ADI standards check
The ADI standards check helps the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) make sure Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) continue to meet the required standard of instruction. During the assessment, a DVSA examiner observes a real driving lesson and looks at how effectively you plan the lesson, manage risk and help your pupil learn.
Whether you're preparing for your next standards check or have recently been invited to one, this guide explains what to expect, how the assessment is marked and how you can prepare with confidence.
When do you have to take an ADI standards check?
Most ADIs are invited to take a standards check around every four years as part of maintaining their place on the DVSA register.
The DVSA will usually contact you when it's time to book your assessment. In some circumstances, you may be invited sooner as part of the DVSA's risk-based approach to monitoring instructional standards.
If you haven't received an invitation and need advice about booking your standards check, contact the DVSA.
Why might you be asked to take a standards check sooner?
Although most ADIs are invited to take a standards check around every four years, the DVSA may ask some instructors to attend earlier.
One reason is the indicator and trigger system, which uses data from your pupils' driving tests over a rolling 12-month period to identify instructors who may benefit from an earlier standards check.
The DVSA monitors four indicators:
- The average number of driving faults per test
- The average number of serious faults per test
- The percentage of tests where the driving examiner had to take physical action in the interests of public safety
- Your overall driving test pass rate.
If you reach the trigger point for three or more of these indicators, the DVSA will normally write to ask you to book a standards check.
If fewer than three trigger points are reached, you're less likely to be selected through the indicator system, although you may still be asked to complete a standards check during your normal four-year registration period.
You can also request an indicators report from the DVSA if you'd like to understand how your data is being assessed.
How do you book your ADI standards check?
Once you've received your invitation from the DVSA, you can book your standards check online using your driving licence number and ADI personal reference number. Full instructions are available on GOV.UK.
There's no fee to take the standards check.
If you need to rearrange your appointment, it's important to do so as early as possible. Missing an appointment without a valid reason could affect your registration, so always follow the instructions included with your invitation.
What if you’ve taken a break from teaching?
If you're still registered as an ADI but have taken a break from teaching, you may still be required to complete a standards check.
You'll still need to provide a suitable vehicle and a pupil for the assessment. If your circumstances mean this isn't possible, contact the DVSA as soon as you receive your invitation to discuss your options.
What makes up the ADI standards check?
The standards check takes the form of a normal driving lesson lasting around one hour. You'll deliver the lesson in your usual tuition vehicle with one of your own pupils while a DVSA examiner observes from the back of the car.
The examiner isn't assessing your driving. Instead, they're looking at how effectively you teach.
This includes how well you:
- Identify your pupil's learning goals
- Plan a lesson that matches their ability
- Encourage the pupil to think for themselves
- Recognise and manage developing risks
- Adapt your teaching as the lesson progresses
The lesson should feel natural and appropriate for the pupil's experience. The DVSA wants to see client-centred learning rather than a rehearsed demonstration lesson.
What happens during the ADI standards check?
The examiner will introduce themselves before sitting quietly in the back of your car while you deliver the lesson.
They won't normally take part in the lesson unless it's necessary for safety reasons.
You'll be expected to teach as you normally would, using real driving situations to help your pupil develop their skills. The examiner is interested in how you assess your pupil's needs, explain new skills, ask effective questions and help the pupil reflect on their own driving.
Risk management plays an important part throughout the assessment. Your pupil should be encouraged to learn independently, but you must always intervene when it's necessary to keep everyone safe.
What do you need to bring?
Before your standards check, make sure you have:
- Your ADI registration certificate (badge)
- Your tuition vehicle
- A pupil who normally takes lessons with you
- Your driving licence, if requested by the examiner
Your vehicle should be clean, roadworthy and in good condition. Check that your lights and mirrors are working properly, and make sure you've kept up with routine servicing before the assessment. If you’re unsure what’s included, our guide to servicing your tuition car covers the essentials.
Before you set off, check your tyres meet the legal tread depth and are free from damage. For more advice, see our guide on how to care for your tyres.
Let your pupil know what to expect before the lesson. Reassure them that they aren’t being tested – the assessment is about your teaching, not their driving.
How the ADI standards check is marked and graded
The examiner uses the official SC1 marking form to assess your instructional ability across 17 competencies, grouped into three areas: lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning.
| Area | What the examiner is looking for |
|---|---|
| Lesson planning | How well you identify the pupil's needs, agree learning goals and structure the lesson |
| Risk management | How effectively you recognise, minimise and manage risk throughout the lesson |
| Teaching and learning | How well you explain, question, coach and help the pupil reflect on their own driving |
Each competency is scored from 0 to 3:
- 0 – the competency wasn't demonstrated or was demonstrated poorly
- 1 – demonstrated inconsistently
- 2 – met the required standard
- 3 – demonstrated consistently to a high standard
The highest possible score is 51 marks.
To achieve a satisfactory result, you must also demonstrate effective risk management throughout the lesson. If your performance in this area falls below the required standard, it may affect your overall outcome regardless of your total score.
The DVSA awards one of three grades:
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | A high standard of instructional competence. |
| B | A satisfactory standard of instructional competence. |
| Fail | The required standard wasn't achieved. |
Remember that the examiner isn't looking for a perfect lesson. They're assessing whether you can adapt your teaching to the pupil in front of you, manage risk appropriately and help them make meaningful progress.
Common reasons instructors don't achieve the required standard
Many instructors who don't achieve the required standard already have good technical knowledge. More often, marks are lost because the lesson doesn't reflect the pupil's needs or because opportunities to develop the pupil's understanding are missed.
Some common examples include:
- Delivering the lesson you planned rather than the lesson the pupil needs
- Talking too much instead of encouraging the pupil to analyse their own driving
- Stepping in too early or too late when managing risk
- Missing opportunities to identify the root cause of recurring faults
- Giving instructions rather than coaching the pupil towards their own solutions
- Not reviewing progress during the lesson or agreeing clear next steps
It's also important to avoid treating the standards check as a performance. The DVSA wants to see a normal lesson with genuine interaction between you and your pupil, not a rehearsed demonstration.
How to prepare for your standards check
Preparing ahead of time helps you focus on delivering a natural lesson on the day.
Choose a pupil whose ability allows you to demonstrate a range of instructional skills. They should be comfortable driving independently at times while still needing coaching and support.
Before the lesson:
- Agree clear learning objectives with your pupil
- Plan a route that provides suitable learning opportunities
- Make sure your vehicle is clean, safe and roadworthy
- Arrive in plenty of time to avoid unnecessary pressure
During the lesson:
- Encourage your pupil to take responsibility for their learning
- Ask open questions rather than giving constant instructions
- Adapt your coaching if the lesson develops differently from your original plan
- Balance independent driving with appropriate intervention when safety requires it
Many instructors also find it helpful to complete a mock standards check with an experienced trainer before their assessment. Honest feedback can highlight small improvements that make a real difference on the day.
What happens if you don't pass the ADI standards check?
If you don't achieve the required standard, the next steps depend on your result and your previous standards check history.
In many cases, the DVSA will invite you to take another standards check at a later date. This gives you the opportunity to address the areas highlighted during your assessment and demonstrate improvement.
If your instructional standards continue to fall below the required level across successive assessments, the Registrar has the authority to begin the process of removing your name from the ADI register. If this happens, you'll be told what the next steps are and whether you have the right to appeal.
The examiner will explain your result after the assessment and discuss the areas where you performed well, along with any aspects that could be improved. Use this feedback to create a development plan before your next assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee for the ADI standards check?
No. The DVSA does not charge a fee for the standards check.
How long does the standards check take?
The observed lesson usually lasts about one hour. You'll also have a short discussion with the examiner before and after the lesson.
Do I need to provide my own pupil?
Yes. You'll need to provide one of your own pupils who is suitable for the lesson. They shouldn't be another ADI or someone training to become one.
What vehicle can I use?
Your tuition vehicle must be roadworthy, safe and suitable for delivering driving lessons. Dual controls aren’t required, as you can bring a fully qualified driver to the standards check if needed.
Is the ADI standards check difficult?
The standards check is designed to assess whether qualified instructors continue to meet the national standard. Good preparation, a suitable pupil and delivering a normal client-centred lesson will help you demonstrate your instructional ability.
Continue developing your skills
The ADI standards check isn't just about maintaining your registration. It's also an opportunity to reflect on your teaching, identify areas for improvement and continue developing as an instructor.
By focusing on effective lesson planning, strong risk management and coaching that puts the pupil at the centre of the learning process, you'll be well prepared for your assessment and better equipped to support your pupils every day.
Before your assessment, check the official GOV.UK guidance for the latest standards check requirements and process, as these can change over time.
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