If you want to book an ADI part 1 theory test, read our guide and make sure that you know what happens on the day.
To qualify as a driving instructor, you must take and pass a three part exam. There is a theory test, followed by a practical driving test, and then a test of your instructional ability.
You must wait until your application to become an instructor has been accepted before you can book a test.
Part 1
You must pass your theory test before you can take a practical driving test. Part 1 is made up of two tests:
- multiple choice questions
- hazard perception video clips
What to Take With You
You must take your UK photo card driving licence to your test. If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, take the photo card and paper counterpart licence. The test will be cancelled and the fee lost if you don’t have the correct documents with you.
If you have an old style paper licence you must also take a valid passport for photo ID. If you don’t have a passport, you need to get a photo card licence.
You will need to show your licence or ID to the staff when you arrive at the test centre. They will also carry out security checks to make sure that you’re not carrying anything which could enable you to contact anyone outside of the test centre.
If you have any personal possessions, you must put them in a secure locker or place them under your desk in a bag which staff will provide. It’s best to take nothing with you that you don’t really need.
Starting the Test
A member of staff will take you to a room where other candidates are sat in cubicles also taking the test. You must be quiet, but don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The test is fairly straightforward, you will see clear instructions on the screen in front of you. If you wish you can choose to have a short practise session to get used to the way the test works.
Multiple Choice Questions
You will have to answer 100 multiple choice questions, each one will have four possible answers. The ADI test consists of 25 questions from four categories:
- road procedure
- traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- driving test, disabilities, and the law
- publications and instructional techniques
Once you begin the test, you will have 90 minutes to answer the questions. You need to get at least 20 questions correct from each category, and a minimum overall score of 85 points to pass.
We have a range of theory test books to help you prepare for your exam. You can also visit our theory test practise pages to take some mock exams and make sure that you’re ready to pass.
Hazard Perception
You may take a 3 minute break if you wish before starting the second part of the test. When you’re ready, you should put on the provided headphones to watch an explanatory video of the hazard perception element.
You will watch 14 video clips during which you need to click the mouse when you see a ‘developing hazard’, such as a vehicle about to emerge from a junction or a pedestrian about to step off the kerb; something which would cause you as a driver to alter speed or direction.
Click at the right time to score a maximum of 5 points for each clip. However, don’t just click randomly as clicking too many times can mean you don’t score any points. One of the clips will have 2 hazards for you to identify. There is a maximum of 75 points and you need a minimum of 57 points to pass.
Test Result
You will receive the result of your test straight away. If not successful you cannot retake the test for 3 clear working days. Your pass certificate lasts for 2 years. You must qualify as an ADI in that time, otherwise you’ll have to start the application process again.
Book a Theory Test
If you’re certain you’re ready to take a theory test, you can book in two ways:
- call the central booking line on 0300 200 11 22 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)
- use the online booking system by clicking here (easiest)
Before booking make sure that you have your:
- UK driving licence number
- your personal reference number issued by the DVSA
- an email address
- credit or debit card for payment
Special Needs
If you have any special needs you must mention this at the time of booking. Where possible, the theory test centre may be able to make adjustments to help you overcome any difficulties you may have.