In this free ADI theory test you have 50 questions to answer, each question has four possible answers, just choose the one you think is correct.
You have 45 minutes to complete the test. (The full length version has 100 questions in 90 minutes).
The clock will appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
You need to score at least 43 to pass. Good luck!
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#1. Why is overtaking a lorry more risky than overtaking a car?
It takes more time to overtake a long vehicle than a small one, such as a car. Before overtaking, you need to be able to see far enough ahead to know that you have the space and time to complete the manoeuvre safely.
Hazards to watch for include oncoming traffic, junctions, bends or dips (which could restrict your view), and any signs or road markings prohibiting overtaking.
#2. What's the minimum number of chevrons you should be able to see between you and the vehicle ahead?*
Some stretches of motorway have these painted to help you to keep the correct separation distance when driving at high speeds. At a minimum you should keep 2 chevrons between you and the vehilcle ahead.
#3. You have just picked up a new pupil. You find that they cannot read a number plate from 20 metres. What should you do?*
It is illegal to drive with uncorrected vision. A driver is required to be able to read a vehicle number plate from a minimum distance of 20 metres (with new style number plates). You should tell your new pupil that they must visit an optician, and to postpone any lessons until they are able to reach the minimum standard for eyesight.
#4. What do you tell someone who wants to take driving lessons without wearing any shoes?*
Although it is not against the law to drive without wearing shoes, the recommendation is always that ‘suitable footwear’ should be worn when driving. The main thing is that the driver can maintain control of the car at all times. If they are involved in an accident, and it can be proven that they were not wearing shoes at the time, then they could face prosecution.
#5. We are encouraged to drive in an eco-safe manner. But what does this mean?*
Driving in a smoother way, with less acceleration and generally keeping to a lower speed will save fuel, in addition to reducing the amount of pollutants generated by the engine. You should avoid driving or riding for short journeys when public transport, walking or cycling would be a better alternative.
#6. A pupil fails their driving test but disagrees with the examiner’s decision and wants to get the result overturned. What do you tell them to do?*
Nervous candidates are sometimes completely unaware of the mistakes they make during a driving test, even when the examiner explains they may still not recall the situation. They also sometimes just don’t realise that what they have done is considered a serious fault. It always helps if the instructor is there at the end to listen to the debrief. The result of a test cannot be overturned however, even in a court of law.
#7. What does the R stand for on this sign?*
Ring roads are designed to relieve congestion in towns and city centres. They’re often the best route to take if you’re travelling through an unfamiliar area.
#8. A cycle lane is marked by a solid white line. What does this mean?*
Cycle lanes which are marked with a continuous solid white line are for cyclists only. You must not drive or ride a motorcycle along it any time. Nor should you park within this area.
#9. You see this sign ahead as your pupil is driving along in the left hand lane. It is 3:45pm. What do you tell them to do?*
The bus lane does not come into operation until 4pm, and there is no reason to change lanes at that point. In ten minutes the bus lane may have come to an end. They should be ready to change lanes however if the bus lane continues as it nears 4pm.
#10. What does this sign mean?*
The road is about to narrow on both sides, you need to be more aware of any overtaking or oncoming traffic.
#11. When parking at night, why should you leave your car on the left-hand side of the road?*
It is actually illegal to leave your car parked on the right-hand side at night, unless it is in a ‘recognised parking space.’ Parking on the left means that the headlights of approaching traffic will light up the red reflectors on the back of your car.
#12. You want to turn right from a one-way street. Where should you position your vehicle?*
In a one-way street you should position on the right-hand side, and take up this position as soon as you can to make sure that no-one can come up on the outside of you.
#13. You're following a lorry that has a fuel leak. What should you be particularly aware of?*
Diesel fuel when spilt onto the road can create a very slippery surface, particularly on the approach to junctions where you may have to brake. This can be a real danger for other road users, especially those on two wheels.
#14. What does this warning light on the instrument panel mean?*
If this warning sign lights up on your dashboard you should call for help and get your brake system checked immediately.
#15. You're approaching a roundabout in the rain. What do you need to be more aware of at this time?*
Hopefully traffic will be moving more slowly, and the need to be in the correct lane is important at any time. The main problem here is that large amounts of traffic can wear away the surface at the entrance to roundabouts. This reduces the grip your tyres will have particularly in the wet.
#16. Where would you see this sign?*
This sign will be used where the road narrows, often as a result of traffic calming measures. When you see this you should give way to oncoming traffic.
#17. You're driving around a left-hand bend at night. Which lights should you use if there's oncoming traffic?
At night, you should dip your headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers or those ahead of you. If you’re being overtaken, dip your headlights as the other vehicle comes past. Look ahead for hazards before you switch to dipped beam, because your view of the road ahead will suddenly be reduced
#18. During the turn-in-the-road exercise your pupil is turning the wheel when the car is stationary. How should you deal this?*
Even though power steering may make this easier to do, ‘dry steering’ should be discouraged as it puts unnecessary strain on the steering and results in bald patches wearing on the tyres.
#19. You want to turn right from a junction. What should you do if your view is restricted by parked vehicles?
If you want to turn right from a junction but your view is restricted, you’ll need to stop, then ease forward until you can see whether it’s safe to move out. Don’t commit to emerging until you’ve seen that it’s safe to do so. If you don’t know, don’t go.
#20. You are approaching a bend in the road. You are not sure how sharp it is. What should you?*
Your speed should be at its lowest before you enter the bend. Maintaining a steady speed will keep your motorcycle at its most stable while cornering, acceleration should only be applied as you exit the bend.
#21. Your pupil's father has a medical exemption and doesn't use a seat belt. He wants to sit in the back of the car when his daughter takes her test. What will happen?*
When an accompanying driver sits in the back of a car during a driving test, they MUST wear a seatbelt. This is for the safety of the people in the front of the car should the passenger be thrown forward in a collision. There are no exceptions to this rule.
#22. What do you need to make sure of when carrying a load on a roof rack?*
Any load must be securely fastened to the vehicle. The safest way to carry items on the roof is in a specially designed roof box. This will help to keep your luggage secure and dry, and it also has less wind resistance than loads carried exposed on a roof rack.
#23. You're teaching your pupil about the use of gears. What do you tell them about 'block changing'?*
Block changing should be encouraged as soon as your pupil has reached a level where they are able to adapt to this method. Fewer gear changes means more time with hands on the wheel, reduces wear and tear and can actually help save on fuel consumption.
#24. Which of the following will have an affect on the stopping distance of your vehicle?*
There are a number of factors will affect the distance it takes you to stop. One of the most important is the condition of your tyres. You should make a regular check to ensure that they are in good condition and have a good amount of tread on them.
#25. You are waiting to turn right out of a minor road. A large vehicle is approaching steadily from your right on a narrow road. You have time to emerge in front of it but why should you tell your pupil to wait?*
A large vehicle will block your view to the right, and there could be an overtaking vehicle which is hidden from view, particularly a motorcyclist. It may be safer to wait until you are certain that nothing is hidden in the blind area.
#26. You are about to move away from the kerb, there is a cyclist close behind you. What should you tell your pupil to do?*
Signalling your intention to move off can be very intimidating for an approaching cyclist. They do not know what you are thinking or whether you have actually seen them or not. You should allow them to pass before you signal and set off.
#27. You signal to turn at a junction. The warning indicator light on your dashboard flashes much more quickly than normal. What is the likely cause of this?*
Indicators should flash one or twice a second (between 60 – 120 times per minute). If they begin to flash rapidly the clicking sound you hear inside the car will also increase. The likely cause is a problem with one of the bulbs which needs to be replaced.
#28. What should you teach your pupils to do before they turn left from a junction?*
An instructor needs to explain that taking effective observation means taking in the whole picture. This included looking for approaching traffic and judging their approach speed, in addition to looking for other hazards such as parked cars which could be making the road narrow or pedestrians crossing the road.
#29. You have a pupil who wants to learn to drive on a motorway. What do you tell them?*
Leaner drivers were banned from using motorways until June 2018. After that date they were allowed to drive on them providing that they are with an ADI in a dual-controlled car.
#30. You're driving in a town and want to turn left at a junction. What should you do if pedestrians are crossing at the junction?
If you’re turning into a side road, pedestrians already crossing the road have priority and you should give way to them. Don’t:
• wave them across the road
• sound your horn
• flash your headlights
• give any other misleading signal – other road users may misinterpret your signal and you might lead the pedestrian into a dangerous situation.
If a pedestrian is slow or indecisive, be patient and wait. Don’t hurry them across by revving your engine.
#31. What must you make sure of before you allow a learner to drive your car for the first time?*
You must make sure that your learner has a valid licence before you allow them to drive on the road. As well as checking that their licence details are correct; you should also ask them to read a number plate to ensure that their eyesight is at least up to the minimum standard.
#32. What should you encourage your pupils to do after they have passed their driving test?*
In the run-up to taking a driving test, most learners get little experience of driving on faster dual-carriageways, country roads, and driving at night. It is always worthwhile offering further training to bring their skills up to a higher level than the basic standard required for a driving test. As an ADI you may want to consider registering for the DVSA’s Pass Plus training scheme.
#33. You're on a two lane dual-carriageway. There are regular parked cars on the left. What should you tell your pupil to do?*
Where there are regular obstructions, unless the left-hand lane is wide enough for you to use without straddling lanes or getting too close to the parked cars, then you should tell them to stay in the right-hand lane. Straddling lanes may tempt others to overtake when there is insufficient space.
#34. Where should your pupil position their vehicle before turning left?*
You should teach your pupil to keep well to the left, but not so close to the kerb that they risk making contact with it. They should maintain a steady course with no swinging out before or after the turn.
#35. A new pupil tells you that they have six penalty points on their licence. What do you tell them?*
Any penalty points on a provisional licence that have not expired will be carried over to the full licence when the test is passed. Having 6 points to start with will not automatically trigger a ban if these were accrued on the provisional. The licence will be revoked however if any further penalty points are gained within 2 years of passing the test.
#36. You're driving in a stream of traffic. What should you do if the vehicle behind is too close?
It’s dangerous for vehicles to travel too close together. Visibility is reduced and there’s a higher risk of collision if a vehicle brakes suddenly to avoid a hazard.
By increasing the separation distance between you and the vehicle in front, you have a greater safety margin. If necessary, this will allow you to reduce speed gradually and so avoid the vehicle behind being unable to stop within the space it has allowed.
#37. You're teaching someone to reverse around a corner. What should you teach them to do?*
All-round observation is essential throughout any manoeuvre in the road. A pupil should be trained to look particularly in the direction in which they’re moving, to look out for vulnerable road users and to check their blind spots.
#38. Why would you change into a lower gear after passing this sign?*
This sign gives you an early warning that the road ahead will slope downhill. Prepare to alter your speed and gear. Looking at the sign from left to right will show you whether the road slopes uphill or downhill.
#39. What does this red cross on a blue background mean?*
The sign indicates that the road is a ‘clearway’ where no stopping is allowed. There may also be an information plate telling you what times this restriction is in force. If there is no time plate, you should assume that the clearway is in operation 24 hours.
#40. You take some cough medicine given to you by a friend. What should you do before driving?
There is always a risk that any medicine could affect your ability to drive. Always read the information supplied with it to ensure that you are safe before getting behind the wheel.
#41. What should you teach your pupils to do before pulling up at the side of the road?*
There should be no need to change down before pulling up into a clear space. The car can be stopped in any gear with the clutch being disengaged just before coming to rest. It is not a fault to change into a lower gear, but generally this should only be done when speed needs to be reduced more in order to steer into a more confined space
#42. Pedestrians have just cleared the road at a puffin crossing. What signal will you see next?*
Puffin crossings have infra-red sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing and hold the red traffic signal until the crossing is clear. The use of a sensor means there’s no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing and they will instead show the normal traffic light sequence.
#43. You're slowing down as you approach this bend. What do you tell your pupil to be most aware of?*
Where there are no pavements there is always the possibility that pedestrians or horse riders could be in the road and hidden around the corner.
#44. Why should you reduce your speed when you're driving in fog?
In fog, you won’t be able to see as far ahead as you can on a clear day. You’ll need to reduce your speed so that, if a hazard develops, you have the time and space to take avoiding action. If you can, try to delay your journey until the fog has cleared.
#45. What will help when you're trying to move off on snow?*
If you attempt to move off in a low gear, there will be more torque (turning force) at the driven wheels than if you use a higher gear. More torque makes it easier for the tyres to lose grip and so spin the wheels.
#46. You're behind this cyclist. What should you advise your pupil to do when the traffic lights change?*
Hold back and allow the cyclist to move off. Some junctions have special areas marked across the front of the traffic lane. These allow cyclists to wait for the lights to change and move off ahead of other traffic.
#47. When should you not overtake another vehicle?*
You should only overtake when you are certain it is safe, and you should think twice before overtaking if the light or weather conditions are poor. You must not overtake however if this would mean breaking the speed limit for the road you are on.
#48. You want your pupil to reverse park a car between two vehicles on the side of the road. As a guide, what would be the minimum size for a suitable parking space?*
Reverse or parallel parking between parked vehicles is an essential skill to master. How large the space needs to be depends on the driver’s skill and the size of their car. A basic guideline would be a minimum space of one and a half times the length of their car.
#49. What should you do when you're driving in a built-up area and you approach a speed hump?
Many towns have speed humps to slow traffic. They’re often found where there are pedestrians. Slow down when driving over them and look out for pedestrians.
If you drive too fast over a speed hump, you risk damaging your vehicle.
#50. You're about to start a lesson, it's very windy and your pupil has not driven in these conditions before. What should your lesson briefing include?*
It’s very important that your pupil is made aware of the affect that high winds can have on riders. They can easily be blown off course and must be given much more clearance than normal.