Becoming a Driving Instructor – The ADI Part 2

The ADI Part 2 is the second test in becoming an approved driving instructor. This section is the driving ability test. In order to pass this driving test, you’ll need to be able to show the following:

Exceptional control and understanding of the safety of the road.
Show the understanding of the rules and regulations of the road.
Awareness and anticipation
Driving in an ECO-friendly manner
Judgement
Driving on various road and traffic conditions inc, motorways or Dual Carriageways

You can book your ADI part 2 at Gov.UK However, DTC UK can usually get you an earlier driving test date within 2 weeks. You will require a UK driving licence number and your PRN (personal reference number) in order to complete the booking. Alternatively, you can also book your driving test over the phone. Call the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 between Monday- Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

During the Driving Test

The ADI Part 2 consists of 5 different element

Section 1 of the ADI Part 1 – An Eyesight check

You’ll be required to read a new style number from a distance of 26.5 metres. If it is an old number plate, the distance will be changed to 27.5 meters. If you do fail this part of the driving test, you will immediately fail the driving test.

Section 2 of the ADI Part 2 – Show me, Tell me Vehicle safely questions

The show, tell me questions consists of simple/ basic safety checks/tasks on the vehicle. The examiner will ask 5 vehicle safety questions. This will be broken down into 3 Tell me questions and 2 show me questions. The tell me questions will be asked at the beginning of the driving test. These are questions, where you will need to tell the examiner the answer, no showing is required.

The Show me questions, will be told during the driving test on the drive, for example, show me how you would sound your horn. For any wrong answer provided, you will receive a driving fault (minor). If you do fail all show me, tell me questions, you will receive a serious (major) fault.

Section 3 of the ADI Part 2 – Driving ability

You will need to show your general driving, this will need to include the following:

Exceptional control and understanding of the safety of the road.
Show the understanding of the rules and regulations of the road.
Awareness and anticipation and taking the appropriate actions.
Considerations for the safety of other road users.
Driving in an ECO-friendly manner.
Judgement on distance speed and timing.
General driving will be on various roads including motorways.
Emergency Stop.

Section 4 of the ADI Part 2 – Reversing

The examiner will require you carried out the two of the following manoeuvres: parallel parking, reversing into a parking bay and drive out safely, driving into a parking bay and reverse out or the reverse around the corner, left and right. All manoeuvres must be carried out in a safe manner, taking full observations of your surrounding and maintaining safe control of the vehicle.

Section 5 of the ADI Part 2 – Independent driving

The independent driving consists of 30 minute driving following directions from a Sat Nav and Traffic/Road Signs. For example, the examiner will ask you to follow signs posted A312 Heathrow. Alternatively, he may place the Sat Nav on, in which case, you will need to follow the directions from the satnav. During the independent drive, the examiner will expect lane discipline, aware and anticipating the road and other road users and control of the vehicle. The examiner will provide the Sat Nav and set it up for you.

What to take to your test

On the day of the driving test, you’ll be required to present the examiner with a UK driving licence, an approved driving instructor ADI Part 1 pass certificate and a suitable vehicle.

DVSA is very firm on what vehicles should be used for the driving test. Failing to provide a suitable vehicle will lead to the examiner terminating the driving test and you will lose your test fee.

The vehicle must:

Be insured for the purpose of the driving test.
Be Taxed.
Roadworthy and have a valid MOT, especially if over 3-year-old.
Not be a convertible, should be a saloon, Hatchback or estate car in good working conditions.
Should not have any showing warning lights- ie airbag light or engine light.
There should be no tyre damage and the legal tread depth on each tyre. This applies to the spare tyre as well. There should be no space saver spare tyre fitted.
The vehicle should be smoke-free.
Be able to reach 62mph and have an MPH speedometer.
Have 4 wheels.
Have a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3500kg. This weight is based on when the vehicle is loaded. Information can be found in the vehicles handbook.
Have an extra interior mirror for the examiner
Passenger seat belt for the examiner and a properly secured head restraint.

There are certain vehicles the DVSA do not approve of, this is due to the lack of all round visions given to the examiner. We would advise checking with the DVSA before booking your driving test if you are planning to a convertible car or a panel van. Other vehicles which can not be used for a driving test include a BMW Mini convertible, Ford KA convertible, Toyota iQ and a VW Beetle convertible.

If you do have a manual licence, you can take the ADI Part 2 test in either a manual or an automatic car. Upon qualifying you’ll be able to teach in both manual and automatic vehicles. However, if you do have an automatic licence, you can only take the test in an automatic vehicle and, upon qualifying only teach in an automatic vehicle.

Faults during the ADI Part 2

If you do make a mistake in your driving test, it may not necessarily affect your test result, especially if it’s not a major (serious) mistakes. The examiner would stop and terminate the test if they thought your driving was too dangerous to other road users. Other mistakes, such as going off route, again this would not affect your test result unless there was a serious fault made. The examiner will help to direct you back onto the route.

If you cannot see a traffic sign, as it may be covered by trees or snow, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one. Remember, if you cannot see a sign, be alert to your surroundings and other road users. Learning which shape or colour signs are can help you to anticipate any hazards. During the ADI Part 2 Test, you’ll only be able to make up to 6 minor mistakes, compared to the learner test, where you can make up to 15 minor mistakes.

There are three types of faults which can be made during a test

A dangerous fault- driving which involves serious danger to you, the examiner, property and other road users. Examples of these types of faults are having no control of the vehicle, involved in an accident, lack of considerations, awareness and anticipation for the road and other road users, etc.

A serious fault – this is a driving act which is potentially dangerous. Examples of these types of faults are slowing or causing other road users to stop or swerve when they have priority over you.

A driving minor fault- This is a mistake but has not affected any other road user. However, if you keep making the minor fault, it could lead to a serious fault. Examples of these types of faults are not checking mirrors, using wrong gear. these both can be considered as minor mistakes. However, this does also depend on the situations, not checking mirrors when it involves another road user can be a serious fault.

ADI Part 2 – The Result

To be able to pass the ADI Part 2 driving test. You need to ensure you get no more than 6 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults. If you do pass the driving test. The examiner will explain what minor faults were made if any. Remember: You’ll be teaching learners soon, so need to ensure your driving remains up to the DVSA standards.

The examiner will also issue you a pass certificate which information on how to book your ADI Part 3. Now, that you have passed your ADI Part 2, you can apply for a trainee driving instructor licence. This will allow you to give driving lessons. A trainee licence will help you get experience in teaching pupils how to drive, so you can prepare for the ADI Part 3. There will allow you to get paid for the given instructors and will last for 6 months.

If you don’t pass the ADI Part 2 driving test. The examiner will explain, what faults were made during the test. This can be used to prepare for the test again. There is a total of three attempts given to each candidate, in order to pass the ADI Part 2. If you do fail three times, you’ll be required to retake the ADI Part 1 theory test again. You will have to wait 2 years from when you passed the ADI Part 1 before you can retake the test.