Frequently asked questions
What qualities or skills do I need to take the course. Do I need to be an excellent driver for example?
You need to be able to learn new things, and accept constructive criticism of what you do, especially of your own driving. In other words, you do not have to be a good driver to undertake this course, but you have to be able to pay attention and to change how you do things. You may be an "old dog" as far a driving is concerned, but you have to be able to learn "new tricks"
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
Will I have to attend for an interview or assessment before being accepted onto the course?
No. this is not essential, but if you would like to come along and meet us before making up your mind, we would be pleased to see you. Or, you can simply telephone for an informal chat about the course.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
How will I know if I will like working as a driving instructor?
In our experience, most people who become driving instructors enjoy the work. Job satisfaction, the freedom and independence of working for themselves, and being out and about meeting people being the main reasons for liking the job.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
Will I be able to cope with the examinations?
The examinations do require that you put in a reasonable degree of effort, and if you do you should be successful. Practice makes perfect is the adage that applies to preparing for the ADI tests.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
Will I be suited to the job?
There are some people who do not have the potential to make a good instructor, but this is rarely the case. When we first started this course, we had a selection procedure. However, we soon discovered that successful trainees come from all walks of life, and to pre-judge someone's suitability for this type of work was wrong. Provided that you enjoy driving, can get on with people, and can be enthusiastic about the work that you are doing, then there is no reason why you should not make a good instructor too.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
If I do not wish to work with a driving school, is advice available on how to set up on my own?
Yes, we can give you any advice you may require.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
If I decided to join CIA as an Instructor, does the weekly association fee include all advertising and other costs?
You do not have to pay for ANY additional advertising or anything else. As described in these details, the association fee covers all advertising and marketing and administrative costs.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
How long have CIA been in operation?
CIA was established in 1980. Since then we have gradually grown to become one of the largest driver and instructor training establishments in the country. Currently our instructors teach over fifteen thousand people a year how to drive.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
If I joined CIA do I have to pay the full association fee from the very start?
No, the initial payments work on a sliding scale to reflect how busy you are in the early weeks of starting in business.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
Is there any way that I can speed up the training and get through the exams more quickly?
No, the minimum period is about three to four months, simply because you have to pass one exam before you can apply for the next. Therefore, how quickly you can proceed depends upon the examination timetable.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
Is there a demand for female instructors?
Absolutely, many pupils request that they have a lady instructor. Many female instructors, particularly if they have family commitments, find the flexible working hours very convenient.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
Why is it so important that I choose an ORDIT registered training company?
If a training establishment is not on the ORDIT register, it has either been unable or unwilling to meet the standards required by the scheme.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
Why does your course cost so much less than other ORDIT approved instructor training courses, yet still provides the quantity and quality of training that it does?
We want to make our course as attractive and effective as we can, because we need quality driving instructors. Therefore, we are prepared to run our training course for such a low price.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
If that is the case, will I be under an obligation to work with you once I have qualified?
No, at the end of the course, you choose who you wish to be associated with. However, we hope that once you get to know us you will want to join us. We therefore have a personal stake in your success on the course; if you do well, so will we.
Last updated Thu 7th Jun 07
What happens if I cancel a training session?
You are required to give two clear working days notice of cancellation, otherwise you will have to pay for the missed training at the current rate.
Last updated Fri 6th Jul 07
What if I need extra training?
Since we need driving instructors for our business to grow, we want and need you to qualify. Therefore, providing you do your preparation and homework to your trainer’s satisfaction, we will provide additional specific training at no extra cost.
Last updated Fri 6th Jul 07
If I go through the training process but do not qualify what then?
Approximately 90% of our successful trainees qualify as instructors. In the event that you are unsuccessful, then providing you have followed the written advice and guidance given during the course, we will train you again FREE OF CHARGE.
Last updated Fri 6th Jul 07