Step 1 – Instructor Training
Please take five minutes to review the information below, as it may help you make an informed decision.
Steer And Go Making the Right Decision
Deciding to become a driving instructor is a significant and potentially life-changing decision. It is important to take the time to fully research your options before committing to any training provider. you will find many driving schools offering instructor training. Some may attract you with large branded vehicles, low-cost training packages, or promises of a refund if you do not qualify. These are often warning signs, as choosing the cheapest option or relying on guarantees does not necessarily lead to quality training.
Selecting the right driving school is crucial to your success as a DVSA Approved driving instructor. The quality of training you receive directly affects your knowledge, teaching ability, and ultimately your chances of qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). The better your training, the better prepared you will be for your future career.
Once you commit and pay for a course, the driving school will assign you a trainer. However, it is essential to know who will actually be training you before you make any payment or commitment, You should always ask:
- How much experience does the trainer have?
- How long have they been training people to become driving instructors?
- Will I receive written progress reports to recorded feedback and monitor progress?
- Will the same trainer teach me part 1,2 and 3?
- What grade is the trainer?
Some schools use newly qualified instructors to deliver instructor training. While they may be competent instructors, not every instructor has the skills or experience required to train someone to become a driving instructor.
One of the most important factors to consider is the trainer’s grade. Your trainer should ideally be a Grade A instructor. Grade A instructors have demonstrated a consistently high standard of instruction. They deliver well-structured lessons, show strong teaching and coaching skills, and adapt their training to suit individual learning styles.
Training with a Grade A instructor provides confidence that you are receiving high-quality, professional training, giving you the best possible opportunity to qualify and succeed in your career as a driving instructor.
Step Two: Know Your Instructor Trainer
Who Will Actually Be Training You?
When you begin your instructor training, you may never meet the people behind the company name. In many cases, training is delivered by individuals with limited hands-on experience. At Steer and Go, our approach is different. Our management team are actively involved and are themselves DVSA Approved Driving Instructors. This means your training is delivered and overseen by experienced professionals who understand the role from first-hand, real-world experience.
You can be confident that you are being trained by people who know exactly what it takes to succeed as a driving instructor. At Steer and Go, we believe transparency matters. Our instructor trainers are not only DVSA Approved Driving Instructors — they are Grade A professionals with decades of experience both teaching learners and training instructors. You will be trained by people who have been there, done it, and understand exactly what it takes to succeed in the industry.
When it comes to your future career, experience isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Step 1 – Instructor Training
Please take five minutes to review the information below, as it may help you make an informed decision.
Steer And Go Making the Right Decision
Deciding to become a driving instructor is a significant and potentially life-changing decision. It is important to take the time to fully research your options before committing to any training provider. you will find many driving schools offering instructor training. Some may attract you with large branded vehicles, low-cost training packages, or promises of a refund if you do not qualify. These are often warning signs, as choosing the cheapest option or relying on guarantees does not necessarily lead to quality training.
Selecting the right driving school is crucial to your success as a DVSA Approved driving instructor. The quality of training you receive directly affects your knowledge, teaching ability, and ultimately your chances of qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). The better your training, the better prepared you will be for your future career.
Once you commit and pay for a course, the driving school will assign you a trainer. However, it is essential to know who will actually be training you before you make any payment or commitment, You should always ask:
- How much experience does the trainer have?
- How long have they been training people to become driving instructors?
- Will I receive written progress reports to recorded feedback and monitor progress?
- Will the same trainer teach me part 1,2 and 3?
- What grade is the trainer?
Some schools use newly qualified instructors to deliver instructor training. While they may be competent instructors, not every instructor has the skills or experience required to train someone to become a driving instructor.
One of the most important factors to consider is the trainer’s grade. Your trainer should ideally be a Grade A instructor. Grade A instructors have demonstrated a consistently high standard of instruction. They deliver well-structured lessons, show strong teaching and coaching skills, and adapt their training to suit individual learning styles.
Training with a Grade A instructor provides confidence that you are receiving high-quality, professional training, giving you the best possible opportunity to qualify and succeed in your career as a driving instructor.
Step Two: Know Your Instructor Trainer
Who Will Actually Be Training You?
When you begin your instructor training, you may never meet the people behind the company name. In many cases, training is delivered by individuals with limited hands-on experience. At Steer and Go, our approach is different. Our management team are actively involved and are themselves DVSA Approved Driving Instructors. This means your training is delivered and overseen by experienced professionals who understand the role from first-hand, real-world experience.
You can be confident that you are being trained by people who know exactly what it takes to succeed as a driving instructor. At Steer and Go, we believe transparency matters. Our instructor trainers are not only DVSA Approved Driving Instructors — they are Grade A professionals with decades of experience both teaching learners and training instructors. You will be trained by people who have been there, done it, and understand exactly what it takes to succeed in the industry.
When it comes to your future career, experience isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Meet Our Instructor Trainers
Choosing the right instructor trainer is an important decision. We offer the opportunity to meet one of our experienced instructor trainers face to face, giving you the chance to discuss your goals and fully understand our training approach before committing.
Book Your Informal Meeting
Tim Palfreman
Instructor Trainer
Tim Palfreman has been a team member for over 20 years he is a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor with 25 years of hands-on instructional experience. He has spent 22 years training driving instructors, helping them achieve strong results in both ADI qualification and ongoing professional development.
As a Grade A instructor, Tim brings a structured, practical approach to training, combining real-world experience with clear, effective coaching. His focus is on building confidence, consistency, and high standards in every instructor he trains.
Simon Kernohan
Instructor Training Manager
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor Simon Kernohan is a highly respected Instructor Training Manager and a cornerstone of the team, with over 20 years’ service. He has more than 30 years’ experience as an ADI, including 25 years specialising in instructor development. A Grade A instructor, Simon has trained industry leaders Les Gutteridge and Tim Palfreman. His career includes senior roles with British School of Motoring and AA Driving School. He is known for his supportive, results-driven approach.
Les Gutteridge
Instructor Trainer
Les Gutteridge has been a valued member of our team for over 15 years, with more than 25 years’ experience in driver training. He specialises in mentoring new and established instructors. Holding the prestigious DVSA Grade A qualification and a proud member of Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Les also holds Level 3 Mentoring and Coaching, Level 4 PTLLLS and Fleet Train the Trainer qualifications. He is known for his calm, supportive and thorough approach.
Step Three: Your Instructor Training
The Wrong Choice
Driving schools can vary significantly in how they deliver training. Some schools conduct lessons with two or even three trainees in the vehicle with one instructor. This means the instructor’s attention is divided, which can slow your progress and lead to frustration or demotivation. Other schools provide training via Zoom or group online sessions with multiple trainees. In these cases, the learning experience is often diluted, and you may not receive the focused, practical guidance you need to succeed to become a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
Steer and Go instructor Training
The Right Choice
At Steer and Go Instructor Training, we do not deliver training via Zoom or group sessions. All of our training is provided on a one-to-one basis, ensuring there are no other trainees in the vehicle. This allows our instructor trainers to give you their full attention throughout every training session.
Our trainers ensure you fully understand every aspect of your training and tailor each session to your individual needs. You will receive comprehensive support at every stage, helping you achieve the best possible results using the most up-to-date training methods. Each lesson includes clear verbal guidance and is supported by a detailed written report to reinforce your learning and track your progress.
Step Four: Your Steer and Go Instructor Training Course
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check is a mandatory requirement for individuals applying to become a DVSA-approved driving instructor. Your driving instructor trainer will provide guidance throughout this process, ensuring that all required information is completed accurately and submitted in accordance with DVSA and DBS requirements. The cost of this service is £8.22 Get a criminal record check to become a driving instructor – GOV.UK
Part One: Theory Test (Self-Study)
Part One is a self-study module completed using our driving theory test app, offering interactive practice with official-style questions, mock tests, and hazard perception training. You will receive essential study materials, including the Highway Code, know your traffic signs, driving the essential skills, and the instructor handbook. Your driving instructor will provide guidance and support throughout your training to help you confidently pass the Part One Theory Test.
The cost of this test is £81.00 Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test: Booking your test – GOV.UK
ADI Part 2: Driving Test
You will receive 10 hours of driver training designed to prepare you for the Part Two Driving Test. Your progress will be tracked with written reports to help identify strengths and areas for improvement. As you have only three attempts, it is essential to prepare thoroughly. Your driving instructor will provide guidance throughout your training and accompany you on test day.
The Part Two Test fee is £111.00. Book your driving test – GOV.UK
ADI Part 3: Test of Instructional Ability Training
You will receive Driving instructor lesson plans along with 40 hours of driver training to prepare for the ADI Part 3 Test, which evaluates your ability to teach a learner driver during a live lesson. Your progress will be monitored with written reports to identify strengths and areas for improvement. With only three attempts allowed, thorough preparation is essential. Your driving instructor will provide guidance throughout your training and accompany you on test day.
The test fee is £111.00. Book your driving test – GOV.UK
PDI Licence (Trainee Driving Instructor Licence)
After passing the ADI Part 2 Test and completing 40 hours of Instructional Ability Training, your trainer has to record your training on a ADI 21T form. You can now apply for a Trainee Driving Instructor (PDI) licence. This licence allows you to gain practical experience instructing learner drivers while preparing for the ADI Part 3 Test. The PDI licence is valid for six months.
The cost of the licence is £140.00. Apply for a trainee driving instructor licence – GOV.UK on a ADI 21T form ADI-21T.pdf
If you have applied for a PDI trainee driving licence You must complete at least 20 hours of extra training at additional cost while you have your PDI licence. This will be recorded by your instructor trainer on a form ADI21 AT and must be sent to the DVSA. This training must be completed within the first 3 months of getting your licence, or before you book your first Part 3 test attempt whichever is sooner.
This will be recorded by your instructor trainer on a form ADI21 AT Driving instructor training declaration (ADI 21AT)
Part 3 Test Passed
Congratulations on passing your Part 3 Test! You must apply for your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) badge within 12 months, or you will need to retake all three tests. Once issued, your ADI registration is valid for four years and must be renewed, including a standards check, to maintain your qualification. The cost of the ADI licence is £300.00.
Apply for your first approved driving instructor (ADI) badge – GOV.UK
Steer and Go Driving Instructor Training Course summary & cost
Our instructor training courses are typically delivered over an 8–12 week period, with flexible options available to suit your individual needs. Training is primarily conducted around Gateshead Driving Test Centre (NE11 9HU) and Gosforth Driving Test Centre (NE3 5HB), while also covering all other Driving Test Centres across the North East. This flexibility ensures high-quality training delivered at a time and location that works best for you. The total cost of the Steer and Go Driving Instructor Training Course is £1,280. To provide flexibility and convenience, this fee can be paid in three instalments:
- £480 initial payment
- £400 payable after one month
- £400 payable after a further month
This structured payment plan allows you to manage costs while completing your training with confidence. Our Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) training programme provides full support at every stage of qualification. We guide you through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check, followed by comprehensive preparation for all ADI tests. This includes self-study support for Part 1 (Theory), 10 hours of practical training for Part 2 (Driving Ability), and structured lesson plans with 40 hours of training for Part 3 (Instructional Ability). Expert guidance from your instructor trainer is provided throughout the entire process.
Talk to Us Before You Commit
We understand that enrolling on this course is a significant, life-changing decision. Before making any payment, we strongly encourage you to contact us to discuss the training in detail and ensure it is the right choice for you.
You can make an enquiry by calling 07407 808080 or by completing our online contact form. A member of our team will arrange a convenient consultation, either by telephone or in person—whichever you prefer—to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Steer And Go – The Right Choice