ABOUT THE DRIVING INSTRUCTOR EXAMS: ADI PART 1, PART 2, PART 3.

There are three exams you must pass in order to become a driving instructor.

The first is an advanced theory and hazard-perception computer-based test. This can be attempted as many times as you need. You must gain an overall pass rate of 85%, and a minimum of 80% in each of the four bands. It is therefore possible to get an overall pass rate of over 85% but still fail if you didn’t get 80% in one of the bands. You must get a minimum of 57 out of 75 in the hazard perception. If you fail the hazard perception but pass the theory, or vise-versa, you will fail and have to re-take both parts. The pass rate is about 50% for part 1.

The second exam is an advanced driving test. You must show you can drive to a very high standard. You are expected to perform a ‘brisk, business-like and confident drive’, and demonstrate not only making progress but fuel economy. You should be able to cope with any road situation and show tolerance and due regard and consideration for other road users. You must have excellent forward planning and hazard perception skills. You must have a detailed understanding of road procedures and the reasoning behind the rules. Firstly, you must read a number plate from a distance of 26.5 metres. If you cannot do this you will fail immediately and that will count towards one of your attempts. Then you have to answer the ‘show me-tell me’ safety questions. The examiner will ask you to describe how to perform a check on the condition and safety of three components of the vehicle, and ask you to demonstrate an actual check on the condition of a further two. You then have a one hour test, during which you may only make a maximum of 6 minor faults. You must perform all of the three reversing exercises, plus some or all of the other exercises such as emergency stop, moving off at an angle, etc..

You must pass all parts of the part 2 test at the same time. You can take this test a maximum of three times in any two year period, after having passed the theory exam in that same period. About 44% of people who take the part 2 test pass.

The third exam is a test of your instructional ability. The examiner will test this by role-playing a pupil. For the first half an hour of the exam, she/he will role-play a beginner, who has had no or very few lessons. For the second half an hour, the examiner will role-play a more advanced pupil, at or near test standard, or a licence holder who might want refresher lessons or be required to re-take an exam etc. There are twelve exercises which the examiner will choose from, a different one for each of the two ‘pupils’ he is portraying.

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