COMPLETE DRIVING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE
ADI COURSE CONTENT
Part 1 - Written Test
Part 2 - The Test of Driving Ability
Part 3 - The Test of Ability to Instruct
Part 1 - Written Test
The written test calls for a high standard of knowledge. It is a single paper of 100 questions. For
every question a choice of four answers is given. Only one of these answers is correct. The
questions are broken down into four main categories, each consisting of 25 questions. You have 90
minutes to complete the test. The pass mark for the test is 85% and a minimum of 80% must be
attained in each category.
You will also have to take a Hazard Perception Test in which you have to score 57 out of a possible
75 points.
To enable you to undertake the Part 1 test we supply you with the reading material recommended
by the DSA. Once you are happy with your knowledge, you can apply to sit the Part 1 test. Dates
for the test are usually available within two to three weeks of request. The test can be taken at local theory test centres.
Part 2 - Test of Driving Ability
The practical test of driving ability consists of an eyesight test and driving techniques test.
The eyesight test consists of reading a car number plate at a distance of 27.5 metres (90 feet). You
can wear glasses or contact lenses if you require.
The test of driving technique lasts for about one hour and is of an advanced nature - a very high
standard of competence is required. You must show you have a thorough knowledge of the
principles of good driving and road safety and that you can apply them in practice. In particular, you must satisfy the examiner on any or all of the following subjects:
~ Expert handling of the controls.
~ Use of correct road procedure.
~ Anticipation of other road users and the taking of appropriate action.
~ Sound judgement of distance, speed and timing.
~ Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users.
For the Part 2 test we supply 10 - 15 hours, or as many as required, in-car training on a one-to-one basis to bring you up to the required standards. This training will run concurrently with your Part 1 training. The reason for this is that the advanced level of driving ability needs to become natural to the driver, and the more time allowed to practise this, the easier it becomes.
Part 3 - The Test of Ability to Instruct
The object of this test is to assess the value of the instruction you give and your ability to pass this
knowledge on to the examiner, who will take the role of a pupil.
For this we provide 40 hours in-car training. This will take place after you have completed your Part 2 training and will enable you to take out a trainee licence (if you wish) for a period of six months, once you have passed your part 2.
We also supply written materials and videos to supplement the in-car training.
Once your trainee licence has been granted, you will be required to undertake a further 20 hours
training during the first three months of the licence. During this period we will carry out several mock tests to prepare you for your Part 3 test.
The Part 2 and Part 3 tests can be taken a maximum of three times each.
We recommend you take the Part 3 after your 40 hours and before you take a trainee licence, as
60% of our trainees pass first time. Then you will save on further training cost.
Cost of Course
Part 1
Books as recommended by the DSA
Mock test papers
At cost, less than £70
Test fee, £90
Part 2
£40 p/h Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.15pm, occasional Saturdays and evenings
All lessons taken in 2hr. sessions
Test fee, £111
Part 3
£40 p/h Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.15pm, occasional Saturdays and evenings
All lessons taken in 2hr. sessions
Test fee, £111
Q&A
Q: Why become a driving instructor?
A: There is a great amount of job satisfaction in taking a person with no driving experience through to passing their driving test, ensuring they are trained to drive a car safely, and instill in them the
confidence to be able to drive. Also you can arrange your working hours to suit your requirements
and have the opportunity to meet a variety of people on a daily basis.
Q: Why train with us?
A: We provide cost-effective training, to enable you to reach the required standard to pass the set
examinations to become a driving instructor. During your training with us we not only provide you with the relevant course material to study, but are also on-hand at the end of the telephone, or in
person if required, to discuss with you any concerns or queries you may have about the course or
examinations. We believe in supporting our trainees and instructors from day one and for the
duration of their careers.
We offer advice regarding a franchise with local schools to trainee instructors on the successful
completion of training and the Part 2 test.
We have in-car video systems enabling you to review your session in the comfort of your own home.
Q: How often will the training take place?
A: You can train as often as you like, depending on your time scales. We offer training from
Mondays to Fridays 8.30am-5.15pm and occasional evenings and Saturdays.
Q: How long do I have to have held my full driving licence?
A: Four years.
Q: Can I have any points on my licence?
A: This would depend on the number of points and what they were for. We would be able to make
enquiries on your behalf to clarify this.
Q: How long will it take to train?
A: This would depend on how often you train and for how long at a time. The average is about 6 to
9 months, assuming at least fortnightly sessions are taking place.
Criminal Records Check (All following info. courtesy of the DSA)
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) introduced criminal record checks for Potential Driving
Instructors and Approved Driving Instructors in March 2007. We use the services of the Criminal
Records Bureau to obtain criminal record disclosures for individuals normally resident in England
and Wales, and of Disclosure Scotland for individuals normally resident in Scotland.
Potential Driving Instructors
If you wish to apply to start the qualifying process you will have to have an enhanced level criminal record check before you can be granted permission to take your theory test.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should apply for your criminal record check by ringing our contractor, Capita Recruitment
Vetting Service, on 0870 850 2455. They will then send you a disclosure application form and
guidance on how to complete it. The form should then be returned to them.
When they have checked it to make sure it is completed properly, they will send it to either the
Criminal Records Bureau if you normally live in England or Wales, or Disclosure Scotland if you live in Scotland. A criminal record report, or disclosure, will then be sent to you and a copy to our
contractor, who will forward it to us. You do not need to send us your copy of your disclosure - all you need to do is provide us with the reference number on your application.
However, you should NOT obtain your disclosure if:
~ You have any endorsements (including disqualifications or more than 3 fixed penalty points) on
your driving licence.
~ Because of a disability you are only permitted to drive vehicles with an automatic transmission.
~ You have not held a full UK or European Union driving licence for four out of the last six years.
If you fall into any of these categories, this may affect the way in which your application is processed. Please complete your application giving full details and submit it to DSA. You will then be advised when you should obtain a criminal record disclosure.
