What each driving instructor test involves, the pass marks, attempts and costs.
To become an approved driving instructor (ADI), you need to pass three tests. Here’s ADI Part 1, 2 and 3 explained in plain English, with the pass marks and costs from GOV.UK.
Part 1 has two parts, and you must pass both at the same sitting:
It costs £81, and there’s no limit on how many times you can take it.
Part 2 tests your own driving to a high standard. You can make no more than 6 driving faults, and no serious or dangerous faults. It costs £111.
You have 3 attempts. If you fail all 3, you have to start again from Part 1, and wait until 2 years after you first passed Part 1.
Part 3 tests how well you teach. The examiner watches you give a real lesson to a pupil and scores you out of 51:
You also fail if you score 7 or less in the risk management section. Part 3 costs £111, and you have 3 attempts.
You must book your Part 3 test within 2 years of passing Part 1. If you don’t qualify in that time, you start again.
After passing Part 2, many trainees get a trainee licence (pink badge), so they can give paid lessons while preparing for Part 3. Read more in what is a trainee licence (pink badge)?.
When you pass Part 3, you register as an ADI within 12 months. The first ADI certificate (green badge) costs £300 and lasts 4 years.
We provide Part 2 training, the 40 hours of training you need after Part 2, and sponsorship for your trainee licence. Find out more on our Become a Driving Instructor page, or read the honest pros and cons first.
Sources: GOV.UK: ADI register guide, Part 1 pass mark, Part 2 result, Part 3 result and ADI fees.
We give one-to-one manual driving lessons in Borehamwood, Colney Heath, Elstree, Harpenden, Hatfield, London Colney, Radlett, St Albans and Shenley.
Instructor training with us: 2 hours for £90, 10 hours for £400, or 40 hours for £1,500.
