The ADI Part 1 test is the first of the three qualifying tests you must pass to become a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor.
It is a theory-based test made up of 2 parts:
1. Multiple-choice questions
You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 questions covering four areas of driving and instructional knowledge.
2. Hazard perception
You will watch 14 video clips containing developing hazards and must identify them as early as possible.
You take both parts as one test, and you must pass both parts to pass ADI Part 1.
The current DVSA test fee is £81.
You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.
There are 25 questions in each of four categories:
1. Road procedure
2. Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
3. Driving test, disabilities and the law
4. Publications and instructional techniques
During the test, you can flag questions you are unsure about and return to them later. You can also review and change your answers before finishing this part of the test.
Pass Mark
To pass the multiple-choice section, you must achieve both:
✓ At least 85 out of 100 overall
✓ At least 20 out of 25 in EACH of the four categories
So, for example, scoring 90 overall would not be enough if you scored only 19 in one category.
That's an important distinction for candidates preparing for Part 1.
The second part of ADI Part 1 is the hazard perception test.
You will watch 14 video clips showing everyday road scenes.
Each clip contains at least one developing hazard, and one of the clips contains 2 developing hazards, giving a total of 15 developing hazards across the test.
A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action, such as changing your speed or direction.
You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard. The earlier you correctly identify the hazard as it begins to develop, the higher your score can be.
Hazard Perception Pass Mark
You must score at least:
57 out of 75
to pass the hazard perception part of ADI Part 1.
You do not lose points simply for clicking incorrectly. However, you can score zero for a clip if you click continuously or in a pattern.
You only get one attempt at each clip, and you cannot go back and review or change your responses.
You must take your UK driving licence with you to the test.
If you have a photocard driving licence, take it with you on the day.
If you have an old-style paper driving licence, you must take both:
✓ Your paper driving licence
✓ A valid passport
If you do not bring the correct identification, you will not be able to take the test and you will not get your test fee back.
If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, follow the current DVSA guidance about the identification you need to bring.
To pass ADI Part 1, you must pass both the multiple-choice and hazard perception parts.
If you pass one part but fail the other, you will fail the overall Part 1 test and will need to take both parts again.
If you pass, you will receive your Part 1 pass certificate and can move on to preparing for the ADI Part 2 driving ability test.
How Long Is Your ADI Part 1 Pass Valid?
After passing Part 1, you have 2 years from the date you passed to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor.
This means you must pass both:
✓ ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test
✓ ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test
within that 2-year period.
If you do not qualify within the 2 years, you will need to restart the qualification process.
If you fail ADI Part 1, you will be told which parts of the test you did not score enough points on, helping you identify what you need to improve.
You will need to book and take the full Part 1 test again, including both the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections.
Unlike ADI Parts 2 and 3, there is no limit on the number of times you can attempt ADI Part 1.
Your new test date must be at least 3 working days after your previous attempt.
READY TO RETAKE PART 1?
ADI Part 1 requires more than ordinary learner-driver theory knowledge. You need a strong understanding of road procedure, traffic signs and signals, vehicle knowledge, driving law, the driving test, instructional techniques and hazard awareness.
Aceway provides support for people starting their journey to become a driving instructor, helping you understand what is expected throughout the ADI qualification process.
Your training is led by Ali Shahraki, an ORDIT-registered instructor trainer, Grade A ADI and Diamond Advanced Examiner with over 20 years of experience in driver and instructor training.
Our aim is not simply to help you pass Part 1, but to build the knowledge that will support your development through Part 2, Part 3 and your future career as a driving instructor.
Want to understand the complete qualification process?
Whether you're preparing for ADI Part 1 or still deciding whether becoming a driving instructor is right for you, tell us where you are in your journey and we'll help you identify the most suitable next step.
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Driving Instructor Training in Birmingham
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