Are you planning to become a driving instructor in the UK? Then the ADI Part 1 test is your first step.
ADI Part 1 consists of a theory-based exam and hazard perception test. It’s designed to assess your knowledge of driving, road safety and instructional techniques, among others. While it’s similar to the standard driving theory test, it’s much more advanced and requires a deeper understanding of how to teach others to drive safely.
To help you prepare, we’ll explain what the ADI Part 1 test involves, what the pass mark is and how best to prepare.
What is the ADI Part 1 test?
The ADI Part 1 test is the first stage of qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Part 1 of the ADI test is the theory test. The ADI theory test provides candidates with the knowledge required to become safe drivers and teach others to drive safely.
The test is made up of two parts:
- A multiple-choice theory test
- A hazard perception test
You must pass both sections to move on to ADI Part 2 and finally ADI Part 3.
For you as a candidate, the ADI part 1 theory test will require a deeper knowledge of:
- Road procedures
- Traffic signs
- Signals
- Car Control
- Mechanical knowledge
- Pedestrians
- Instructional techniques
- Road laws
You can study for the ADI Part 1 test at home and online.
What is the required ADI part 1 pass mark?
To pass the ADI Part 1 test, you need to meet the minimum score in both sections.
- Candidates must achieve a pass rate of 85% or higher in the multiple-choice section of the ADI theory test. This must be made up of at least 20 correct answers for each section.
- The pass mark for the hazard perception test is 57 out of 75. So, candidates should aim to score an average of 3 to 4 points per hazard.
You must pass both sections in the same sitting to pass the test.
What does the ADI Part 1 theory test involve?
The ADI Part 1 test consists of two parts. The first is the ADI theory test and the second is the ADI hazard perception test.
What to expect in the ADI Part 1 theory test
The ADI theory test is a multiple-choice test consisting of 100 questions and is conducted on a computer at approved testing centres. The test is divided into four different categories, each with 25 questions. The four categories are:
- Road procedures
- Mechanical knowledge, pedestrians, car control, traffic signs and signals
- The driving test, road laws and disabilities
- Instructional techniques and publications.
Prior to the multiple-choice test, you will be given 15 minutes to familiarise yourself with the test format. When the test begins, you will have 90 minutes to answer the 100 questions.Â
You’ll then have an optional 3-minute rest available at the end of this test if you pass.
What to expect in the ADI Part 1 hazard perception test
Next, the hazard perception test is made up of 14 videos depicting developing hazards. The aim is to acknowledge the hazards as soon as they pop up on the screen. The hazard perception section of the test will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Each hazard has a maximum of 5 points that can be scored by clicking as soon as developing hazards appear. The points awarded for each hazard decreases as the developing hazard becomes more apparent.
There are 15 hazards to spot in total, meaning that one video contains two hazards. You will not be told which video has two hazards so you must remain attentive throughout.
It’s important to note that pressing too soon can also forfeit points. This means that anyone that had ideas of clicking repeatedly should reassess their tactics.
How long is the ADI Part 1 theory test?
In total, the ADI Part 1 test can take anywhere from 110 minutes to 128 minutes depending on how long you set aside for preparation or rest. This consists of:
- 15 minutes preparation before the first test
- 90 minutes for the first test
- 3 minutes break
- 20 minutes for the second test.
Example test questions for the ADI Part 1 theory test
To help you get a better idea of what to expect from the ADI theory test, here are some examples of questions and multiple-choice answers you may see:
What should instructors teach pupils to do before emerging from a road junction?
- Look left, then right
- Take effective observation
- Look left only
- Look right only
The correct answer here would be B, to take effective observation. This allows the pupil to fully assess the situation.
What does it mean if a vehicle continues to bounce when testing its suspension?
- The tyres are worn
- The steering is unstable
- The shock absorbers are worn
- The tyres are under-inflated
The correct answer here would be C, the shock absorbers are worn.
What is required when a child under 3 is travelling in the vehicle’s front seat?
- The child must wear an appropriate child restraint
- The child must be carried by an adult
- The child must wear the adult seat belt where there’s no appropriate child restraint
- The child must be in a rear-facing seat
The correct answer here is A, that the childmust wear an appropriate child restraint.
The best way to explore potential test questions and familiarise yourself with how they are worded is by taking practice tests.
How to pass ADI Part 1
Passing the ADI Part 1 comes down to preparation, consistency and understanding how the test works. As such, the best way to prepare for the ADI theory and hazard perception test is to study the materials provided by your driving school. These will provide you with all the information you need to begin with.
Here are some key tips to help you pass:
- Make sure you understand the Highway Code, including road signs, rules and driving theory in detail. You’ll be tested at a higher level than a standard learner.
- Take mock tests to help you get used to the format and timing of the exam.
- Start to think like an instructor as the ADI Part 1 includes questions about teaching methods and guiding learners.
- Practise the hazard perceptions parts of the test regularly too.
Another key point is that everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning. After each practice test, go over your incorrect answers and focus your revision on weaker areas. This will help you improve.
Bill Plant Driving School provides hands-on teaching and study materials. These will help get you on track with top tips for training to become a driving instructor.
What is the average pass rate of the ADI Part 1 test?
According to government statistics, the ADI part 1 pass rate in the year ending March 2026 was 37.4%. Getting practice and preparing well ahead of time will help maximise your chances of passing on your first attempt.
What happens if you fail the ADI Part 1 test?
If you fail Part 1 of the ADI test, you will be informed at the test centre. You will then be provided with information detailing what caused you to fail. This will allow you to dedicate time to studying and practising questions around this area.
If you don’t pass the ADI Part 1 first time around, then it’s not a problem. You will then be able to rebook a test, but you must wait a minimum of three working days before you can take the test again.
There’s no limit to how many times you can take the ADI Part 1 test, so don’t worry if you don’t quite meet the pass mark first time around. However, you will have to pay again every time you want to re-take it.
Driving instructor training with Bill Plant Driving School
The ADI Part 1 test requires a lot of study and practice. But preparing well will give you the best opportunity to pass both the theory and hazard perception parts of your test. Having the right support and study materials can also make a big difference.Â
Bill Plant Driving School is proud to offer a comprehensive learning experience that will prepare candidates for the ADI part 1 test. Are you looking to make the first move towards a career as a driving instructor? Browse our driving instructor training courses to learn more about your options.
FAQs about ADI Test Part 1
What is the difference between a regular theory test and an ADI theory test?
The ADI theory test is more in-depth than the regular theory test that learner drivers will take before taking their practical driving test. It requires far greater knowledge and road awareness to pass, as you will be tasked with maintaining road safety and teaching at the same time.
What mechanical knowledge is required for the ADI part 1 theory test?
The ADI part 1 theory test covers a lot of topics including a mechanical knowledge driving test, and car control.
The mechanical knowledge covered in this section can cover many topics. This can include how often you should check lights and how the vehicle brakes work.
A lot of the mechanical knowledge will not be found in your theory test and highway code books. Good driving instructor training courses will provide further study materials and teach about the topics that may be covered.
How much does the ADI part 1 test cost?
The ADI Part 1 test costs £81. If you have to resit the test it will still cost £81, so it pays to put as much effort as possible into studying beforehand.
How hard is ADI Part 1?
Passing ADI Part 1 is challenging but achievable. It tests your knowledge at a higher level than a standard theory test. However, with consistent study and practice, many candidates pass successfully each year.