The Work

Driving instructors teach driving skills, road sense, and safety to people who are learning how to drive.

The instructor plans the lesson route so that it is appropriate to the stage of learning that the pupil has reached. Lessons are generally booked on an hourly basis.  
 
The driving instructor sits next to the learner driver and explains and demonstrates good driving technique, such as the correct use of gears and particular manoeuvres.

It is the instructor's responsibility to make sure that the lesson is run safely, and dual pedal controls are used to assist in this.  
 
During lessons, instructors correct and advise on any mistakes made. They instruct clients on the correct action to take at roundabouts, dual carriageways and junctions, for example.

Instructors also advise learners on the Rules of the Road.  
 
All instructors must keep a record of lessons booked and money paid and owed. Most people learn to drive over a period of months.

However, some driving schools also offer more intensive courses lasting a week or fortnight. They often supply their own car which will be insured for lessons.

Other times pupils will wish to learn how to drive in their own car. They may need to make their car available for the test.  
 
Instructors also provide post-test driver training and advanced training for clients who want to take an advanced driving test.

There are further career opportunities for advanced fleet driver and instructor training, as well as to become large goods vehicle (LGV) and passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) instructors.

Further Information

• Driving Instructor - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

If you wish to become an [ADI] Approved driving instructor, you must first satisfy the [RSA] Road safety authority that you are a person of good character and:

• You must be tax compliant
• You must hold a full, valid driving licence for two years in the category in which you wish to give instruction
• You must go through the Garda vetting process

Persons will only be considered for Driving Instructor Training who have held a full category licence in the vehicle for which you aim to become an Approved driving instructor for, note ages vary by license permit RSA License Categories   

To become a fully qualified ADI, you must complete three qualifying stages successfully:

1. ADI driving theory Computer based multiple choice assessment. RSA Eligibility number  for booking  the theory test will issue once Garda vetting has been approved. You now have the option of taking your ADI driver theory test from home. Learn more here.

2. ADI practical driving skills assessment

3. ADI practical driving instruction assessment

There may be some exemptions on case by case via recognition of prior learning. Check for details in Drivers instruction handbook 

Note you need to progress on to the next stage in the process within 6 months of the date you completed the previous stage. To become an ADI, you must pass Stage 3 within two years of passing Stage 1.

Completing the process generally takes approximately 20 weeks.

All the information you need to know to become a qualified ADI is in our ADI Info Pack

To become a fully qualified ADI, you must complete three qualifying stages successfully:

1. ADI driving theory Computer based multiple choice assessment. RSA Eligibility number  for booking  the theory test will issue once Garda vetting has been approved. You now have the option of taking your ADI driver theory test from home, Learn more here.

2. ADI practical driving skills assessment

3. ADI practical driving instruction assessment

Note you need to progress on to the next stage in the process within 6 months of the date you completed the previous stage. To become an ADI, you must pass Stage 3 within two years of passing Stage 1.

Completing the process generally takes approximately 20 weeks. There is a list of approved Training companies for ADI Instruction, courses are delivered at cost ADI Instruction training 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €46k

Salaries vary b yemployer & location. Income varies based on charge rate for self employed instructors.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ RSA/ Glassdoor / Payscale

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was below average over the five-year period, with little growth since 2020. It should be noted that career guidance professionals working in the second level system are most likely captured in the secondary teaching occupations. Employment permits issued in 2022 were all intra-company transfers and related to roles outside of the education sector.

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
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