When you’re training to become a driving instructor, the ADI Part 2 test is the second stage of the qualification process. It comes after successfully completing ADI Part 1, and before the final stage ADI Part 3.
ADI Part 2 is an advanced practical driving test. It assesses your ability to drive to a very high standard, including a range of road and traffic conditions. Compared to a standard driving test, the expectations are significantly higher.
To help you plan and prepare, we’ll explain what the ADI Part 2 test involves. We’ll go over the pass mark, pass rate and how to give yourself the best chance of passing.
What is the ADI Part 2 test?
The ADI Part 2 test is an advanced practical driving test for those looking to become an approved driving instructor. It sits between ADI Part 1 and Part 3.Â
To pass ADI Part 2, you must show expert driving skills and control of the vehicle. It requires candidates to drive in different road and traffic conditions, where they must also display excellent knowledge of the highway code.
On the day, you must bring your certificate for the ADI Part 1 test and a full valid driving licence.
What does the ADI Part 2 driving test involve?
The ADI Part 2 practical driving test allows drivers to display their driving ability and prove they are safe and attentive to other road users. The format is very similar to the standard practical driving test you’ll be taking your own pupils through before long.
The test consists of the following.
Eyesight check
The eyesight test requires candidates to read number plates from a distance of 27.5 metres for old-style number plates (monochrome). The distance for new-style number plates (yellow and black) is 27 metres.
‘Show me, tell me’ questions
The ‘Show me, tell me’ part of the test involves the examiner asking specific questions.Â
- In the ‘Tell me’ section, the candidate will be required to tell the examiner how they would carry out a specified safety task for the ‘Tell me’ part.
- For the ‘Show me’ part of the examination, candidates must show the examiner how to carry out safety tasks.Â
A typical ADI Part 2 test includes three ‘tell me’ questions and two ‘show me’ tasks.
Driving ability test
The driving ability test allows the examiner to measure your control of the vehicle. You will be asked to drive on different roads and traffic conditions. In this section, you must display:Â
- Good knowledge of the Highway Code by identifying and reacting to signs and pedestrians
- High-level driving ability by being aware of other road users and potential hazards
- Correct road procedure anticipation.
Manoeuvres
The manoeuvres section of the test will focus on your ability to reverse safely. You will be asked to carry out two exercises. This can include:
- Parallel parking
- Reversing into a parking bay and pulling out
- Driving into a parking bay and reversing out
- Pulling up to the road’s right-hand side and reversing for about two car lengths. You will then have to rejoin traffic safely.
Independent driving ability
The examiner will ask you to follow traffic signs or sat nav directions to a specified destination. This will be during the independent driving section of the test.
What is the ADI Part 2 pass rate?
To pass the ADI Part 2 test, you must drive to a high standard. This includes avoiding serious or dangerous faults.
During ADI Part 2, candidates will fail the test if they do either of the following:
- Commit one serious or dangerous fault, OR
- Accumulate more than 6 driving faults (minor faults).
Aside from the test itself, candidates must also pass an eyesight check and the ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions. Successfully completing all three parts means you have passed the ADI Part 2.
How long is the ADI Part 2 test?
The ADI Part 2 driving test typically lasts for around one hour. This does not include the time you may spend waiting at the test centre. It is always advised to arrive at the test centre with plenty of time to spare. If you miss your appointment, you may forfeit your fee and have to rebook.
How to pass ADI Part 2
Passing ADI Part 2 requires a consistently high standard of driving. You’ll also need to demonstrate strong awareness and good decision-making on the road.
Here are some top tips to help you prepare and improve your confidence before the big day:
- Get used to driving as if you were being assessed. You’ll be evaluated more strictly than a learner driver, so your driving should be controlled and confident.
- Keep your concentration. Even one serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail.
- Perform manoeuvres regularly to make sure you’re confident and can complete them safely and accurately.
- Build strong hazard awareness to anticipate potential risks early and react appropriately. This will show the assessor that you’re an actively safe driver.
If possible, it’s a good idea to drive around the area in which you’ll take your ADI Part 2 test. Practising around your test centre can help you feel more confident on the day.
If you’d like additional support, driving instructor training courses, such as those from Bill Plant Driving School, can provide training and advice on how best to prepare for the second part of the ADI test.
What is the average pass rate of the ADI Part 2 test?
According to government statistics, the average ADI part 2 pass rate for the year ending in March 2026 was around 55%.
This gives it the highest pass rate for any of the ADI tests. This means that with enough practice time, you should be able to gain confidence and pass.
What happens if you fail the ADI Part 2 test?
You will have three attempts to pass the Part 2 test. Failing the eyesight test will cause you to fail the test on the spot, so it is essential that you wear your glasses or contacts if you have impaired eyesight.
If you fail the test three times, you must resit the ADI Part 1 theory test. This can only be re-sat 2 years from when it was initially passed. You can then resit the Part 2 test when you pass the Part 1 test again.
What happens after you pass ADI Part 2?
In between parts 2 and 3 of your ADI test, having completed at least 40 hours of training with a qualified ADI, you can also earn money as a trainee driving instructor by working under a PDI licence. This is a fantastic way to practise teaching real pupils before completing ADI Part 3 and becoming fully qualified.Â
Driving instructor training with Bill Plant Driving School
The main purpose of the ADI Part 2 driving test is to make sure your driving is of a high enough standard to teach others. To prepare well, you’ll need to gain experience in driving to a high standard, understanding the car, instructing new learners and demonstrating your knowledge.
Many trainees choose to join a driving school to gain this crucial experience. By getting a PDI licence sponsored and supported by Bill Plant Driving School, you’ll receive an additional 20 hours of training along with expert guidance from our team of ADIs.
Are you looking to begin a rewarding career as a driving instructor? Explore our driving instructor training courses to get off to the best possible start today.
FAQs about the ADI Test Part 2
How much does the ADI Part 2 Test cost?
The ADI Part 2 test costs £111.
What happens if I go off route during the independent driving section of the ADI Part 2 test?
You won’t be penalised for going off route when following road signs or sat nav instructions. If this happens, the examiner will direct you back on route. You will only be penalised if you make a driving fault while going off route. The driving examiner is also allowed to assist you with directions if road signs are covered.
Do I have to take the ADI Part 1 theory test before Part 2?
You must sit and pass your ADI Part 1 theory test before you are able to sit the Part 2 driving instructor test.
What is the pass mark for the Part 2 practical test?
To pass the Part 2 driving test, you must not make:
- Over six driving faults. Also known as a minor fault: this is anything that causes an inconvenience to other road users but is unlikely to cause an accident. An example would be stalling whilst going from a standstill at a red light.
- A serious fault. A serious fault is an action taken in the car that could lead to something potentially dangerous. An example of this would be emerging very quickly into a junction without carrying out proper observations, posing a danger to yourself and others.
- A dangerous fault. This is an instance where someone is at risk at the scene due to the nature of your driving. An example of this is not checking blind spots before changing lanes and causing a vehicle to slow, swerve or stop.
You must also pass the ‘Show me, Tell me’ and eyesight test, as mentioned above.
Do I set the sat nav for the independent driving section of the test?
The examiner will provide and set the sat nav for the independent driving section of the test, so you don’t need to worry about setting it yourself prior to beginning the examination.
How hard is ADI Part 2?
ADI Part 2 is considered fairly challenging because it requires a higher driving standard than a normal driving test. However, it has the highest pass rate (55%) of the three ADI tests. With consistent practice and preparation, most candidates pass successfully.
How many attempts are allowed for ADI Part 2?
You have up to three attempts to pass the ADI Part 2 test. However, if you fail three times, you must retake the ADI Part 1 theory test again before continuing.
What are serious faults on ADI Part 2?
A serious fault is a mistake that could potentially cause danger in a real driving situation. If you commit one serious fault during the ADI Part 2 test it will result in an automatic fail.
What is the eyesight test for ADI Part 2?
During ADI Part 2, you will have to read a number plate from 26.5 metres for new-style plates or 27.5 metres for older plates. Failing the eyesight test results in an automatic fail.
Can I use my own car for ADI Part 2?
You can use your own car for the ADI Part 2 test if it meets DVSA requirements. Of course, the car must be roadworthy and properly insured.