Introduction to Driving
Education Award
The Diploma for Teaching the Introduction to Driving Education Award provides 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 awards a recognised qualification.
ADIs who complete this Diploma 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.
Development of both qualifications took seven months, incorporating feedback from industry experts, respected academics, and meetings with department heads from the DVSA. The result: a comprehensive training package giving participants unmatched insights into road safety, technology, and becoming the very best driving educator possible.
13 progressive units covering advanced driving, teaching strategies, safeguarding, CPD, and business development. Each unit includes mandatory assignments delivered through a mix of in-car and online training.
Suited to any ADI thinking about delivering Potential Driving Instructor training — whether you want to grow your business, diversify your offering, or simply gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Awarded as SCQF Level 8 / 17 credit points in April 2025, credit-rated by SQA — The Scottish Qualifications Authority, providing nationally recognised academic standing.
Your 13-Unit Diploma Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
