ADI TEST PART 1

The driving instructor training process

The second step towards becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI) is ADI part 2 – the practical driving test.

This sits in the middle of the three Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) tests required to qualify:

• ADI part 1: The driving theory and hazard perception test. This requires an expert knowledge of The Highway Code, driving techniques, road safety, and the theory of how to instruct a pupil.
• ADI part 2: The practical driving test. This is a test of your driving skills, and also good car maintenance knowledge is required for the ‘show me, tell me’ section.
• ADI part 3: The test of driving instruction. You’ll give a lesson to a pupil, observed by an examiner, who will assess your teaching ability.

Here we’ll look at ADI part 2, the driving instructor practical test – including:

• Test requirements, and what you need to bring
• The eyesight test and ‘show me, tell me’ questions
• The practical part of the test, including manoeuvres and independent driving
• What to do if you fail
• What happens when you pass

Please note that you must pass ADI part 2 before you can progress to ADI part 3 – the test of instructional ability.

Are you test ready?

Your driving school trainer will be able to tell you when you’re ready to take on the ADI part 2 practical test. But how can you judge this yourself?

A good indicator of whether you’re ready for the ADI part 2 test is to check your driving ability against the DVSA’s national driving standard. This is documented in full in Safe and Responsible Driving (Category B), which covers the following topics:

• Preparing the vehicle and occupants for a journey
• Guiding and controlling the vehicle
• Using the road in accordance with The Highway Code
• Driving safely and responsibly in traffic
• Reviewing and adjusting driving behaviour over a lifetime

If you feel that you’re ready, then it’s time to book the ADI part 2 test.

Booking the ADI part 2 practical driving test

In England, Wales and Scotland, you can book part 2 ADI test on GOV.UK, and it costs £111. The process is a little different if you book your ADI practical test in Northern Ireland.

What do I need to bring to the ADI Part 2 test?

On the day of the test, you need to bring:

• Your full and valid driving licence. If you have a Northern Ireland photocard licence, you need to bring the accompanying paper licence. If you don’t have a photocard licence, you should bring a current passport.
• Your ADI part 1 theory test pass certificate.

Car requirements

You also need to bring a car to take the test in. You can read a full list of requirements for the car here, but in general the vehicle should be:

• Properly taxed and insured, with a valid MOT.
• In good working condition.
• A saloon, hatchback or estate car with manual or automatic transmission.
• A right-hand drive.

The car should be fitted with an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner. In addition, this mirror – plus features such as the seat and head restraint – should be readily adjustable for the examiner’s use. It should have working seatbelts, and should not display L-plates.

ADI part 2, structure and criteria

The ADI part 2 practical test lasts for roughly one hour and comprises:

• An eyesight check
• ‘Show me, tell me’ safety questions
• General test of your driving ability
• Performing manoeuvres
• An independent driving section

Eyesight test

If you normally wear glasses or contacts, you must wear these at all times during the test. In good daylight, you’ll be expected to read a number plate from a distance of:

• 26.5 metres a new-style number plate (beginning with two letters followed by two numbers)
• 27.5 metres for an old-style number plate

Not being able to read a registration plate from the required distance is an instant fail, and the test will be discontinued.

'Show me, tell me'

After the eyesight test, there will be a ‘show me, tell me’ test regarding safety checks. The examiner will ask you to explain how to carry out checks on the safety and condition of three different vehicle components.

After you start driving, you’ll be asked to demonstrate how to carry out a further two checks.

You can read the full list of ADI part 2 ‘show me, tell me’ questions here.

ADI part 2 test of driving ability

During the test of driving ability, you’ll be expected to demonstrate a very high standard of driving skill and knowledge. You’ll be taken out on roads with a possible range of conditions. These are likely to include dual carriageways or motorways, and you may encounter heavy and fast-moving traffic. You’ll need to prove to the examiner that you’re a highly competent driver, whatever situations come your way.

The examiner will test you on any or all of the following:

• Expert handling of the car’s controls.
• Using the correct road procedure.
• Anticipating other road users’ actions and reacting appropriately.
• Sound judgment of speed, distance and timing.
• Driving in a considerate fashion, bearing in mind the safety and convenience of other road users.
• Environmentally friendly driving.
• The examiner may also ask you to carry out an emergency stop.

Manoeuvres

You’ll be expected to carry out two of the following reverse manoeuvres, with effective all-round observation:

• Parallel park at the side of the road.
• Reverse into a parking bay, and then drive out.
• Drive into a parking bay, and then reverse out.
• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, then reverse for about two car lengths. You’ll then be asked to rejoin the traffic.

Independent driving

The ADI part 2 independent driving section was introduced in 2010, and lasts roughly 20 minutes. Here you’ll drive without any instruction, instead following directions from a sat nav or road signs. If the examiner chooses a sat nav, they’ll set it up for you – you won’t use your own. You’ll be expected to make the correct decisions without prompting.

If you go off route by mistake, this won’t affect your test result, provided you don’t make a fault while doing so. If this happens, the examiner will help you get back on the correct route.

The end of the test

At the end of the test, you’ll return to the test centre, and the examiner will give you your score and any feedback.

Like the original driving test, your examiner will mark any faults, and the perfect score is zero. However, here you can only make six driving faults. Seven or more faults will result in you failing your test. One serious fault will result in a fail, and a dangerous fault will cause you to fail and for the test to be discontinued.

How do I pass the ADI part 2 driving test?

Here are a few tips for the ADI part 2 driving test that you may find useful:

• Clean your car. First impressions are always important. If your car is clean inside and out, this is likely to make a better impression on the examiner than you might realise.
• Have a practice drive beforehand. Much like having a lesson before your first driving test, it’s a good idea to drive around for an hour before the ADI part 2 test. This should warm you up, and help familiarise yourself with the area if you aren’t already.
• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your examiner questions, especially if you need any instructions clarified.
• Don’t sweat your mistakes. If you make any errors, don’t assume the worst. For example, if you stall or need to start a manoeuvre again from scratch, this is unlikely to constitute a serious fault if it’s not potentially dangerous. As long as you remember to make your observations and correct your error, the worst you’ll get is a minor fault.
• Stay positive. Similarly, if you’ve made any mistakes, don’t assume that you’ve failed the test. You might not have failed, but giving up means you almost certainly will. Keep driving to the best of your abilities throughout the test, and avoid the temptation to assume the worst.

What happens if I fail the ADI Part 2?

If you fail, you’ll be given the option to apply to resit the ADI part 2 test. After failing the first time, you’ll have two more chances to pass, so be sure to take any feedback given on board.

Top tip: It’s also worth checking out the DVSA’s understanding your driving test result page. This explains what constitutes faults in detail, and gives handy pointers for how to improve in each area.

You can rebook straight away, although how long it takes before you can resit the test will depend on the waiting times at your chosen test centre.

Failing for a third time means having to start your ADI tests from scratch.

When you pass your ADI Part 2 test

If you pass, you’ll be presented with a letter with your result, which includes details of how to apply for the ADI part 3 test of instructional ability. Although you can apply for this straight away, it’s well worth preparing exhaustively for it.

You’ll also be given the option of applying for a trainee licence, and the pink badge which comes with it. It’s worth considering the potential driving instructor (PDI) trainee route, as this will give you valuable hands-on experience in teaching real pupils how to drive.

Find out more about The AA Trainee Partner Franchise, which includes:

• A branded car
• Uncapped pupil supply
• Comprehensive car insurance
• Maintenance, repairs and servicing
• Pupil booking and diary system

Plus plenty more besides. Basically everything you need to get you started in teaching real-life pupils, and adjusting to a new business.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is the ADI part 2 difficult?

The standard needed to pass the ADI part 2 practical driving test is very high. Although similar to the original practical driving test, you’ll have to demonstrate driving skills at an expert level. Plus your knowledge of the rules of the road and Highway Code will be tested, as will your car maintenance chops.

While you may have a good driving record, there are likely to be bad habits you’ve picked up over time that you’ll need to unlearn. This is why it’s a good idea to get plenty of training sessions in before taking the test.

What is the pass rate for ADI part 2?

The pass rate for the ADI part 2 practical driving test in the quarter from April to June 2023 was 53.2%. So just over half of tests are successful, and you get another two chances if you fail. Make sure that you pass by the third attempt though – otherwise you’ll have to start the whole ADI process from scratch.

What are serious faults on ADI part 2?

A serious fault is one which is potentially dangerous. Getting just one serious fault in the ADI part 2 will be an instant fail.

Any type of driving fault could be potentially dangerous. The most common include:

• Not looking properly at junctions. Pulling out at a junction without proper observation is consistently the most common reason people fail their driving tests, and clearly potentially dangerous. Not looking properly will get you failed even if nothing’s coming.
• Not checking your mirrors when changing direction.
• Turning right into a junction unsafely. Make sure you don’t cut the corner.
• Moving off unsafely. Be sure to perform your checks – including your blind spot.
• Poor response to traffic lights. This could include sailing through an amber light, but also not moving off quick enough when it’s turned green.

How long is the wait for an ADI driving test?

While the government target for driving test waiting lists is 7 weeks, the reality is quite a bit higher. In London and the south-east in January 2024, the driving test waiting list was over 21 weeks.

But the waiting lists are slowly coming down nationwide. You may also benefit depending on where you live – in Scotland and the north-east of England, the waiting list is just under 10 weeks.

How long does the ADI part 2 test take?

The ADI part 2 practical driving test lasts for roughly one hour. This doesn’t include time spent waiting, and it’s advised that you get to the test centre with a good amount of time to spare. If you miss your test slot, it’s likely that you’ll have to rebook and forfeit your fee.

Can I appeal my ADI part 2 test decision?

Yes. If you believe your examiner didn’t follow the regulations during your test, you can appeal the decision. You need to do this:

• Within 6 months at a magistrate’s court if you took the test in England or Wales
• Within 21 days at a sheriff’s court if you took the test in Scotland

If your appeal is successful, your previous test result still stands, but you could qualify for a free retest.