Before changing your career to become a driving instructor, ensure you meet the legal requirements set by the DVlA.

1. Key requirements include:

1.You hold a Full, up-to-date valid driving licence for over 3 years.

2.You must have less than 6 points on your driving licence.

3.You cannot become an ADI (approved driving instructor) if you have been banned (disqualified) from driving in the last 4 years.

4.You are over the age of 21.

5.You are medically fit to drive and that your eyesight meets the standard for driving, (be able to read a license plate from 65 feet)

6. You will be required to have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

It is unlikely that you’ll be classed as a ‘fit and proper’ person and therefore will be unable to become a Driving Instructor if you’ve been found guilty of:

1. Driving whilst disqualified

2. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs

3. Dangerous driving

4. Driving without due care and attention

5. Failing to stop after an accident.

6. Failing to give information as to the identity of the driver.

7. Driving without insurance

8. Driving while using a hand-held mobile phone

9. Excessive speeding

*The ADI Registrar has refused applications or removed an ADI from the register when they’ve had 5 or more penalty points within the last 3 years under the ‘totting up’ rules.*

2.  Non-motoring offences:

 You’re unlikely to be ‘fit and proper’ and therefore, will be unable to become a Driving Instructor if you’ve been cautioned for or convicted of:

1. Sexual assault - in particular, offences involving pupils.

2. Making, possessing, or distributing indecent or pornographic images

3. An offence of a sexual nature involving children

4. Perverting the course of justice

5. Assault

6. Possession or supply of drugs

7. Fraud - in particular, offences involving illegal driving instruction.

8. Theft - in particular, offences involving the theft of tuition fees.

9. Any court judgements against you for failing to provide lessons for which you have been paid.

10. Been placed on the sex offenders register.

11. Been banned or barred from working with children under 18 years of age