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ADI Part 1: Theory test and hazard perception
This is the first of three parts of the ADI exams. The test takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total and is in two sections:
You must take and pass both sections on the same occasion at the same time. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. See www.gov.uk/adi-part-1-test for more information.
Note: In Northern Ireland you are allowed only three attempts.
Application
You can book the theory test if your application to start the qualifying process has been accepted by the DVSA. At that stage, you will be given details of the booking arrangements.
Book online at www.gov.uk/book-your-instructor-theory-test or by phoning 0300 200 1122 (Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm). You will need:
a valid UK driving licence
your personal reference number from the DVSA
your email address
debit or credit card details
The cost of the ADI theory test at is currently £81 (£64 in Northern Ireland), but up-to-date fees are shown at www.gov.uk/approved-driving-instructor-adi-fees. In Northern Ireland the test can be booked at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/driving-test-fees.
To cancel or postpone the test you need to give at least three clear days’ notice, otherwise you are likely to lose the fee.
Special needs
Facilities are available for anyone who has special needs. For example, if you have reading difficulties, including dyslexia, you can request a voice-over (in English). Extra time may be allowed to complete the multiple-choice section. To use this facility, it must be requested when applying.
If you have another type of special need you can contact
[email protected] to discuss your requirement and the facilities that might be available.
Multiple-choice questions
This part of the test consists of 100 questions, with four alternative answers, one of which is correct.
The questions are banded into four subject groups:
road procedure
traffic signs and signals; car control; pedestrians; mechanical knowledge
driving test; disabilities; law
publications; instructional techniques
You are allowed 90 minutes to complete this part of the test.
Example questions
Band 1: Road procedure
Q You are driving at night and are dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. You should:
use full beam headlights
switch on your front fog lights
slow down and stop if necessary
flash your headlights to warn the other driver
Q If traffic is moving slowly in lanes:
you should change lanes as much as possible to make progress
you must not overtake on the left
you should keep to the right-hand lane where possible
you can overtake on the left when traffic in the right-hand lane is moving more slowly
Q A large vehicle in front of you is signalling left but moving out to the right. You should:
overtake on the left
overtake on the right
flash your headlights to warn the driver
stay back until the vehicle has completed the turn
Q When reversing you should:
be ready to give way to other traffic
complete the manoeuvre as quickly as possible
assume that other traffic will give way
give a signal to warn other road users
Q When following a large vehicle, you should not be too close because:
the driver may not be able to see you in their mirrors
the vehicle may stop suddenly
it would be more difficult to overtake on the left
you might not see road signs
Q You are waiting to emerge from a side road. A vehicle on the main road is signalling to turn left into your road. You should:
move as soon as possible to keep the traffic flowing
wait until you can see that the other vehicle is actually turning
stop until the other vehicle has gone
move out carefully
Band 2: Traffic signs and signals; car control; pedes...