Instructor training

Become a driving instructor

Choosing to become a driving instructor is a big step, one that can lead to a rewarding and flexible career. With Matz Driver Training, you’ll be supported every step of the way by someone who has not only been through the process himself, but who has also spent over two decades helping others succeed in this profession.

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Hands on the steering wheel, driving on a wet motorway

Steer your future

Why train with Matz?

I’ve been training instructors from all walks of life for many years, drawing on my background as a Training Officer at the Instructor College in Glasgow and later as the Chief Training Officer at the Instructor College in Edinburgh. Since establishing Matz Driver Training in 2001, I’ve successfully trained and coached hundreds of instructors across Scotland. Many of them have gone on to build thriving businesses of their own, while others have progressed to senior roles, including becoming examiners with the DVSA.

What matters most to me is giving every trainee the skills, knowledge, and confidence to achieve their goals. My training is professional yet approachable, designed with mature learners in mind, and tailored to suit your individual needs. With patience, encouragement, and clear guidance, I’ll help you become not just a qualified driving instructor, but a confident and adaptable professional.

At Matz, you’re not just learning to pass the qualifying exams; you’re developing the foundation for a long and successful career.

With over 24 years of experience, I’ve trained instructors from all backgrounds, from complete beginners to those who’ve gone on to become examiners themselves. My approach is professional, supportive, and tailored to your needs. At Matz Driver Training, you won’t just learn to pass the tests; you’ll gain the skills and confidence to build a successful and rewarding career.

Requirements

Initial eligibility requirements

Before you can begin your training, you’ll need to meet some basic DVSA requirements:

Be at least 21 years old.
Have held a full, unrestricted UK or EU/EEA driving licence for at least three of the last four years.
Meet the penalty points condition.
Be considered a fit and proper person by the DVSA, which includes completing an enhanced criminal record check (DBS), even if you’ve had one before.

The qualification

The three part ADI qualification process

The ADI exams are designed to be challenging, and they must be passed in order. Once you’ve passed Part 1, you have a two year window to complete all three parts. If any part is failed three times, you must wait until your two year period has expired before starting again. That’s why proper training, guidance, and support are essential.

Part 1

Theory and Hazard Perception

A more in depth version of the learner’s theory test. Multiple choice questions: minimum pass mark of 85% overall and at least 80% in each category. Hazard perception: you need at least 57 out of 75.

85% Overall, 80% per category

57 / 75 Hazard perception

Part 2

Driving Ability

A practical test to demonstrate advanced driving skills. Eyesight check: read a number plate at 27.5 metres (90 feet). Show me, tell me questions on vehicle safety. An advanced driving test demonstrating a high standard of control, awareness, eco driving, and manoeuvres. Assessment: no more than six driving faults, with no serious or dangerous faults.

27.5 m Eyesight check

6 Maximum driving faults

Part 3

Instructional Ability

The final test is about your teaching skills. You’ll deliver a 45 to 60 minute lesson while a DVSA examiner observes, assessing your lesson planning, risk management, and teaching methods. A strong client centred approach is vital: showing that you can adapt your teaching to meet the pupil’s individual needs.

45 to 60 min Observed lesson

2 years To pass all three parts, counted from your Part 1 pass

3 fails On any part means waiting out the two year period

Post qualification

01
Register as an ADI

Apply within 12 months of passing Part 3.
02
Green badge

Once registered, you’ll receive your ADI badge, which must be displayed in your car when giving paid instruction.
03
Ongoing checks

To stay on the register, you’ll need to renew every four years and attend regular DVSA standards checks to make sure your skills remain up to date.
Instructor Development →

From trainee instructors

Gregor seamlessly guided me through ADI Part 2 and 3: both passed first time thanks to his clear, concise teaching. Extremely patient and makes everything easy to understand. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.

Kim · Falkirk ADI

Gregor trained me for my Part 2 and 3 back in 2022. Lessons were always enjoyable and I felt fully prepared. He also helped me set up my own independent driving school. 100% recommend!

Sara · Alloa ADI

For trainee instructors

ADI Part 2 Show Me, Tell Me questions

During your approved driving instructor (ADI) Part 2 test, the examiner will ask you three Tell Me questions (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving, and two Show Me questions (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving.

Show Me questions

When it’s safe to do so, show me how you:

wash and clean the rear windscreen
wash and clean the front windscreen
switch on your dipped headlights
set the rear demister
operate the horn
demist the front windscreen
open and close the side window
operate the cruise control

Tell Me questions

Three are asked at the start of the test.

01 Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

02 Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide; use a reliable pressure gauge; check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold; don’t forget the spare tyre; remember to refit valve caps.

03 Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

04 Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges; 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.

05 Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle.

06 Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault.

07 Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (ignition on if necessary), then walk round the vehicle.

08 Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

09 Tell me how you’d check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement. Alternatively, turning the wheel just after moving off gives an immediate indication.

10 Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them.

Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check the warning light is on. Explain use.

11 Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary); check with the main beam warning light.

12 Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator; describe checking the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

13 Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank where fitted, or the radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.

14 Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify the reservoir; check the level against the high and low markings.