To become a driving instructor, also known as an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) you will first have to:

• Hold a full British or Northern Ireland unrestricted car driving licence
• Have held it for a total of four out of the past six years prior to entering the ADI Register after qualifying
• 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
• Pass the Register qualifying exam
• Apply for registration within 12 months of passing Part 3 of the ADI exam.

All new entrants now have to have a criminal records check. Having a criminal record won’t automatically bar you from becoming an ADI. The DVSA look at various factors when assessing how suitable an applicant is.

These factors include:

• The seriousness of the offence and its relevance to the safety of customers
• The length of the time since the offence
• Whether the offence was part of a history of offending, or just a one-off
• Whether the applicant’s circumstances have changed since the offence was committed, making re-offending less likely
• The degree of remorse, or otherwise, expressed by the applicant