Driving Instructor Qualifying Tests

To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), you must:

• Pass three qualifying tests (theory, driving and instructing)
• Complete the qualifying process within two years of passing the ADI part 1 theory test

You can take the part 1 theory test as often as is necessary to pass. However, you are only allowed three attempts at each of the ADI part 2 and part 3 tests. You’ll have to restart the process if you use up all your attempts or if it’s more than two years since you passed the ADI part 1 theory test.

The Part 1 Theory Test

You will be tested on a wide variety of driving, learning and teaching-related matters.

The test costs £83. You must have been accepted to start the qualifying process by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) before you book the ADI part 1 test. A Disclosure and Barring Service check is mandatory for Driving Instructors.

The test takes around one hour thirty minutes and includes:

• One hundred multiple-choice questions – pass mark 85/100
• Fourteen hazard perception clips – pass mark 57/75

You must pass both parts at the same time to pass the test. There’s no limit to how many times you can take the test. You can take the test in English or Welsh.

The Part 2 Driving Test 

You will be assessed on your driving ability on a variety of roads and conditions and when manoeuvring in a tight space. It’s the second of three tests you must pass to qualify as an ADI.

The test costs £111. You must pass the ADI part 1 test before you book part 2.

The test lasts slightly over one hour and includes:

• An eyesight test
• Vehicle safety questions
• An independent driving section
• A thorough test of your driving ability

The Part 3 Instructing Test 

This is a test of your ability to instruct, and it lasts 45 minutes. It’s the last of three tests you must pass to qualify as an ADI. As preparation for the test, it is important to work on a trainee licence! You will have completed your 40-hour, 1:1 in-car training course.

We strongly recommend you apply for a trainee licence to help you gain real world experience teaching driving students. The licence costs £140 and lasts for six months. You will be working with a driving school and would be paid by your students.

Before the trainee licence ends (after six months) you will take the part 3 test when you will teach one of your students and an examiner accompanies you and grades your teaching ability.

The test costs £111. You must pass the ADI part 2 test before you book part 3. You can apply for your first ADI licence and join the ADI register when you pass the test.