Becoming A Driving Instructor: What’s Involved

The first stage consists of a comprehensive theory and hazard perception test, designed to assess your understanding of road safety, driving regulations, and instructional knowledge. While it is similar to the learner driver theory test, it is held to a much higher standard.

Theory Test

• Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions divided into four key categories:
  • Road Procedures
  • Traffic Signs and Signals, Vehicle Control, Pedestrians, and Mechanical Knowledge
  • Driving Test Requirements, Disabilities, and the Law
  • Publications and Instructional Techniques

To pass:

• You must score at least 85 out of 100 overall.
• You must not get more than 4 questions wrong in any single category.

Hazard Perception Test

You will watch 14 video clips, each featuring at least one developing hazard (one clip contains two hazards). You must identify each hazard as it begins to develop by clicking the mouse.

• Scoring is based on how early you identify the hazard: 0–5 points per clip
• Excessive or patterned clicking may result in a score of zero, as it could be flagged as attempting to manipulate the system.

This stage assesses your personal driving competence and is similar to the practical test learner drivers undertake, but again, to a significantly higher standard.

• Duration: 60–70 minutes
• Conditions: Conducted on a variety of road types and traffic situations
• Requirements:
  • Demonstrate a consistently high standard of driving
  • Maximum of 6 driver faults allowed
  • No serious or dangerous faults permitted
  • A serious fault is defined as anything that could potentially cause inconvenience or danger to another road user

You are allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass this part of the qualification process.

Often considered the most challenging of the three, this test evaluates your ability to deliver effective and safe driving instruction.

Following significant updates in January 2018, the Part 3 test now places a strong emphasis on client-centred learning and coaching techniques.

• Format: You will deliver a real driving lesson to a learner, while being observed by a DVSA examiner seated in the back.
• Duration: 45 minutes total
  • Around 35 minutes will be spent on the road
  • Time is allocated at the start for goal setting and at the end for reflective discussion

During the lesson, you will be assessed against 17 competencies. It is essential that you are familiar with these and understand how they apply in a live instructional setting.

For comprehensive information on each part of the ADI qualification process, visit the official government pages:

• ADI Part 1 – Theory and Hazard Perception Test
• ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test
• ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test

Another invaluable resource is the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training, which outlines the skills, knowledge, and understanding required of a professional driving instructor:

• View the National Standard PDF

Familiarising yourself with these materials will significantly enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success at each stage of the qualification process.