The main difference between an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and a Trainee Driving Instructor (PDI) is their level of qualification and experience. Here’s a breakdown:
What’s the Difference?
When you’re looking to learn how to drive, one of the first decisions you’ll face is who to learn with—and you may come across two types of instructors:
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Trainee Driving Instructors (PDIs).
But what’s the difference, and how does it affect your learning experience?
Let’s break it down.
What Is an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)?
https://mmdrivingschools.co.uk/ 
✅ Fully Qualified – Has completed all three parts of the DVSA instructor qualification process.
An Approved Driving Instructor is a fully qualified professional who has passed all three stages of the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) qualifying process:
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Theory and Hazard Perception Test (Part 1)
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Driving Ability Test (Part 2)
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Instructional Ability Test (Part 3)
✅ More Experienced – Has likely spent more time teaching learners.
ADIs also undergo regular standards checks by the DVSA to ensure they’re maintaining high teaching standards. They carry a green badge, which they display in the front windscreen of their tuition vehicle.
✅ Recognized by DVSA – Listed as an official instructor.
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Fully qualified and DVSA-approved.
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Experienced in teaching learners.
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Monitored regularly to ensure quality.
Pros of Learning with an ADI:
- Can provide structured lessons with a tested teaching approach.
- More likely to help you pass efficiently.
- https://mmdrivingschools.co.uk/intensive-non-intensive-driving-lessons/
✅ Green Badge – Displays a green badge in the car window.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMT4ua4yXKw&t=1681s
2. Trainee Driving Instructor (PDI)
🛠️ In Training – Has passed the first two tests but is still working on the final qualification.
🛠️ Limited Experience – May not have as much teaching practice.
🛠️ Licensed to Teach Learners – Can provide lessons but is still being assessed.
🛠️ Pink Badge – Displays a pink badge in the car window.
Pros of Choosing a PDI:
- Sometimes offers cheaper lessons.
- Still trained, but may not have as much experience as an ADI.
- Could be more motivated to help learners as they gain experience.
https://mmdrivingschools.co.uk/pricing-for-driving-lessons-intensive/
Which Should You Choose?
- If you want a highly experienced instructor, go for an ADI.
- Usually supervised or mentored by a fully qualified ADI.
- If you’re looking for lower-cost lessons and don’t mind a less experienced teacher, a PDI can still be a good option.
- https://youtu.be/OuQ0wDZMotk?si=Mcks_yGv3RfktjBk
