Struggling to Get a Driving Instructor? Here’s Why

Struggling to Get a Driving Instructor? Here’s Why
By Blog
Oct 04

Struggling to Get a Driving Instructor? Here’s Why

The latest data shows that finding an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) for lessons has become a challenging task. In 2023, despite many instructors increasing their working hours, a significant number of new learners are struggling to secure a slot. If you’re facing difficulties getting lessons, you’re not alone. This article will break down why it’s so tough to find a driving instructor, what the numbers tell us, and what you can do about it.

Outline

  1. Introduction
    • Overview of the ADI shortage
    • Why it’s becoming harder to find an instructor
  2. The Growing Demand for Driving Lessons
    • Increase in the number of learner drivers
    • Surge in provisional driving licenses issued
    • Impact of population growth on demand
  3. Data Insights from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
    • 70% of ADIs unavailable for new students
    • Increase in working hours for instructors
    • How instructors are managing the surge with waiting lists
  4. Regional Variations in Instructor Shortage
    • Areas most affected by the shortage
    • Case studies: Salisbury, Oldham, and other cities
  5. Why Are Waiting Lists So Long?
    • The role of delayed driving tests
    • Pent-up demand and its impact on new students
  6. The Impact of Instructor Shortages on Learner Drivers
    • Increased competition for available slots
    • Extended learning periods for current students
  7. AA Driving School’s Perspective on the Shortage
    • Statistics on pupil registrations in 2024
    • Regional booms in demand for driving lessons
    • What the AA says about recruitment needs
  8. Top 10 UK Areas in Need of Driving Instructors
    • Breakdown of the regions with the highest demand for instructors
  9. What’s Causing the National Shortage of Instructors?
    • Changes in the ADI qualification process
    • Retirement rates among older instructors
  10. How to Find an Instructor Despite the Shortage
    • Tips for getting on waiting lists
    • Strategies for finding available instructors
  11. The Benefits of Becoming a Driving Instructor Right Now
    • Why now is the perfect time to start ADI training
    • The job security and demand for ADIs in the current market
  12. Challenges in Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor
    • The rigorous ADI qualification process
    • Why the bar is set high for new instructors
  13. Alternatives to Traditional Driving Instructors
    • Online driving schools and virtual lessons
    • How AI and simulators are changing the industry
  14. Government Initiatives to Address the Shortage
    • Efforts to increase ADI recruitment
    • Policy changes aimed at easing the demand
  15. Conclusion
    • Summary of the situation
    • Final advice for learner drivers
  16. FAQs
    • Why are driving instructors so hard to find right now?
    • How long do waiting lists usually last for driving lessons?
    • Can I learn to drive using online tools or simulators?
    • Is becoming a driving instructor a good career move?
    • Will the driving instructor shortage improve soon?

Introduction

Getting a driving instructor these days seems like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You’ve likely been on waiting lists, called up schools, or maybe even thought about giving up. But why is it so hard to book driving lessons in 2024? Recent statistics from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reveal a sharp increase in demand for instructors, making it difficult for new learners to get started.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the shortage, where it’s hitting the hardest, and how you can still secure a spot with an ADI.

The Growing Demand for Driving Lessons

The number of learner drivers has skyrocketed. Whether it’s teens eager to gain independence or adults needing to drive for work, more people are seeking lessons than ever before. Between May 2023 and May 2024, there was a 3.4% rise in provisional driving licenses issued. Interestingly, for people aged 25 to 30, this jump was even higher, at 6%.

The growing population and higher demand for driving tests are contributing factors, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Data Insights from the DVSA

The DVSA’s recent data shows that 70% of ADIs polled are currently unavailable for new students. This is despite the fact that 20% of instructors have increased their working hours in 2023. Many instructors are trying to manage the situation by creating waiting lists, and some of these lists are over a year long.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the demand far outweighs the available supply.

Regional Variations in Instructor Shortage

In some parts of the UK, the driving instructor shortage is especially severe. The AA Driving School has reported significant surges in pupil registrations, with increases of up to 127% in Salisbury and 97% in Oldham. Other hotspots for instructor shortages include Liverpool, West London, and Edinburgh.

These regions, particularly those with dense populations, are feeling the brunt of the shortage.

Why Are Waiting Lists So Long?

One of the key reasons for the lengthy waiting lists is the delay in driving tests. Many instructors are finding that their current students are taking longer to pass their tests, meaning they can’t take on new learners. The combination of longer test wait times and increased demand has created a bottleneck, leaving many eager learners stuck in line.

The Impact of Instructor Shortages on Learner Drivers

The shortage of instructors means increased competition for available slots. If you’re lucky enough to get on a waiting list, you may still be waiting months for your lessons to begin. Additionally, current learners are taking more time to complete their training, which is further delaying new pupils from getting started.

AA Driving School’s Perspective on the Shortage

The AA Driving School has seen a 5% rise in pupil registrations across the UK, with some regions experiencing significantly higher growth. According to Camilla Benitz, Managing Director of the AA Driving School, the increased demand is largely due to the long waiting times for driving tests. As instructors are busy with their current students, new pupil slots are becoming increasingly rare.

Top 10 UK Areas in Need of Driving Instructors

Based on AA research, the top ten areas in need of driving instructors are:

  1. Liverpool
  2. Oldham
  3. Bristol
  4. West London
  5. Blackburn
  6. Edinburgh
  7. Harrow
  8. Medway
  9. Salisbury
  10. Motherwell

These areas have the highest levels of demand, and new instructors are urgently needed.

What’s Causing the National Shortage of Instructors?

Several factors are contributing to the national shortage of driving instructors. One major reason is that the process to become an ADI is time-consuming and difficult, with high standards to meet. Many older instructors are retiring, and the number of new ADIs qualifying isn’t keeping pace with the demand.

How to Find an Instructor Despite the Shortage

Though it’s difficult, it’s not impossible to find an instructor. Start by getting on multiple waiting lists and be persistent in your search. Some learners are finding success by looking in less populated areas or booking lessons during off-peak times.

The Benefits of Becoming a Driving Instructor Right Now

If you’re looking for a new career, becoming a driving instructor is an excellent option. The demand for ADIs is higher than ever, and the job security in this field is strong. Plus, with more people learning to drive each year, instructors are unlikely to run out of work anytime soon.

Challenges in Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor

However, it’s important to remember that becoming an ADI isn’t easy. The qualification process is rigorous, with several stages of testing to ensure that instructors meet the necessary standards.

Alternatives to Traditional Driving Instructors

In response to the shortage, some learners are turning to online driving schools and simulators. While these alternatives can’t fully replace in-person lessons, they’re a great way to supplement your learning and get familiar with road rules before you start driving.

Government Initiatives to Address the Shortage

To combat the shortage, the government is working on initiatives to increase the number of ADIs. This includes speeding up the qualification process for instructors and offering incentives for people to join the profession.

Conclusion

In summary, the shortage of driving instructors is a real issue in the UK, with many learners struggling to secure lessons. However, by understanding the situation, exploring alternative options, and staying persistent, you can still find your way onto the road. And if you’ve ever considered becoming a driving instructor, now might be the perfect time to make the leap.


FAQs

Why are driving instructors so hard to find right now?
The demand for lessons has skyrocketed, and there aren’t enough instructors to meet that demand, leading to long waiting lists.

How long do waiting lists usually last for driving lessons?
It varies, but some instructors have waiting lists that stretch for over a year.

Can I learn to drive using online tools or simulators?
Yes, while online tools and simulators can help, they can’t replace the real-life experience of driving with an instructor.

Is becoming a driving instructor a good career move?
Yes, with the current shortage of ADIs, there’s a huge demand, making it a secure and rewarding career choice.

Will the driving instructor shortage improve soon?
It’s hard to say, but with government initiatives in place, there’s hope that more instructors will qualify in the near future.

 

Main image by freepik.

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