The approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test is a test of your ability to instruct pupils. It’s the last of 3 tests you have to pass to qualify as an ADI.
The test costs £111.
You must pass the ADI part 2 test before you book the ADI part 3 test.
The test takes around one hour and includes an assessment of:
- core competencies
- instructional techniques
- instructor characteristics
The examiner will assess these by playing the role of 2 different pupils.
How the test works
You’ll have to give practical instruction to the examiner while they play 2 of the following roles:
- a beginner or partly trained pupil
- a pupil who is about test standard
- a qualified driver taking driver development training
The examiner will stay in character as the ‘pupil’ when the test starts.
The examiner will come out of character to help make instructions clearer and for road safety reasons.
Exercises you could cover
You’ll cover 2 exercises – 1 for each of the roles the examiner plays. The examiner will choose the exercises from the following:
- safety precautions on entering the car and explanation of the controls
- moving off and making normal stops
- reversing the car and entering limited openings to the right or left
- turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite direction
- parking close to the kerb, using reverse gears
- practical instruction in how to use mirrors and make an emergency stop
- approaching and turning corners
- judgement of speed and general road positioning
- dealing with emerging at T-junctions
- dealing with all aspects of crossroads
- dealing with pedestrian crossings and giving appropriate signals
- meeting, crossing the path of and overtaking other vehicles
Your instruction
Your instruction should be tailored to the standard of the ‘pupil’ the examiner is playing and to the time available – about 30 minutes for each part.
You’re allowed to:
- ask the ‘pupil’ questions to find out more about their knowledge
- use lesson plans and training aids
- refer to notes or subject headings – but you can’t read at length from notes or books
You should:
- keep any briefing or stationary instruction short
- be prepared for the ‘pupil’ to ask questions
You must give the ‘pupil’ a chance to show you what you’ve taught them. You should correct any faults they make.
The examiner’s supervisor
A supervising officer may also sit in on the test. They are there to check the examiner – not you. They won’t have any say in how your test is carried out, or in the result.
How you’re assessed in the test
You’ll be assessed on 3 main areas during your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test:
- core competencies
- instructional techniques
- instructor characteristics
Core competencies
The examiner will assess how well you:
- identify and prioritise faults
- analyse and explain faults
- give instruction to correct faults
Instructional techniques
The examiner will assess how well you:
- match your level of instruction to the ability and experience of the ‘pupil’
- plan the lesson
- control the lesson
- communicate with the ‘pupil’
- use question and answer techniques
- give feedback and encourage the ‘pupil’
The examiner will also assess when and why you use the dual controls.
Instructor characteristics
The examiner will assess whether you:
- have a relaxed and friendly manner, but aren’t over familiar
- appear confident, and are able to fill your ‘pupil’ with confidence in a patient and tactful way
Your test result
At the end of your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test, the examiner will grade your performance.
You’ll get a grade from 1 to 6 for the 2 parts of the test. You must get a grade 4 or higher for both parts to pass the test.
Grade Overall performance
6 Very high
5 Good
4 Satisfactory
3 Inadequate
2 Poor
1 Extremely poor or dangerous
Passing the test
You can apply for your first ADI badge if you pass the ADI part 3 test.
You must apply within 12 months of passing the test, or you’ll have to pass all 3 qualifying tests again.
Failing the first or second attempt
You can take the test again if you fail the first or second attempt. You must book the next attempt within 2 years of passing your ADI part 1 test.
Failing the third attempt
You have to retake and pass the ADI part 1 test and ADI part 2 test again if you fail the ADI part 3 test at your third attempt.
You must wait 2 years from when you originally passed the ADI part 1 test before you can take it again.