Driving instructor training since 1996
About the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the exam process
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is part of the Department for Transport (DfT). Its motto is 'Safe Driving for Life' and aims to raise driving standards by maintaining a high standard of driving instruction. To this end the DSA controls the register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI), hence the title DSA ADI (car) for Driving Instructors that are included on the register.
DSA ADIs are the only* group of people allowed to give tuition to the general public, be they absolute novices or advanced drivers, on public roads for financial reward. In other words, this is truly a professional qualification.
The DSA have set a minimum standard that any person wishing to become an ADI must achieve. This standard is achieved by passing three exams; the first being a two-part exam that consists of a theory test and a Hazard Perception Test (HPT), commonly known as Part 1. The second is eyesight and driving test, commonly known as Part 2 and the third is a test of instructional ability - Part 3.
DSA sets the standard for the tests. In the case of the two practical tests, Part 2 and Part 3, the DSA conducts the tests themselves. A sub-contractor carries out the theory tests on behalf of DSA.
DSA is funded solely by revenues from the driving tests it conducts in the UK. The DSA also receives funds from the vocational tests it conducts for ADIs and for those wishing to give tuition in buses and trucks or on motorcycles.
The document ADI14 (recommended reading for trainee driving instructors page) gives details of how to contact them as well as details for complaints procedures and much more.
* Trainee driving instructors [Potential Driving Instructor, or PDIs] are allowed to give professional tuition under very specific circumstances. You can read about this in the ADI14 (see my recommended reading for trainee driving instructors page, linked above) section concerning Trainee Driving Instructor's Licence.
There is a lot more information about the process of becoming a driving instructor on my driving instructor training FAQ's page.
Alternatively you might like to contact me directly for more information about how to become a driving instructor.
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