ADI Part 1
Ensuring that you have an in-depth understanding of the theory side of instruction and driving is one of the most important stages of your road to become a driving instructor. This first part of the Approved Driving Instructor test has been designed to ensure that you possess this knowledge.
You will not be permitted to book an ADI Part 2 test unless you have first passed the ADI Part 1 test. Indeed, you will be required to present your pass number for the first part of the test when booking the second part. Whilst you do not need to have completed your driving instructor training in full before taking the first part of the test, once you pass the ADI Part 1, the results are only valid for two years. If you fail to complete the second and third parts of the test within this period of time, you will have to retake Part 1.
The Test 
The ADI Part 1 test is itself made up of two sections: multiple choice questions and a set of clips that are designed to test your hazard perception skills. Both sections are to be completed at a single sitting and, should you leave the examination room for any reason during the process, you will terminate the test.
In order to pass, you are required to achieve a minimum score for each portion of the test. Should you pass one section, but fail the other, you
will need to reapply for the test as a whole and take it again. For you to receive your pass certificate, you are expected to pass both segments
of the test. You may retake the test as many times as required.
Multiple-Choice Questions
This section of the test comprises 100 questions spread over four separate categories, with 25 questions for each.
The categories in the ADI Part 1 test are as follows:
- instructional techniques and publications
- road procedure
- disabilities, the law and driving test
- mechanical knowledge, pedestrians, car control, signals and signs
You have 90 minutes to complete all 100 questions. There is a two-tier pass system with the multiple choice section. Not only must you answer 85 questions or more correctly to pass, you must also a minimum score of 20 out of 25 for each category. Failure to achieve either of these marks will count as a fail.
At the start of the test, you will be given the option to take a practice run, so that you can accustom yourself to the layout of the screen and
how it works.
Questions are presented one by one, together with a number of possible answers, from which you need to select the correct one. The amount of
answers presented may differ, depending upon the nature of the question being asked.
Some questions might be presented as a case study, or in a story format, whereby you are given a short narrative of a driving situation, around
which the follow-up questions will be based.
If you are not sure of the answer to a given question, you are permitted to flag them and return later, once you have completed the questions are sure of.
Hazard Perception 
In this section, a series of short clips will be shown from the perspective of a driver. As the clip proceeds, you are expected to click any developing hazards to score points. The earlier you spot the hazard, the higher score you get for that clip. Each clips starts with five points on offer, and this decreases the longer you take to identify it. There are 75 points available in this segment, of which you must score at least 57 to pass.
Booking your Approved Driving Instructor Test
For identification purposes, you will require the two parts of your licence – your photocard and your paper counterpart. You must also bring a valid passport with you if you have an old-style paper licence. If you fail to produce sufficient identification upon arrival at the test, you will not be permitted to sit it, and your fee will not be refunded.
To book your ADI Part 1 test you will need the following:
- a booking fee of £81.00
- the number of your driving licence
- your personal Driving Standards Agency reference number
- a valid email address to which the DSA can send confirmation of your booking
Once you are satisfied that you have all the information required to book the test and are capable of passing the mock theory tests, you can book your test online via the government’s direct booking portal.
Read More About: Booking Your Test Online
Study Materials
There are a number of resources you will need to optimise your chances of success.
The Driving Standards Agency produces a book called The ADI Theory Test Question Bank, which includes all the questions that are likely to appear on the test. You can get this book for £6.00 direct from the DSA, by calling 0300 123 1126.
You will also need copies of The Highway Code, Driving: The Essential Skills and Know Your Traffic Signs.
If you have any queries about the ADI Part 1 test, or about driving instructor training Glasgow in general, please contact us, and let us help you in any way we can.