When you’re learning to drive, you might come across the terms “ADI” (Approved Driving Instructor) and “PDI” (Potential Driving Instructor) and wonder what they mean.
Both roles involve teaching people how to drive, but there are key differences between them, particularly regarding qualifications and responsibilities.
Here’s what you need to know about ADIs and PDIs and how they affect your experience as a learner driver.
What is an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)?
An Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is a fully qualified and licensed driving instructor. This means they have completed all the necessary steps and exams to teach learners to drive. Becoming an ADI is a process that involves three main stages:
Theory Test
The first step is passing a theory test, which covers road safety, traffic laws, and driving theory. This test ensures that the instructor has a solid understanding of the theoretical side of driving.
Practical Driving Test
After passing the theory test, the next step is a practical driving test. This evaluates the instructor’s ability to drive competently in real-world conditions, ensuring they can drive safely on the road.
Instructional Ability Test
The final part is the instructional ability test, which focuses on the instructor’s teaching skills. This test looks at how well the instructor communicates, how effectively they teach, and whether they can help learners understand the practical and theoretical aspects of driving.
Once an individual has passed these tests, they become an ADI and are fully licensed to teach driving lessons.
As an ADI, they can teach independently, set their own rates, and offer lessons without restrictions.
They are also required to undergo periodic checks and continuous professional development to stay up-to-date with any changes in driving laws or teaching techniques.
What is a PDI (Potential Driving Instructor)?
A Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) is someone who is in the process of becoming an ADI but hasn’t yet passed the final instructional ability test.
PDIs have already completed the theory and practical driving tests but are still working on their teaching skills.
Essentially, a PDI is a trainee instructor.
A PDI is required to display a pink badge while teaching, which clearly indicates they are still in the process of qualifying.
To get the pink badge, a PDI must undergo at least 40 hours of training, which helps them refine their teaching abilities. Once they receive the pink badge, they are also allowed to charge for driving lessons.
The pink badge is valid for 6 months, after which the PDI can apply for a second pink badge for another 6 months. This gives them additional time to gain experience and continue their training.
During the time they hold their pink badge, PDIs are also required to complete 20 hours of additional training within the first 3 months of each badge being issued. This helps them continue to develop their skills and ensures they are always improving as an instructor.
A PDI must also be sponsored by a driving school. This sponsorship allows them to receive the necessary training and support from the school’s instructor trainer, which is crucial as they work towards becoming a fully qualified ADI.
Key Differences Between ADI and PDI
The main difference between an ADI and a PDI is the level of qualification. An ADI has completed all the necessary steps and is fully qualified to teach driving lessons. A PDI, on the other hand, is still in the process of qualifying and has not yet passed the final test to become an ADI.
Another noticeable difference is the pink badge. PDIs are required to display this pink badge while teaching, letting learners know they are still in training. ADIs do not need to display a badge since they are fully qualified.
Which One Should You Choose?
As a learner driver, whether you have lessons with an ADI or a PDI, both instructors will be capable of teaching you to drive.
However, the key difference is that ADIs have more experience and training, which might make you feel more confident in their ability to teach. PDIs, while still learning, may bring a lot of enthusiasm and fresh teaching methods, and they might even charge slightly lower rates for lessons.
Ultimately, what’s most important is that you feel comfortable with your instructor. Whether they are an ADI or a PDI, both will help you progress towards becoming a safe and confident driver.