How to become driving instructor after Government pledges to clear backlog of learners waiting to take tests

APRIL is the most common month for learners to pass their driving test and it’s peak season for career changers to sign up as driving instructors too.

With the lighter evenings seeing more learners taking to the roads, new research from the AA Driving School shows one in 20 drivers has supervised a learner in the last 12 months, supporting trainees with more than five million hours of private practice.

Taking to the passenger seat can also inspire a new career, with 23 per cent considering switching to become a driving instructor — however there is a serious shortage of instructors nationwide.

The pandemic saw many older instructors retire and the average age for current instructors is 52.

This week the Government pledged to clear the backlog of people waiting to take tests by providing at least 10,000 extra tests each month, but more instructors and test staff are urgently needed.

Mark Born, who is head of instructor training at the AA Driving School, said: There is a lot of demand for driving lessons at the moment, making 2025 a great time to become a driving instructor.

“Passing your driving test is a real milestone and helping someone achieve that is a great feeling. It’s no wonder so many people start to think about driving instruction as a career once they have experienced the satisfaction that comes from helping someone fulfil their driving dream.”

AA Driving School franchisee Nick Carter first tested his instruction abilities supervising his son as a learner.

When Covid hit, Nick decided the time was right to make a change and train as an instructor.

Nick, 57, from Weymouth, Dorset, said: “I taught my son to drive seven years ago and we’re still talking. When the time came to change career it seemed an obvious choice.

“I’d been a teacher previously so a lot of those skills came back into play, such as being patient and having a rapport with pupils.

“My work-life balance is much better now and I have a lot more job satisfaction.”

To train as instructor, you must be aged at least 21 and have held a driving licence for more than three years, without holding any motoring convictions. You’ll need to register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency.

And get a DBS check to start your application. Training consists of both a theory and practical driving ability test followed by an instructional ability exam.

Once qualified as an Approved Driving Instructor, annual salaries can range from £15,000 to £60,000 per year depending on the number of hours worked.

‘Amazing satisfaction of seeing pupils pass’

Many instructors work flexibly, fitting their work around other commitments.

Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, said: “The role of a driving instructor can offer many benefits including steady and rewarding professional work, and the opportunity to maintain flexibility in working hours and locations. Then there’s the amazing satisfaction of seeing your learners passing their test safely, successfully and achieving the freedom of the road.”

Find out more at: theaa.com; bsm.co.uk; reddrivingschool.com.

Office lovers should fess up

A THIRD of UK bosses believe employees should disclose workplace relationships to their managers.

With 30 per cent of employees admitting to a fling at work, declaring office romances could add thousands of extra hours to HR departments’ work each year.

As a result, the study from Employment Hero shows 15 per cent believe romantic relationships should be avoided altogether at work, while under a quarter of managers felt office romances should remain private.

Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD at Employment Hero, said: “Workplace relationships are a fact of life, and businesses need to find the right approach to managing them.

“What’s important is that businesses foster a culture of openness and professionalism so that workplace relationships don’t lead to unnecessary complications. Consistency is key, so employees know where they stand.”

JOB SPOT 

ENGINEERING giant Amey has apprenticeship roles available for network cable installers, business administration, public relations and highways apprentices. Apply for a position at careers.amey.co.uk. 

LinkedIn key amid lay-offs

AS one in four UK firms plan to lay off staff, getting your LinkedIn profile in shape now will help if the worst does happen.

Here Payman Taei, founder of AI presentation firm Visme.co, shares his expert advice.

YOUR PROFILE PICTURE 

Look the part: Dress professionally, as you would for an interview. A genuine smile and eye contact make you look approachable and trustworthy. Keep it simple: Ensure you have a clean, uncluttered background that doesn’t distract from your face. Quality counts: Use a clear, well-lit, high-resolution photo. Avoid blurry images. Headshot only, not a full-length image. Make sure it fits: Check your photo is correctly sized and formatted for LinkedIn.

CREATING STANDOUT LINKEDIN BANNER 

Get the size right: Keep the banner 1,584 x 396 pixels and use sharp image (ideally 300 DPI). Reflect your work: Use images that show what you do. For example, a PA might choose an Excel spreadsheet and a phone. Brag a little: Add in any awards or projects to show off your skills and a link to your site if you have one. Test across devices: Make sure that your banner displays correctly on both computers and phones.

Boost health by WFH

WORKING from home could help your health. According to a new study, hybrid staff take fewer sick days, are less stressed and enjoy improved levels of health and wellbeing. 

The study from the International Workplace Group suggests 71 per cent of hybrid staff make time for preventative healthcare such as check-ups and lifestyle changes, while 69 per cent said flexible employment helped them better manage existing health conditions. 

Dr Sara Kayat, NHS GP and TV doctor, said: “Hybrid working models are offering employees not only greater flexibility but also tangible health benefits.

“By reducing the physical and mental strain of long daily commutes, workers reduce stress.

“This is not only improving their overall wellbeing but also helping businesses by reducing the costs associated with absenteeism and burnout.” 

JOB SPOT 

CURRYS is recruiting delivery and install drivers, and sales colleagues. Search for roles at curryscareers.co.uk.