Driving Instructor Training Specialists

Learning to become a driving instructor can lead to a rewarding career teaching people how to drive safely and develop the skills they need to pass their driving test.

How to become an Approved Driving Instructor

To qualify for registration as an ADI you must:

• Have held a full British or Northern Ireland unrestricted car driving licence for a total of four out of the last six years. A foreign, automatic car or provisional licence held after passing the driving test would count towards this four year period.
• Not have been disqualified from driving at any time during this four year period
• Be a fit and proper person to have your name entered into the ADI Register.
• The three-part qualification examination must be passed within a two-year period and in the following order:-

Part 1 ~ Theory Test (you can make as many attempts as needed to pass)

• The examination consists of 100 multiple choice questions. These questions are banded into four sections and you must score 80% in each band and achieve an overall mark of 85% to pass.

Part 1 ~ Hazard Perception Test

• Candidates have to achieve a pass mark of 57 out of 75 in this test, as well as the 85% overall mark required for the multiple choice question section. The test comprises of a selection of film clips, showing real road scenes and potential hazards. Each candidate is tested on 14 film clips, chosen at random from a selection of 200. You will be assessed on how soon you assess the hazard.
• The test is computer based and takes place in all theory test centres and the test result is issued at the end of the test. The waiting list is usually about 2 weeks. The nearest theory test centre is in Colchester, other theory test centre locations are available on the gov.uk website.

You need to pass both the Theory Multiple Choice test and the Hazard Perception test to obtain an overall pass for the Part 1 exam.

Part 2 ~ The Driving Test (you are limited to three attempts at this test)

• This is a one hour test, incorporating an eyesight test and a stringent assessment on all aspects of car driving. Six 'minor' mistakes are allowed. An example of a 'minor' error is failing to check your mirrors before slowing down.
  A written driving report detailing areas needing attention is given after the first lesson. You can therefore practice to attain the required standards.
• Our nearest test centres are: Colchester, Brentwood, Ipswich, Cambridge and Norwich. The result is issued at the end of the test.
• All training is on a one-to-one basis.

Part 3 ~ The Instructional Ability Test (you are limited to three attempts at this test)

• This is a one hour test incorporating two sections of approximately 28 minutes each. In this test the examiner role-plays two pupils and the candidate must teach accordingly. The first phase sees the examiner role play either a beginner or a pupil new to a specific topic. In the second phase the examiner portrays a pupil who is approximately at test standard and as in the first phase, appropriate tuition will be expected.
• The nearest test centres to Colchester are: Brentwood, Cambridge and Norwich. The result is issued at the end of the test.