Test centres
Where your pupils will test
DVSA test centres across the UK are where every pupil takes their practical driving test. As an instructor based in Richmond, you'll typically prepare pupils for tests at the nearest centres to your working area. Orbit helps you track test bookings, target your teaching to the local test routes, and monitor pass rates over time.
The local market
Demand in Richmond
Registered ADIs
in postcode area DL
People aged 17-24
in North Yorkshire
People aged 17-24 per ADI
a rough demand ratio
That is a rough ratio of 201 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 Richmond
If you're looking to become a driving instructor in Richmond, the process is straightforward: three DVSA tests taken in order, with professional training between each stage. Training costs vary by provider, on top of the DVSA test fees.
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 Richmond?
Driving instruction is a career you can train for alongside other work. You need to meet the DVSA eligibility rules, get a DBS check and pass three tests. Once qualified in West London, you set your own prices and hours.
No Franchise Needed
How Orbit helps you qualify and succeed
Think of Orbit as the operating system for your driving instructor career. During training, it helps you prepare and track progress. After qualifying, it runs your business — calendar, bookings, payments, tax. No franchise, no branded car, just a platform that works for you from start to finish.
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
We work with trainers on the DVSA's official register of driving instructor training (ORDIT). When you sign up as a trainee in Richmond, we pair you with a local trainer for Part 2 and Part 3 instruction. Meanwhile, you use Orbit's theory platform to prepare for Part 1 at your own pace.
After Qualifying
What happens when you qualify
The transition from trainee to qualified instructor on Orbit is seamless. Trainee instructors (PDIs) use Orbit free during training, and it stays free after you qualify — diary management, pupil bookings, Stripe payments, lesson reminders, expense tracking, and mileage logging. Everything you need to run your business professionally from day one.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Already qualified?
Find pupils looking for driving lessons in Richmond and list yourself on the Orbit instructor marketplace.