TRAIN TO BE A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Why choose Training Wheelz?
- 'Pay-as-you-go training - no hefty up front fees
- Train at a pace suited to you
- Experienced Grade A ORDIT registered trainers
- All in-car training is on a 1:1 basis - no sharing your time with another trainee
- We offer 'integrated' training with all three parts of the qualifying process included in any training session. This accelerates your learning as well as the time it can take to qualify
- FREE access to Theory Test Pro to help prepare for your Part 1 test
- Training support materials from Go Green Instructor Training
- Option to join the Training Wheelz franchise on qualifying (no automatic or long-term tie-in).
How do I become a driving instructor?
You need to have held your licence for a minimum of 3 years and be at least 21 years old.
To begin you apply to the DVSA. This involves getting a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. This used to be called a Criminal Records check.
Once you have this you can then apply for your PRN - this is your ADI number.
You are then ready to start your training!
Integrated training - what does this mean?
We firmly believe in integrating all three parts of the training process. This means we will not wait for you to pass Part 1 (theory test) before moving on to parts 2 and 3 (driving test and test of instructional ability).
By integrating all three parts this we firmly believe it will make you a much better instructor as you will have a full understanding of how the three parts are inter-linked.
The other advantage to this method is that you are likely to take less time to be ready for each test!
The three qualifying tests
Part 1 - Theory test
There are two parts to this - multiple choice questions and hazard perception.
Multiple Choice - 100 questions that are split into 4 categories of 25 questions in each category. The categories are:
- road procedure
- traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- driving test, disabilities, and the law
- publications and instructional techniques
You have to score 85% overall with a minimum of 20/25 in each category
Hazard Perception
There are 14 video clips. They feature everyday road scenes and contain at least one developing hazard - but one of the clips features 2 developing hazards.
A developing hazard is one that is about to occur and the scoring window opens as this happens. If you click as this occurs you will score 5, gradually reducing to zero. You need to score a minimum of 57/75 to pass this section.
You have to pass both sections at the same test sitting to pass.
Part 2 - Driving test
You will be expected to drive to a very high standard. The senior examiner in Exeter likens this to being a professional driver and you are taking a business person to a meeting. They want to arrive on time without feeling rushed.
You would be expected to make good progress - this can involve driving up to the speed limit (when appropriate), using the right hand lane when it is clearer that the left lane, applying cruise control (if fitted to your car). You need to show good forward planning and anticipation.
Before the test starts you will be required to read a registration plate at a distance of 26.5 metres for a newer style number plate and 27.5 metres for the older style.
You will then be asked three 'tell me ' questions. There will be two 'show me' questions while you are driving.
You will be required to perform two reversing exercises and there will be about 20 minutes of independent driving, probably following a satnav but possibly following road signs
You are allowed a maximum of 6 driving faults in order to pass.
Part 3 - Instructional Ability
This test lasts for about 45 minutes and you will conduct a client-centred lesson with a pupil. There are 17 marking points split into three areas:
- lesson planning
- risk management
- teaching and learning strategies
Whilst this can seem to a very daunting task, your training with Christie or Kevin will provide you with the skills to be successful in each part of the qualifying process.
Reviews
"The support during your training and after is second to none"
I started my instructor training with a big national company as they offered a very good package and a car. It was the car that initially drew me to them. But over the weeks it soon became clear that I wasn’t getting the training that I had paid for and it was going to take far longer to train than I had anticipated.
I contacted Kevin at Training Wheelz to see if there was any way he could help.
We had a chat and came up with a plan. We did an assessment drive to see what I needed to work on for my part 2. Kevin has a mind of very useful information and has very good knowledge of the area. Whilst working on part 2 he also intergrated some part 3 training. I took the route of training on a pink licence which enabled me to earn while learning. I could contact Kevin at any time during the day or evening with any questions or concerns and he was always super quick at getting back to me. I wanted to qualify as soon as possible and Kevin was happy to help. I am now a fully qualified driving instructor with Training Wheelz. I would highly recommend Training Wheelz if you are considering a career as an instructor. The support during your training and after is second to none. Couldn’t of done it without the support of an amazing instructor.
Vicki, Honiton
"Kevin and Christie add so much value"
If you are thinking of becoming a Driving Instructor (DI) and don't know where to start then you are in the same boat I found myself in a couple of years ago. I took redundancy after working for 20 years in an office environment.
I decided to become a DI for a number of reasons, my next door neighbour was a DI and he recommended it, I did not want to return to an office type role and I wanted more freedom and flexibility and I also wanted to be my own boss. After a quick google search I contacted one of the big driving schools who could not do enough for me, until that is I paid for the training after which I felt like I had been abandoned. Dates for training were cancelled without consultation and I became despondent and asked for a refund. I then got in touch with Training Wheelz via a mutual friend who had also trained to become a DI with Training Wheelz. Within 7 days I had my first training session with Christie and from then on my training was smooth sailing. Christie trained me for my Part 2 & 3 steadily building my skills and knowledge until I successfully passed my Part 3.
I am now a fully qualified ADI. Both Kevin and Christie have years of experience not only as Driving Instructors but as trainers to potential Driving Instructors. They are also on hand if you have concerns (which you will as you begin your journey to becoming a Driving instructor) From my experience I didn't feel that same sort of relationship existed with the bigger driving schools and it is this key difference where Kevin and Christie add so much value.
If you are thinking of becoming a Driving Instructor then contact Kevin or Christie at Training Wheels, you won't regret it.
Jason, Exeter
Kevin and Christie were incredibly effective in showing me what I could do ...Very calm and enjoyable training.
I can't thank them enough!
This could soon be you!