Can You Change Driving Instructor Trainers During Your Training?

Yes. You can change driving instructor trainers while you're working towards becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

Choosing to train with someone doesn't mean you have to complete your entire qualification with them. If your circumstances change, the training relationship isn't working or you simply decide another trainer would suit you better, you can look at other options.

However, if you're working on a trainee driving instructor licence, changing trainer can be more complicated because the licence is connected to your training establishment.

There may also be contracts, franchise agreements or notice periods to consider.

Do I have to stay with the same trainer for Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3?

No.

The ADI qualification process belongs to you.

You don't have to use the same trainer throughout every stage.

You might prepare independently for ADI Part 1, work with one trainer on your driving for Part 2 and then choose someone different for your Part 3 development.

Equally, you might start with one trainer and later decide that you'd benefit from a different approach.

Changing trainer doesn't reset your ADI qualification.

Your passed qualifying tests remain subject to the normal DVSA rules and time limits.

Why might someone change instructor trainers?

There isn't one correct reason.

Sometimes it's practical. A trainee might move area, their availability might change or the trainer may no longer have suitable availability.

Other times it's about the training itself.

You might feel that:

• the training approach doesn't suit how you learn
• you're not receiving enough feedback or support
• training isn't adapting as you develop
• you want experience of another trainer's approach
• you need support in an area your current trainer doesn't specialise in
• the wider package or franchise no longer suits your circumstances

None of those automatically means the original trainer is poor.

Trainer and trainee can simply be a poor fit.

Instructor training is a learning relationship. If that relationship isn't helping you develop, it's reasonable to consider why.

Should I speak to my current trainer first?

Usually, yes.

If the issue relates to the training itself, having an open conversation can sometimes resolve it.

Explain what's not working for you.

A good trainer should be able to discuss your progress, explain why they're approaching the training in a particular way and consider whether something needs to change.

This can also be useful development for you as a future instructor.

Your own learners won't always respond to your first approach either. Being able to discuss what's happening, reflect and adapt is part of becoming an effective ADI.

If the problem can be resolved, changing trainer may not be necessary.

If it can't, you can make an informed decision about what to do next.

Can I train with more than one instructor trainer?

You don't necessarily have to think of instructor training as belonging exclusively to one person.

Working with another trainer can sometimes give you a different perspective on your development.

Different trainers may notice different things, ask different questions or challenge your thinking in different ways.

The important part is making sense of the feedback rather than simply collecting different opinions.

If two trainers suggest different approaches, that doesn't automatically mean one of them is wrong.

Ask why.

Understanding the reasoning behind different approaches can be more useful than being told there is only one correct way to teach.

What if I'm on a trainee driving instructor licence?

This is where changing arrangements needs more thought.

A trainee driving instructor licence allows you to gain experience teaching learners before you've passed ADI Part 3, but the licence comes with specific conditions.

Your licence is connected to the training establishment named on it.

If you leave that establishment, you cannot simply continue using the same trainee licence somewhere else without dealing with the DVSA requirements.

Before changing trainer or training establishment, check what needs to happen to your licence.

Rules for using your trainee driving instructor licence - GOV.UK

What about my 40 hours of instructor training?

Before applying for your first trainee licence, DVSA requires you to have completed at least 40 hours of training with a qualified ADI, with at least 10 of those hours taking place in a car.

Keep records of the training you've completed.

If you're considering changing trainer, it's sensible to establish what records you have and what information your new trainer may need to understand your development so far.

A new trainer may also want to spend some time assessing where you currently are rather than simply continuing from the number of hours you've completed.

That's not necessarily repeating training.

It's establishing a useful starting point.

Apply for a trainee driving instructor licence - GOV.UK

Check any agreement you've signed

Being allowed to change trainer and being free from a commercial agreement are two different things.

You may have signed:

• a training agreement
• a franchise agreement
• a trainee licence sponsorship agreement
• a finance agreement
• or a package covering several of these

Before leaving, check what you've actually agreed to.

Look specifically at:

• notice periods
• cancellation terms
• outstanding training payments
• franchise fees
• refunds for unused training
• ownership or allocation of pupils
• what happens to your trainee licence
• any obligations that continue after leaving

Don't assume that because you can change trainer, every existing contractual commitment automatically disappears.

If you're unsure about a contract you've signed, consider getting appropriate independent advice before making a decision.

Will changing trainer hurt my chances of passing Part 3?

Changing trainer itself doesn't determine whether you'll pass.

What matters is what you learn and how effectively you can apply it.

In some circumstances, changing trainer could disrupt your development.

In others, a different perspective might be exactly what you need.

I'd be wary of repeatedly changing trainers every time something becomes difficult. Part of learning is being challenged, making mistakes and working through them.

But I'd be equally wary of staying in an arrangement purely because you've already invested time or money in it.

The question should be: "Is this training helping me develop?"

What should I tell a new instructor trainer?

Be open about where you are.

Tell them:

• which ADI tests you've passed
• what training you've completed
• whether you're currently on a trainee licence
• how much experience you have teaching real learners
• what you think is going well
• where you're struggling
• why you're considering changing trainer

A good trainer shouldn't need you to pretend everything has gone perfectly.

Understanding what's happened so far gives them a better chance of helping you decide what comes next.

So, can I change driving instructor trainers?

Yes.

You don't have to complete your entire ADI qualification with the same instructor trainer.

If you're simply receiving training, changing trainer can be relatively straightforward.

If you're working on a trainee licence, franchise or sponsorship arrangement, there may be additional DVSA requirements and contractual commitments to deal with first.

Before making the change:

1. Talk to your current trainer if appropriate.
2. Understand why you want to change.
3. Keep records of the training you've completed.
4. Check any contracts or agreements you've signed.
5. Check the DVSA requirements if you're using a trainee licence.
6. Speak openly with the trainer you're considering moving to.

Changing trainer shouldn't be about finding someone who tells you what you want to hear.

It should be about finding the training environment that gives you the best opportunity to continue developing.