Becoming a driving instructor can be very satisfying, teaching an important life skill and making sure the next generation is safe when taking to the roads. Although this is reason enough, financially it can be rewarding in a full-time or even part-time capacity. However, it is not as simple as just taking to the roads and requires an entirely different set of qualifications and insurance policies. This guide will give you a brief outline of how to become a driving instructor, and the car insurance policies you will need to do so legally.
In This Guide:
- How do I become a driving instructor?
- Do I need a different car insurance policy as a driving instructor?
- What affects my driving school insurance premiums?
- How to find cheap car insurance as a driving instructor
How do I become a driving instructor?
To become a driving instructor, you have to go through a variety of qualifications including a theory, practical, and instructor’s test. Before doing any of this you have to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to become an ADI, or ‘Approved Driving Instructor’. Once doing so you will become a Provisional Driving Instructor (PDI). If you pass all of the tests within two years, then you are a fully licensed driving instructor. Becoming a driving instructor is therefore very similar to applying for a driving license, albeit with more qualifications needed.
Do I need a different car insurance policy as a driving instructor?
Whether you are still a PDI, approved, or working for a driving school, you will need a completely different kind of car insurance. There are many types of cover that you could need, depending on what sort of instructor you aim to be, these can include:
Mandatory by Law
- Any driver (including learners) cover - allows you to teach any licensed driver
- Cover for Hire and Reward - because you will be collecting money from your client you legally are required to have this cover
Additional
- Replacement Dual Control Vehicle Cover - as you will be taking learners there could be a danger of damage to the vehicle. Therefore, you must have this so you can carry on working even while your car is being repaired.
- Negligent Tuition Cover - protects you against any claims your learners may make.
- Diving Off-Road Driver 14+ - this cover will allow you to teach those who are 14+ off-road.
- Comprehensive Driving Other Cars - if you have to carry out a demonstration drive in your client's car you will need this cover.
- Modified Vehicle Cover - As an instructor, you may have to carry out modifications to your vehicle in order to teach, such as dual controls and an additional speedometer.
What affects my driving school insurance premiums?
Depending on what sort of driving instructor you are, your insurance can be a different price. A few key determining factors are:
- PDI or ADI: If you are learning to be a driving instructor there is a six-month probationary period where your premiums will be higher.
- Part of Full time: Often people work as a driving instructor part-time, which insurers will take into account.
- Type of car: As with getting any kind of car insurance, the type of car, in particular the size of engine, will play a role in how expensive your insurance is.
- Location: If you live in an area with a high crime rate, this can play a significant role in the price of your policy.
How to find cheap car insurance as a driving instructor
As with any insurance, the best way to find cheap car insurance policies is through comparing different ones and finding the plan that suits your needs as a driving instructor best. Put simply, the more additional cover you have, the more expensive it will be. Therefore, it is crucial to work out what will you will need to carry out your job.
There are a few other ways in which you can reduce your premiums, including:
- Purchasing a new car: a high upfront cost, but more modern vehicles are more fuel-efficient and reliable. Because of the amount of time your car will be on the road, you will have to spend much more on upkeep than previously
- Insurers will take into account your storage and security precautions, such as parking the car off the road. Similarly, you could buy an immobiliser to keep it safe from being stolen
- The easiest option would be to increase your excess. In the event of a claim, by being willing to pay more towards the repair, you will pay less in monthly premiums.
