CHOOSING YOUR DRIVING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROVIDER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
With so many companies offering training to become a driving instructor, it can be difficult deciding who to train with. To help dispel some of the misinformation that is around, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that we hear.
IS ORDIT A GUARANTEE THAT I WILL RECEIVE THE BEST TRAINING?
The simple answer is No. ORDIT sets minimum standards for driving instructor training providers. Results vary considerably between ORDIT registered companies in the same way that driving instructor's pass rates vary despite them all having the same basic qualification. At LDC we are proud to have some of the highest pass rates in the business as well as being a founder member of ORDIT. Over the last twelve months our pass rates were 99.7% for Part 1, 97.3% for Part 2 and 80.1% for Part 3. We firmly believe no one offers a better opportunity for success than LDC.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO QUALIFY?
You may come across a great deal of confusing information regarding this question, mainly from driving instructor training companies trying to sign you up quickly and take your money. The DSA is responsible for organising and carrying out ADI examinations. The application and administrative process means that it is almost impossible to qualify in less than six months. Intensive driving instructor training or fast track driving instructor training simply provides a quick return for the driving instructor training provider at the expense of the student. Clearly, if we were able to train you and have you up and running and working with us in two or three months as some companies claim, we would. Quite simply this is impossible.
CAN I WORK PART TIME WITH LDC?
Yes. Unlike most driving schools that have high fixed franchise fees, LDC operates a more flexible low cost franchise that allows you to structure your business in the way that suits you whilst at the same time providing a fair income for the driving lessons carried out.
DO I GET A CHOICE OF CAR?
Yes. Most major driving schools dictate the car you will drive. However, with LDC you have several options. You can drive a car of your own, you can purchase a new car through LDC at a significant discount, or rent one of our driving school cars at a highly competitive rate. The choice of car is yours. We have access to most popular makes and model. This is another example of the flexibility driving instructors enjoy with LDC.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL?
At LDC we are confident that following your individually structured driving instructor training programme you will have the very best chance of passing the qualifying exam. However, should you fail any part of the exam we will provide additional free driving instructor training to ensure that you pass. Also see the point below about time limit.
AM I TIED INTO THE DRIVING SCHOOL?
No. Whilst most people who train with us go on to join LDC, you are under no obligation. Once qualified, if you wish to go your own way you are free to do so. This is not the case with all training providers. With some driving schools you are committed to remain with them and pay their fees for up to two or three years whether they provide you with sufficient work or not!
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT ON THE TRAINING?
No. LDC will honour its commitment to train you indefinitely. Consequently, should you take over a year to complete your driving instructor training this does not matter. Be aware some organisations, particularly those who use High Interest Credit Agreements, are only obliged to provide driving instructor training for 12 months under the agreement you sign with them. After this date the driving instructor training is considered to have been delivered whether it has or not so that these credit companies can easily pursue you through the courts for any money outstanding. Therefore, if you do not complete the driving instructor training within the first 12 months you lose everything. Indeed, some contracts stipulate that if you do not respond to them within 30 days of any letter sent the driving instructor training course is considered to be finished. This is why it is important to study any contract you are asked to sign. When companies get you to sign a contract on their premises you are entitled to a 7 day cooling off period but few take advantage of this fact. Ironically, the salesman use this 'cooling off' period combined with the no "need-to-part-with-any-money" credit agreement to get you to sign on the spot.
CAN I MEET WITH SOMEONE FROM LDC BEFORE COMING ON BOARD?
Yes. We at LDC always prefer to meet with applicants prior to commencing training to get to know more about you and ensure that you are fully informed about what is involved before any commitment is made.