Get started on your journey to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor with Empathetic Driving School.
Our comprehensive training program offers you all the expertise and support you need. Please see the description below for full details of your course.
£299.99 / month for 6 months
Get started on your journey to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor with Empathetic Driving School.
Our comprehensive training program offers you all the expertise and support you need.
Please see the description below for full details of your course.
ADI Part 1 – Theory
ADI Part 2 – Driving
ADI Part 3 – Teaching
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Imagine a career where you decide when you work, how much you work, and what you earn. Becoming a driving instructor puts you in control, giving you the freedom to create the perfect work-life balance while helping others achieve a life-changing skill.
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At Empathetic Driving School, we understand that flexibility and financial security are top priorities for anyone considering this profession. And with demand for driving lessons higher than ever, there’s never been a better time to get started.
More people are learning to drive than ever before, increasing demand for professional, skilled instructors. This gives you the power to set your own lesson prices and shape your career on your terms. People from all walks of life are making the switch, including teachers, delivery drivers, taxi drivers, bus and lorry drivers, ex-police officers, and armed forces personnel. They’re drawn to the financial rewards, flexibility, and job satisfaction that come with this role.
Few careers offer the same level of personal satisfaction as being a driving instructor. Seeing your pupils grow in confidence, develop life-changing skills, and pass their tests—knowing you played a key
At Empathetic Driving School, we provide expert training, ongoing support, and the tools you need to become a qualified instructor, build a successful business, and gain the freedom to work on your own terms.
Start your journey today. A rewarding and flexible career as a driving instructor is waiting for you.
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With more than 25 years’ experience in training driving instructors, you are in safe hands. Your training course has been developed by award-winning trainers with the experience to guide you through your qualification with ease.
Running trainers with the experience to guide you through your qualification with ease.
Empathetic Driving School is an established and trusted name within our industry, known for delivering quality and value for money training courses at every level. We are members of the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council and The Driving Instructors Association.
Our courses are used by independent driving instructor trainers and driving schools across England and Scotland. We are renowned for our online resources, allowing trainees to access training at any time.
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To become an Approved Driving Instructor, you need to be able to answer YES to all the following:
If you can fulfil all these minimum requirements, then there should be nothing to stop you becoming a fully qualified Driving Instructor.
Find the best training course for you. Not all training courses are the same so do your research and choose the best fit. Once you have booked your course you should be guided through the process by your training provider but if not, here is the process.
No. You must already have registered with the DVSA before booking an ADI part 1 theory test.
Anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on your work and family commitments. Most people train and qualify in around 9 to 12 months.
A full-time driving instructor delivering 35 hours of driving lessons a week with four weeks off a year should earn around £40,000 per annum after business costs.
Training courses can vary in cost from around £1000 up to £4000. The cheapest courses normally involve you signing a 12-month franchise contract which can cost you more in the long run.
The quickest way of getting on the road as a driving instructor is to take your training as an intensive course. Passing your part 1 and part 2 tests as soon as possible and then taking your 40 hours of part 3 training. You can then start giving paid instruction on a trainee licence which is issued by the DVSA. You must apply for the licence.
A trainee licence is a 6-month licence that you can apply for once you have passed your part 2 driving test and have completed 40 hours of part 3 training. This allows you to charge for giving tuition to gain experience before taking your part 3 test of instructional ability.
No. You must be sponsored by a driving school. There must be at least as many fully qualified driving instructors in that school as they have trainee licence holders. (PDIs)
Yes. You are required to have a further 20 hours of part 3 training within the first 3 months of your trainee licence or have a fully qualified ADI sit in on 20% of the lessons you give. Due to the cost of the ADI sitting in option, almost all trainees opt for the 20 hours extra training.
No. You can train and then take a pupil to your part 3 test. You must not charge your pupil for the lesson or any lesson you give them until you have qualified.
No. You must not charge any money whatsoever if you don’t hold a trainee or full licence to instruct.
No, all driving instructors are self employed. We can help you with how to get set up as self employed
Part 1 Theory Test – £81.00 Part 2 Driving Test – £111.00 Part 3 Teaching Ability Test – £111.00
You have choices, you could buy our course upfront, or you can spread the cost on our current payment plan. All extra training is available to buy on a pay-as-you-go basis when you need it.
It is possible to complete the training without reading the recommended books. We would strongly advise against this as the books are valuable training material.
It is possible to train without in-car training, but it is unlikely you will reach the standard required to qualify. In-car training is vital to your success.
A trainee licence is a six-month licence granted by the DVSA allowing you to teach for payment to practice and hone your skills before taking a part 3 test of teaching ability.
Yes but there are rules attached. You must have passed your Part 1 Theory Test, Part 2 Driving Ability Test and completed 40 hours of Part 3 training signed by yourself and your trainer on a form called the ADI21T. All your 40 hours of training must have taken place no more than six-months before you apply for your trainee licence.
Yes. You must complete a further 20 hours of face to face training within the first 3 months of your licence or have an ADI sit in on 20% of your lessons throughout the whole of your time on a trainee licence. Most trainees opt for the 20 hours training and the hours must be signed off by you and your trainer responsible for your training on the form ADI21AT. You must then send this form to the DVSA and immediately book a part 3 teaching ability test. Following the end of the first 3 months of your licence you must take an extra five hours of face to face training and the same if you fail an attempt at your part 3 test, before your take another attempt. Like your 20 hours, you must record these hours on another ADI21AT form and send to the DVSA.
Yes. We have a payment plan. Please ask what we are currently offering.
There are very fair terms and conditions you must sign digitally before you can buy the course. This protects both you the trainee and us, so both parties understand their responsibilities and the time frames training is available.
Toggle All in-car training must be taken within 12 months of purchase. We will consider any extenuating circumstances and may extend this 12-month period if appropriate.
*Based on our average pass rate in the previous 12 months in relation to the UK national pass rate.
© Copyright 2025 Becky Seaton T/A Empathetic Driving School