The following is a combination of the DVSA official guide and some additional guidance. (We recommend checking the DVSA guide for the latest changes):

Introduction DVSA Process Step Two

Step 1: Check that you qualify

To qualify you must be: 

• 21 or Over (You can apply to start the qualifying process 6 months before your 21st birthday. This is because it will take at least 6 months to qualify as an ADI.)
• Held a full car driving licence for at least 3 years (You can apply to start the qualifying process 6 months before the 3rd anniversary of getting your full licence. This is because it will take at least 6 months to qualify as an ADI.)
• You MUST NOT have been banned from driving in the last 4 years. (This will also be taken into account under ‘fit and proper’ rules.)
• If you hold an Automatic licence you can only deliver Automatic tuition.
• If you have a disability you may be required to take an additional assessment to demonstrate your ability to keep control of the car in an emergency. (Speak to the DVSA)

Your application can be refused if you have:

• been banned from driving
• 5 or more penalty points
• been convicted of any non-motoring offences

Your application is unlikely to be accepted if you’ve been:

• convicted of a sexual, violent, financial or drug-related crime
• banned from working with children

Fit and Proper:

This is a large part of being allowed on the register and continuing to operate as an ADI and there is no fixed definition of fit and proper. It is your responsibility to keep the DVSA informed of any changes, penalties or issues that may occur. The DVSA are generally more supportive if they are informed sooner rather than later.

Northern Ireland and EU registered Driving Instructors:

You are able to apply to transfer your driving instructor registration to Great Britain via DVSA, to do this you will need to hold a GB driving licence. (You can do this using a D9 form via DVLA)

Introduction DVSA Process Step Two