Become a Driving Instructor

Almost 90% of Ireland’s qualified Driving Instructors have trained through ISM, you can too. In a few easy steps, you can steer your career in a new direction.

Request a Callback

Driving Lessons Gift Vouchers

Getting Started

Do you want to meet new people each day and work in a comfortable, interactive environment, with professional support and guidance in your career? ISM Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) enjoy all these benefits and many more. Benefitting from our experience as being the Market Leading Driving School for the past 60 years (established 1961), ISM Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) come from a wide variety of different career backgrounds. Seeking a new career direction, our Driving Instructor Trainees include former members of An Garda Síochána, school teachers, factory workers, taxi drivers, construction workers, tradesmen, legal staff and lecturers.

Most people are simply looking for a fresh challenge and an interesting new career direction with real potential, with the freedom to be your own boss, work locally, work your own hours and get out on the road meeting new people. As an ISM Qualified ADI, you will have the reward of excellent earning potential, flexible working hours allowing you to spend more time with your family as needed, and the invaluable feeling of job satisfaction every time one of your students passes their driving test.

Whether you’re new to the Driving Instruction Industry or you’ve already had some prior training, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting professional expert tuition and great value for money. If you are thinking of training to be an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), start by checking the requirements to make sure you are eligible. Then, you can be assured that ISM will train you to the highest standard to get you prepared for the RSA ADI Exams. Almost 90% of all Ireland’s qualified Driving Instructors have trained through the ISM. We are even proud to say we have also trained most of our competitors!

Beware of some Driving Schools charging for assessments. Reputable Instructor Training Organisations consider this bad industry practice. Instructor Trainees are also advised to exercise extreme caution with day-by-day payment plans, where you are not told the cost and length of the process.

ISM provides dedicated professional ADI Training for all three stages to ensure that you have the best possible chance to pass all three exams the first time. Expert training is vital for beginning your new career as a Driving Instructor. It has been found that virtually everyone who attempts the ADI Examinations without professional training does not pass. ISM have dedicated Train the ADI Trainer Tutors who specialise in guiding Instructor Trainees to successfully pass the three modules in the least amount of time possible.

What Do You Need?

Whether you are new to the Driving Tuition Industry or you have already had some prior training, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting professional expert tuition and great value for money. If you are thinking of training to be a Driving Instructor, start by checking the requirements to make sure you are eligible. Then, be assured that ISM will train you to the highest standard to get you prepared to pass your RSA ADI exams the first time. Approximately 90% of all Ireland’s Driving Instructors have successfully trained through ISM!

Before you train, you must apply to the RSA (ADI Section) to become an ADI. First, you must hold a full valid Irish driving licence (for a minimum of two years). Then, there are four things to do: Complete the ADI application form, complete the Vetting form, get two recent passport size photographs and your Tax Access Code (you will get this from Revenue).

Contact us at 01 864 1790, and we’ll explain the process in detail, forward you the application forms, etc.

If you have any doubts about meeting these requirements you can contact ISM at 01 864 1790 or the Road Safety Authority on 096 25007 for further advice.

ISM ADI Training

The ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Training Course provides everything you need to become a professional ADI Driving Instructor. Whether you intend to set up your own driving school or want to become an agent for ISM, the ISM ADI Training offers the most prestigious and respected Approved Driving Instructor Training Programme in Ireland at the most affordable price. ISM is approved and recommended by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to conduct ADI Training for all three stages, so you can expect to get through all three stages in the shortest possible time, professionally and systematically.

ISM Instructor Training is the only choice – we operate Ireland’s only dedicated Instructor Training programme and as market leaders, virtually everyone trains through ISM to become an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). We operate most of the ADI Training in Dublin and Cork, but also in selected areas throughout Ireland on a request basis. Upon successful completion, you will have the choice to set up your own Driving School or to join the ISM Team (pending successful interview).

Why Choose ISM?

Put your trust in ISM to get you on the road as an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). ISM is Ireland’s largest and first established driving school (established 1961) offering nationwide training. With our longevity in business, you are guaranteed to be training with the most successful and professional driving school. With the ever-increasing expansion of ISM Instructors throughout Ireland, we are creating more market share each year. We have partnered with AXA Insurance (Ireland’s largest motor insurer), who provide two amazing offers (for Learner Permit and Full Licence holders) which have substantially increased business for ISM Instructors all over Ireland. Also, with the success of our integrated online booking system, over 45% of our car driving lesson bookings are now online and continues to grow.

So whether you are an existing ADI who wants to increase local business, or new to the industry, contact Steve Murray or Karl Walsh at ISM Head Office 01 864 1790. Please note that ISM restricts the number of Instructors in all areas throughout Ireland’s cities, towns, and rural areas.

RSA Driving Exams

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the regulatory body for driving instruction in Ireland. Driving Instructors who meet the standard set by the RSA will become ISM Approved Driving Instructors (ADI).

The ADI Registrar based in the RSA heads up the unit responsible for the registration process. The objective of regulating the industry is to standardise instruction and give the ADI a leading role in developing better drivers.

To become an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), whether it’s for cars, motorbikes, trucks or buses, you must qualify as an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). The ADI qualifying examination comes in three stages – Theory, Advanced Driving, and Instructional Ability.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

ADI Stage 1 – Theory TRAINING

Stage 1 of the ISM Driving Instructor Training Programme focuses on the theoretical aspects of driving, including theory, rules of the road, driving regulations, ricability, pedagogy, customer focus etc, and is conducted on a 1:1 basis. Prior to this training course, you must read the recommended ADI study material which can be downloaded from the RSA website. It is imperative you have studied this material thoroughly prior to the theory training day.

This Classroom/Online Training day is usually scheduled a couple of weeks before your Stage 1 exam after your home study is completed. Your tutor will work through the Stage 1 ADI material and prepare you with mock exam papers. This ensures you have full knowledge of each section you are expected to know to pass your Stage 1 exam

ADI Stage 1 – Theory EXAM

In this test, you will be asked 100 questions split into four bands. For every question, there will be four possible answers. You answer the questions by touching the computer screen to select the answer from the selection shown. To pass the test you must answer at least 85 questions correctly with a minimum of 20 correct answers in each band. This part of the test will last one and a half hours. You will have the option to work through a practice session lasting 15 minutes to help you get used to the system before you start the actual test.

ADI Stage 2 – Advanced Driver Training

Now that you have the theory under your belt, you are ready to take to the road. Here, you have the choice between using an ISM training vehicle or your own car. The objective of Stage 2 is to eradicate bad habits that you may have picked up along the way, enabling you to assist your own students in the most effective way. Putting theory into practice, we will concentrate on:

Assessment of your practical driving ability and knowledge.
Going back to basics, you will be expected to conduct all manoeuvres that learner drivers must complete on their test.
Driving will take place in a variety of environments – urban and rural roads, motorways, and dual carriageways.

ADI Stage 2 – Advanced Driving Exam

Like in Stage 1, your RSA ADI examiner will be there to guide you. At this stage, the exam is conducted by an RSA ADI Inspector. This practical exam is also known as the ADI practical driving skills assessment.

ADI Stage 3 – Instructional Ability Training

Now that you have successfully passed the first two stages, you are ready to prove you have what it takes to turn future students into safe drivers. Not only will you be equipped with the knowledge needed for the Stage 3 exam, but you will also be taught:

How to effectively use dual controls allowing you to always keep the car safe.
How to devise a “lesson planner” using various role-play skills.
How to teach your future students using the ISM ADI Teaching Manual.

ADI Stage 3 – Instructional Ability Exam

Here your teaching ability will be put to the test through two or three role-playing exercises. These role-plays will involve the examiner taking to the wheel and playing various scenarios:

The novice with no experience.
Intermediate driver with little experience – you are required to highlight and correct their errors.
The final exercise will consist of you demonstrating teaching methods to an experienced driver, to prepare him/her for their driving test.

These role-playing exercises are designed to test your presentation, your mastery of instructional techniques and your ability to assess a learner driver’s skills and weaknesses correctly.

Cost Guide

In order for you to understand the process in detail, the following is a step-by-step guide for you to become an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Below we have detailed the prices of each exam and training module with an attractive payment plan to suit your requirements. We realise it is important that you know exactly how much the whole process will cost, from start to finish. On this note, beware of training companies offering ADI Training that do not provide transparent information and/or prices. The ISM Instructor Training Programme represents unrivalled value and is guaranteed as the most competitively priced training available in Ireland.

RSA ADI EXAM FEES

• STAGE 1 €150.00 • STAGE 2 €200.00• STAGE 3 €200.00
REGISTRATION FEE (upon successful completion) €250.00

ISM ADI Training Plan

The full three-Stage Modular ADI Training Course costs €2250.00. Our ADI training is conducted by industry experts on a 1:1 basis. Please note that home study is required, and we will advise you about the best way to proceed with all relevant information to properly prepare for each exam. You will also receive a complimentary ADI Stage 3 Teaching Manual to prepare for your final Stage 3 exam.

ADI STAGE 1: Home Study + Revision Session (1 x half-day session; 4 hours) of Classroom/Online Based Theory Training.

ADI STAGE 2: On-Road Advanced Training (3 x half-day sessions; 12 hours). ISM provide the training vehicle if necessary.

ADI STAGE 3: Combined On-Road & Classroom Training (4 x half-day sessions; 16 hours) of Instructional Ability Training (including ADI Teaching Manual).

Classrooms are provided for the relevant theory sessions and new fully-insured dual-controlled specialised Training Vehicles are used for the On-Road Training. We now have introduced a new “three-part easy-pay plan” where you can pay the course fee in three stages: €750.00 x 3 payments. Payment is accepted by bank transfer or credit/debit card. For more information about this, phone Karl or Steve at ISM Head Office on 01 864 1790.

Step-By-Step Guide

1 – Download the RSA ADI application forms at https://www.rsa.ie/en/Utility/Driving-Instructors1/Becoming-an-ADI/ . All three RSA ADI Exams will cost you €550.00 but you can pay for each stage separately if it suits you better. The breakdown of these RSA fees are as follows: Stage 1: €150.00 / Stage 2: €200.00 / Stage 3: €200.00.

2 – Complete both forms (the ADI application form and the Vetting form). Get your Tax Access Code from Revenue. Post all of these to the RSA in Ballina, Co Mayo with two recently taken passport photographs. The RSA usually take 3/4 weeks to process your application. When successful, the RSA will write to you and provide you with an “eligibility number”; this number will enable you to apply for your first exam, the ADI Theory Test.

3 – When you have scheduled your Stage 1 exam date, contact us immediately. We will advise you of the relevant material to read, all of which are recommended by the RSA. We will then arrange your Stage 1 training date approximately 10 days before this exam date. We will require your first deposit payment of €750.00 at this stage.

4 – When the RSA are notified of your successful Stage 1 pass result, we recommend you apply for your Stage 2 exam as soon as possible; you should expect your Stage 2 exam within a month or so. Once you have received this date, call us and schedule your three half-day sessions of Stage 2 Advanced Driver Training. We will now require your second deposit payment of €750.00.

5 – Then when the RSA are notified of your successful completion of Stage 2, you should expect your Stage 3 exam date, again within approximately another four weeks. Once you have received this date, call us once again and schedule your four half-day sessions of Stage 3 Instructional Ability Training prior to your exam date. Now you can pay your third and final training fee of €750.00.

To get started, or if you have any questions, contact Karl Walsh at 01 864 1790 or 087 2533365.