Becoming a Driving Instructor

The RSA have prepared a qualification process for persons who want to become driving instructors. Passing/gaining exemption from all stages of the qualification process will entitle a person to have his/her name entered on the ADI Register. Each stage of the qualification process will have to be passed before going to the next stage.

Stage one is a theory test, stage two is a test of driving ability and stage three is a test of instruction ability.

Part 1 – Theory Test
The purpose of this test is to examine knowledge of the Rules of the Road as well as general road safety and driving instruction matters. The structure of the test is similar in format to the existing theory test for learner drivers. There will be varying number of questions depending on the categories of instruction being applied for. The applicant must pass Stage 1 – Theory Test before they can continue to Stage two and three. The number of attempts permitted for the Theory Test is not restricted. All three parts of the examination process must be completed within two years of successfully completing the

Part 2 – Driving Test
Having successfully completed the theory test, stage two will assess driving/riding ability. Driving competence will be assessed against a longer more comprehensive driving test to that which applies to a learner driver. The test will last approximately one to one and a half hours depending on the number of categories being applied for and will cover 25-30 kilometres. In order to pass the test the applicant will have to incur less than three driving faults under a particular heading e.g. observation, less than five driving faults during the entiretest, and zero disqualifying faults.

Part 3 – Instruction Ability Test
Stage three examines the ability of the ADI candidate to deliver tuition/coaching to the novice driver relevant to the level of skill and experience of the driver. The RSA examiner will take you through the administrative procedures before accompanying you to your vehicle. S/he will then explain the format of the test and explain that s/he will be adopting the role of a learner driver under instruction. Once in role the examiner will stay in role until that phase of the test is over (the examiner will tell you when the phase is complete and s/he is coming out of role). If an emergency arises during the test the examiner will immediately come out of role.

There are two phases to the instruction ability test. Phase 1 will examine ability to instruct at an appropriate level for a beginner.  Phase two will also examine the aspects above, however the expected level of delivery will be at the level of learner (driving test standard) driver.  The examiner will give you a few moments between phases to gather your thoughts and prepare your lesson plan for the second phase.

Call us now to find out more at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin),
+44 (0)28 9072 6101 (Belfast) or (074) 91 51212 (Donegal).