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The ADI Standards Check
Explained

How often, what happens on the day, how it’s marked, and how to prepare.

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Driving instructor giving a lesson while being assessed

Once you’re a qualified driving instructor, the ADI standards check is how the DVSA makes sure your teaching stays at the right standard. Here’s what it involves and how to prepare.

How often

You usually have a standards check every 4 years. You may be asked to have one sooner, depending on your pupils’ test results. You must take it even if you aren’t currently working as an instructor, and you can be removed from the ADI register if you don’t book or attend.

What happens

  • The examiner watches you give a normal lesson to one of your pupils, lasting about 45 minutes.
  • You spend up to 3 minutes at the start agreeing the lesson goals and risk management with your pupil.
  • Your pupil drives for about 40 minutes. Don’t spend the whole lesson on one manoeuvre.
  • You can stop safely to give feedback during the lesson.
  • At the end, your pupil has about 3 minutes to reflect on their driving.
  • Afterwards, the examiner talks through your performance and gives your grade, which takes about 15 minutes.
  • A trainer or mentor can come along, but they can’t take part.

How it’s marked

You’re marked on 17 areas in three groups: lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning skills. Each area scores 0 to 3, giving a total out of 51:

  • 43 to 51: grade A, a high standard of instruction.
  • 31 to 42: grade B.
  • 30 or less: fail.

You also fail if you score 7 or less in risk management, or if the examiner has to stop the lesson because of danger. Your grade and report are emailed to you at the end.

If you fail

You get up to 2 more attempts. If you fail 3 times, you’re removed from the ADI register and have to retake the ADI tests to rejoin.

How to prepare

  • Choose a pupil and a lesson that fits their real needs, not a show lesson.
  • Agree clear goals with your pupil and share responsibility for risk.
  • Let your pupil do most of the talking and thinking, and adapt as the lesson goes.
  • Give feedback that helps them understand, not just a list of faults.
  • Practise with a trainer or mentor beforehand.

Thinking of becoming an instructor? Read ADI Part 1, 2 and 3 explained, or see our Become a Driving Instructor page.

Sources: GOV.UK: ADI standards check, What happens at the standards check, Your standards check grade.

Driving lessons near you

We give one-to-one manual driving lessons in Borehamwood, Colney Heath, Elstree, Harpenden, Hatfield, London Colney, Radlett, St Albans and Shenley.

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