The Three Parts Explained

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has established three rigorous qualifying exams to ensure that all Approved Driving Instructors meet the highest standards of knowledge, driving ability, and teaching competence. Understanding each exam's requirements and format is crucial for effective preparation.

Part 1: Theory and Hazard Perception Test

The Part 1 exam is a two-part theory test. The multiple-choice section gives you 1 hour 30 minutes to answer 100 questions split equally across four categories: road procedure; traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge; driving test, disabilities and the law; and publications and instructional techniques. You need at least 85 out of 100 to pass this section.

The hazard perception test follows immediately after. You'll watch 14 video clips of everyday road scenes, each containing at least one developing hazard (one clip features two). You score up to 5 points per hazard by clicking as soon as the hazard starts to develop, and you need at least 57 out of 75 to pass. You must pass both parts to pass the test.

This exam can be taken at any DVSA theory test centre across the UK and costs £81. Many trainees pass Part 1 within 2-3 months of dedicated study. Our training materials include comprehensive theory resources, practice questions that mirror the actual exam format, and hazard perception video training to build your skills and confidence.

Part 2: Driving Ability Test

Part 2 is an hour-long practical driving test that assesses your personal driving ability to an advanced standard. The test has five parts: an eyesight check (reading a number plate from 27 metres), five 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions, extended general driving in varying road and traffic conditions including motorways or dual carriageways, two reversing manoeuvres, and 20 minutes of independent driving following either a sat nav or traffic signs.

To pass Part 2, you must make no more than 6 driving faults (minor faults) and no serious or dangerous faults. There is no mark-based scoring system — the test is purely fault-based. The standard is significantly higher than a learner driving test and requires excellent anticipation, smooth vehicle control, and advanced observation skills.

The test costs £111. Our training includes extensive one-to-one in-car practice focusing on advanced driving skills, all the required manoeuvres, 'show me, tell me' questions, independent driving practice, and mock tests that replicate real exam conditions. Most trainees require 20-40 hours of professional training to reach test standard, depending on their starting ability.

Part 3: Instructional Ability Test

Part 3 is the final and most challenging exam, assessing your ability to teach effectively. A DVSA examiner watches you deliver a real, client-centred driving lesson to one of your own pupils for about 45 minutes. At the start you'll discuss the lesson goals and risk management with your pupil (no more than 3 minutes), your pupil then drives for about 40 minutes, and the lesson closes with up to 3 minutes of pupil reflection.

The examiner marks you on 17 areas of competence grouped into three categories: lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning strategies. You score 0 to 3 for each competency, giving a maximum of 51 marks. You'll automatically fail if you score 7 or less in the risk management category, or if the examiner stops the lesson for safety reasons.

The test result is graded as follows: 0-30 marks is a Fail, 31-42 marks is a Grade B (you can join the ADI register), and 43-51 marks is a Grade A (a high standard of instruction). The test costs £111. Our Part 3 training prepares you thoroughly for delivering live lessons with real pupils, with extensive coaching practice, detailed feedback on all 17 DVSA competencies, and mock tests under real exam conditions.

Preparing for Success

Success in all three parts requires dedicated preparation, quality training, and consistent practice. While it's possible to train independently, most successful candidates benefit from structured professional training with an experienced trainer. Our courses are specifically designed to address each exam's unique challenges while building your overall competence as a driving instructor.

Statistics show that trainees who complete comprehensive training programs have significantly higher first-time pass rates compared to those who prepare independently. Our proven training methods, combined with one-to-one support from your dedicated trainer, maximize your chances of success at each stage.