In the survey conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), nearly 6,000 Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) revealed unique insights into their working lives, what they charge for lessons on average, and what challenges they face when teaching learners:

Cost of lessons

£31 to £35 is the most common price charged for a one-hour lesson (46.6% of ADIs charge this). However, the price does vary from region to region in the UK. For instance, you might expect lessons to be more expensive in areas like London because it costs a ton to live there.

However, the data reveals that it’s actually the South West (with 65.7% charging £36 or more) and Scotland (52.3%) that cost the most. London actually comes in at sixth with 27.8% of instructors charging £36 or more.

Availability and waiting lists

29.8% of ADIs currently have availability to take on new pupils with London offering the most (55.9%) and the North East offering the least (17.4%). As for waiting lists, 43.1% of instructors have 1 to 5 learners waiting to start lessons with them while 10.7% have more than 20.

Working week

62.2% of ADIs spend at least 25 hours working as an approved driving instructor (ADI) each week. The average number of learners that instructors are actively training is nearly 20.

Job satisfaction

90.8% of ADIs agree the role gives them a sense of personal accomplishment. Also, 85.2% of ADIs intend to continue in their role for at least the next year.

Learning

53.6% of ADIs have done some form of continuing professional development in the last 12 months. This shows many instructors are committed to constantly improving their skills so they become even better trainers.

Health

59.3% of ADIs have experienced musculoskeletal problems in the last 12 months. Sadly, this is not surprising as instructors spend so much time sitting in their car day in, day out.

What ADIs really want

Instructors were also asked to comment on ways the DVSA could support them better. Their responses reveal that:

  • 33% would like the DVSA to improve test availability
  • 20% would like to see more driving examiners employed to alleviate the test backlog
  • 16% would like the DVSA to change or improve the test booking system
  • 13% think the DVSA should offer more support and training
  • 11% think the relationship between the DVSA and ADIs needs improving.

Challenging times

Finally, the survey asked instructors what key challenges they faced. An overwhelming majority (60%) said it was driving test availability. That was followed by a massive drop to 9% of ADIs stating that managing pupil and parent expectations was a challenge with 8% citing other road users being an issue.

Thankfully, managing student behaviour was only cited by 6% of ADIs with issues including nerves, poor mental health and pupils not paying for their lessons.

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