Becoming a Driving Instructor – The ADI Part 1

The process of becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is a long one. Having completed a Criminal Records Check and having your application accepted, you will be issued with a PRN Personal Reference number. You will then be able to book your first exam, the ADI part 1. There are a total over three tests which are required to pass into order to become an approved driving instructor.

Theory and Hazard Perception Test – ADI Part 1
Driving Ability Test – ADI Part 2
Instructional Ability Test – ADI Part 3

The ADI Part 1 consists of two parts which are the multiple choice questions and hazard perception. Both of these would be taken one after the other, as one complete test. You must pass both parts, in order to pass the test.

In order to book your ADI part 1, you will require your driving licence number and the Personal Reference number (PRN). The ADI part one currently costs £81. You can book your ADI Part 1, at Gov.UK Alternatively, you may call the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. If you are not happy with the date offered, DTC UK can rearrange your theory test to an earlier date!

ADI Part 1 – Multiple Choice Section

For the multiple choice part of the theory test, you’ll have 90 minutes to complete 100 multiple choice questions. The multiple choice questions are based on the following topics:

The Highway Code
Traffic Signs
Driving- The Essential Skills
The Official theory test for ADI Pack
Driving Instructor’s Handbook

You can obtain books and software to help you prepare for the theory test. Most of these books would be available online and most High Street retails bookstores.

ADI Part 1 – The Hazard Perception Section

The Hazard Perception consists of 14 video short clips. The clips will consist of every day road scenes, each clip with contain at least one developing hazards, other clips may have two. A Developing hazard is something that would cause you to take actions in your driving, for example, change your speed or directions.

An example of a developing hazard 1: You are driving along the main road. There is a side road on the left and a car is approaching. The driver does not stop at the giveaway lines but pulls out in front of you. You are required to slow down. Failing to do so can lead into a fatal collision. This would be a developing hazard.

A parked car, with no visible signal, will not be considered as a developing hazard. As there is no reason causing you to take actions. There are a lot of software and websites which can help you prepare for the hazard perceptions. The DVSA do have the official guide to hazard perceptions which can be purchased online or most High Street retail bookstores.

Day of the ADI Part 1 Test

On the day of the driving test, you will be required to take your UK Photocard provisional driving licence. If you do have a paper licence, you must also bring a valid passport. Failure to bring the Photocard driving licence will result in the test being cancelled. It is advised to arrive at the theory test centre, at least 10-15 minutes prior to the test time. Upon arrival, proceed to the reception desk, where the receptionist will check you in for your driving test.

You are NOT allowed to take any belongings with you into the test room, you’ll be provided with a locker key (this is based on the availability of lockers) to place all your personalise belongings. This will include bags, watches, earphones, sunglasses, hats etc

Outside the test room, the test centre staff will check your licence and reconfirm your test details. They will locate a booth, where you will proceed to take your theory test. The test centre staff will ensure you don’t have anything that can help you cheat in the test. If the staff do find anything, the test will be terminated. It is illegal to cheat at a theory test centre. Being caught can lead to a prison sentence and being banned from driving.

Once you have completed the theory test, please quietly leave the test rooms, as there will be other candidates also taking their test. Proceed to the test centres main reception.

Before Starting the ADI Part 1

Before the theory test starts, you’ll be given instructors on how the theory test works. You’ll also be given the option to practice the multiple choice questions to get used to it. There are a total of 100 multiple choice questions. The scoring for the test is broken down into 25 questions each into 4 categories. 25 questions from each category will come up in a random order. Below are the categories.

Road Procedures
Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
Driving test, disabilities and the law
Publications and instructional techniques

ADI Part 1 – Multiple Choice

During the multiple choice questions, you’ll receive one questions, with possible answers, you will need to click on the correct answer. If you do find any question difficult. You can flag the questions and come back to it, later in the test. Once you have completed all 100 questions, if you do have enough time, you can go back and review all the answered questions. You can change the answers if you are unhappy. You can finish the test if you happy with all your answers.

ADI Part 1 – Hazard Perception

Before starting the hazard perception test, you can take a break up to 3 minutes. However, you can not leave the test room. You’ll be shown a video on how the hazard perceptions work. After this, the 14 clips will start one after the other. For each clip, you can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard. The points are worked out on how quick you notice the developing hazard. For example, you’ll receive a higher point, if you notice the hazard, as soon as you see it developing. The longer it takes to see the hazard, the lower the point you’ll receive.

You don’t lose points if you get the hazard wrong. However, you won’t score any points. However, If you do over click or click in a pattern, you will score zero. For each clip, you’ll only receive one attempt, and you can review or change your responses. At the end of the test, you’ll be told to leave the test room quietly and collect your results at the reception.

ADI Part 1 Pass Mark and Test Results

You will receive your result for the test, shortly after taking the test. In order to pass the theory test, you must pass both parts, multiple choice and hazard perception. To pass the multiple choice, you need to get an overall score of 85 out of 100. Furthermore, you must get at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories. To Pass the Hazard perception, you’ll need to score at least 57 out of 75.

If you do pass, Congratulations! You receive your pass certificate letter, you can now proceed to book your ADI Part 2. Your pass certificate will be valid for two years. Each candidate qualifying to become an ADI, must achieve this within the two years, or they will need to start the applications process again.

If you do fail, The test centre will provide you with a letter confirming your score and which part you didn’t score enough points. You will be require to book a new test and retake the full test again