Hiring and Sponsoring Driving instructors (SOC Code 8215)

Driving Instructors, classified under SOC Code 8215, are essential professionals in the education sector who play a critical role in shaping the driving skills of individuals. Their responsibilities and contributions to road safety are paramount. 

• Instruction & Standards: Driving instructors check instruction methods, learning standards and discuss teaching plans with fellow instructors to ensure effectiveness.
• Personalized Lessons: They meticulously plan lessons tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each pupil.
• Techniques & Support: Instructors explain driving techniques and offer assistance to pupils experiencing difficulties in their driving skills.
• Highway Code Familiarization: They familiarize pupils with the Highway Code, ensuring they are aware of traffic laws and regulations.
• Test Preparation: Instructors advise pupils on when to apply for theoretical and practical driving tests, providing insights into test procedures and standards.

With the increasing demand for trained driving professionals in the UK, many organizations are looking to recruit skilled driving instructors from both local and international talent pools. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the process of hiring and sponsoring driving instructors under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Driving instructors?

SOC Code 8215 refers to driving instructors who provide essential training for individuals seeking to become competent drivers. Their responsibilities can include:

• Checking instruction and learning standards: Ensuring that teaching methods align with industry standards and discussing improvement plans with fellow instructors.
• Planning lessons: Developing individualized lesson plans based on the needs and abilities of each pupil to promote effective learning.
• Explaining driving techniques: Instruction on various driving maneuvers and techniques, and providing assistance to pupils who may be experiencing difficulties in their learning.
• Familiarizing pupils with the Highway Code: Educating pupils about road safety rules, traffic laws, and different driving conditions to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
• Advising on test preparation: Guiding pupils on when to apply for theoretical and practical driving tests and preparing them for test procedures and standards.

Driving instructors play a vital role in enhancing road safety by equipping the next generation of drivers with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the roads responsibly.

Eligibility to Hire Driving instructors (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Driving instructors must exhibit a high level of expertise and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Certification and Licensing: Possession of a valid driving instructor's license and adherence to local regulatory requirements.
• Teaching Experience: Proven experience in teaching driving techniques, including prior work as a driving instructor or in a related educational role.
• Pedagogical Skills: Ability to design lesson plans tailored to the individual needs and abilities of pupils.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Familiarity with the Highway Code and current road and traffic conditions.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively explain driving techniques and assist pupils with challenges.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Capability to assess pupil progress and advice on the appropriate time to apply for theoretical and practical driving tests.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 8215 and that the instructor’s experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Driving instructors: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Driving instructors under SOC Code 8215.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Driving instructors, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Driving instructors under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Driving instructors. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Driving instructors applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Driving instructors’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Driving instructors can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Driving instructors

Before the Driving instructors begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Driving instructors’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Driving instructors holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Driving instructors’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Driving instructors’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Driving instructorss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Driving instructors

Sponsoring Driving instructors under SOC Code 8215 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Driving instructors, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Driving instructors under SOC Code 8215 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.