Introduction to Driving Education Award
SCQF Level 5 / 25 credit points
This qualification has been SCQF credit rated by SQA
This Award aims to provide a comprehensive and structured training qualification to potential driving instructors (PDIs), equipping them with all the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to teach learner drivers to be safe, confident drivers post-test whilst adhering to DVSA standards for road safety.
The development of The Introduction to Driving Education Award took seven months and included taking on board feedback and suggestions following consultations with industry experts, respected academics in the driving field and a meeting with 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 Introduction to Driving Education Award is made up of 13 units, starting by looking at your driving and ending with you having the knowledge to build a successful business as a driving teacher. Each unit will include assignments which will need to be completed as part of the qualification. The award will be delivered both in-car and online by trainers who have completed the Diploma for Teaching the Introduction to Driving Education Award, so you know your trainer will have all the skills to be able to help you achieve your goals.
How much does it cost?
Each unit is priced individually, and you pay as you learn. Enrol in one unit at a time, complete the training and assignments and move on to another unit. You should aim to complete all 13 units within two years for them to qualify for the Introduction to Driving Education Award.
Key:
🚗 = In-Car Training
🖥️ = Online Training
Unit 1 - The fundamentals of driving - 🚗. Click Here to find out more
Unit 2 - Theory and practices of driving - 🚗 Click Here to find out more
Unit 3 - Introduction to setting goals, feedback, reflection and lesson planning - 🚗 Click Here to find out more
Unit 4 - Introduction to route planning and driving faults - 🚗 Click Here to find out more
Unit 5 - Introduction to teaching strategies - 🚗. Click Here to find out more
Unit 6 - Introduction to developing people skills - 🖥️ Click Here to find out more
Unit 7 - Introducing driving industry training reports and resources - 🖥️. Click Here to find out more
Unit 8 - Introducing the Goals for Driving Education (GDE) and it’s links to road safety - 🖥️ Click Here to find out more
Unit 9 - Introduction to safeguarding - 🖥️ Click Here to find out more
Unit 10 - Foundations of assessment performance, record keeping and quality assurance - 🖥️. Click Here to find out more
Unit 11 - Introduction to how to deliver a driving lesson - 🚗. Click Here to find out more
Unit 12 - Building the foundations of continuous professional development (CPD) - 🖥️. Click Here to find out more
Unit 13 - Foundations of building your business - 🖥️ Click Here to find out more
Who is the awarding body?
The qualification was awarded at SCQF Level 5 / 25 credit points in April 2025. This qualification has been SCQF credit-rated by SQA (The Scottish Qualifications Authority).
When will the qualification be available?
We aim to start delivery in September/October 2025 when our first cohort of trainers complete the Diploma for Teaching the Introduction to Driving Education Award.
Who can do the qualification?
The training is suited to anyone who is thinking about becoming a driving instructor, anyone in the fleet industry or ADIs wanting to improve their existing knowledge and understanding.
Locations for In-Car Training
Modules: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 11
All our trainers at these locations have undertaken the Diploma for Teaching the Introduction to Driving Education Award
Upcoming Courses - Online Training Days
IDEA Unit 6
Full Day
Date: 14th Jan 26
Cost £180
IDEA Unit 7Full Day
Date: 4th Feb 26Cost £180
IDEA Unit 8Full Day
Date: 25th Feb 26Cost £180
Unit 9
Half Day
Date: 12th Nov
Cost £60
IDEA Unit 10Half Day
Date: 1st Apr 26Cost £130
IDEA Unit 12Half Day
Date: 13th May 26Cost £110
IDEA Unit 13Self-PacedCost £75
Would you like us to keep you updated?
Register your details below and we will send you regular updates about when the new Introduction to Driving Education Award becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Introduction to Driving Education Award a recognised qualification?
Yes. The qualification completed the quality assurance process with the Scottish Qualifications Authority in April 2025.
The qualification is an SQCF level 5 qualification which is the equivalent difficulty level of a high grade GCSE.
How long will it take to study and complete the Introduction Award?
There are 13 units in total for the Introduction to Driving Education Award 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 Award in approximately 250 hours (includes attending modules, research, study and assignments)
Who will deliver the Introduction to Driving Education Award?
Kev and Neil can not deliver all the in-car training on their own! We are prioritising getting in place qualified trainers available to deliver the Introduction to Driving Education Award in-car units at a variety of locations around the UK.
See our trainers page for our current locations: https://www.innovativedrivingeducationacademy.co.uk/trainers
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.
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.
Who do I book in-car modules through - your website or my trainer for the Introduction to Driving Education Award?
PDIs (and ADIs) can book online units and the qualification element of in-car training units through this website. Trainer's fees for delivering the in-car units should be agreed and paid directly to your trainer.
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 you don’t pay for an expensive qualification upfront and then life changes or you change your mind.
