To qualify as a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), you must pass 3 qualifying tests in order:
ADI Part 1 – Theory and Hazard Perception Test
Tests your knowledge of driving theory, instructional techniques and hazard perception.
ADI Part 2 – Driving Ability Test
Assesses whether you can demonstrate the high standard of driving expected from a future driving instructor.
ADI Part 3 – Instructional Ability Test
Assesses your ability to plan and deliver a safe, effective and client-centred driving lesson.
You must pass Part 1 before Part 2, and Part 2 before Part 3. Once you pass Part 1, you have 2 years to pass Parts 2 and 3 and qualify.
ADI Part 1 tests the knowledge you will need as a future driving instructor.
The test has 2 parts:
Multiple-choice questions
100 questions covering road procedure, traffic signs and signals, vehicle knowledge, driving law, the driving test and instructional techniques.
Hazard perception
14 video clips containing developing hazards that test how effectively you recognise developing situations on the road.
You must pass both parts to pass ADI Part 1.
ADI Part 2 assesses whether your driving is at the high standard expected of a future Approved Driving Instructor.
The test includes:
Eyesight check
You must meet the required DVSA eyesight standard.
Vehicle safety questions
You will answer ‘show me, tell me’ questions about vehicle safety.
General driving ability
The examiner assesses your control, road procedure, anticipation, planning, judgement and consideration of other road users.
Manoeuvres
You will be asked to complete 2 reversing exercises.
Independent driving
You will drive independently for approximately 20 minutes, following either a sat nav or traffic signs.
ADI Part 3 is the final qualifying test and assesses your ability to deliver a safe, effective and client-centred driving lesson.
A DVSA examiner observes you delivering a lesson to a real pupil for approximately 45 minutes.
You are assessed across 17 competencies within 3 main areas:
Lesson Planning
How effectively you identify your pupil's needs, agree appropriate goals and structure the lesson.
Risk Management
How effectively you identify and manage risk while maintaining a safe learning environment.
Teaching & Learning Strategies
How effectively you communicate, coach, adapt your teaching and help the pupil develop.
Passing Part 3 allows you to apply to join the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Once you have passed ADI Parts 1, 2 and 3, you can apply to join the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Once your registration is approved, you receive your ADI certificate (green badge) and can work as a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor.
Passing the tests is only the beginning of your professional development. As an ADI, you are expected to maintain high standards and continue developing your knowledge, driving and instructional skills throughout your career.
Passing all three ADI tests requires different skills at each stage — from theory knowledge and hazard awareness to advanced driving ability and client-centred instruction.
Aceway provides driving instructor training to support candidates through the qualification process, with training tailored around your current stage, experience and development needs.
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.
Whether you're just starting Part 1, developing your driving for Part 2 or preparing to demonstrate your instructional ability at Part 3, the aim is to help you develop into a safe, knowledgeable and competent professional driving instructor.
After passing ADI Part 2, you may be eligible to apply for an optional trainee driving instructor licence, commonly known as a PDI pink badge.
A trainee licence can allow you to gain practical experience teaching pupils and charging for lessons while continuing your development towards ADI Part 3.
There are specific DVSA eligibility, training and supervision requirements, so a trainee licence is not automatically issued simply because you have passed Part 2.
Need a second trainee licence?
Whether you're researching becoming a driving instructor, preparing for your first ADI test or already progressing through the qualification process, tell us where you are in your journey and we'll help you identify the most suitable next step.
Not sure if this career is right for you?
Driving Instructor Training in Birmingham
📍 Aceway Driving School – Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
🕒 Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 9:30AM–8PM
Sat–Sun: 10:30AM–1PM
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: 07914 578436
📧 Email: [email protected]
Copyright by Aceway Driving School 2004-2026 l Terms and Condition