ADI Part 1 — Theory Test
ADI Part 1 is the first of the three qualifying tests to become an approved driving instructor (ADI). It tests the knowledge you will need as a driving instructor through a multiple-choice test and a hazard perception test.
Passing Part 1 starts a two-year period in which you must qualify as an ADI. If you do not qualify within those two years, you have to start the application process again.
ADI Part 1 at a glance
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 1 hour 30 minutes for the multiple-choice section
- 4 categories, with 25 questions in each
- Multiple-choice pass mark: 85/100 overall AND at least 20/25 in every category
- 14 hazard perception clips containing 15 developing hazards
- Hazard perception pass mark: 57/75
- You must pass both sections
- Current DVSA test fee: £81
- If you fail, you must retake the full Part 1 test and pay again
- You must wait at least 3 working days before taking it again
- Your Part 1 pass certificate number lasts for 2 years
What is in the multiple-choice test?
You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 questions. There are 25 questions in each of four categories:
- Road procedure
- Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- Driving test, disabilities and the law
- Publications and instructional techniques
You can flag questions and return to them, and you can review and change your answers before finishing the multiple-choice section.
Getting 85 marks overall does not automatically mean you pass. You must also score at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories.
What should you study for ADI Part 1?
The multiple-choice questions are based on a broad range of official driving, instructional and regulatory material. DVSA currently identifies the following source material:
- The Highway Code
- Know Your Traffic Signs
- Driving — The Essential Skills
- The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive
- The Driving Instructor's Handbook
- Practical Teaching Skills for Driving Instructors
- National Standard for Driving Cars and Light Vans
- National Standard for Driver and Rider Training
- Driving Instructor Code of Practice
- Carrying Out Driving Tests: Examiner Guidance, excluding sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 15
Part 1 therefore goes beyond the knowledge required for a learner driver's theory test. It includes knowledge of driving instruction, the driving test, relevant law and the standards expected of drivers and trainers.
How does the hazard perception test work?
You watch 14 video clips showing everyday road scenes. Each contains at least one developing hazard, with one clip containing two, giving 15 scored developing hazards in total.
You can score up to five points for each developing hazard, with more points available for identifying it earlier. The pass mark for the hazard perception section of ADI Part 1 is 57 out of 75.
A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action, such as changing your speed or direction.
What happens if you fail Part 1?
You receive information showing which areas you did not score enough points in.
You must then book and take the whole Part 1 test again, rather than only retaking the section you failed.
You must wait at least three working days before taking the test again.
What happens when you pass Part 1?
You'll receive a pass certificate letter and need your certificate information when booking and taking Part 2.
Your Part 1 pass certificate number lasts for two years.
You must qualify as an ADI during that period or start the application process again.
Start preparing for Part 2
Although Part 1 is the first qualifying test, your development does not need to happen as three isolated stages.
You can begin developing the driving skills and understanding required for ADI Part 2 — Driving Ability while you are studying for Part 1.
Preparing for ADI Part 1
Good Part 1 preparation involves more than repeatedly answering mock questions.
The published DVSA source material covers driving knowledge, legislation, instructional knowledge and the standards expected of drivers and trainers.
The PDI School provides a Part 1 workbook and AI learning tools to support your study. In-person and online training support is also available where required.