ADI Training Part 1
The complete guide to the ADI tests:
Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is an immensely challenging and rewarding career.
It means you can escape the office, become your own boss… And teach people a valuable skill for life.
To qualify, you need to pass three Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) tests:
* ADI part 1 theory test
* ADI part 2 practical test
* ADI part 3 instructional ability test
Here we’ll look at what’s required of you at each stage, and what to know before you book the ADI part 1, ADI part 2 and ADI part 3 test.
* The legal requirements
* ADI test part 1: Driving theory;
* ADI test part 2: Practical driving test
* What do I need to bring to the ADI part 2 test?
* ADI test part 3: Instructional ability
* Are there any COVID-19 restrictions when booking an ADI test?
Before you begin: legal requirements
Before you begin training, there are certain criteria to meet. First, you need to be over 21. In order to accompany a learner driver, you need to be qualified to drive the vehicle you’ll be supervising in and have held a driving licence in that category for over three years. It should be a clean licence with no motoring convictions. You can check your eligibility on the DVSA website .
ADI test part 1:
Driving theory
* Although like the original driving theory test, the standard is much higher. You’ll need a deeper knowledge to pass, as your understanding will be used to teach pupils. The ADI part 1 theory test is made up of two parts and lasts for just under two hours. It’s made up of:
* A multiple-choice test
* Hazard perception
How do I book the ADI part 1 theory test?
You book your driving instructor theory test through the DVSA, or Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) if you’re taking the test in Northern Ireland. Before taking the test, you need to have a criminal record (DBS) check and permission from the ADI registrar. Once you have the thumbs up, you can book your ADI theory test on GOV.UK. It costs £81 to book your ADI theory test.
To apply, you need the following to hand:
* UK driving licence number
* DVSA personal reference number
* An email address (you’ll have to book by phone if you don’t have one)
* Your credit or debit card
If you have reading difficulties, you may be able to get additional help. Be sure to contact the DVSA or DVA at least three working days ahead of time to request this.
ADI part 1 multiple-choice test
The multiple-choice part of the test requires you to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of The Highway Code, rules of the road and instructional techniques.
This part is divided into four topic categories:
* Road procedure
* Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, and mechanical knowledge
* Driving test, disabilities, and law
* Publications and instructional techniques
Before you begin, you have a 15-minute practice to familiarise yourself with the format of the test. You’re then given 90 minutes to answer 100 questions. You need to get at least 85 correct to pass. And at least 20 need to be correct in each of the four categories.
If you pass, you can take a three-minute break, or go straight on to the hazard perception.
ADI part 1 hazard perception test
The hazard perception part takes around 20 minutes. Again, it’s not dissimilar to the hazard perception part of the regular theory test, but it’s a lot tougher.
You’re shown 14 videos, each of which has a developing hazard. This is something that would cause you as a driver to take action, such as braking or changing direction. You need to identify this as quickly as possible when it becomes apparent.
Also bear in mind that one of the videos has two hazards, not just the one. This means you shouldn’t let your defences down just because you’ve spotted a hazard.
The sooner you spot the hazard, the more you’ll score. The maximum score per hazard is 5 points. Don’t adopt a scattergun approach though. If you press too soon or in a pattern, you might forfeit the points on that video.
Out of 75 possible points, you need to score at least 57. That means you should ideally score at least 3 or 4 points per hazard.
ADI part 1 test results
You’ll get your results very shortly after completing both tests. If you pass, you’ll be given the opportunity to apply for the ADI part 2 – the test of your driving ability.
If you don’t pass, it’s not the end of the world. You can take the ADI part 1 theory test an unlimited amount of times, although you’ll have to pay for each. It’s possible to reapply straight away, but you may want to take some time for more preparation. At least you’ll know the areas that need work, so you can concentrate on them for next time.