Part One
Theory Test
Hazard Perception Test
The DVSA ADI Part 1 Test is made up of two separate assessments. You must pass both to progress to ADI Part 2.
Multiple Choice Test
Pass Mark: 85/100
The multiple-choice test contains 100 questions split across four categories. You must score at least 20 out of 25 in each section.
The topics include:
- Road procedures, signs and signals
- Car control and vehicle knowledge
- Driving law, disabilities and the driving test
- Instructional techniques and DVSA publications
Hazard Perception Test
Pass Mark: 57/75
The hazard perception test consists of 14 video clips showing real-life driving scenarios. Your task is to identify developing hazards as early as possible.
- 13 clips contain one developing hazard.
- 1 clip contains two developing hazards.
Although the format is the same as the learner driver theory test, the ADI Part 1 pass mark is significantly higher, reflecting the standard expected of a future driving instructor.
Part Two
Before The Test
Before your driving assessment begins, you'll need to complete two important checks:
- Eyesight Test – Read a vehicle number plate from 27.5 metres.
- Show Me, Tell Me Questions – Answer 5 vehicle safety questions. Each incorrect answer results in one driving fault (minor).
The Driving Test
The ADI Part 2 Test lasts around 60 minutes and assesses your ability to drive safely, confidently and independently.
During the test, you'll drive on a variety of roads, including:
- Residential streets
- Rural roads
- Dual carriageways
- Urban traffic conditions
Independent Driving
For approximately 20 minutes, you'll be asked to drive independently by following either:
- A satellite navigation (sat nav), or
- Road signs.
Pass Mark
To pass your DVSA ADI Part 2 Test, you must:
- Receive no more than 6 driving faults (minors).
- Avoid any serious or dangerous faults, as either will result in an immediate fail.
Part Three
Instructional Ability
During your DVSA ADI Part 3 Test, the examiner will sit in the back seat and observe your 45-minute driving lesson. They are not assessing your driving—they are assessing your ability to teach safely and effectively.
You'll be marked against 17 competencies, grouped into three key areas:
Lesson Planning
The examiner will assess whether you:
- Identify your pupil's learning needs.
- Plan a lesson suitable for their ability.
- Choose an appropriate route.
- Adapt the lesson as the pupil progresses.
Risk Management
The examiner wants to see that you:
- Keep the lesson safe at all times.
- Give clear, timely instructions.
- Manage risk effectively.
- Only intervene when necessary.
Teaching & Learning
To score well, you should:
- Use a coaching style that encourages independent thinking.
- Ask effective questions.
- Give clear, constructive feedback.
- Adapt your teaching to suit the pupil.
- Demonstrate that real learning has taken place.
A successful ADI Part 3 Test is about more than good driving—it's about delivering a safe, structured lesson that helps your pupil learn. By demonstrating the 17 ADI Part 3 competencies, you'll give yourself the best chance of passing your DVSA Driving Instructor Part 3 Test.