5 Facts About Becoming a Driving Instructor

November 24, 2025

Being a driving instructor is far more than just teaching navigation, steering or parallel parking drills. It’s a career that blends teaching with entrepreneurship, customer service, and the challenge of earnings.

1. How Much I can earn as Driving Instructor?

Many assume the pay is modest, but the figures tell a different story. According to the Annual UK Driving Instructor review conducted by FBTC, driving instructors working an average of 30 hours per week earn an average of £55,500 annually.

Achieving this income isn’t simply about working more hours. In fact, industry experts warn against that approach. The ADINJC cautions that working 12-hour days can lead to a decline in teaching standards and negatively impact your health.

They plan their diary carefully, often booking two-hour lessons to cut down on wasted travel time. They choose their students wisely, making sure both sides are equally committed and they keep improving their own skills through ongoing training, which allows them to charge higher rates for a higher-quality service.

2. Start Earning Money with Trainee Driving Instructor Licence

After passing the first two parts of the three-part qualification test, candidates have the option to apply for a Trainee Driving Instructor Licence to gain experience while preparing for the instructional ability test (Part 3).

According to GOV.UK, this licence costs £140 and is valid for six months. This isn’t just a brief internship; it’s a structured pathway to getting on the road.

Before you can start earning on a trainee licence, you must first complete 40 hours of specific Part 3 training (20 hours of in-car training and 20 hours of classroom sessions), ensuring you have a solid foundation.

This allows you to teach real students under the guidance of a qualified instructor as part of an official training program. It’s a surprising and valuable feature that reduces the financial pressure of a long training period.

3. Be Your Own Boss as a Driving Instructor

One of the biggest advantage of being a driving instructor is choosing your own work hours. You’re not stuck with the usual 9-to-5 routine and you can work mornings, evenings, weekdays, or weekends, whatever suits you best.

With the freedom comes the need for strong self-discipline. As your own boss, you are also your own manager, responsible for the choices that shape your success. If you cancel lessons, you lose money and risk harming your reputation.

GoodLuck Driving School expert points out that most instructors teach within about 30 minutes of home. This is not just about convenience but a smart business move that helps maximise paid hours by cutting down on unpaid travel time.

Managing your schedule is not just about organisation, it also protects your health and reputation. Industry expert explains that if you try to teach for 12 hours straight, the quality of your lessons will drop and your wellbeing will suffer.

4. Providing Expert Customer Service as a Driving Instructor

Being a good driving instructor is only the starting point. This job is really about providing a service, and your success depends on how well you work with people. Driving skills get you through the door, but it is strong people skills that grow the business.

Goodluck Driving school expert lists Reliability, Punctuality, Patience, and Good Customer Service Skills as “must-have traits.”

These qualities are not just nice to have but they are the foundation of a successful business. They are what build your reputation and help you retain students.

5. Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor

Becoming a government-approved driving instructor (ADI) is not easy. The official qualification process involves passing three distinct tests: a theory test (Part 1), an advanced driving ability test (Part 2), and an instructional ability test (Part 3).

You only get a maximum of three attempts to pass the practical Part 2 and Part 3 exams. If you fail all three attempts, you have to wait two years from the date you passed your Part 1 test before you can start the process all over again.

You don’t have to face the tough process on your own. Goodluck driving school provide mentors, theory resources, expert instructors with years of experience, and lots of hands-on driving practice. The government sets high standards but our support gives committed learners the tools and guidance to succeed.

Conclusion

Becoming a driving instructor is not an easy task but it offers the freedom of being your own boss and Goodluck driving school Driving Instructor Training Courses is here to help you achieve your dream of starting your own business.