The approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test is a theory test. It's the first of 3 tests you have to pass to qualify as an ADI.

The test costs £90.

You must have been accepted to start the qualifying process by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) before you book the ADI part 1 test.

The test takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and includes:

• multiple-choice questions
• hazard perception

You must pass both parts at the same time to pass the test.

There's no limit to how many times you can take the test.

You can take the test in English or Welsh.

The ADI part 1 test works differently in Northern Ireland.

You should use 3 books to prepare for the multiple-choice part of the theory test. These are known as the 'source material'. They are:

• The Highway Code
• Know Your Traffic Signs
• Driving - the essential skills

You can buy these books from The Stationery Office and most high street and online book shops.

You can also buy the official DSA theory test for approved driving instructors DVD-ROM to practise questions. It costs £19.99.

Hazard perception

'The official guide to hazard perception' is a comprehensive training DVD. It's available from most high street book shops. You can also order it from The Stationery Office.

You need to bring both parts of your driving licence - the photocard and the paper counterpart.

You must take your signed driving licence and a valid passport if you have an old-style paper licence.

No other form of photo ID will be accepted.

Your test won't go ahead and you'll have to pay again if you don't bring the right documents.

The test takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and includes:

• multiple-choice questions
• hazard perception

Multiple-choice questions

You’ll be asked 100 questions in total. There are 25 questions in each of these 4 categories:

• road procedure
• traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
• driving test, disabilities, and the law
• publications and instructional techniques

The question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen. Some will need more than one answer.

You can move between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later.

You're allowed up to 90 minutes for the multiple-choice part.

How the multiple-choice scores work

To pass the multiple-choice part you must get both:

• an overall score of at least 85 out of 100
• at least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories

You'll fail if you get an overall mark of 85 or higher, but don't score high enough in each category.

Hazard perception

You’ll be shown a video clip about how the hazard perception part works.

You’ll then be shown 14 clips that feature everyday road scenes. There’ll be:

• 1 developing hazard in 13 of the clips
• 2 developing hazards in 1 of the clips

A developing hazard is something that may cause you to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.

How the hazard perception scores work

You can get up to 5 points for each hazard. You need to score at least 57 points out of 75 to pass this part.

The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you score.

Example

When you first see a parked car, it isn’t doing anything. When you get closer to it, you notice that its right-hand indicator starts to flash. The hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks.

You won't score anything for a clip if you click continuously or in a pattern.

You'll get a pass certificate letter if you pass the test. You’ll need this when you book and take your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test.

You have 2 years from passing the ADI part 1 test to qualify as an ADI. You'll need to take the ADI part 1 test again if you haven't qualified as an ADI by then.

There's no limit on the number of times you can take the part 1 test if you don't pass it.

You should tell the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) if you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties when you book your test. You can then ask for:

• an English voiceover
• extra time to take the multiple-choice part of the test

Proof of your reading difficulty

You must send proof of your reading difficulty to the DSA if you need more than the normal time. The proof could be a letter from:

• a teacher or other education professional
• a doctor or other medical professional

The DSA will consider proof from someone independent who knows about your reading ability if you can’t get proof from one of these people, eg an employer.

DSA
PO BOX 381
M50 3UW