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Becoming a driving instructor can be incredibly rewarding both professionally and financially. It’s not just about teaching learners to drive but ensuring the safety of future road users. However, starting a career as a driving instructor requires specific qualifications and driving instructor insurance to operate legally. Here's a guide to help you understand what kind of instructor insurance you’ll need, along with tips on finding the right driving instructor car insurance.
Potential driving instructors should be aware of the specific insurance requirements before starting their journey. Understanding the necessary cover is essential to ensure compliance and protect both you and your learners. To become a driving instructor, you have to go through a variety of qualifications including a theory, practical, and instructor's test. Before doing any of this you have to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to become an ADI, or ‘Approved Driving Instructor'. Once you do so, you will become a Provisional Driving Instructor (PDI). If you pass all of the tests within two years, then you are a fully licenced driving instructor. Becoming a driving instructor is, therefore, very similar to applying for a driving licence, albeit with more qualifications required.
Whether you are still a PDI, an ADI, or working for a driving school, you will need a completely different type of car insurance. There are many types of cover that you may need, depending on the type of instructor you aim to be. These can include:
Any driver (including learners) cover - allows you to teach any licensed driver
Cover for hire and reward - because you will be collecting money from your client you legally are required to have this cover
Replacement dual control vehicle cover - as you will be taking learners there could be a danger of damage to the vehicle. Therefore, you must have this so you can carry on working even while your car is being repaired.
Negligent tuition cover - protects you against any claims your learners may make.
Driving off-road Driver 14+ - this cover will allow you to teach those who are 14+ off-road.
Comprehensive driving other cars - if you need to carry out a demonstration drive in your client's car, you will need this cover.
Modified vehicle cover - As an instructor, you may have to carry out modifications to your vehicle in order to teach, such as dual controls and an additional speedometer.
Depending on what sort of driving instructor you are, your insurance can be a different price. A few key determining factors are:
PDI or ADI | If you are learning to be a driving instructor there is a six-month probationary period where your premiums will be higher. |
Part-time or full-time | Many driving instructors work part-time, which insurers will take into account. |
Type of car | As with getting any kind of car insurance, the type of car, in particular the size of engine, will play a role in how expensive your insurance is. |
Location | If you live in an area with a high crime rate, this can play a significant role in the price of your policy. |
As with any insurance, the best way to find cheap car insurance policies is through comparing different ones and finding the plan that suits your needs as a driving instructor best. Put simply, the more additional cover you have, the more expensive it will be. Therefore, it is crucial to work out what will you will need to carry out your job.
There are a few other ways in which you can reduce your premiums, including:
Purchasing a new car: a high upfront cost, but more modern vehicles are more fuel-efficient and reliable. Because your car will be on the road for extended periods, you will likely spend more on maintenance than before.
Insurers will consider your storage and security precautions, such as parking the car off-road. Similarly, you could buy an immobiliser to keep it safe from being stolen.
The easiest option would be to increase your excess. In the event of a claim, by being willing to pay more towards the repair, you will pay less in monthly premiums.
When looking for the right instructor insurance cover, make sure to check the following key features:
Dual control cars: Ensure the policy covers vehicles with dual controls for driving instruction.
Cover for all business activities: If you’re also offering trailer training or other specific services, make sure those activities are covered under the policy.
Comprehensive cover: Ensure the insurance offers protection against accidents, legal expenses, and damage to your vehicle.
Public liability insurance: This protects you in case of claims made by third parties, such as pedestrians or other road users.
Finding the right price for driving instructor insurance can take some time, but it’s crucial to get the right cover. Be sure to balance the level of cover with what fits your budget. While cheaper options may seem appealing, ensure they provide adequate protection for both you and your clients.
In the case of fault claims, it’s important to ensure that your driving instructor insurance includes adequate protection to cover potential damage or liability caused by accidents during lessons.
*51% of consumers could save £518.14 on their Car Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next four cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from June 2025 data. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances and how you selected your current insurance supplier.
