ADI Qualification Process
The Theory Examination (Part 1 of the ADI qualification process)
The Part 1 test can be taken at any theory test centre in Great Britain.
The test calls for a high standard of knowledge. It is a single test of 100 questions to be completed in one and a half hours. For every question a choice of four answers is given. Only one of these answers is correct. The questions are based on all or any of the following:-
Principals of road safety generally and their application in particular circumstances;
Techniques of driving a car correctly, courteously and safely including control of the vehicle, road procedure, recognising hazards and taking proper action, dealing properly with pedestrians and other road users, the use of safety equipment;
The theory and practice of learning, teaching and assessment;
Tuition required to instruct a pupil in driving a car, including the items set out above, the correction of pupils' errors, the manner of the instructor, the relationship between the instructor and pupil, and simple vehicle adaptations for disabled drivers;
The Highway Code”
The booklet “The Official Driving Test”
Interpretation of the reasons for failure given in form DL25A the “Statement of Failure” to pass the driving test
Knowledge of the mechanism and design of a car;
The official DSA book “Driving – the Essential Skills”
The overall pass mark for the Part 1 is 85%. However you must reach a minimum mark of 80% in each of the four areas the test is split into. In addition, candidates are required to score at least 57 out of 75 at the hazard perception test. Both parts of the exam must be passed together to pass the Part 1 test. The result of the test will be given at the end of the test.
Study for this section may be mixture of the following;
Home study
Classroom based study
In-car training
You can have as many attempts
at this part of the exam as you need to pass.
The practical test of driving ability (Part 2 of the ADI qualification process)
The practical test of driving ability consists of both eyesight and driving technique. The test lasts for about one hour. You must pass both parts of the test at the same time.
You must be able to read a car number plate at a distance of 27.5m in good daylight, with the help of glasses or contact lenses if worn.
The test of driving technique is not just a slightly more difficult “L” test. It is of an advanced nature and a very high standard of competence is required. You must show that you have a thorough knowledge of the principals of good driving and road safety and that you can apply them in practice.
The routes used for the test will include roads which may carry heavy traffic or fast moving traffic, for example motorways or fast dual carriageways. The routes will be both inside and outside built up areas.
No more than six driving errors may be committed on this test, with any serious or dangerous faults committed resulting in an automatic failure of the test.
You must drive in a brisk business-like way, but you must drive safely and within the legal limits.
Driving Ability
You must provide a car for the test which is properly taxed and insured. It must be a saloon, hatchback or estate car in proper working condition and with seatbelts in working order. It must be capable of the normal performance of vehicles of its type with manual transmission, right hand steering and a readily adjustable seat for a forward facing front passenger. The car must not be displaying “L” plates.
The examiner will give a decision at the end of the test.
Training for this section will comprise of the following:-
In car training
Practice in-between sessions
You are only allowed 3 attempts at this part of the exam. If you fail all three attempts you must wait two years from the date of passing Part 1, until you start to re-qualify from the beginning.
The test of your ability to instruct (Part 3 of the ADI qualification process)
The test of instructional ability lasts for about one hour. It consists of two “phases”, where the Supervising Examiner who conducts the test, role-plays a pupil at a certain level of competence that the candidate has to teach. You must pass both parts on the same test. For each of the two roles the examiner will choose one of the exercises given below as the basis of the instruction.
Safety precautions on entering the car and explanation of the controls.
Moving off and making normal stops.
Reversing and when doing so entering limited openings to the left and the right.
Turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite direction, using forward and reverse gears.
Parking close to the kerb, using forward and reverse gears.
Explaining how to make an emergency stop, and practical instruction in the use of mirrors.
Approaching and turning corners.
Judgement of speed, making progress and general road positioning.
Dealing with road junctions.
Dealing with crossroads.
Dealing with pedestrian crossings, and giving correct signals in a clear and unmistakable manner.
Overtaking, meeting, crossing the path of, allowing adequate clearance for other road users and anticipation.
You must provide a car for the test to the same regulations as described in the Part 2 section, but in addition you must also display two “L” plates for the test
The examiner will give the decision at the end of the test.
You are only allowed 3 attempts at this part of the exam. If you fail all three attempts you must wait two years from the date of passing Part 1, until you start to re-qualify from the beginning.
Trainee Licence
If you have passed the driving ability test you can apply for a “trainee licence”. If granted, this will allow you to instruct for payment although you are not registered as an Approved Driving Instructor. Many people pass the Part 3 exam without needing a trainee licence; however the experience gained from the licence is often invaluable in gaining the necessary experience to pass the exam, and is the most popular choice. A licence is only valid for 6 months and apart from very exceptional circumstances you will only be granted one licence.
One of the conditions of the trainee licence is that you receive at least 40 hours practical training from an ADI. You must receive some training in every one of the subjects listed. The training provided may be in class, in car or most likely a mixture of the both.
If the trainee licence is granted, for the first 3 months that your licence is in force, you must be under the direct personal supervision of an ADI for at least 20% of the time for which you give instruction or receive 20 hours of additional training plus a further 5 hours if Part 3 is failed.
ADI Registration
Your name will be entered in the register once you have qualified and paid the fee. You will then be sent an official Certificate of Registration which will have your name, photograph and the official badge. Whilst you are giving instruction you must display your certificate in the bottom left hand corner of your windscreen of your instruction vehicle. Registration normally lasts for a period of 4 years. Before it expires you can apply for it to be extended for a further 4.
All ADI's will be graded once qualification has been achieved from 1-6.
Grades 1-3 are unacceptable and may be given when an instructor completes a test of “continued ability and fitness to give instruction” (check test) and has not reached the required standard. This would result in other check tests until the grades improved, or in extreme situations removal from the register. Grades 4-6 are acceptable 4 being the lowest and 6 being the highest. Throughout your life as an ADI you will be continually reassessed to ensure your “continued ability and fitness to give instruction”.