Eyesight check
Before the drive begins, you’ll need to read a vehicle number plate from the required distance.
ADI PART 2
Take your driving to instructor standard.
ADI Part 2 is the driving ability stage of the qualification. You’ll need to demonstrate safe, controlled and well-planned driving consistently across a wide range of road and traffic conditions.
ADI PART 2 AT A GLANCE
1hr
Around one hour
5
Vehicle safety questions
2
Reversing exercises
6
Maximum driving faults to pass
WHAT IS ADI PART 2?
It’s about more than simply driving safely.
Part 2 tests whether your own driving is at the standard expected of somebody preparing to teach other people.
The examiner will assess how you control the car, plan ahead, use observations, judge speed and distance and respond to changing road and traffic conditions.
You should be able to demonstrate the required standard independently, without needing instruction or prompting.
Ask Marcus about Part 2 →
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE TEST?
Five parts, one complete drive.
The examiner looks at both your technical control of the car and the quality of the decisions you make throughout the drive.
Vehicle safety questions
You’ll answer three “tell me” questions before driving and demonstrate two “show me” safety tasks while driving.
General driving ability
You’ll drive through different road and traffic conditions while demonstrating control, planning, observation, judgement and consideration for other road users.
Reversing exercises
The examiner will ask you to complete two reversing exercises safely and accurately.
Independent driving
You’ll drive independently for around 20 minutes, following either a sat nav or traffic signs.
No more than 6 driving faults
To pass, you must make no more than six driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
WHAT THE EXAMINER IS LOOKING FOR
Driving that looks planned, not rushed.
Strong Part 2 driving comes from seeing situations early, making good decisions and carrying them out smoothly.
Control
Smooth, accurate use of steering, gears, braking, acceleration and the vehicle’s controls.
Observation
Effective use of mirrors, blind-spot checks and awareness of what is developing around you.
Planning
Seeing situations early enough to adjust speed, position and timing without creating unnecessary risk.
REVERSING EXERCISES
Control matters, but observation matters too.
You’ll be asked to complete two of four possible reversing exercises during the test.
Marcus will work with you on the control, positioning and observations needed to complete each exercise safely rather than relying on a rigid sequence of memorised movements.
Train for Part 2 with Marcus
THE FOUR POSSIBLE EXERCISES
1
Parallel parking
Reverse into a parking position at the side of the road.
2
Reverse bay parking
Reverse into a parking bay and drive forwards to leave.
3
Forward bay parking
Drive forwards into a bay and reverse safely out again.
4
Pull up on the right
Pull up on the right-hand side, reverse for around two car lengths and rejoin the traffic.
ADI PART 2 ADVICE
The things worth knowing before test day.
Part 2 is not just a harder version of the learner driving test. The examiner is looking for a consistently high standard of driving, planning and judgement from somebody preparing to teach other people.
What catches candidates out on ADI Part 2?
Many candidates can drive safely, but Part 2 asks for something more consistent and polished. Small habits that rarely cause problems in everyday driving can become much more obvious when they are repeated throughout the test.
Observation, planning, positioning, speed choice and anticipation all need to work together rather than appearing only when a difficult situation develops.
How is Part 2 different from a learner driving test?
The basic principles are the same: safe driving, good observation, appropriate speed and sound judgement.
The difference is the level of consistency expected. DVSA says you should only take Part 2 when you can demonstrate the required standard without instruction.
You are preparing to become the person who teaches these skills, so your own driving needs to provide a strong example for future pupils.
What are the four Part 2 reversing exercises?
During the test, the examiner will ask you to complete two of the following four exercises:
- Parallel parking at the side of the road
- Reverse into a parking bay and drive out
- Drive forwards into a parking bay and reverse out
- Pull up on the right, reverse around two car lengths and rejoin traffic
The test also includes moving off at an angle from behind a stationary vehicle as part of the general driving assessment.
How many faults can you get on ADI Part 2?
You can pass with no more than 6 driving faults.
You must not make a serious or dangerous fault. Repeated smaller faults can also become more significant if they show an ongoing weakness in your driving.
What happens after you pass ADI Part 2?
Once Part 2 is passed, you can move on to the instructional part of the qualification and prepare for ADI Part 3.
Depending on your training route, you may also be eligible to apply for a six-month trainee driving instructor licence so you can gain experience teaching real pupils while preparing for Part 3.
Learn about ADI Part 3 →Read about the trainee licence and two-year rule →
PART 2 TRAINING
Small improvements make a big difference.
Most Part 2 candidates can already drive. The challenge is turning everyday habits into consistently high-standard driving.
Marcus will identify the areas that need attention and help you understand why they matter rather than simply telling you what to do.
Assessment first
Find out where your driving is now before deciding how much
training you need.
Specific feedback
Work on the things that are actually holding your driving back
rather than following a generic course.
Test preparation
Build the consistency and independence needed to demonstrate
the standard throughout the test.
THREE ATTEMPTS
Don’t rush the test.
You are allowed up to three attempts at ADI Part 2 during your current qualifying period.
If you fail Part 2 three times, you cannot simply book a fourth attempt. You will need to restart the qualifying process in line with the DVSA rules.
That makes proper preparation important. The aim is not merely to scrape through, but to develop a driving standard you can carry into your future work as an instructor.
READY TO WORK ON PART 2?
Start with an assessment.
Marcus can assess your current driving, identify what needs work and help you build a Part 2 training plan around you.
FULL TRAINING ROUTE
Looking for structured ADI Part 2 training with Andrew’s Driving
School?
Andrew’s Driving School provides our full instructor training route, including one-to-one Part 2 preparation and continued support through the ADI qualification.
Explore ADI Part 2 training with Andrew’s →