How Do You Qualify to be a Driving Instructor?

The first step in qualifying to become a driving instructor is to check whether you meet the minimum requirements to apply. To apply to the DVSA to become a driving instructor, you need to:

• Have a full driving licence
• Be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Have good eyesight (either with or without corrective glasses or contact lenses)

If you meet these requirements, you can apply to become a driving instructor. The application process also requires you to take a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). For further details on the minimum requirements and the application process, see requirements for becoming a driving instructor. If your application is successful, you’ll then become eligible to begin the driving instructor examination process.

Driving Instructor Examination Structure

Once you have passed the DVSA application process, you can begin training to become a driving instructor. To qualify to become a driving instructor, you need to pass three exams in the following sequence:

1. Part 1: The theory and hazard perception test
2. Part 2: Eyesight test and practical driving test
3. Part 3: A test of your ability to give driving instruction

From the date that you passed the Part 1 theory and hazard perception test, you will have two years in which to pass the Part 2 and Part 3 practical tests.

The Part 1 theory and hazard perception test is divided into two sections; the theory section and the hazard section. Both sections must be passed on the same occasion in order to pass the Part 1 theory and hazard perception test. You can take the Part 1 test as many times as you wish until you pass, however, in Northern Ireland, there’s a limit to three attempts.

For the Part 2 and Part 3 practical tests, as with Northern Ireland, there’s a limit to three attempts only. If you fail the Part 1 (Northern Ireland), Part 2 or Part 3 three times, you’ll need to wait two years from the date that you passed the Part 1 test before starting again from the beginning.