1. Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)

There are two routes to becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Ireland:

Route 1: Successfully complete the 3-stage RSA qualification process: driving theory test; practical driving test; and instruction ability test. Each stage has to be passed before going to the next stage.

Route 2: Demonstrate that your existing qualifications and/or experience satisfy the ADI standard set by the RSA.

Passing (or gaining exemption from) all stages of the qualification process will entitle you to have your name entered on the ADI Register. An ADI Registrar based in the RSA will be responsible for and will oversee your registration process.

The ADI Information Pack
Recognition of existing qualifications
PREPARE FAQS

The ADI Information Pack

The RSA has produced an ADI Information Pack to help all ADI candidates know what's needed to become an Approved Driving Instructor. It covers:

ADI Assessment Guide - how ADI performance is judged
standards and applying for registration - to check if your qualifications comply with RSA standards or if you are exempt from either all or part of the stages of the ADI registration process
The Driving Instructor's Handbook - a professional resource for ADI candidates considering applying to register as a driving instructor
RSA Approved Instructor Booklet - information for qualified instructors
driver theory - sample questions from stage one of the RSA qualification process
driving test information - marking guidelines, preparation, check test and vehicle standards
ricability car controls - a guide to adaptions on vehicles suitable for older or disabled drivers
Essential Driver Training (EDT) and Initial Basic Training (IBT) booklets - information on how learner driver and learner motorcyclist training courses work
replacing lost EDT and IBT stamps and lost logbooks - pre-written forms to help replace lost documentation.

Recognition of existing qualifications

If you are already working in a particular industry, it an established principle that you will have reached a certain standard of competence in relation to the skills needed to deliver driving instruction. The RSA worked with FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) and QQI (Quality and Qualification Ireland) to develop a system whereby previous qualifications can be benchmarked against the RSA ADI qualification standard in an open, transparent and fair way

PREPARE FAQS

Am I exempt from any of the three stages of the ADI test process?

his depends on your qualifications or previous experience. You will need to demonstrate to the ADI Registrar that your qualifications and/or experience meets the RSA's standards for ADIs. This process includes providing any results, accreditations, awards, certificates or marking sheets from accredited organisations.

To assess the value of your existing qualifications, you would typically be expected to supply the ADI Registrar with the following details:

Stage 1 - theory test

format and content of the theory test undertaken
result of the theory test and copy of certificate
person/organisation carrying out the theory test
the qualifications/accreditations of the person or organisation that carried out the theory test.

Stage 2 - driving test

assessment method and weighting of skills on test
copy of marking sheet from the driving test
the qualifications/accreditations of the tester or organisation that carried out the driving test
driving test pass certificate.

Stage 3 - instruction ability test

marking sheet from the test
assessment method used for the test
what qualification/accreditation of the examiner/organisation that carried out the driving instruction test
instruction ability test pass certificate.

Where the Registrar is satisfied that your qualification or experience is at least equal to that of the RSA ADI standard, the Registrar can allow an exemption from either all or part of the 3-stage qualification process.