Manage your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration

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Renew or update your registration

You’re responsible for keeping your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration up to date.

You must renew your registration every 4 years.

You can renew your registration in the month it expires. If your registration has already run out, you can re-register within 12 months of the expiry date.

If your ADI registration ran out more than 12 months ago, you need to reapply to become a driving instructor.

You must display your registration in the passenger-side edge of the front windscreen of your car when you give driving lessons.

You can be prosecuted for using an invalid ADI badge or one that’s not yours.

Renew your registration

  1. Get a criminal records check. You must do this before you renew your registration - it normally takes around 3 months but can sometimes take longer.

  2. Renew your ADI registration.

Change of name or contact details

You must update your ADI registration within 7 days if you change your name or address.

  1. Step 1 Check if you can become an instructor

  2. Step 2 Apply to become a driving instructor

    You must get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

    1. Get a DBS check £8.22

    You need to agree to the responsibilities set out in the 'ADI register guide' before you apply.

    1. Read about driving instructor responsibilities
    1. Start your application
  3. Step 3 Get a trainer

    Get a registered trainer to help you prepare for the 3 qualifying tests.

    1. Find driving instructor training courses
  4. Step 4 Take the theory test (ADI part 1)

    1. Revise and practise for your test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a theory test centre
    4. Book your test £81

    Once you've passed the theory test, you must pass the other parts of the test within 2 years or you'll have to start the whole process again.

  5. Step 5 Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)

  6. Step 6 Get practice teaching

    If you’ve passed ADI part 2 you have the option to apply for a 6 month trainee licence to get experience teaching students.

    1. Find out about trainee instructor licences
    2. Apply for a trainee instructor licence £140
  7. Step 7 Take the instructional ability test (ADI part 3)

  8. Step 8 Register and start working as an instructor

    Once you've passed the tests you must register within 12 months.

    1. Register for your first ADI certificate £300

    When you have your certificate you can start charging for lessons. You can either:

    You'll have at least one standards check every 4 years. You also need to renew your registration and get a new DBS check every 4 years.

    1. Find out about ADI standards checks
    2. You are currently viewing: Renew your registration £300
    3. Improve your skills as an instructor