ADI Part 1 is the theory test you take as the first step towards becoming a driving instructor. You can book it once DVSA has accepted your application to start qualifying, it costs £81, and it’s made up of multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
It’s similar to the theory test you took as a learner, but much harder. As well as the rules of the road, it covers teaching, the law and how cars work, because you’ll soon be explaining all of it to your own pupils.
Below, we cover how to book Part 1, what’s in the test, the pass mark and how to give yourself the best chance of passing.
What is the ADI Part 1 test?
The Part 1 test is the first of three tests you need to pass to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). After it come ADI Part 2, a test of your driving, and ADI Part 3, a test of your teaching.
Part 1 has two sections, which you book and sit together as one test:
- Multiple-choice questions: 100 questions on driving, the law and teaching
- Hazard perception: video clips where you spot developing hazards on the road
You need to pass both sections in the same sitting to pass the test.
What does the ADI Part 1 test involve?
Multiple-choice questions
You’ll have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 questions on a computer at a theory test centre. Before you start, you’ll get instructions and a practice question to get used to the screens.
The questions are split into four categories of 25:
- road procedure
- traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- the driving test, disabilities and the law
- publications and instructional techniques
You can flag questions to come back to, and change any answer before you finish. You don’t have to use the full 90 minutes.
Once you’ve finished, you can take a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception test starts.
Hazard perception test
You’ll watch 14 video clips of everyday road scenes, each with at least one developing hazard. There are 15 hazards in total, so one clip has two, but you won’t be told which.
Click as soon as you spot a hazard starting to develop. You can score up to five points per hazard, and the earlier you click, the more you score. Clicking too often or in a pattern scores zero for that clip, so don’t just click repeatedly.
What is the ADI Part 1 pass mark?
To pass Part 1, you need to pass both sections in the same sitting:
| Section | Pass mark |
|---|---|
| Multiple-choice questions | At least 85 out of 100 overall, and at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories |
| Hazard perception | At least 57 out of 75 |
The category rule catches a lot of people out. Score 85 or more overall but fall below 20 in one category, and you’ll still fail. So you can’t rely on being strong in some areas to cover weak ones.
For hazard perception, 57 out of 75 works out at an average of nearly four points per hazard, so you need to be spotting them early and consistently.
How long is the ADI Part 1 test?
The Part 1 test takes around two hours in total. That’s up to 90 minutes for the multiple-choice questions, an optional three-minute break, and around 20 minutes for hazard perception, plus a few minutes of instructions at the start.
How to book your ADI Part 1 test
You book Part 1 on GOV.UK, through the instructor theory test service. It costs £81 and you can book once DVSA has accepted your application to start qualifying.
Who can book ADI Part 1?
You can book Part 1 once your application to start the ADI qualifying process has been accepted. To apply, you need to:
- be 21 or older
- have held a full driving licence for at least three years
- not have been banned from driving in the last four years
- get a new DBS check, even if you already have one
There’s no DVSA fee to apply. You only pay for the tests themselves, and to register once you qualify.
How do I book ADI Part 1?
- Check you meet the eligibility rules above.
- Get a new DBS check, then apply to start the ADI qualifying process on GOV.UK.
- Wait for DVSA to accept your application.
- Go to the GOV.UK instructor theory test booking service.
- Choose a test centre and a date.
- Pay the £81 fee and keep your confirmation email.
How much does ADI Part 1 cost?
Part 1 costs £81. You pay the same each time you take it, and there’s no limit on attempts, so every resit is another £81. Proper revision before your first attempt is the cheapest way through.
When should I book ADI Part 1?
Book when you’re consistently passing mock tests in every category, not just scoring 85 overall. Your trainer can help you judge when you’re ready.
There’s a bigger reason not to rush, too. Once you pass Part 1, you have two years to pass Parts 2 and 3 and qualify. If you don’t, you’ll have to start the whole process again. So it’s worth starting your Part 2 training soon after you pass, and not booking Part 1 until you’re ready to keep going.
What do I need to bring?
Bring your UK photocard driving licence. If you don’t have the right ID, you won’t be able to take the test and you’ll lose your fee. Check the GOV.UK guide for what to take before your test day.
Can I change my ADI Part 1 test?
Yes. You can change the date or check your test details on GOV.UK, including if you’ve lost your booking confirmation. Make any changes as early as you can, because short notice can mean losing your fee.
Example ADI Part 1 questions
Here are a few examples of the kind of multiple-choice questions you might see:
What should you teach a pupil to do before emerging from a road junction?
- A. Look left, then right
- B. Take effective observation
- C. Look left only
- D. Look right only
Answer: B. Effective observation means checking every direction properly so your pupil can fully assess the junction before pulling out.
What does it mean if a car keeps bouncing after you press down on it to test the suspension?
- A. The tyres are worn
- B. The steering is unstable
- C. The shock absorbers are worn
- D. The tyres are under-inflated
Answer: C. Worn shock absorbers can’t stop the car bouncing.
What’s required when a child under three is travelling in the front seat?
- A. They must use an appropriate child restraint
- B. They must be held by an adult
- C. They must use the adult seat belt if there’s no child restraint
- D. They must be in a rear-facing seat
Answer: A. Children under three must always use an appropriate child restraint.
The best way to get used to how the questions are worded is to take plenty of practice tests.
How to pass ADI Part 1
Passing Part 1 comes down to steady revision across every topic, plus lots of practice. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance:
- Revise every category, not just your favourites. You need 20 out of 25 in all four, so a weak spot can fail you on its own.
- Know the official books inside out. The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving: The Essential Skills are the core reading. You’ll be tested at a much higher level than a learner.
- Think like an instructor. A whole category covers teaching methods, so get used to thinking about how you’d explain things to a pupil.
- Take mock tests under test conditions. It builds your speed and gets you used to the format.
- Learn from your mistakes. After each mock test, go back over what you got wrong and focus your revision there.
- Practise hazard perception regularly. It’s a different skill from answering questions, and the timing takes practice to get right.
Mechanical knowledge is the topic that surprises most people, because a lot of it isn’t in the standard learner books. Good training materials make a big difference here. Our driving instructor training courses include study materials for every part of the test, and you’ll find more advice in our complete guide to the ADI theory test.
What is the ADI Part 1 pass rate?
The Part 1 pass rate was 37% in the year ending March 2026 (DVSA ADI test data). That’s lower than many people expect for a theory test, mainly because of the high pass mark and the category rule. With a solid revision plan, though, it’s very passable.
What happens if you fail ADI Part 1?
If you fail Part 1, you’ll get a letter at the test centre showing which sections you didn’t score enough on, so you know what to work on.
You’ll need to book and take the whole test again, both sections, even if you passed one of them. You have to wait at least three working days before your next attempt.
There’s no limit on how many times you can take Part 1, but you’ll pay £81 each time.
What happens after you pass ADI Part 1?
If you pass, you’ll get a pass certificate letter. Keep it safe, because you’ll need it to book and take Part 2.
Your pass certificate lasts for two years. You need to pass Parts 2 and 3 and qualify in that time, or you’ll have to start the application process again.
Driving instructor training with Bill Plant Driving School
Part 1 is your first step towards a new career, and the right preparation makes it far more likely you’ll pass first time.
As National Driving School of the Year for three years running, with over 1,000 instructors across the UK, we know exactly what each stage of qualifying takes. Our training gives you the study materials and support you need for Part 1, and then helps you get through Parts 2 and 3 within the two-year window.
Ready to start? Explore our driving instructor training courses and take the first step towards becoming a driving instructor.
FAQs about the ADI Part 1 test
How do I book ADI Part 1?
You book Part 1 through GOV.UK’s instructor theory test booking service, once DVSA has accepted your application to start qualifying. You’ll choose a test centre and date, then pay the £81 fee. You’ll need a new DBS check before you can apply.
Can I book ADI Part 1 straight away?
No. You need to apply to start the ADI qualifying process first, and DVSA has to accept your application before you can book Part 1. To apply, you must be 21 or older, have held a full driving licence for three years and have a new DBS check.
How much does the ADI Part 1 test cost?
The Part 1 test costs £81, paid when you book on GOV.UK. You pay the same for every attempt, and there’s no limit on how many times you can take it.
When should I book my ADI Part 1 test?
Book your Part 1 test when you’re passing mock tests in every category, not just scoring 85 overall. Once you pass, you have two years to pass Parts 2 and 3, so make sure you’re ready to keep going with your training straight after.
What is the pass mark for ADI Part 1?
To pass Part 1, you need at least 85 out of 100 in the multiple-choice questions, including at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories. You also need at least 57 out of 75 in the hazard perception test. You must pass both in the same sitting.
How long is the ADI Part 1 test?
The Part 1 test takes around two hours. You get up to 90 minutes for the 100 multiple-choice questions, an optional three-minute break, then around 20 minutes for the hazard perception test. You’ll also get a few minutes of instructions at the start.
What happens if I fail ADI Part 1?
If you fail Part 1, you’ll get a letter showing which sections you didn’t pass. You’ll need to retake the whole test, even if you passed one section. You must wait at least three working days before your next attempt, and you’ll pay £81 again.
How many times can you take ADI Part 1?
There’s no limit on how many times you can take Part 1. You’ll need to pay £81 for each attempt and wait at least three working days between tests. Taking mock tests until you’re passing every category is the best way to avoid repeat fees.
What is the difference between the ADI theory test and the learner theory test?
The ADI theory test is much harder than the learner theory test. It has 100 questions instead of 50, and covers teaching methods, the law and mechanical knowledge. You also need to pass each of the four categories separately.
How long does an ADI Part 1 pass last?
An ADI Part 1 pass lasts for two years. In that time, you need to pass Parts 2 and 3 and qualify as an ADI. If you don’t, you’ll have to start the whole application process again, including retaking Part 1.