The approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test is a test of your ability to instruct pupils. It's the last of 3 tests you have to pass to qualify as an ADI.

The test costs £111.

You must pass the ADI part 2 test before you book the ADI part 3 test.

The test takes around one hour and includes an assessment of:

• core competencies
• instructional techniques
• instructor characteristics

The examiner will assess these by playing the role of 2 different pupils.

You can find driving instructor training if you need help to prepare for the test.

You can apply for your first ADI badge and join the ADI register when you pass the test.

The ADI part 3 test works differently in Northern Ireland.

You must bring:

• your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence
• a suitable car

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.

The car you use must:

• be taxed, insured and have a valid MOT if it needs one
• be a saloon, hatchback or estate car with a rigid roof
• be in a roadworthy and clean condition
• have working seat belts
• have manual transmission
• have right-hand drive
• have an easily adjustable driving seat
• have a forward-facing front passenger seat
• have head restraints for both front seats
• have an internal rear-view mirror that the examiner can use when sitting in the driving seat
• not be fitted with any ‘space saver’ tyres
• display 2 L-plates - or D-plates in Wales

Your test will be cancelled and you'll lose your fee if your car doesn't meet the rules.

Insurance

The examiner will be driving your car, so the car insurance must cover:

• the examiner’s liability for all third-party and damage risks
• liability to all passengers
• any Driving Standards Agency (DSA) examiner

The DSA will not normally give out personal information for your insurance. In rare situations, on the day of the test the examiner will:

• give you their full name
• confirm they are over 25 years old

The DSA isn't responsible for risks that aren't covered by insurance, eg the loss of any no claims bonus.

You’ll have to give practical instruction to the examiner while they play 2 of the following roles:

• a beginner or partly trained pupil
• a pupil who is about test standard
• a qualified driver taking driver development training

The examiner will stay in character as the ‘pupil’ when the test starts.

The examiner will come out of character to help make instructions clearer and for road safety reasons.

Exercises you could cover

You’ll cover 2 exercises - 1 for each of the roles the examiner plays. The examiner will choose the exercises from the following:

• safety precautions on entering the car and explanation of the controls
• moving off and making normal stops
• reversing the car and entering limited openings to the right or left
• turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite direction
• parking close to the kerb, using reverse gears
• practical instruction in how to use mirrors and make an emergency stop
• approaching and turning corners
• judgement of speed and general road positioning
• dealing with emerging at T-junctions
• dealing with all aspects of crossroads
• dealing with pedestrian crossings and giving appropriate signals
• meeting, crossing the path of and overtaking other vehicles

Your instruction

Your instruction should be tailored to the standard of the ‘pupil’ the examiner is playing and to the time available - about 30 minutes for each part.

You're allowed to:

• ask the 'pupil' questions to find out more about their knowledge
• use lesson plans and training aids
• refer to notes or subject headings - but you can’t read at length from notes or books

You should:

• keep any briefing or stationary instruction short
• be prepared for the ‘pupil’ to ask questions

You must give the 'pupil' a chance to show you what you've taught them. You should correct any faults they make.

The examiner’s supervisor

A supervising officer may also sit in on the test. They are there to check the examiner - not you. They won't have any say in how your test is carried out, or in the result.

You'll be assessed on 3 main areas during your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test:

• core competencies
• instructional techniques
• instructor characteristics

Core competencies

The examiner will assess how well you:

• identify and prioritise faults
• analyse and explain faults
• give instruction to correct faults

Instructional techniques

The examiner will assess how well you:

• match your level of instruction to the ability and experience of the ‘pupil’
• plan the lesson
• control the lesson
• communicate with the ‘pupil’
• use question and answer techniques
• give feedback and encourage the ‘pupil’

The examiner will also assess when and why you use the dual controls.

Instructor characteristics

The examiner will assess whether you:

• have a relaxed and friendly manner, but aren't over familiar
• appear confident, and are able to fill your ‘pupil’ with confidence in a patient and tactful way

You can find driving instructor training if you need help to prepare for the test.

At the end of your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test, the examiner will grade your performance.

You'll get a grade from 1 to 6 for the 2 parts of the test. You must get a grade 4 or higher for both parts to pass the test.

Passing the test

You can apply for your first ADI badge if you pass the ADI part 3 test.

You must apply within 12 months of passing the test, or you'll have to pass all 3 qualifying tests again.

Failing the first or second attempt

You can take the test again if you fail the first or second attempt. You must book the next attempt within 2 years of passing your ADI part 1 test.

Failing the third attempt

You have to retake and pass the ADI part 1 test and ADI part 2 test again if you fail the ADI part 3 test at your third attempt.

You must wait 2 years from when you originally passed the ADI part 1 test before you can take it again.