Test centres near Exeter
Where your pupils will test
Instructors based in Exeter typically prepare pupils for tests at these DVSA practical test centres. Distances are straight-line from the centre of Exeter.
- Exeter LGVEX2 8PU · 1.2 miles
- ExeterEX2 8FS · 1.7 miles · 47.9% pass rate (2024-25)
The local market
Demand in Exeter
Registered ADIs
in postcode area EX
People aged 17-24
in Exeter
People aged 17-24 per ADI
a rough demand ratio
That is a rough ratio of 86 people aged 17-24 per registered ADI, based on ONS population estimates and DVSA instructor numbers for the area. How quickly you fill your diary depends on your prices, availability and local presence. Orbit gives you the tools to compete for pupils — your own booking page, online payments, and a CRM built for driving instruction.
Overview
How to become a driving instructor in Exeter
If you're based in Exeter and considering becoming a driving instructor, here's what's involved. The DVSA qualification has three parts: a theory test, a driving ability test, and an instructional ability test. The DVSA test fees are £81, £111 and £111, and training costs vary by provider.
Start your ADI journey — freeThe Qualification
4 steps to your ADI badge
Part 1
Theory Test
100 multiple-choice questions plus hazard perception. Pass mark: 85/100, with 20/25 in each category.
Full guidePart 2
Driving Ability
Driving ability test of around one hour with a DVSA examiner.
Full guidePart 3
Instructional Ability
Teach one of your own pupils while observed against 17 competencies.
Full guideTrainee Licence
Start Teaching
A 6-month licence to charge for lessons after Part 2, before you pass Part 3.
Full guideWhy This Career
Why become a driving instructor in Exeter?
Once qualified, you can join a driving school or set up your own business in Devon. Running your own business means you set your prices, choose your hours, and decide how many pupils you take on.
No Franchise Needed
How Orbit helps you qualify and succeed
Most people who want to become a driving instructor face the same problem: the big franchises bundle training with long-term contracts. Orbit offers a different route. We connect you with approved ORDIT trainers in your area for the training itself, and provide the platform to run your business independently once you qualify. No weekly franchise fee, no long-term contract, no branded car you don't own.
Part 1 Theory Practice
100-question Part 1 mock exams, category-by-category practice, and progress tracking.
ORDIT Trainer Matching
We connect you with approved trainers in your area for Part 2 and Part 3 in-car training.
Diary Management
Once qualified, manage your entire teaching schedule from one calendar.
Card Payments
Take pupil payments via Stripe — no more chasing cash or bank transfers.
Tax & Expenses
Track mileage, expenses, and income. Built for HMRC Making Tax Digital.
Pupil Bookings
Your own online booking page where pupils find and book lessons directly.
Your Training
How training works with Orbit
When you sign up with Orbit as a trainee, we match you with an approved ORDIT trainer in the Devon area. Your trainer handles the in-car instruction — that's their expertise. Orbit handles everything else: theory preparation, progress tracking, and eventually your business setup once you qualify.
After Qualifying
What happens when you qualify
Going independent as a new ADI in Devon has never been easier. Orbit gives you a professional online presence, handles booking and payments, sends automated reminders to your pupils, and tracks your income and expenses for tax purposes. It's the operational side of a franchise, without the franchise.
Common Questions