If you want to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Great Britain, you need to pass three qualifying tests.
The ADI tests assess your knowledge, driving ability and teaching skills. You must pass them in order, starting with ADI Part 1 and finishing with ADI Part 3.
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Understanding what each test involves can help you plan your training and prepare for each stage of becoming a driving instructor.
The three ADI qualifying tests are:
Theory test
Driving ability test
Instructional ability test
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) uses these tests to check that aspiring instructors meet the required standards for driver and rider training.
You must pass Part 1 before you can take Part 2, and you must pass Part 2 before taking Part 3.
Once you pass Part 1, you have two years to complete the qualifying process. If you do not qualify within that period, you will need to start the process again.
ADI Part 1 is the theory stage of the qualification.
The test has two sections:
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Multiple-choice questions
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Hazard perception
The multiple-choice section contains 100 questions, divided into four categories. You have 90 minutes to complete it. The categories cover areas including road procedure, traffic signs and signals, driving law, driving tests and instructional techniques.
You then complete the hazard perception section, which uses video clips to test your ability to identify developing hazards.
You must pass both sections to pass ADI Part 1.
For the multiple-choice section, you need:
At least 85 out of 100 overall
At least 20 out of 25 in each category
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For the hazard perception section, you need at least 57 out of 75.
There is no limit on the number of attempts you can make at Part 1. However, you must pass the remaining qualifying tests within two years of passing it.
Once you pass Part 1, you can move on to ADI Part 2.
This test assesses your driving ability. You need to demonstrate that you can drive to the standard expected of an Approved Driving Instructor.
The DVSA currently charges £111 to take the test. You have a maximum of three attempts to pass Part 2.
You should allow plenty of time for training before booking your test. A registered trainer can help you identify areas that need improvement and prepare you for the standard expected during the assessment.
After passing Part 2, you can prepare for ADI Part 3.
This test assesses your ability to teach learner drivers. You need to demonstrate that you can provide effective instruction and help a learner make progress.
The DVSA describes Part 3 as the instructional ability test. You have three attempts to pass it. The current test fee is £111.
Before taking Part 3, you may apply for a six-month trainee driving instructor licence after passing Part 2. This can give you practical experience teaching learners while you prepare for the final test.
Each part requires a different type of preparation.
For Part 1, focus on the Highway Code, road safety, driving law, instructional techniques and the other materials listed by the DVSA. The DVSA also provides official revision resources for the theory and hazard perception tests.
For Part 2, work on bringing your driving up to the required standard. Your trainer can help you identify weaknesses and practise the skills assessed during the test.
For Part 3, focus on developing your teaching skills. You need to understand how learners develop their driving skills and how to adapt your instruction to their needs.
The DVSA recommends getting a registered trainer to help you prepare for all three qualifying tests.
Passing Part 3 means you have completed the qualifying tests, but you still need to register as an ADI.
The DVSA states that you must register within 12 months of qualifying. Once you receive your ADI certificate, you can charge for driving lessons. You can then work for a driving school or set up your own driving instructor business.
If you plan to work independently, you will also need to consider your vehicle, business costs and driving instructor insurance before you start teaching.
There is no standard timeframe for completing the three tests. Your training needs, test availability and whether you pass each test first time can all affect how long the qualification takes.
The important thing is to understand the requirements for each stage and give yourself enough time to prepare properly.
Tests your theory and hazard perception knowledge.
Tests your driving ability.
Tests your ability to teach learner drivers.
If you are considering becoming a driving instructor, understanding each stage can help you plan your training and prepare for the qualification with greater confidence.
GOV.UK: Become a car driving instructor GOV.UK: Become a car driving instructor
GOV.UK: ADI Part 1 test GOV.UK: ADI Part 1 test
GOV.UK: ADI Part 1 pass mark and test result GOV.UK: ADI Part 1 pass mark and test result
GOV.UK: ADI register guide GOV.UK: ADI register guide
GOV.UK: ADI qualifying test data GOV.UK: ADI qualifying test data
The BG Insurance Editorial Team writes practical, expert-led content for UK driving instructors, trainee instructors and driving schools. As a specialist driving instructor insurance broker, BG Insurance helps instructors understand their cover, manage risk and protect their business on the road.
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If you want to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Great Britain, you need to pass three qualifying tests.
The ADI tests assess your knowledge, driving ability and teaching skills. You must pass them in order, starting with ADI Part 1 and finishing with ADI Part 3.
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If you are considering a career as a driving instructor, one of the first questions you may have is: how long does it take to become an ADI?
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Setting the right lesson price has never been more important for Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs). Charge too little and your profits suffer. Charge too much and you risk losing learners to local competitors.
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As an independent Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), you already know the importance of having the right driving instructor insurance. However, many instructors focus solely on vehicle cover and overlook another important form of protection: public liability insurance.
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If you’re training to become a driving instructor or already teaching professionally, it’s essential to understand the difference between PDI insurance and ADI insurance. While both are types of driving instructor insurance, they are designed for different stages of your career and are not interchangeable.
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Have you just passed your ADI Part 3 exam? Congratulations! Earning your green badge represents a massive achievement. You have conquered the rigorous DVSA exams, proven your driving ability, and demonstrated your instructional skills. However, as any veteran instructor will tell you, passing the test is only the beginning. Transitioning from a trainee to a fully-fledged Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) running a daily business brings an entirely new set of challenges.
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