Get a criminal record check to become a driving instructor

Get a criminal record check if you’re applying to become an approved driving instructor (ADI) for the first time.

You cannot use one you have already - you must get a new one.

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Before you start

Check if you can become a driving instructor before you apply.

Proving your identity

When you’ve finished the online application, you must give proof of your identity.

You can do this at a Post Office offering the ‘CRB and ID verification service’.

You’ll need to take a printed page from your online application with barcodes on it and 3 original forms of ID (not copies). These can be:

  • your passport
  • your driving licence
  • a utility bill that’s less than 3 months old
  • a bank statement that’s less than 3 months old

The service costs £8.22.

There’s a different process to get your criminal record check if you’re applying to become an ADI in Northern Ireland.

Help with your application

Contact the DVSA Disclosure and Barring Service team to get help with your application.

  1. Step 1 Check if you can become an instructor

  2. Step 2 Apply to become a driving instructor

    You must get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

    1. You are currently viewing: Get a DBS check £8.22

    You need to agree to the responsibilities set out in the 'ADI register guide' before you apply.

    1. Read about driving instructor responsibilities
    1. Start your application
  3. Step 3 Get a trainer

    Get a registered trainer to help you prepare for the 3 qualifying tests.

    1. Find driving instructor training courses
  4. Step 4 Take the theory test (ADI part 1)

    1. Revise and practise for your test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a theory test centre
    4. Book your test £81

    Once you've passed the theory test, you must pass the other parts of the test within 2 years or you'll have to start the whole process again.

  5. Step 5 Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)

  6. Step 6 Get practice teaching

    If you’ve passed ADI part 2 you have the option to apply for a 6 month trainee licence to get experience teaching students.

    1. Find out about trainee instructor licences
    2. Apply for a trainee instructor licence £140
  7. Step 7 Take the instructional ability test (ADI part 3)

  8. Step 8 Register and start working as an instructor

    Once you've passed the tests you must register within 12 months.

    1. Register for your first ADI certificate £300

    When you have your certificate you can start charging for lessons. You can either:

    You'll have at least one standards check every 4 years. You also need to renew your registration and get a new DBS check every 4 years.

    1. Find out about ADI standards checks
    2. Renew your registration £300
    3. Improve your skills as an instructor