About the LDC Driving Instructor Course

LDC is renowned for its open learning course materials, our excellent central support team and our national network of expert LDC instructor training coaches/mentors. LDC provide a comprehensive open learning course that integrates with the practical coaching and mentoring provided. Available for study as an iCourse on our online learning Hub as well as in hard copy form shown below.

• Up to 100 hours of training using the most comprehensive open learning and iCourse of its kind available.
• Extensive support from our central support team via Zoom, telephone, email, online student Facebook group or face-to-face.
• Up to 70 hours of practical learning guided by an expert LDC instructor training coach on the premium course.
• Earn while you learn on a trainee licence giving you up to 6 months on-the-job training ready for the final Part 3 test.
• The option to train you own learners or those of your trainers for free as an alternative to a trainee licence above.
• Three day course on how to run a successful driving school when you decide to join us.

DVSA qualification needed to become a driving instructor

The driving instructor qualification process is in 3 parts:

Part 1 is a PC based Theory and Hazard Perception test similar to the current test for learner drivers but you are required to answer 100 questions (not just 50) on a broader set of subjects and you need to score 57 as opposed to 44 on the hazard perception part. Typically this should only take about 3 weeks (12 hours of study) to pass following our online theory and hazard perception iCourse programme.

Part 2 is a driving ability test, again similar to the current test for learner drivers but you are only allowed to make 6 minor faults (not up to 15 as on the L test). Typically this should only take you a couple of months to pass following our practical and accompanying open learning study iCourse programme. After passing Part 2 and completing the necessary training you can start your job as a driving instructor on what is called a Trainee Licence (see below for details).

Part 3 is an instructional ability test, which dramatically changed on the 1st January 2018. As a result the examiner now requires to watch you on-the-job, training actual learner drivers (or indeed experienced drivers) to determine if you are good enough to pass this third and final part of the qualification process. Therefore you need to gain as much practical on-the-job experience as possible of doing the job for real under the supervision of an expert LDC instructor training coach before you take this test. Typically this will take you between 3 to 6 months to pass following the necessary practical learning programme, our open learning study iCourse programme and of course the vital on-the-job practice with real customers.

Earn while you learn on a Trainee Licence

With LDC you could be operating and earning money as a driving instructor on a Trainee Licence within a few short months.

Following the introduction of the New Part 3 Test at the start of 2018 this option became much more important to have. Only a genuine, well established and reputable driving school like LDC can be trusted to provide the required on-the-job training, learners and expert coaching guidance necessary to succeed. If you would prefer to keep your current job until you are fully qualified without utilising the Trainee Licence you still can gain similar practical experience by training people for free or by using the learners of one of our existing experienced approved driving instructor mentors.

Thinking of training with another company and then joining us?

Please note we only offer Trainee Licence positions and our incredible start-up package worth over £1,000 to students who have fully trained with us. However, we do consider applicants who are already fully qualified subject to their grade, experience and the purchase of extra training to become proficient in our unique training methods and way of working. It will cost you an extra £500 to join LDC if you train elsewhere.

Our training credentials

LDC are a founding member of the DVSA's Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers (ORDIT). LDC is also a preferred training supplier to the armed forces career transition partnership scheme and approved by the MOD in support of the ELC scheme. This means we are a trusted provider of training to those leaving the armed forces looking for training to become a driving instructor. See Armed forces resettlement for more details. LDC also operates an approved Edexcel training centre offering additional qualifications in teaching, coaching, mentoring and business enterprise skills up to QCF level 5.

So if you are serious about becoming a driving instructor choose wisely and train with a company that has the credentials and a proven track record of success. Give yourself a 90% chance of success not a 70% chance of failure as is the norm elsewhere! Look beyond the hype and the phoney guarantees - train with LDC.

Want to know more?
If you would like to know more please call one of our friendly office staff on freephone 0800 197 0010.

We passed... so can you

What a few of our customers say

Graham - Joined LDC in 2008

"Since completing my training, I have found that I look forward to going to work every day and I get a real kick out of helping my pupils to learn to drive using the skills I learned with LDC."

Justine - Joined LDC in 2015

"I joined LDC after passing my Part 3 elsewhere and how I wished I had trained with LDC. The assistance I have received from all departments has been amazing."

Neill - Joined LDC in 2009

"I would not fail to recommend the LDC way of doing things to anyone. In fact I already have advised a friend to look into them and now being half way through his training he cannot fault them either."

Denise - Joined LDC in 2000

"The learning materials provided by LDC were easy to use and, as a working mum, the flexibility of home study and regular practical sessions was ideal. Extra free in-car tuition when needed also made the package very good value for money."

Phil - Joined LDC in 2017

"With all the great support and training from LDC I was able to pass my Part 1, 2 and 3 first time. My diary was full by week three of joining the franchise."

Kirstie - Joined LDC in 2020

"LDC and everyone I've met are just great and I know that I can always call someone if I need to. I know I made the right decision and I'm happy and proud to be apart of the LDC family."