Multiple-choice questions
You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 questions. The questions are divided equally across four categories, with 25 questions in each.
ADI PART 1
Your first step towards becoming a driving instructor.
ADI Part 1 is the theory stage of the driving instructor qualification process. It tests your knowledge of driving, instruction and your ability to recognise developing hazards.
ADI PART 1 AT A GLANCE
100
Multiple-choice questions
4
Knowledge categories
14
Hazard perception video clips
£81
Current DVSA test fee
WHAT IS ADI PART 1?
More than just a learner theory test.
Part 1 is the first of the three qualifying tests you need to pass to become an Approved Driving Instructor.
The test is designed to check that you have the level of driving knowledge expected of someone who will eventually be teaching other people to drive.
It includes both multiple-choice questions and hazard perception. You need to pass both parts to pass ADI Part 1.
Ask Marcus about Part 1 →
HOW THE TEST WORKS
Two parts, one test.
You take the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections as part of the same ADI Part 1 test.
85 out of 100
You need an overall score of at least 85, but you must also score at least 20 out of 25 in every individual category.
Hazard perception
You watch 14 video clips containing 15 developing hazards and score points by identifying the hazards as they begin to develop.
57 out of 75
You need at least 57 points in the hazard perception section. You must pass both sections to pass Part 1.
The two-year clock starts here
Once you pass ADI Part 1, you have two years to complete Parts 2 and 3 and qualify as an ADI. If you do not qualify within that period, you have to start the qualification process again.
WHAT YOU'LL BE TESTED ON
Four areas of driving knowledge.
The 100 multiple-choice questions are split into four categories, with 25 questions in each.
Road procedure
Your understanding of safe driving procedures, judgement and how road situations should be dealt with.
Signs, control & vehicle knowledge
Traffic signs and signals, vehicle control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge.
Tests, disabilities & law
Knowledge relating to the driving test, legal responsibilities and supporting drivers with different needs.
Instructional knowledge
Publications, teaching principles and the instructional techniques expected of a future driving instructor.
ADI PART 1 ADVICE
The things worth knowing before test day.
Part 1 is not just about answering enough questions correctly. Understanding how the test is structured can help you prepare much more effectively.
What catches candidates out in Part 1?
One of the easiest mistakes is concentrating on the overall score while having a weak area in one of the four categories. You can score 85 or more overall and still fail if one category falls below the required mark.
Part 1 also covers considerably more than everyday Highway Code knowledge. The syllabus includes instructional techniques, driving law, the driving test and professional knowledge expected of a future instructor.
Why 85 out of 100 isn't the whole pass mark
To pass the multiple-choice section, you need at least 85 correct answers overall.
But you must also score at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories. A strong score in one subject cannot compensate for a weak score somewhere else.
You must also separately pass hazard perception with at least 57 out of 75.
What do the four Part 1 categories actually cover?
The 100 questions are divided equally between four areas: road procedure; signs, vehicle control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge; driving tests, disabilities and law; and publications and instructional techniques.
That last category is one of the important differences between the ADI theory test and the theory test taken by learner drivers.
When should you book ADI Part 1?
DVSA allows you to book the test once your application to begin the ADI qualifying process has been accepted.
That does not mean you need to rush straight into a test. A sensible approach is to build your knowledge first and make sure your practice results are consistently above the required standard across all four categories and hazard perception.
Remember that passing Part 1 starts your two-year qualification clock, so timing the test sensibly can also matter.
What happens after you pass Part 1?
Once you pass, DVSA gives you a Part 1 pass certificate number. You will need this when booking and taking your ADI Part 2 driving ability test.
Your Part 1 pass lasts for two years. Within that period you need to complete Parts 2 and 3 and qualify as an ADI, otherwise you will need to restart the qualifying process.
Learn about ADI Part 2 →Understand the two-year rule →
PREPARING FOR PART 1
Learn the subject, not just the answers.
Good Part 1 preparation is about understanding the material well enough that you can later explain it to somebody else.
The DVSA recommends revising from official driving and instructor resources including The Highway Code, Driving - the Essential Skills and the national standards for driving and driver training.
Ask Marcus About Part 1
A SIMPLE REVISION PLAN
1
Build your knowledge
Work through the core driving and instructional material rather than relying only on mock questions.
2
Practise all four categories
Remember that a strong overall score cannot make up for falling below 20 in one category.
3
Practise hazard perception
Learn to recognise when a potential hazard becomes a developing hazard requiring action.
4
Be consistent before booking
Aim to be comfortably above the required pass marks in your practice before taking the real test.
NEED HELP GETTING STARTED?
Talk to Marcus.
If you're considering becoming a driving instructor and you're not sure how Part 1 fits into the overall process, get in touch and Marcus can talk you through the next steps.
FULL TRAINING ROUTE
Want structured Part 1 training through Andrew’s Driving School?
Andrew’s Driving School provides our full instructor training route, including Part 1 study support, Theory Test Pro and continued training through Parts 2 and 3.
Explore ADI Part 1 training with Andrew’s →