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Driving Instructor CoursesInstructor Training

Become a Driving Instructor (ADI)

Almost 90% of Ireland’s qualified Driving Instructors have trained through ISM; you can do it too. You can steer your career in a new direction in a few easy steps.
Two_men_in_safety_vests_seated_in_the_front_of_a_car _ISM Training_and_Recruitment

Duration

32 Hours

Certification

ISM

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Is this the Training for you?

This course is for fully licenced drivers seeking to become qualified to provide driving lessons to car, motorbike, truck or bus learner drivers. Approved Driving Instructors (ADI’s) must hold an ADI full permit and be registered with the Road Safety Authority according to the Road Traffic Act 1968. Trainees will complete three modular training courses on a 1:1 basis with one of our dedicated ADI Tutors. The modules will cover the theoretical aspects of driving, on-road driving training, and developing the skill of teaching learner drivers to drive professionally. Upon completion of each module, trainees will sit the relevant exam with the RSA. Qualified ADIs will have the opportunity to join the ISM team as part of the largest nationwide driving school.

Topics covered include:

  • Understanding the rules of the road, driving regulations, ricability, pedagogy and customer focus
  • Developing driving ability and in a variety of environments and eradicating bad habits
  • Creating lesson plans and using dual controls
Getting Started

Do you want to meet new people daily and work in a comfortable, interactive environment with professional career guidance? ISM Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) enjoy all these benefits. Benefitting from our experience as the Market Leading Driving School for the past 65 years (established 1961), ISM Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) come from various career backgrounds. Seeking a new career direction, our Driving Instructor Trainees include former members of An Garda Síochána, school teachers, factory workers, taxi drivers, construction workers, tradespeople, legal staff and lecturers.

Most people are simply looking for a fresh challenge and an interesting new career direction with real potential, with the freedom to be your own boss, work locally, work your own hours and get out on the road meeting new people. As an ISM Qualified ADI, you will be rewarded with excellent earning potential, flexible working hours allowing you to spend more time with your family as needed, and the invaluable feeling of job satisfaction every time your students pass their driving test.

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Whether you are new to the Driving Tuition Industry or have already had some prior training, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting professional expert tuition and great value for money. If you are considering training to be a Driving Instructor, start by checking the requirements to ensure you are eligible. Then, be assured that ISM will train you to the highest standard to get you prepared to pass your RSA ADI exams the first time. Approximately 90% of all Ireland’s Driving Instructors have successfully trained through ISM!

ISM provides dedicated professional ADI Training for all three stages to ensure you have the best chance to pass all three exams the first time. Expert training is vital for beginning your new career as a Driving Instructor. It has been found that virtually everyone who attempts the ADI Examinations without professional training does not pass. ISM has dedicated Train the ADI Trainer Tutors who specialise in guiding Instructor Trainees to pass the three modules in the shortest time possible successfully.

Before you train, you must apply to the RSA (ADI Section) to become an ADI. First, you must hold a full valid Irish driving licence (for at least two years). Then, there are four things to do: Complete the ADI application form and the Vetting form, and get two recent passport-size photographs and your Tax Access Code (you will get this from Revenue).

Beware of some Driving Schools charging for assessments. Reputable Instructor Training Organisations consider this bad industry practice. Instructor Trainees are also advised to exercise extreme caution with day-by-day payment plans, where you are not told the cost and length of the process.

Contact us at 01 864 1790, and we’ll explain the process in detail, forward you the application forms, etc.

If you have any doubts about meeting these requirements, you can contact ISM at 01 864 1790 or the Road Safety Authority on 096 25007 for further advice.

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ISM ADI Training

ISM provides dedicated professional ADI Training for all three stages to ensure you have the best chance to pass all three exams the first time. Expert training is vital for beginning your new career as a Driving Instructor. It has been found that virtually everyone who attempts the ADI Examinations without professional training does not pass. ISM has dedicated Train the ADI Trainer Tutors who specialise in guiding Instructor Trainees to pass the three modules in the shortest time possible successfully.

ISM Instructor Training is the only choice – we operate Ireland’s only dedicated Instructor Training programme. As market leaders, virtually everyone trains through ISM to become an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). We operate most of the ADI Training in Dublin and Cork, but also in selected areas throughout Ireland on a request basis. Upon successful completion, you can set up your own Driving School or join the ISM Team (pending a successful interview).

The ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Training Course provides everything you need to become a professional ADI Driving Instructor. Whether you intend to set up your own driving school or want to become an agent for ISM, the ISM ADI Training offers the most prestigious and respected Approved Driving Instructor Training Programme in Ireland at the most affordable price. ISM is approved and recommended by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to conduct ADI Training for all three stages, so you can expect to get through all three stages in the shortest possible time, professionally and systematically.

ISM Instructor Training is the only choice – we operate Ireland’s only dedicated Instructor Training programme. As market leaders, virtually everyone trains through ISM to become an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). We operate most of the ADI Training in Dublin and Cork, but also in selected areas throughout Ireland on a request basis. Upon successful completion, you can set up your own Driving School or join the ISM Team (pending a successful interview).

Why Choose ISM?

Put your trust in ISM to get you on the road as an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). ISM is Ireland’s most prominent and first established driving school (established in 1961), offering nationwide training. With our longevity in business, you are guaranteed to be trained in the most successful and professional driving school. With the ever-increasing expansion of ISM Instructors throughout Ireland, we are creating more market share each year. We have partnered with AXA Insurance (Ireland’s largest motor insurer), who provide two amazing offers (for Learner permits and Full Licence holders), substantially increasing business for ISM Instructors all over Ireland. Also, with the success of our integrated online booking system, over 45% of our car driving lesson bookings are now online and continuing to grow.

So whether you are an existing ADI who wants to increase local business or are new to the industry, contact Steve Murray or Karl Walsh at ISM Head Office 01 864 1790. Please note that ISM restricts the number of Instructors in all areas throughout Ireland’s cities, towns, and rural areas.

RSA Driving Exams

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is Ireland’s regulatory body for driving instruction. Driving Instructors who meet the standard set by the RSA will become ISM Approved Driving Instructors (ADI).

The ADI Registrar based in the RSA heads up the unit responsible for the registration process. The objective of regulating the industry is to standardise instruction and give the ADI a leading role in developing better drivers.

To become an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), whether for cars, motorbikes, trucks or buses, you must qualify as an ISM Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). The ADI qualifying examination comes in three stages – Theory, Advanced Driving, and Instructional Ability.

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Theory TRAINING

Stage 1 of the ISM Driving Instructor Training Programme focuses on the theoretical aspects of driving, including theory, rules of the road, driving regulations, ricability, pedagogy, customer focus etc., and is delivered on a 1:1 basis. Before this training course, you must read the recommended ADI study material, which you can download from the RSA website. You must have studied this material thoroughly before the theory training day.

This Classroom/Online Training day is usually scheduled a couple of weeks before your Stage 1 exam after completing your home study. Your tutor will work through the Stage 1 ADI material and prepare you with mock exam papers. This ensures you have full knowledge of each section you are expected to know to pass your Stage 1 exam.

Theory EXAM

In this test, you will be asked 100 questions split into four bands. For every question, there will be four possible answers. You answer the questions by touching the computer screen to select the answer from the selection shown. To pass the test, you must answer at least 85 questions correctly, with a minimum of 20 correct answers in each band. This part of the test will last one and a half hours. You can work through a practice session lasting 15 minutes to help you get used to the system before you start the test.

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Advanced Driver Training

Now that you have the theory, you are ready to take to the road. You can choose between an ISM training vehicle or your own car. The objective of Stage 2 is to eradicate bad habits you may have picked up along the way, enabling you to assist your students most effectively. Putting theory into practice, we will concentrate on the following:

  • Assessment of your practical driving ability and knowledge.
  • Going back to basics, you will be expected to conduct all manoeuvres that learner drivers must complete on their test.
  • Driving will occur in various environments – urban and rural roads, motorways, and dual carriageways.
Advanced Driving Exam

Like in Stage 1, your RSA ADI examiner will be there to guide you. At this stage, the exam is conducted by an RSA ADI Inspector. This practical exam is also known as the ADI practical driving skills assessment.

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Instructional Ability Training

Now that you have successfully passed the first two stages, you are ready to prove you have what it takes to turn future students into safe drivers. Not only will you be equipped with the knowledge needed for the Stage 3 exam, but you will also be taught:

  • How to effectively use dual controls, ensuring you always keep the car safe.
  • How to devise a “lesson planner” using various role-play skills.
  • How to teach your future students using the ISM ADI Teaching Manual.
Instructional Ability Exam

During this stage, two or three role-playing exercises will test your teaching ability. These role-plays will involve the examiner taking to the wheel and playing various scenarios:

  1. The novice with no experience.
  2. Intermediate drivers with little experience – you must highlight and correct their errors.
  3. The final exercise will involve you demonstrating teaching methods to experienced drivers to prepare them for their driving test.

These role-playing exercises are designed to test your presentation, mastery of instructional techniques, and ability to assess a learner driver’s skills and weaknesses correctly.

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Cost Guide

To understand the process in detail, the following is a step-by-step guide to becoming an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Below we have detailed the prices of each exam and training module with an attractive payment plan to suit your requirements. We realise it is vital that you know exactly how much the whole process will cost, from start to finish. On this note, beware of training companies offering ADI Training that do not provide transparent information and prices. The ISM Instructor Training Programme represents unrivalled value and is guaranteed as the most competitively priced training available in Ireland.

RSA ADI EXAM FEES

  • STAGE 1: €150.00
  • STAGE 2: €200.00
  • STAGE 3: €200.00
  • REGISTRATION FEE (upon successful completion): €250.00

ISM ADI Training Plan

The full three-Stage Modular ADI Training Course costs €2550.00. Industry experts conduct our ADI training on a 1:1 basis. Please note that home study is required, and we will advise you about the best way to proceed with all relevant information to prepare for each exam properly. You will also receive a complimentary ADI Stage 3 Teaching Manual to prepare for your final Stage 3 exam.

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Home Study + Revision Session (1 x half-day session; 4 hours) of Classroom/Online Based Theory Training.

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On-Road Advanced Training (3 x half-day sessions; 12 hours). ISM provide the training vehicle if necessary.

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Combined On-Road & Classroom Training (4 x half-day sessions; 16 hours) of Instructional Ability Training (including ADI Teaching Manual).

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Classrooms are provided for the relevant theory sessions, and new fully-insured dual-controlled specialised Training Vehicles are used for the On-Road Training. We have now introduced a new “three-part easy-pay plan” where you can pay the course fee in three stages: €850.00 x 3 payments. Payment is accepted by bank transfer or credit/debit card. For more information, call Karl or Steve at ISM Head Office on 01 864 1790.

Step-By-Step Guide

[su_tabs mobile=”scroll”][su_tab title=”Step 01″ disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]Download the RSA ADI application forms at RSA website. All three RSA ADI Exams will cost you €550.00, but you can pay for each stage separately if it suits you better. The breakdown of these RSA fees is as follows: Stage 1: €150.00 / Stage 2: €200.00 / Stage 3: €200.00.[/su_tab]
[su_tab title=”Step 02″ disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]Complete both forms (the ADI application form and the Vetting form). Get your Tax Access Code from Revenue. Post these to the RSA in Ballina, Co Mayo, with two recently taken passport photographs. The RSA usually take 3/4 weeks to process your application. When successful, the RSA will write to you and provide you with an “eligibility number”, enabling you to apply for your first exam, the ADI Theory Test.[/su_tab]
[su_tab title=”Step 03″ disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]When you have scheduled your Stage 1 exam date, contact us immediately. We will advise you of the relevant material to read, all recommended by the RSA. We will arrange your Stage 1 training date approximately ten days before this exam. We will require your first deposit payment of €850.00 at this stage.[/su_tab]
[su_tab title=”Step 04″ disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]When the RSA are notified of your successful Stage 1 pass result, we recommend you apply for your Stage 2 exam as soon as possible; you should expect your Stage 2 exam within a month or so. Once you have received this date, call us and schedule your three half-day Stage 2 Advanced Driver Training sessions. We will now require your second deposit payment of €850.00.[/su_tab]
[su_tab title=”Step 05″ disabled=”no” anchor=”” url=”” target=”blank” class=””]Then when the RSA are notified of your successful completion of Stage 2, you should expect your Stage 3 exam date, again within approximately another four weeks. Once you have received this date, call us once again and schedule your four half-day sessions of Stage 3 Instructional Ability Training prior to your exam date. Now you can pay your third and final training fee of €850.00.[/su_tab][/su_tabs]

To get started, or if you have any questions, contact Karl Walsh at 01 864 1790 or 087 2533365.

Frequently Asked Questions
I have never driven a forklift how do I get started?

Yes, we offer lessons during weekdays and weekends, subject to instructor availability.

Yes, we offer lessons during weekdays and weekends, subject to instructor availability.

Yes, we offer lessons during weekdays and weekends, subject to instructor availability.

Yes, we offer lessons during weekdays and weekends, subject to instructor availability.

Feedbacks

Sanskriti Gautam
11:40 05 Mar 26
I took several lessons with Ms Rofeda to prepare for my test. She prepares you incredibly well for the driving test and knows exactly what examiners are looking for. I just passed my test in Raheny, and I couldn’t have done it without her. She is professional, very sweet, and really helps build your confidence behind the wheel. Highly recommended!
Guilherme Lucio
23:05 03 Mar 26
I had a great experience with the driving school from start to finish. The quality of the service was excellent, everything was well organised, punctual, and professional. Bogdan was patient, clear in their explanations, and always focused on helping me improve.

What was really impressive was how closely the lessons matched the actual driving test. The routes we practiced, the manoeuvres, and even the small details around observation and positioning were extremely accurate compared to what I encountered on the day of the test.

I went into the test feeling fully ready and I passed on my first attempt. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for thorough preparation and high-quality instruction.
Conor Sheehan
21:13 25 Feb 26
Igor has been my instructor for the past year. Thanks to his help I passed on my first attempt in Finglas today! A really good teacher, really calm with first time drivers and a great communicator of information. 100% would reccomend Igor.
Sadhbh
21:53 23 Feb 26
I completed 12 EDT lessons with Ioan and would highly recommend him. He was extremely patient, supportive, and always helpful throughout. He’s very knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to driving and understanding the test requirements. It’s clear that he genuinely cares about his students and goes above and beyond to ensure they’re practicing the correct techniques, especially in the areas where their test is likely to take place.
Dale Carroll
02:11 30 Jan 26
I have completed my BE C D and CE driving training with ISM.

I started with my BE in 2022 with Ger and I must say he was an absolute gent, extremely patient and helpful, which helped me pass first time.

I moved on to my C licence in June 2025 which I also completed with Ger and again he was an absolute gent, so patient and helpful. He made sure I knew everything I needed to before the test, both theory and practical driving. Thanks to Ger I was so relaxed going into my test which I passed in August 2025.

In September 2025 I started my D lessons after just 3 lessons I passed my test first time. The gent I done my lessons with retired just after I completed my test which was a shame.

In October 2025 I started to do my CE lessons with Laszlo. Laszlo is an amazing instructor. He has so much patience and knowledge. He knows how to put you at ease during the lessons and build confidence. I done one CE lesson with David O Carroll who was an absolute gent to work with. He was another amazing instructor to drive with. He knows how to make you feel relaxed and confident behind the wheel, which is what helped me pass my artic test first time in January 2026.

All of the instructors I worked with were absolute gents. They have so much knowledge and patience. They make you feel so relaxed. It’s an amazing team of instructors and I would highly recommend working with them.

The only downside to dealing with ISM is it is clearly a business, all the company wants to do is make money which you can’t blame them but it can make you feel an unnecessary awkwardness. The instructors clearly care and do their jobs well but one instructor in particular was big into pushing for more lessons which I don’t think were needed. When I done my bus lessons during the first one everything I done was “perfect” but I still needed 2 more lessons which also went “perfect” with nothing needing to be fixed. I had just passed my rigid test so I was use to large vehicles and I was still in test mode. Those 2 extra lessons definitely weren’t needed but look I did enjoy them.

The call takers in the office were very helpful but they are definitely the biggest pushers to make as much money for the company as possible and it’s very obvious and definitely made me feel really uncomfortable when dealing with them. I had lost 30 minutes off of my 1 hour pre test for my artic test because the instructor wasn’t available before this time which was okay but I had to make an issue out of it to receive a €15 discount off of a €275 fee. This was after spending over €4000 getting all of my lessons in all the categories, it was clear I was just euro signs in their eyes. This is the only downside to ISM. The one thing I would recommend to combat this is purchase your lessons online and just call to book in using your purchased credits.
Kooi Bono
11:54 21 Jan 26
Passed 1st time, I suppose kind of like their adverts about a 90% rate. The instructors are excellent, overall, have to say. They have lots of resources, and so are well equipped and organised.
Shout out to Stelios, Laszlo, Christ, Kevin, Joe, and also to Deco, why not?
conor
18:56 15 Jan 26
I did the Approved Driving Instructor course with ISM and really enjoyed it. I was apprehensive at the start but Karl, Dave, and Richie aswell as all reception staff put me at ease. The comprehensive information pack was easy to follow and because of that and the professionalism of all the staff especially Dave at stage 3 I passed all the RSA exams with the final stage done today and I'm on my way for my registration to go through
Would highly recommend it
Jakson Portulez
14:45 08 Jan 26
Hi Team,

I just wanted to share some feedback following my first lesson today with Dave McCormack.

Dave was absolutely amazing, his approach instantly made me feel comfortable and confident. What stood out the most was how clearly he broke everything down into simple, detailed steps. He explained not just the “how,” but the “why,” which really helped me understand and stay calm behind the wheel.

I genuinely appreciated his patience, clarity, and supportive style. Looking forward to continuing this journey with his guidance!

Kind Regards

Jakson

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