, motoring or
non-motoring still in force will be taken into account by the DVSA before allowing you on the Register and from
experience we know that anyone with 6 or more points on their licence within the last 4 years prior to entry on the
Register is likely to be rejected. You will need to apply for a DBS check as part of this process.
Remember the DVSA are the sole decision maker on who can and who can't train to become a driving instructor.
You should also ensure you can read a number plate in good daylight at a distance of 27.5 metres or 26.5 metres
depending on the width of the lettering (with glasses if normally worn for driving) as this will be checked on Part
2 of the qualifying examination. On the normal driving test you need only read a number plate at 20.5 metres or 20
metres depending on the width of the lettering.
Please also note that on the Part 2 driving test you must be able to take rear observations by looking round when
reversing without heavy dependency on the mirrors. So if you have minimal neck movement this will need to be checked
before you start, since you are not allowed additional mirrors as on the ordinary driving test.
Theo
Trying to find the most suitable driving instructor training company quickly developed into a minefield of people asking me to sign contracts and sign cheques. I'm glad that I chose LDC because I had excellent training through out my course. The exams were not easy but with encouragement, good training and course material, I was successful and passed all three parts on my first attempts.
LDC is a very professional company who I found very genuine in their quest in helping me qualify. I couldn't have done it without them.
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Mike
Having decided I wanted to train as a Driving Instructor I set about researching the various courses available. LDC always seemed to be well thought of. From the first time I contacted them, I knew I had made the right decision. Everyone I spoke to was so helpful and seemed genuinely interested in me and not just a course fee.
When the training materials arrived I was shocked at the amount of work I would have to be putting in. It all became worth it though when I passed Parts 1, 2 & 3 first time. I believe if it wasn't for the training materials, support from the training department and my excellent local LDC Tutor I would never have accomplished this. They always seem to have an interest in how their instructors are doing and are always willing to help.
When I signed up for the franchise the best thing was the continuing support. I felt like I was prepared for anything by the time I was setting out to meet my first paying pupil. I have also received help to start growing my business. Just to have experienced, knowledgeable people to speak to is of great comfort. LDC are always very professional, competent and friendly.
I am now doing a job that I love and I can't wait every day to get to work and see how each pupil will progress. A great job coupled with a great company behind me.
The best decision I have ever made...Thank You LDC!
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Innes
I chose LDC because they have a different outlook to any other driving school. They had a genuine interest in me and my business (to be the best). I found the unique LDC instructor training system worked very well combining plenty of home study with a very high standard of training that I received from my tutor. The support from the training team was fantastic always there whenever I need them guiding me through any problems that I had every step of the way, and still are. Thanks LDC.
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