Thinking of becoming a driving instructor?

Driving Instructors are licensed by the Driver Vehicle Agency of Northern Ireland which is linked to the Driving Standards Agency.  All are Government bodies.

To become a Driving Instructor three examinations must be passed:

1. A theory test which has two parts.  The first is an extended multiple choice question paper similar to the standard driving test examination but with more questions and more subject areas.  The second part is the Hazard Perception Test which is the same as the standard test for learner drivers but  57 or higher out of the possible 75 must be scored to pass.
2. An extended Driving Test which lasts up to an hour and covers driving on all types of roads including motorways and all the manoeuvres that could be taught.  Only 6 minor faults are allowed.
3. A test of Instructional techniques.  This has two parts.  The first is giving a driving lesson to an inexperienced student and the second is giving tuition to a more experienced learner.

Up to 3 attempts are allowed at each examination and up to 2 years to complete the process from the date of the first test.  After passing the first two exams and a period of training an instructor can teach for a limited time as a Provisional Driving Instructor and when the final exam is passed they become an Approved Driving Instructor.

The examinations are all controlled by the Driver Vehicle Agency.  On completion an instructor’s licence is given which must be displayed when giving instruction.

There are regular check tests of all instructors to ensure standards are kept to.

Further information can be found on the DVA web site at www.dvani.gov.uk.

There are a number of specialist trainers able to help with preparing for and passing the exams.  Yellow Pages shows a number.

Ballymena North offers any aspiring driving instructors the opportunity to talk through the process with a fully qualified instructor who will do their best to answer all questions about the training and what it is like as a job.  This is free and without obligation on either side.