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Driving School Glossary

  • Oct 30, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 30, 2024


Driving test diagram

This collection of terms is designed to help you navigate the language of driving schools.

Block Booking Discount

Book a block of say 10 lessons and pay up front and receive a discount on the hourly rate.

A code of practice drawn up by the DSA and the main ADI organizations that places emphasis on professional standards and business ethics i.e. how the driving school or instructor should treat you their customer.

Means that the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has vetted the instructor. CRB checks are now compulsory for all new ADI's. This ensures that all potential driving instructors (PDI) and existing ADI’s meet the 'fit and proper' criterion i.e. haven't been convicted of any crimes that would render them unsuitable for jobs in the driving instructor industry.

An advance driving test administered by the DIA.

Where the instructor picks you up at the start of the lessons and then drops you off at the end of the lesson at a location of your choice.

A system that allows the driving instructor, sitting in the front passenger seat to take control of the brake and accelerator.

When taking your practical driving test you are likely to use you instructors car. Some instructors charge you for this others offer you the car for free.

A promise that the driving lesson will last a full hour (or what ever duration paid for) and not be cut short by the instructor driving you home in the last ten minutes of the lesson.

A badge displayed in the training car of a fully qualified driving instructor - green badge

A claim that an instructor's or school's pass rate, how many of their students pass the practical driving test, is higher than the national average. Technically it is unlawful for driving schools to provide proof of their pass rates as giving out such information would violate the Data Protection Act.

A member will have passed an advanced driving test. The standard of this test is based on the police system of car control as taught in Home Office Approved Police Driving Schools. This qualification is recognized as the highest driving qualification in the world.

Theory training that takes place in car, during lesson time. Usually delivered via a laptop.

A system that records your driving lesson to video. This can then be played back and analysis.

An intensive block of driving lessons, say 30 hours delivered over a five day period, ending with the practical driving test. Also know as quick pass or crash courses.

The driving school provides mock practical driving tests so that you can see if you're capable of passing the test. These tests are not taken with an official driving test examiner but an ADI.

Lessons for qualified drivers on how to drive on a motorway.

Not having to share the car with another student whilst taking a lesson.

Where only instructor and student are present in the training car.

A scheme set up by the DSA to encourage newly qualified drivers to undergo further training with an ADI in a wider variety of road and traffic conditions than is required for the practical driving test - more details

This is someone who has passed parts one and two of the ADI examination (there are three parts in total). PDI's can give driving tuition to paying pupils.

When the instructor teaches one student, who is driving, whilst their is another student in the back observing.

The badge displayed in the training car of a trainee driving instructor (PDI) - pink badge

Lessons for qualified drivers who haven't driven for a period of time and need to brush-up on their skills or need a little extra confidence.

An advanced driving test which grades successful candidates into gold, silver and bronze grade.

Lessons for students under the age of 17. These lessons will take place on private land.












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