A trainee driving instructor licence, often called a pink badge, lets you give paid driving lessons while you prepare for your ADI Part 3 test. It’s optional, but many trainees find it the best way to build real teaching experience.
When you can apply
You can apply once you have:
- passed ADI Part 1 in the last 2 years
- passed ADI Part 2
- had at least 40 hours of training from a qualified ADI, with at least 10 hours in a car
- a sponsoring ADI or driving school
It costs £140 and lasts 6 months.
Supervision or extra training
When you apply, you choose one of two options, and you can’t switch later:
- Supervision: your sponsoring ADI supervises 20% of all the lessons you give.
- Extra training: you do at least 20 hours of extra training within 3 months, at least a quarter of it in the car.
Why it’s worth having
- You gain real experience with different pupils before Part 3.
- You can earn while you train, which helps with costs.
- You find out whether instructing suits you before you fully qualify.
What it isn’t
A trainee licence isn’t a qualification in itself, and it’s not a way to put off Part 3. It’s there to help you prepare. Further licences are only given in limited cases, and not simply for more time.
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