Apply for your first approved driving instructor (ADI) badge

    Apply for your first approved driving instructor (ADI) badge online. You’ll need to have passed the ADI part 3 test within the last 12 months.

    The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

    It costs £300.

    The online service is available from 6am to 11:30pm.

    Photocard driving licence

    If you have a photocard driving licence you’ll need:

    • your online user ID from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
    • your password
    • your driving licence number (if you’re giving DVSA permission to use your photocard photo)

    Paper driving licence

    If you have an old-style paper driving licence you’ll also need:

    • to print the final screen and send it to DVSA
    • a passport-sized photo with your ADI personal reference number written on the back

    Your user ID and password

    Your user ID can be found on all letters sent to you by DVSA. It’s not the same as your ADI personal reference number.

    Email DVSA if you’ve never had, or have lost, your user ID.

    You must include your driving licence number and 2 of the following in your email:

    • your ADI number
    • your date of birth
    • your postcode held on the ADI register

    DVSA
    customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk

    Rules for passwords
    You can’t use any of your 5 previously used passwords.

    Your password must be at least 9 characters long. It must include at least 3 of these 4 types of characters:

    • uppercase characters, eg A B C
    • lowercase characters, eg a b c
    • numeric digits, eg 1 2 3
    • special characters, eg £ % &

    Help with your application

    Email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you have any problems applying online.

    DVSA
    customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk

    There’s a different process to apply for your first ADI badge in Northern Ireland.