Hi folks, I am interested in becoming an ADI in Irealnd. I have began going through the info pack and already have my Garda vetting and tax clearance. I'm looking for any tips, advice, must knows before going through with it so any help at all would be much appreciated. Things like day to day life/challenges, seasonal business patterns/slow periods/lack of income, better to work independently or with a company. I am going to do the whole process very slowly over a year or two and hopefully pass each stage. I am already self employed in another sector so I know the business side of things already.
Disclaimer that I'm not an ADI, but as a learner, I think we need a lot more instructors who are trained in working with neurodivergent adults, if this is something that would interest you. Speaking from both my own and my friends' experience, learning to drive is even more terrifying when you struggle with things like attention, coordination, responding to unexpected circumstances, etc and it's hard to find instructors that know how to teach people who have those difficulties. So if this is something that interests you, I think it would be really valuable and would help you in getting students.
This is extremely helpful. I have a sister with autism myself who wants to learn to drive but this isnt something I would have thought of. I will definitely look in to possibly doing a course in dealing with neurodiveregent learners now so thanks so much for your comment.
You're welcome! I'm sure the different neurodivergent organisations, like AsIAm, ADHD Ireland, Dyspraxia DCD Ireland, etc. could give you some pointers if needed. Best of luck!
Think carefully. The industry is slowing rapidly. Big companies charge for training and tie you into franchise. Business is nit how it was
Thanks, id be leaning more towards being self employed, there’s a large demand in my area for lessons
Go self employed and maintain the quality of teaching. Brilliant instructors don’t yap about their personal problem with the students while teaching they focus on the students learning.
Good for you.
They length of time it will take will not be yours to make but you must pass the final exam within a 2 year window or begin the process all over again.
Study the material and sit the theory test.
Part 2. Get an initial assessment done and work on the areas that require improvement.
Part 3. Go to an approved ADI trainer for some training. You don’t need much but they have insights other instructors don’t.
You can create your own schedule. Lots of people do it part time and keep their main job until they are established.
Tests are war round so not usually a drop off in demand.
Like any other self employed person, holidays = no income
As for independent or franchise, that’s personal choice. Research them all before deciding
Thank you for this. I am based in County Clare and I did notice that on the RSA's list of approved ADI instructors there was only a dozen or so and most were in Dublin/Cork, the closest I found to Clare was in Galway. I have yet to email the RSA for clarification but do you know is it mandatory that I travel to train with an approved instructor?
Also be aware, that once you pass your stage 3. You will have to re do your garda vetting. That can take time!
Thanks, I've been garda vetted multiple times before and its usually done pretty quick. Do you mean specifically for ADIs that it can take more time?
Nope, just in general it can take time. Best of luck with your tests and prep
Thank you ☺️