Useful Links

Driving Instructor Training Links

Loads of useful information here for anyone training to become an instructor, or for current instructors undertaking CPD.

Help for Driving Instructors and Trainees:

Driver Training Today - Possibly the best driving instructor forum! It is certainly the most friendly (never be afraid to post, and if you get aggro, pm me: timmanwaringadi and I’ll help sort it out - there is no room on DTT for negativity), and personally I find it the easiest to use. Any question you’ve got about the industry, training or legislation (or if you just want to post a joke you can!) can be asked here. Usually it will even be answered!

ADI Forum - A slightly larger and also useful instructor forum which can be a good source of information for PDIs. With any larger community you may need a slightly thicker skin to jump in here, but you should never be afraid.

The Driving Instructor’s Association (DIA) - One of the largest instructor associations, the DIA are sometimes accused of being in the pocket of the DSA, but I have always found they are approachable and informed. If you want a more militant association representing you then they may not be for you, but the moderates usually affect more change than the extremists. They can help with legal issues surrounding contracts and franchises, and are happy to help with most instructor problems.


Training advice, hints and tips:

We can’t vouch for these sites, but the information on them is certainly useful.

Driving Instructor Training Videos - This is a comprehensive collection of videos showing how it should (and in some cases shouldn’t) be done. A seriously valuable resource. If you are thinking about becoming an instructor have a look at these, as they show what you are letting yourself in for!

Driving Instructor Training Advice - This is Nigel Dawson’s site, and has some excellent hints and tips for both part 2 and 3 of the qualification process. There’s also some information on his fleet courses.

Training Information - This is the ADIT site, which is extremely well written, with loads of useful information on all sections of the process. I don’t know the company, but their information is extremely useful for trainees and instructors alike (ADIT if you’re reading this - feel free to get in touch).

Part 1 Theory Mock Tests - This is The Driving College site, and you can try your hand at free mock theory tests. Some useful links too.

Driving Instructor Training Advice - The Undercover ADI is not to be taken too seriously, but there’s a lot of sense on this website (along with some pretty awful advice - we’ll let you decide which is which), but as we know him, we know that his heart’s in the right place!


Driving Instructor Training Resources:

Learn Moore Training Aids - Iain’s lesson presenter is an excellent alternative to the Colourfile, with an up to date feel. All of the information and diagrams you will need to present the PST’s and driving lessons in general. Well worth investing in, this is the presenter we recommend for our Part 3 training.

Grade 6 Supplies - One of the larger training aids and driving school supplies companies. They produce the Colourfile.

RCM Marketing - Another big driving school supplies shop.

DSS - Driving School Supplies - says it all.

Ideas for ADIs - Training aids and business software for instructors.


Dual Controlled Car Leasing:

Robinsons: The Driving Instructor Centre - I’m currently using these guys for the leased Yaris, and have had no problems with them at all. Very helpful on the phone, and nice to deal with.

ADI Car Rental - I’ve used cars supplied by these guys in the past, and seen no problems.

Go-Instruct - Haven’t a clue, they’re new (I think), and I’ve seen a good report on the forum, but can’t give a personal opinion.

Driving Instructor Insurance:

Mastercover - Robinsons offer Mastercover insurance in a package with their lease cars. Not needed to use them yet though, so can’t say.

Waveneys Driving School Insurance - Often recommended on the forums, not used them personally.

Barry Grainger Insurance - Join the DTT forum then quote them and you get 10% off.

Adrian Flux Driving Instructor Insurance - Very helpful over the phone, with ADI and PDI insurance.

Useful Sites for information and research:

The Driving Standards Agency - DSA

The Department for Transport

The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority - DVLA

Direct.gov.uk - Information and access with a reasonable search.

Law on the Web - Useful.

Rospa - Their road safety section. Lots of info and downloads.

Brake - The road safety charity.

Think! - Road safety campaign material and downloads.

ORSA - The Occupational Road Safety Alliance.

Downloads and Specific Information:

Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive - In case of worries or awkward questions!

The Revenue’s notes for Driving Instructors - Useful info for what you can and cannot claim for. You’ll need this once a year at least!

How Stuff Works - Brilliant for descriptions and pictures of things like clutches and explanations of ABS braking and the like.

The Action Research Laboratory - Scientific research into how people drive.

Businessballs - Some utter tosh mixed in with some excellent suggestions and training information for business coaching.

Examiner’s Guidelines for the L-test - DSA DT1.

Examiner’s Guidelines for the ADI part 3 - DSA ADI 1.

Dft Driving Instructor Research - This has some apparently quite old (10 years or so) figures in it, but provides some of the most useful information on our industry, and includes information and suggestions which are being looked into - for example the trainee licence scheme.

Exchanging a foreign licence for a UK one - quick calculator you may need to decide if your customers need a UK provisional before they take lessons.

The MOT Manual - Useful.