Become a Driving Instructor in Thurso & Wick

Why Become An Instructor With Drive Pro Academy?

Drive Pro Academy delivers one of the UK’s most supportive and structured instructor training programmes. We do not train and walk away. We partner with you to build a real business.

• No up-front training fees
• Dedicated trainee support from day one Mentorship through Part 1 and Part 2 – We guide you through the theory and driving tests with structured support.
• Blended learning designed for island locations with highly structured modules and a comprehensive 2-week core training schedule in Orkney.
• 100 hours of practical, in-car training and observation lessons
• Paid work while you complete Part 3 – Start earning while you’re still qualifying.
• Work as much or as little as you like – With guaranteed minimum working hours for peace of mind.
• No admin stress – Our dedicated admin team takes care of all diary management and bookings.
• A career that fits your life – Enjoy flexibility, satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community.

The training pathway

Our recruitment and training process has three stages:

Stage One – Initial Application & Conversation

You complete an application form and have a conversation with Joe to discuss the pathway in detail and explore whether it feels like the right fit.

Stage Two – Written Assessment

This is not a driving test and does not require instructor knowledge. It helps us understand how you communicate, follow guidance and respond to feedback.

Selection

From all applicants, three candidates will be selected to move forward.

Training then includes:

• Practical driver training for Part 2
• Teaching skills development for Part 3
• Ongoing support once you begin teaching locally

Where possible, trainees across Thurso and Wick will progress together so you benefit from shared learning and peer support.

Training with Drive Pro Academy combines online learning, intensive in-person training, and local mentoring, giving you the skills and confidence to teach independently.

Online foundation

You will begin with structured online learning covering instructional techniques, theory preparation and professional standards. This allows flexibility around existing work or family commitments.

Intensive in-person training in Orkney

All trainees complete a focused two-week intensive training period in Orkney. This provides a calm, practical environment to develop strong teaching skills without the pressure of constant high-volume traffic. Training in Orkney allows you to:

• Focus fully on instructional quality
• Build confidence before teaching independently
• Develop techniques that transfer directly back home. 

Local training and mentoring in Thurso and Wick

Once back home, you will be supported by a local trainer instructor, alongside our wider training team. This ensures training is grounded in local test routes, driving conditions and learner needs.

Who this programme is suited to

This opportunity may be a good fit if you:

• Live in or near Thurso or Wick and plan to stay
• Are considering a career change or a move into self-employment
• Enjoy working with people and supporting others to succeed
• Have strong driving experience and a calm, patient approach

No previous teaching experience is required. Training is structured and paced to allow time to build confidence before teaching independently.

What You’ll Need:

• A full UK or EU driving licence (held for 3+ years)
• Aged 21 or over
• No more than 5 penalty points
• Pass a DBS (criminal record) check
• Be able to read a number plate from 27.5 metres
• No teaching experience? No problem. We’re looking for kind, patient people who care about helping others grow.

Your Journey with Us:

• Apply to the DVSA and complete your DBS
• Mentorship through Part 1 and Part 2 (theory and driving ability)
• Start earning while training through Part 3 with guaranteed hours and full diary management
• Join the Drive Pro Academy team as a confident, fully qualified instructor
• Find out more about the process at GOV.UK

What happens next

1. Fill in the short initial enquiry form below and we'll send over a longer application form. 
2. A relaxed conversation to talk things through
3. A clearer outline of training, timelines and expectations

There is no pressure to proceed unless it feels like the right fit.

Interested in finding out more?

If you’d like to explore whether becoming a driving instructor in Thurso or Wick could be right for you, we’d be happy to have a conversation.

We Create a Partnership With You

Training new instructors isn’t simply something we offer, it’s something we actively invest in. We commit significant time, energy and experience to each trainee, from the early stages of preparation through to qualification and into your first months of teaching locally.

In return, we look for people who are genuinely committed to completing the process, open to feedback, and serious about building a long-term role in their community.

When it works well, everyone benefits. You gain a structured pathway into a new career with ongoing support and clear guidance. We gain dedicated, capable instructors who strengthen the local driving community and maintain high standards for learners.

This isn’t a quick win or a numbers exercise. We select carefully because we want trainees to succeed and to stay and we train multiple instructors in the same area at the same time. That way, you benefit from learning alongside others, sharing experience, and building confidence together.

How Is This Viable For Us?

We invest heavily in training and supporting each instructor. To make this sustainable, we ask trainees to remain with us for a minimum of two years once qualified.

During that time, we recover our training investment through an agreed percentage of your earnings. This allows us to provide structured support, ongoing guidance, and local development without charging large upfront fees.

The arrangement is designed to be clear, fair and mutually beneficial.