How ADI Part 3 is Marked
The 17 ADI Competencies used to mark the ADI qualifying tests in clear and simple terms
The 17 competencies form the basis on which you’ll be assessed as a driving instructor. They ensure you meet the standards set by the DVSA to provide professional driving instruction.
Below is the list of competencies you will be evaluated on. It’s important to understand that this isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. Meeting a competency once and moving on is not enough. These competencies are closely linked and often overlap throughout a lesson, each influencing the others significantly.
Throughout your lesson, your level of competence will be continuously assessed and scored for each competency using a scale from 0 to 3.
Competence Scoring:
0 – No evidence of competence demonstrated
1 – Demonstrated in a few elements
2 – Demonstrated in most elements
3 – Demonstrated in all elements
All instructors—both PDIs (Potential Driving Instructors) and ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors)—must achieve a minimum score of 31 out of 51 to pass.
31–42 points: Grade B Pass
43–51 points: Grade A Pass
Each instructor is allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass the assessment. Failure to pass within these attempts will result in removal from the DVSA Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
The Part 3 and Standards Check assessments group the 17 competencies into three key categories:
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Lesson Planning
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Risk Management
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Teaching and Learning Strategies
It’s important to understand that a total score above 30 does not guarantee a pass. If an instructor scores 7 or less in the Risk Management category, they will automatically fail the assessment, regardless of their overall score.
Lesson Planning
1.Did the trainer identify the pupil’s learning goals and needs?
2. Was the agreed lesson structure appropriate for the pupil’s experience and ability?
3. Were the practice areas suitable?
4. Was the lesson plan adapted, when appropriate, to help the pupil work toward their learning goals?
Risk Assessment
5. Did the trainer ensure that the pupil fully understood how the responsibility for risk would be shared?
6. Were directions and instructions given to the pupil clear and given in good time?7.
7. Was the trainer aware of the surroundings and the pupil’s actions?
8. Was any verbal or physical intervention by the trainer timely and appropriate?
9. Was sufficient feedback given to help the pupil understand and potential safety critical incidents?
Teaching and Learning Strategies
10. Was the teaching style suited to the pupil’s learning style and current ability?
11. Was the pupil encouraged to analyse problems and take responsibility for their learning?
12. Were opportunities and examples used to clarify learning outcomes?
13. Was the technical information given comprehensive, appropriate and accurate?
14. Was the pupil given appropriate and timely feedback during the session?
15. Were the pupil’s queries followed up and answered?
16. Did the trainer maintain an appropriate non-discriminatory manner throughout the session?
17. At the end of the session – was the pupil encouraged to reflect on their own performance?
Find out more about how to pass any of the driving instructor tests. We provide training for all aspects of driving instructor training. Also our advice is freely given to anybody wishing to embark on a new career as a driving instructor.
