WHAT IN AN
APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

For someone to become a professional driving instructor they must first be trained by an instructor who is registered (by the Driving Standards Agency - DSA) to teach potential instructors.

The student instructor must then take and pass 3 tests - theory and practical (just like the rest of us, but much tougher) and finally a test to show how competent they are at teaching others to drive.

At the end of this final test the DSA examiner will give the instructor a grade from 1 to 6. 1 to 3 are unacceptable. 4 is "competent". 5 is "good". 6 is "very good".

Most instructors (over 50% of them) are grade 4 and this is the minimum you should be looking for in an instructor. Only about 5% ever achieve Grade 6.

Before they have passed their final test some potential instructors may be granted a licence to train so they can get some teaching experience.

They are described as a PDI - probationary or potential driving instructor.

Once they've passed their final test they will be described as an ADI - approved driving instructor.

When either of these is carrying out training for payment they must display the appropriate badge in the window of the car.

PDI Badge		ADI Badge

So you will be looking for the green badge in the window of your instructor's car.

Periodically, every 4 years or so, ADIs must take another test to show they are still competent to teach.

Not only do ADIs have to be skilled drivers and teachers, but they must also have nerves of steel, the patience of Job and a great sense of humour!!