If you fancy a change of career or are just looking to do something a little different then you may have considered driving instructor training. Read on to see if you have what it takes to get the next generation of drivers on the road safely.

Legal Requirements for a Driving Instructor

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) requires each applicant to satisfy the following. You must:

• Be a holder of a full UK unrestricted driving license. If you hold an EU driving license, following Brexit, you will be required to apply to register your non-GB driving licence in the UK
• Have held your driving licence for a minimum of four years out of the last six
• Not have received a disqualification from driving at any point in the four years prior to making your application. Any convictions that you hold (both motoring and non-motoring) will be considered by the DSA when you apply to go on the register. It will also be necessary to have an enhanced level criminal activity check, to assess your suitability to be an instructor
• Be fit and healthy – this may seem a little bit vague so if you are unsure you could check when registering
• Be over 21 years of age

What qualifications do I need?

In order to qualify as a driving instructor there are three exams that you will need to take. They need to be taken in the right order. You will need to pass the second and third exams within two years of passing the first one, otherwise you will need to start the qualification process again. The theory test can be taken as many times as you like; however, you must pass the practical tests by your third attempt.

The exams are:

·       Part 1 – theory and hazard perception test – this part is like the theory test for a learner driver but more in depth

·       Part 2 – a practical test of your ability to drive – like the learner driver practical but again you will be expected to show greater knowledge

·       Part 3 – a practical test of your ability to instruct – the examiner will observe you teaching a pupil how to drive

How long does the process take?

It is entirely possible to pass all three exams in a short space of time, as little as three months, however it is more usual for the qualification process to take between six to twelve months, especially if the person is still doing another job. However long it takes, it could be a wise move to start your driving instructor training with a well-established company, in order for you to be confident in your ability to provide a great learning experience for new drivers.

If you have just booked your first driving lesson, you are probably a little bit nervous. But don’t worry; you will not be the first beginner your driving instructor will have seen who is nervous. In fact, being nervous is perfectly normal when it comes to driving lessons for beginners.

A good driving instructor will take a little bit of time to get to know you so that they can help you get the most from your lessons.

Before you start

Don’t be late for your lesson. After all, you are paying for the time, so it’s important to make the most of it. Remember that your driving instructor will need to check you can drive so they will need to see your provisional driving licence at your first lesson.

The vehicle

It is usual for your driving instructor to pick you up from your place of work, or your home in the car that will be being used for your lessons. These cars have dual controls so that the instructor can keep you both safe when you are behind the wheel.

Do not expect too much driving to take place during your first lesson, and you are unlikely to be doing anything fancy such as reversing round corners. Learning to drive a car requires concentration and a good knowledge of your vehicle so your first lesson is likely to focus on familiarising yourself with the controls in the car and what they all do.

Getting behind the wheel

Once you have been taken through the basics, your driving instructor will take you to some quieter roads and you are likely to get a chance behind the wheel. Whilst you may not spend a long time driving during your first lesson, it is important that having learnt about the different controls in the car you get a chance to put the theory side into practice.

Your instructor will go at a pace that suits you so what you do will depend entirely on how comfortable you are. You are, however, likely to have a chance to try moving off and getting ready to use your gear, clutch control and seeing if you can find the biting point (this can take a while for some people), checking your mirrors, signalling, practising gear changes, and of course stopping the car.

Don’t worry if you don’t take everything in

Don’t be disheartened if you struggle with your first lesson; it can take a few lessons before some drivers feel comfortable behind the wheel. Your instructor will not move to the next step until you are ready to move forward and really get into the swing of things.

The country may be in lockdown once again but that is no reason to stop thinking about how to approach your driving, once lessons can restart. Before you book your first driving lessons for beginners you need to put yourself in a positive frame of mind and put in place a to-do list of resolutions.

Increase Your Confidence

This is easier said than done you may think. Most new drivers worry about certain driving scenarios, such as hearing emergency vehicle sirens or doing an emergency stop for example, and become anxious about how they’ll cope. As you drive more your confidence will naturally increase but if you are unable to start your lessons there are still things you can do to build up your confidence.

Start Talking!

Start by talking to the most experienced driver you know and ask them questions about the issues which bother you the most. They will be only too happy to pass on their knowledge.

Keep in Touch with Your Driving School

Your chosen instructor will be happy to speak to you about any worries or concerns you may have about your lessons and will do their best to calm your nerves. After all, they want you to be enthusiastic about learning to drive and want you to be able to pass your test.

Be Calm Behind the Wheel

This is one resolution which you must pay extra attention to as a driver who is prone to losing their cool on the road is one who will make the most mistakes and endanger other motorists. Nobody wants to see a learner exhibiting road rage and neither will it get you any closer to passing your test. 

Practise a drill for when you can get behind the wheel: depending on the weather of course, plan what you’re going to wear when you drive. Bulky clothing and inappropriate footwear can make you feel flustered and uncomfortable so wear something loose and comfortable with flat shoes.

Learn some calming breathing exercises if you’re worried about losing your cool.

Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre

Driving well means sticking to the routines taught by your instructor. Get into the habit of checking your mirrors not only before any manoeuvre but also periodically while driving. Being alert to what’s around you will save you from potential test failure.

Finally, trust in your instructor. Choose one who you get on well with and who inspires your confidence and calms your nerves and you will learn to be a safe, competent and confident driver. 

For many new drivers the thought of driving in icy or snowy conditions strikes terror into the heart but fear not because with the right Beverly Slater driving instructor by your side you will learn how to cope with winter conditions. Here are some tips on how to drive safely in icy weather conditions.

Lesson 1 – Be Prepared

Every motoring organisation will say that you must always be prepared for every eventuality whilst driving. Wear warm, non-restrictive clothing and footwear. If using your own vehicle for driving lessons have a blanket, shovel and flask of warm drink handy in case you get stuck for any length of time. Keep a burlap sack or old rug handy in case you get stuck in the snow; you can put this under the wheel to give tyres extra grip. 

Before Setting Off

Make sure all mirrors and windows of your car are fully de-iced and cleared of snow. Ensure your windscreen washer jets are unblocked and all the exterior lights are working. Familiarise yourself with the heating and de-misting controls inside the car. Give yourself plenty of extra time to do this. Only set off when you have full clear vision through windows and mirrors. If you’re learning in an automatic car pay attention to any instructions concerning your vehicle’s recommended winter settings.

Driving on Snow or Ice

The key here is to do things more slowly and carefully; this means no hard accelerating or sudden braking as the car will fail to grip and may slide on ice. Pull away in second gear rather than first to avoid wheel spin and move off slowly.

Heavy braking, sudden gear changes or upward changes in speed may cause a loss of control so avoid these and remember that you’ll need to gently apply the brake much sooner than you normally would when approaching a junction or crossroads.

When driving downhill, leave more room than usual between you and the vehicle in front and use a low gear to utilise the car’s natural engine braking. If driving up a snowy incline allow the car in front of you some room to get out of the way; use a low gear and try to keep to a constant speed rather than accelerating to avoid having to stop part of the way up.

Driving in winter conditions is made much easier when you learn with an approved driving instructor because they are always prepared for whatever the weather throws at us and will be a calming and experienced presence to guide you through tricky conditions. Ensuring that you drive safely and happily.