Step 1 – Check List
To become a Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in the UK, you must:
1. Have held a driving licence for at least 3 years
2. Be able to read a licence plate at 90 feet (27.5m) – glasses or contacts are OK
3. Have no more than 6 points on your licence
4. Allow the Government (DVSA) to complete Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check
Step 2 – Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Check
Next, you must obtain a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Number.
You can complete the application online by clicking here: online and register. You will need an email address and will be asked to create a password.
Or you can apply for this by calling GBOnline on 0845 251 5000 and complete the application form they send you in the post.
You will then need the following information:
- The organisation PIN of ‘105205’
- The ‘secret word’ which is ‘axis’
- The organisation name of ‘DVSA – PDI (PO)’
The application can take anything from 2- 6 weeks.
TMG will write to you enclosing your Disclosure Certificate which includes the Disclosure Number.
Step 3 – DVSA ADI 3
Once you have received your Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Number, you can now register as a PDI (Potential Driving Instructor) and receive your Personal Reference Number (PRN) needed to book your tests. To apply by post, complete your ADI3 (click here) and return to DVSA address on form. Or to apply online, click here: ONLINE. You will need the following information to complete your application:
- Your driving licence number
- Your Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Number and the date it was produced (unless you’ve been told not to get one yet)
- Details of any motoring or non-motoring offences, disqualifications from driving or of any court cases being brought against you
The DVSA will write to you to confirm your registration and PRN. The process can take approx 4-6 weeks. We would advise starting your studies ASAP and prepare for Part 1 whilst this process is being completed. You now have your DVSA PRN (personal reference number). You may now book your 1st test when ready.
Once we have accepted you on our training course, we guarantee you a franchised position with our driving school when qualified.
Rules for using your trainee licence
You must:
- Be a ‘fit and proper’ person
- Get the required amount of supervision or extra training while your licence is still valid
Displaying your licence
You must display your trainee licence on the nearside edge of the front windscreen of your car while you give driving lessons.
Where you train
Your trainee licence shows the name and address of your training establishment. You can only give instruction from there, so you cannot work independently, such as by setting up your own school.
You must not advertise yourself as an instructor. Any advertising your training establishment does must not make it seem like you’re a fully qualified instructor.
Changing your driving school
You must apply for a new trainee licence if you leave a driving school and join a new one. There’s no fee for doing this.
DVSA will send you a new licence showing the details of your new school. You should send your old licence to DVSA as soon as you get the new one.
You can still give driving lessons while you wait for your new licence.
When trainee licences can be taken away
The ADI registrar can take your trainee licence away before it runs out if:
- You break any of the rules for having a trainee licence
- The licence was issued by mistake or gained by fraud
- You fail 3 attempts at the ADI part 3 test
Not using your trainee licence
You should return your trainee licence to DVSA if you are not using it, for example because of a long period of illness.
You will not get a refund, but DVSA will know that you have not had full use of the licence. This will be a factor in deciding whether to give you another licence in future.
Lost or stolen licence
You should tell the police straight away if your licence is lost or stolen. They will give you a crime reference number.
You’ll have to pay £3 if you lose your licence or cannot give DVSA a crime reference number.
To get a replacement, email DVSA with the following:
- The crime reference number
- Your permission that DVSA can use your photocard driving licence photo or a previous photo they have on record
Approved Driving Instructor Registrar
padi@dvsa.gov.uk
DVSA will contact you to tell you how to pay.
