The Trainee Licence
The trainee licence is a key stage in your training. It builds on the skills and knowledge you’ve developed over the past few months and is designed to give you the strongest possible foundation ahead of your Part 3 test.
While on a trainee licence, you can charge for lessons and work as a trainee driving instructor. To do this, you must have a sponsor, and that’s where we come in.
Alongside sponsorship, you’ll receive ongoing training and unlimited support to ensure you feel confident, prepared, and ready to succeed in your Part 3 test.
Training Requirements
Before applying for your trainee licence, you must have completed:
– 40 hours of Part 3 training
During the trainee licence period, we provide:
– A minimum of an additional 20 hours of training
– Further training if test resits are required
Additional Part 3 Training
To give you the best possible chance of success, we also offer a range of additional Part 3 support options, including:
– Weekly PDI Surgeries- Discuss what went well during your weekly lessons with a Senior Trainer, get support for any questions or queries from the week, and work alongside fellow PDIs to share ideas and improve together.
– Monthly Part 3 webinars – covering the full test structure, marking criteria, and what the examiner is looking for
-Live test report review sessions – where we go through real reports in detail so you understand exactly where improvements are needed
– Interactive Q&A sessions – join live discussions with instructors who have recently passed or failed, giving you real insight into what works and what doesn’t.
This extra support is designed to help you feel fully prepared, confident, and ready to pass your Part 3 test.
Support & Mentoring
– Unlimited support throughout your trainee licence
– Ongoing support after qualification, with guidance and resources to help you build and grow your driving instructor business.
– Ongoing mentor support to guide you through your training.
– We provide full diary management support using the DRIVE app, including training and ongoing guidance to help you manage bookings and build your diary.
– Regular contact and guidance from the full DRIVE team
Working Hours & Expectations
– You do not need to be available full-time during your trainee licence
– Please do not leave any existing employment at this stage
– This period should focus on learning rather than earning
We will support you in sourcing learners through local advertising campaigns and provide you with the skills and tools needed to build your own diary.
Vehicle Requirements
– You should use your own car whenever possible
– We recommend it is under 10 years old and in good condition
To keep costs down, we suggest purchasing a vehicle if possible rather than leasing.
Speak to the team for advice before sourcing a new car.
Costs & Fees/Weekly Support Fee
– £109 per week
– Covers ongoing training and support throughout your journey with DRIVE.
– You would only need to work 3–4 hours per week to cover this cost
– Your franchise fee is not payable until the first week on your trainee licence
Administration Fee
– £250 total
Payable either
– In full 4 weeks before your trainee licence starts, or
– In five monthly instalments of £50, with the first payment due 4 weeks before your start date
