FAQs

How long do I have to have held my licence?

You must hold a full and unrestricted UK or European Union (EU) European Economic Area (EEA) unrestricted driving licence
You must have held this licence for a total of four out of the past six years prior to entering the Register after qualifying
You must not have been disqualified from driving at any time in the four years prior to entering the Register
Satisfy the requirements for disclosure Scotland
You must be a fit and proper person to have your name entered on the Register. All motoring and non-motoring convictions will be taken into account
You must pass the Register Qualifying Examination and pay the appropriate fees

What's the maximum number of points I can have on my licence?

You should have no more than 4 penalty points, although the Registrar will consider each application individually in cases where there are more (Usually up to a maximum of 6).

What qualifications do I need, and how will I know if I will make it?

You do not need any academic qualifications. You do need to satisfy the entry requirements however with regards to your licence and penalty points. However we look for people who are outgoing, friendly and have good people skills. Pro-Scot carry out a 2 Hour assessment (Covering presentation, driving and instructional skills), you must pass this successfully prior to being accepted on the course.

How do you find a good training organisation. There are lots of them out there?

Unfortunately many people have wasted their time and money by training with very poor instructor training organisations, with nothing to show for their money and efforts. Many are simply driving instructors themselves having a go at it, do not confuse a trainer with an instructor they are totally different jobs and require totally different skills. Many do not have a proper selection process (It's usually no more than a chat or a drive around the block), the main criteria for selection being that you have the money to pay for the course! High pressure sales tactics with so called "offers" are all used to entice the unwary. Make sure they are at least authorised and assessed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and are on the ORDIT Register (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers). Check out facilities, instructors, course material. Most of all find out exactly what you get for your money. How many of your hours are in classroom as opposed to in car? What is the training ratio 1:1 or 2:1 or 3:1, some offer up to 50% of Part III training in a classroom with class sizes of 10 - 12 students.

Do they offer refunds for training not undertaken? What happens if you fail? They should encourage you to speak to past and current course attendees. This will soon let you know if the glossy marketing is backed up by quality training.

Can you train around work commitments?

Yes Pro-Scot do training in the evenings and at the weekends. This style of training creates a non-intensive approach.

Can I train intensively?

Yes, Pro-Scot can offer training as intensively as you can handle. Pro-Scots most intensive is 4 hours per day Monday - Friday over 2 separate weeks, for the 40hours required during Part III training.

Where does the training take place?

Training is available in Kirkcaldy, we use the Kirkcaldy test center for both Part 2 & Part 3 tests.

What exams do you have to pass to be an instructor?

You have to pass three exams:

Part I is the theory test, lasts approx 1-1 1/2 Hours covering both multiple choice and hazard perception (Unlimited attempts)
Part II is the driving test, again lasting approx 1 hour, you must have no serious or dangerous faults and commit no more than 6 minor driving faults (Maximum 3 attempts
Part III is the instructional part, again lasting approx 1 hour, you will be tested in two 1/2 hour phases. In the first phase the examiner will role play a "Pupil" who is at the early stages of learning to drive. In the second phase the examiner will role play a pupil who is at or near test standard. In both cases you must demonstrate an appropriate level of instruction to suit the needs of the pupil. You must also identify, analyse the cause of and rectify driver faults. In other words you must improve the "pupil" (Maximum 3 attempts). If you fail on your 3rd and final attempt for Part II or Part III you must wait for a 2 yr period from the date of passing your theory test before starting the whole process all over again. Part III must be passed within a 2 yr period of passing Part I.

What is the pass rate?

The National pass rate is very low. With an overall pass rate for all 3 parts of less than 10%. Pro-Scot however have a 98% pass rate for all 3 parts. Only one person has failed to qualify in 8 years of training! Pro-Scot put this down to a strict selection process, and the excellent training available. Plus a full ORDIT instructor supported trainee badge scheme.

How long does it take to train?

It depends upon your time commitment and whether or not you pass your exams first time. Lets assume you took a semi - intensive approach. It takes approx 4-6 weeks to study and prepare for Part I. A Part II test date takes approx 4-6 weeks to come through training takes about the same time. Part III takes about 6 - 10 weeks to study for. A total of approx 3-6 months. Someone doing approx 2 hours per week could expect to take approx 6 - 12 months.

Is the training done 1:1 or 2:1?

Pro-Scot only do training on a 1:1 ratio, this enables them to give maximum attention to each student and to provide training to suit their individual needs. However Pro-Scot also offer students the opportunity to sit in on other students lessons for FREE, providing the trainee reciprocates the favour for other trainees.

What are the qualifications of my tutors?

Your instructors are amongst the highest qualified in the industry and hold the following qualifications collectively:

Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers (ORDIT)
B.Sc.
City & Guilds 7331 (Instructional Techniques)
SVQ D32, D33 & D34 Skills Assessor
DSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Grade 6 (Highest Grade)
DSA Certified Motorcycle Instructor (CMI)
DSA Cardington Grade A (Highest Grade)
DIA Master Driver
DIA Special Test Holder
DIA Examiner
RoSPA Diploma Holder (Dip RoADA)
Diploma In Driving Instruction (Dip DI)
DSA Approved Fleet Registered Trainer

What is a Trainee Badge?

A trainee badge allows you to give paid for instruction once you have completed a minimum of 40 hours of Part III training, and have successfully passed Part I and Part II. A Pink badge signifies a Trainee, A fully qualified instructor has a Green badge. The badge is valid for 6 months and enables the instructor to gain valuable experience with real pupils.

Can I go on a trainee badge?

Your tutor will discuss this with you at the end of your Part III training, if you or he feels that extra "real life" experience would help you to develop further then the Trainee badge scheme will be considered.

What support is given to me on the Trainee badge?

It is a requirement of the trainee badge that you receive an additional 20 hours of support training within a 12 week period of going on the badge, or before the date of your first attempt at Part III, alternatively 20% of your lessons must be observed by your trainer with effective feedback and help given. (Pro-Scot prefer the former and give an additional 20 Hours of further development training)

Do I have to join Pro-Scot?

No, however most students realise that Pro-Scot is one of the most professional driving schools around. The support package offered and extremely competitive franchise package available have ensured that everyone who has trained with us has joined us. Over 80% of those who trained with us have never left. Some instructors however fancy having a go at being sole traders and running their own driving school, Pro-Scot provide help, advice and support for those who wish to do that.

Does Pro-Scot have opportunities to join them as an instructor?

Simply, Yes. Pro-Scot is the largest and most successful driving school in fife, their instructors are always kept busy, with the majority of hours made up Monday to Friday 8:00am till 5:30pm. Pro-Scot always have students on waiting lists and as a result need to continually recruit new instructors to meet demand. Pro-Scot also have a real need for both male and female instructors and because we train our own PDI's we know that they will have met our high standards.

Will I be able to earn a living as an instructor. How much can I expect to earn?

Some schools quote exaggerated earning levels for instructors. However a 35 hour week average over 46 weeks would give earnings of approx. £22,000 per annum after paying for fuel and franchise. A 40 hour week average over 46 weeks with Pro-Scot gives earnings of approx £28,000 per annum after paying for fuel and franchise. A 44 hour week average over 46 weeks gives gross earnings of approx £33,000 per annum after fuel and franchise. You work as many hours as you want, Pro-Scot will supply as much work as you can handle: their instructors are amongst the highest earners in the industry.

What hours would I need to work as an instructor?

It depends, Pro-Scot instructors can specify the time the place and the location of their pupils. This ensures that they only work where they want when they want. They can also take as many pupils as they can handle. Many sole traders have to take what they can get when they can get it. This can often mean making themselves available 7 days a week or working lots of evenings and weekends in 'out of areas' just to earn a living.

What areas can I work in?

Pro-Scot currently cover all of Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee & Perth. Due to increased demand we continue to train and recruit instructors covering Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth areas. We will also consider covering other areas in the future.

If I join Pro-Scot how long do I need to stay with them?

Pro-Scot instructors are free to leave with one months notice, they can also take their pupils with them. It is testimony to how good the franchise and support is at Pro-Scot that 4 out of 5 instructors who train with us, join us and stay with us.

Can you tell me about how a Pro-Scot franchise works and how much it costs?

The best way is to contact our office direct.