ADI Training

If you are considering becoming a driving instructor it can be a valuable and fulfilling career. It’s a really great choice for anyone wanting to be more independent and flexible with their working hours and for those who like a challenge. You will be teaching an important life skill and helping learners to pass their test and to become safe drivers is a brilliant feeling. Most people I talk to remember their driving instructor!

Lynne Barrie UK Driver Training

Things you need to know

Before you can begin training to become a driving instructor, first you need to register with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). To do this you must be:

  • over 21 years old
  • held a driving licence for over three years
  • not have motoring convictions
  • You must also get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

Your application can be refused if you have:

  • been banned from driving
  • 5 or more penalty points
  • been convicted of any non-motoring offences

The ADI Registrar will consider whether or not you’re suitable to become a driving instructor. Read more about it here: What’s involved in being a driving instructor – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You then need to pass 3 tests:

  • Part 1 Theory Test  (100 Questions and a 14 Clip Hazard Perception Test)
  • Part 2 An Advanced Driving Test and an eyesight test (1 hour)
  • Part 3 A Test of Your Teaching Ability (45 minute lesson observed by an examiner)

Lynne Barrie Training

At Lynne Barrie Training we offer a simple pay as you train way to qualify. Lynne is a recognised DVSA approved Grade A ORDIT trainer. Please contact Lynne for more details and costs.

Lynne offers 

  • Part 1, 2 and 3 training
  • Rescue training for people who have been unsuccessful at an attempt
  • Standards Check training once you qualify 
  • Training to update your skills and ensure you are teaching using client centred techniques
  • Coaching skills
  • Training for anyone wanting to become a trainer of ADIs
  • ORDIT training for anyone who wants to join the ORDIT register 

Lynne Barrie UK Driver Training

Part 1: The Theory and Hazard Perception Test

You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.

There are 25 questions in each of these 4 categories:

  • road procedure
  • traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
  • driving test, disabilities, and the law
  • publications and instructional techniques

A question and several possible answers appear on a screen. You have to select the correct answer.Then before you start the hazard perception test, you’ll be shown a video on how the HPT test clips work. Then there are 14 video clips. The clips:

  • feature everyday road scenes
  • contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ – but one of the clips features 2 developing hazards

You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.

Part 2: Practical driving and eyesight test

There are 5 parts to the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test: The test lasts around an hour

  • an eyesight check
  • ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
  • general driving ability
  • manoeuvres
  • independent driving

You will have to read a number plate from a distance of:

  • 26.5 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
  • 27.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

You must pass the eyesight test to continue. You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety tasks.

In your drive you will have to show the examiner all of the following:

  • expert handling of the controls
  • use of correct road procedure
  • anticipation of the actions of other road users and then taking appropriate action
  • sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
  • consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
  • driving in an environmentally-friendly manner

You’ll drive in varying road and traffic conditions, including motorways or dual carriageways where possible. You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop. The examiner will also ask you to do 2 of the following exercises:

  • parallel park at the side of the road
  • reverse into a parking bay and drive out
  • drive into a parking bay and reverse out
  • pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

  • directions from a sat nav
  • traffic signs

Part 3: The ability to instruct test

A DVSA examiner will watch you giving a lesson to one of your pupils for about 45 minutes.

At the start of the lesson, discuss the goals for the lesson and risk management with your pupil. This should take no more than 3 minutes.

Your pupil must drive for at least 40 minutes of the lesson without unnecessary stopping.

You cannot spend the whole lesson teaching a manoeuvre, but you can include a short recap of one you’ve taught in a previous lesson.

At the end of the lesson, give your pupil no more than 3 minutes to reflect on their performance.

The examiner will look for evidence that you meet the national standard for driver and rider training

You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:

  • lesson planning
  • risk management
  • teaching and learning strategies

You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out if you’ve passed the test, and what your grade will be.