01
Part 1Foundations
Build your theory knowledge, observe real lessons and start turning what you learn into practical lesson plans.
Theory practice · lesson observation · first award unitsSmartLearner · Instructor training
Become a driving instructor.
Instructor training in collaboration with Innovative Driving Education Academy (IDEA), our instructor training company. Practical training, online learning and support for your next career step.
Instructor training in collaborationSmartLearner × IDEA
Innovative Driving Education Academy (IDEA) is our instructor training company. Together, we bring your online learning and practical training into one course.
Meet IDEAYour training course
Build the skills to teach.
SmartLearner instructor training, delivered in collaboration with Innovative Driving Education Academy (IDEA). Learn online, train in the car and develop the skills to help someone else take the wheel.
SCQF Level 5 qualification includedIntroduction to Driving Education AwardAlready qualified? Explore the franchise packages.
120hrsblended learning in total
54hrsone-to-one in the car
13unitsSCQF Level 5 award
The 54 in-car hours form part of the 120-hour course total.
Included in the complete courseMore than test preparation.
More than test preparation.
A qualification to build on.
Work towards the Introduction to Driving Education Award, a qualification credit-rated by Qualifications Scotland at SCQF Level 5.
13 unitsof learning and assessment25 credit pointsSCQF Level 5 qualification
Delivered in collaboration with Innovative Driving Education Academy (IDEA), our instructor training company, alongside your preparation for the DVSA tests. Explore driving knowledge, lesson planning, teaching, people skills, safeguarding and professional development.
Explore the Level 5 award and its 13 unitsQualification shown for illustration. Complete the award’s units and assessments to earn it.
Two separate outcomes
Approved driving instructor
Pass the DVSA tests and complete ADI registration to qualify.
IDEA Level 5 award
Complete the award’s units and assessments to earn the qualification.
The Level 5 award is an additional qualification. It is not a requirement for ADI registration. Passing tests and completing assessments depend on your performance.
Training around your lifeKeep working.
Keep working.
Keep moving forward.
Combine online study with planned practical sessions. Agree a training schedule with us that works around your existing commitments and test dates.
- Learn onlineStudy guides, quizzes, mock tests and progress tracking through the IDEA PDI portal.
- Practise with a trainerOne-to-one in-car training, classroom learning and observations of real SmartLearner lessons.
- Review and improveTrainer feedback, video reviews and reflective notes help you plan your next step.
Included in your course
- 120 hours of blended training, including 54 hours of one-to-one in-car training.
- The 40 hours of training before a trainee licence and the 20-hour additional-training route, within this course’s 120 hours.
- One attempt at each DVSA test: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Retakes are paid separately.
- The 13-unit Introduction to Driving Education Award at SCQF Level 5 through IDEA, with online learning and assessment.
- PDI portal access for Parts 1, 2 and 3, plus a private learning area and trainer feedback.
- Lesson observations, teaching practice and resources to develop your lesson planning.
Budget separately for
Your DBS check, an optional trainee licence, ADI registration, test retakes and any training beyond the included hours. These are outside the £2,499 course price.
How your learning develops
Three phases. Support at each stage.
Build knowledge, practise it and reflect on it with your trainer. Your learning can overlap across the phases as you prepare for each test.
02
Part 2Driver to coach
Develop your own driving, use commentary drives to explain decisions and explore the coaching skills that help others learn.
Driving practice · vehicle knowledge · coaching techniques03
Part 3Instructor
Plan and review real lessons, practise for the instructional ability test and bring your learning together in your award portfolio.
Lesson delivery · mock assessments · reflective practiceThe DVSA route · Great Britain
Two years from Part 1to pass Parts 2 and 3How to qualify.
Our course prepares you for the qualification process. You must pass the DVSA tests and complete registration to become an approved driving instructor (ADI).
- 01
Check suitability and apply
Check DVSA’s eligibility requirements, get a new DBS check and apply to begin the qualification process.
- 02
Part 1 · Theory
Pass the theory and hazard perception test. This starts your two-year window to pass Parts 2 and 3.
- 03
Part 2 · Driving
Show that your own driving meets the standard required of an instructor.
- 04
Optional · Trainee licence
After Part 2, an eligible trainee can apply for a six-month licence to gain experience giving paid lessons.
- 05
Part 3 · Teaching
Deliver a real driving lesson so a DVSA examiner can assess your instructional ability.
- 06
Register as an ADI
After passing Part 3, apply to join the ADI register within 12 months. Registration is a separate step and fee.
What does the optional trainee licence involve?
Before applying, you need at least 40 hours of instruction training with a qualified ADI, including at least 10 hours in a car. The licence lasts six months.
You then choose either supervision for 20% of your lessons or at least 20 hours of additional training. For the additional-training option, the training must be completed within three months of getting the licence and before booking Part 3, with at least 25% in the car.
Our course includes the 40-hour preparation and 20-hour additional-training route. These hours are part of your 120-hour total.
Read DVSA’s trainee licence optionsYour learning, in one place.
Find course information and access your PDI study resources through IDEA.
Before you choose a course
Ask the questions that matter.
Use the same checklist with any training provider so you can compare the full course and its terms.
What does the price cover?
Ask for the training hours, test fees, resources and payment schedule in writing.
How is the training delivered?
Check how much is one-to-one in the car, what you study online and how sessions fit around your work.
What if I need another attempt?
Confirm retake fees, extra training costs and any time limits before you enrol.
What are the outcomes?
Check the award’s assessment requirements and understand the separate DVSA tests and registration process.
Your next stepLet’s talk about
Let’s talk about
your plans.
Tell us where you are now, where you would like to train and how training could fit around your life.
We can explain the course, payment options and DVSA process, whether you are just exploring or have already passed a test.
Ask about instructor training here. Already qualified and looking to join?
Talk about training
Take your next step with us
Tell us your area and where you are with training. We’ll call you back within one working day to talk through your next step.