Diploma for Teaching the
Introduction to Driving Education Award
SCQF Level 8 / 17 credit points
This qualification has been SCQF credit rated by SQA
This Diploma qualification aims to provide comprehensive and structured training to approved driving instructors (ADIs), equipping them with all the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to teach potential driving instructors (PDIs). This is a Train the Trainer programme that also gives you a recognised qualification.
ADIs who complete this qualification will be able to deliver the Introduction to Driving Education Award, so that their PDIs also work towards a recognised qualification, whilst adhering to DVSA standards for road safety and driver training.
The development of both qualifications took seven months, taking on board feedback and suggestions following consultations with industry experts, respected academics in the driving field and a meeting with department heads from the DVSA. We now have a comprehensive training and qualification package, aimed at giving our participants the insights into road safety, technology and becoming the best driving teacher you could become.
What does the qualification include?
The Diploma for Teaching the Introduction to Driving Education Award is made up of 13 units, enabling you to deliver the Introduction to Driving Education Award to PDIs and also to ADIs who want additional training. The Units start by looking at your driving and ends with you having the knowledge to build a successful business as a driving teacher. Each unit will include assignments that must be completed as part of the qualification. The units are a mix of both in-car and online training.
Key:
🚗 = In-Car Training
🖥️ = Online Training
Unit 1 - Training Advanced Skills of driving - 🚗 - Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 2 - Training Advanced Theory and practices of driving - 🖥️. - Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 3 - Delivering effective goal setting, feedback, reflection and lesson planning - 🚗 Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 4 - Delivering training for effective route planning and driving faults - 🚗 Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 5 - Delivering advanced teaching strategies - 🚗 Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 6 - Delivering effective development of people skills - 🖥️ Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 7 - Delivering knowledge of driving industry training reports and resources - 🖥️ Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 8 - Enhanced development of the Goals for Driving Education (GDE) and it’s links to road safety - 🖥️ Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 9 - Basics of safeguarding - 🖥️ Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 10 - Effective assessment performance, record keeping and quality assurance - 🖥️ Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 11 - Effective strategies for teaching driving - 🚗 Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 12 - Enhanced and effective level of continuous professional development (CPD) - 🖥️ Click Here to Find Out More
Unit 13 - Effective business building - 🖥️ Click Here to Find Out More
Who is the awarding body?
The qualification was awarded as SCQF Level 8 / 17 credit points in April 2025. This qualification has been SCQF credit rated by SQA (The Scottish Qualifications Authority).
When will the qualification be available?
Our Fast Track group of trainers are due to complete in September 2025 and new dates are planned between October 2025 and May 2026.
The Online Training Days are available to book, while you wait to arrange in-car training days closer to your location.
Who can do the qualification?
The training is suited to anyone who is thinking about delivering Potential Driving Instructor training.
Upcoming Courses - Online Training Days
Diploma Unit 2Online - Full Day
Date: 8th Oct 25Cost £230
Diploma Unit 6
Online - Full Day
Date: 14th Jan 26
Cost £180
Diploma Unit 7Online - Full Day
Date: 28th Jan 26Cost £230
Diploma Unit 8Online - Full Day
Date: 16th Feb 26Cost £230
Safeguarding Unit 9
Online - Half Day
Date: 12th Nov 25
Cost £60
Diploma Unit 10Online - Half Day
Date: 25th Mar 26Cost £150
Diploma Unit 12Online - Half Day
Date: 6th May 26Cost £150
Diploma Unit 13Online Self-PacedCost £120
Upcoming Courses - In Car Training Days
Diploma Unit 1Location: Milton KeynesTrainer: Kev Field
Date: 30th Sept 25Cost £540
Diploma Unit 1Location: OxfordTrainer: Kev Field
Date: 1st Oct 25Cost £540
Diploma Unit 1Location: NottinghamTrainer: Neil Wightman
Date: 1st Oct 25Cost £540
Diploma Unit 1Location: HinckleyTrainer: Neil Wightman
Date: 20th Oct 25Cost £540
Diploma Unit 3
Location to be agreed
Date: 29th Oct 25
Cost £540
Diploma Unit 4Location to be agreed
Date: 19th Nov 25Cost £540
Diploma Unit 5Location to be agreed
Date: 11th Dec 25Cost £540
Diploma Unit 11Location to be agreedDate: 15th Apr 26
Cost £540
Would you like to arrange a location and dates for In-Car Units?
Use the Contact Form below to send us an email. In the comments let us know:
Who you are
Where you are based
When would you like to start the in-car training
And we will get back in touch with you within 48 working hours (Mon-Fri)
Get in touch
Not ready to get started but you would like future updates?
Register your details below and we will send you regular updates about when the new
Diploma to Teach the Introduction to Driving Education Award becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diploma a recognised qualification?
Yes. The qualification completed the quality assurance process with the Scottish Qualifications Authority in April 2025.
The qualification is an SCQF level 8 qualification which is the equivalent difficulty level of second year studying at university.
How long will it take to study and complete the Diploma?
There are 13 units in total for the Diploma and we suggest that all 13 are completed within a two year period to gain the full qualification.
The average student will be able to complete the Diploma in approximately 170 hours (includes attending modules, research, study and assignments)
Units are spaced out over several months to allow you to complete and submit your assignments before attending the next unit.
You have six months to complete the assignments for each unit.
You have two years to complete all 13 units to achieve your qualification.
How do we complete assignments?
The qualification has been designed using a variety of assessment methods:
In-Car Units will include practical tasks, observations and question and answer sessions.
There are several online quizzes which are automatically marked.
Some assignments ask you to complete a practical task and reflect on your experience.
Assignments that ask a question require you to submit your answer using your preferred method - this could be in writing, audio, video.
Virtual session assignments will require you to lead a discussion or training session with a group of PDIs which will be observed and assessed with discussion and reflection afterwards.
Assignments are not a judgement of your writing or academic skills and we do not want them to be an obstacle for your development! The aim is that assignments give you an opportunity to apply what you have learnt, consolidate your knowledge and understanding and allow you to practice your delivery skills in a safe environment.
If I become a trainer to deliver the Introduction to Driving Education Award - who will advertise the courses?
We will be advertising the Introduction to Driving Education Award and each trainer will have their own trainers page.
We hope that qualified trainers will also be advertising themselves as it will hopefully become a core part of your business.
If I am a trainer running an in-car module for the Introduction to Driving Education Award, who do PDIs and ADIs book through?
PDIs (and ADIs) would be able to book the qualification element through us, but arrange dates, locations and trainers fees with you direct.
We are suggesting that the Introduction to Driving Education Award is sold on a unit pay as you go basis to help PDIs spread the cost and ensure that they don’t pay for an expensive qualification upfront and then life changes or they change their minds.
How much will I earn to deliver an in-car module for the Introduction to Driving Education Award?
Trainers will agree their own trainers fees to deliver an in-car day. The days are designed to deliver to a maximum of two PDIs at a time.
