Driving Instructor Training - Requirements..
DSA Requirements
Not everyone can become a driving instructor.
You must..
* hold a full UK or European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) unrestricted car driving licence
* have held it for a total of at least four out the past six years prior to entering the Register after qualifying, but; a foreign driving licence, an automatic car driving licence or a provisional licence held after passing the driving test, all count towards the four years.
* not have been disqualified from driving at any time in the four years prior to being entered in the register
* be a fit and proper person to have your name entered in the Register. All convictions, including motoring offences will be taken into account when assessing your suitability to be entered in the Register. All applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.
* pass the Register qualifying examinations and register within 12 months of doing so
* In addition you should be aware that you cannot accompany a person to drive unless you have held a full UK or EU/EEA driving licence for three years and must be aged 21 or more, a foreign full licence will count towards this three year period but it must be a foreign licence that is accepted under the 'exchange' scheme.
* be able to read a vehicle number plate at 90 feet / 27.5 metres, with your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
You Should;
* hold a clean licence, although few penalty points are unlikely to affect your application. Spent penalty points are not included.
* not have any current non-motoring convictions, although motoring convictions will also be taken into account
but..
each application will be viewed individually by the DSA.
Your Personal Requirements
Ask yourself.. 'Am I driving instructor material?'
You do not have to be the best driver in the world.
Our sound thorough training will raise you to the advanced standard required.
You should be able to display restraint and patience with other road users, particularly when they make mistakes. To lose patience when a pupil makes a mistake will only compound the problem.
Whilst your driving ability is one consideration that must be taken into account, a more important factor is your personality. For example, some drivers can not bear the thought of someone crunching through their precious gears. You need to be of a tolerant nature.
You need to be interested in people. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be a socialite. You will be working one to one with people, so the ability to communicate and maintain rapport is essential. A calm personality helps - you will have nervous learners to deal with !
If you meet all of these requirements - then a career in driving instruction could be the best thing you ever do!
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