How to Train to Be a Driving Instructor

However, the path to becoming a driving instructor is trickier than it seems, and those interested in becoming one need to take a well-defined course of action. This starts with meeting initial requirements and extends to undertaking specialised courses.  

If you are also looking to become a driving instructor, this article delves into the requirements for becoming one. 

What Is The Prime Responsibility Of A Driving Instructor?

The prime responsibility of a driving instructor is to teach interested candidates to drive confidently and safely. This involves knowledge related to:

• Road laws;
• Safety regulations;
• Best practices.

Traits Of A Good Driving Instructor

Not everyone is well suited to becoming a good driving instructor. Some of the necessary traits required for becoming a successful driving instructor include:

• Patience;
• Good communication skills;
• Passion for teaching.

What Are The Prerequisites For Becoming A Driving Instructor?

Like all other skills, there are some prerequisites for becoming a driving instructor, which include:

• Age & Experience

Your age must be at least 21 and you should have a valid driving licence for a minimum of three years.

• Clean Driving Record

You should have a clean driving record with no major traffic violations or criminal records.

• Medical Fitness

You need to be medically fit and may require a medical test proving that you are fit to teach driving. 

Training Process To Be A Good Driving Instructor

Now that you are aware of the traits and the prerequisites of a driving instructor, let’s look at the training process to be a good driving instructor.

Selecting The Right Course

With so many options available out there, it is more important than ever before to choose a course that meets your needs and requirements.

Choosing a renowned course that covers all the important aspects of the profession can pay dividends. 

Always choose a course that has been accredited by recognized bodies like the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or any other body in your country. 

Theory Training

Having extensive theoretical knowledge is critical to becoming a good driving instructor. This includes several aspects such as:

• Understanding the road rules and regulations;
• Learning how to assess others;
• Knowing how to improve student performance.

Candidates need to pass a theory test, which comprises:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs);
• Hazard Perception Test.

Practical Training

If you want to become a good driving instructor, there is no alternative to practical training.

Therefore, you need to improve your driving skills to a higher standard. But that is not all, as a driving instructor, you should also be aware of how to teach these skills to others. So, the key focus areas include:

• Defensive driving;
• Learning advanced driving techniques;
• Adopting different strategies for different drivers. 

Passing The Tests

If you want to become a professional driving instructor, you need to pass a series of driving tests which include:

Theory Test

As the name gives away, this test assesses your theoretical knowledge related to:

• Driving laws;
• Teaching techniques;
• Road safety.

Driving Ability Test

In this test, you need to demonstrate your driving skills and need to prove that they are at an advanced level.

Instructional Ability Test

As a professional driving instructor, you have to teach other drivers. So, in this test, you are assessed as to how good you are at effectively teaching other drivers.

Continuous Professional Development

Even when you have become a professional driving instructor, the journey is not over and you need to undergo continuous professional development. For this purpose, refresher courses and workshops are quite effective. 

Challenges To Consider

While becoming a professional driving instructor seems like a rewarding choice, it has a few challenges as well, which include:

• High Responsibility

You are fully responsible for ensuring the safety of the learners and that of others on the road.

• Requirement Of Continuous Learning

As a professional driving instructor, you need to undergo continuous learning throughout your career path.

• Patience & Adaptability

Every learner is unique and thus professional driving instructors need to be patient and they also need to adapt to the requirements of the learners.

Final Verdict

If you are interested in becoming a professional driving instructor, following a proper training path can help you reach your destination much more easily.