ADI Part 2 practical driving test

The ADI Part 2 practical driving test is the second stage of qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). After passing the theory stage, this test assesses whether your driving standard is high enough to teach others safely and confidently.

Unlike a standard learner driving test, ADI Part 2 requires a much higher level of driving ability. You’ll need to show excellent observation, decision-making and vehicle control throughout the drive.

In this guide, we explain how the ADI Part 2 practical driving test works, what the examiner looks for, how to prepare, and what happens after the test.

Are you ready for the ADI Part 2 test?

Before you book the ADI Part 2 practical driving test, you should be confident your driving consistently meets a professional standard.

The examiner will expect you to demonstrate advanced driving skills in a range of road and traffic conditions. This means driving safely, smoothly and confidently at all times.

Strong observation and hazard awareness are essential. You should also be able to anticipate the actions of other road users and respond calmly to changing situations.

As driving instructor training evolves, there is increasing emphasis on understanding not just how to drive safely, but how to explain safe driving clearly and effectively to future pupils. Many modern training courses now combine preparation for both ADI Part 2 and Part 3, helping you build both driving and teaching skills from an early stage.

Common reasons candidates fail

Even experienced drivers can struggle if they haven’t prepared specifically for the ADI test standard.

Common faults include:

• Poor observation at junctions and roundabouts
• Incorrect use of mirrors or signals
• Hesitation in busy traffic
• Poor judgement when emerging or changing lanes
• Inconsistent vehicle control during manoeuvres

Working with an experienced trainer can help identify areas for improvement before you attempt the test. Training with an established provider like AA Driving School can help you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for each stage of the ADI process. This integrated approach means you’re preparing for both the driving and instructional elements of becoming an ADI, while building the skills needed to teach from an early stage.

If you’re still preparing for the first stage, learn more about ADI Part 1 theory test preparation.

Booking the ADI Part 2 practical driving test

Once you feel confident in your driving ability, you can book the ADI Part 2 practical driving test through the official government booking service.

To book your test, you’ll need:

• Your driving licence number
• Your ADI personal reference number
• A valid payment method

Your ADI personal reference number is provided when you apply to become a driving instructor with the DVSA. If you can’t find it, check your original application emails or DVSA correspondence.

Test availability can vary depending on location, so it’s worth checking regularly for suitable dates.

What to bring on the day

On the day of your test, you must bring:

• Your photocard driving licence
• A suitable car for the test

The examiner will check your driving licence before the test begins.

If the test cannot go ahead because you do not have the correct documents or your vehicle does not meet the requirements, you’ll usually need to rebook and pay for another test.

DVSA will usually only refund the fee if the cancellation was outside your control, such as illness or an emergency, and you can provide supporting evidence.

Vehicle requirements

You must provide a car that meets the DVSA requirements for the ADI Part 2 practical driving test. Key requirements include:

• Being roadworthy
• Having no warning lights showing
• Having no tyre damage and legal tread depth on each tyre
• Having an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner
• Having a passenger seatbelt and head restraint
• Having an mph speedometer
• Having 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) that meets the DVSA requirements

If you’re using your own car, it must also:

• Be taxed
• Have a current MOT if it’s more than 3 years old
• Be insured for the ADI Part 2 test

You can read the full DVSA car rules for the ADI Part 2 test on GOV.UK.

If your car does not meet the DVSA requirements, your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again.

What happens during the ADI Part 2 driving test?

The ADI Part 2 practical driving test lasts around 60 minutes and assesses whether your driving meets the high standard expected of a professional instructor.

The test includes several parts designed to assess different aspects of your driving ability.

Eyesight test

The examiner will begin with an eyesight check. You’ll be asked to read a vehicle number plate from a set distance.

You must be able to read:

• A new-style number plate from 20 metres
• An old-style number plate (with the old font and format) from 20.5 metres

If you fail the eyesight test, the driving test cannot continue.

This will count as a failed test, and you’ll need to book and pay for another test before trying again. If you fail the eyesight test, you should also check your eyesight before driving again, as you may need glasses or contact lenses to meet the legal eyesight standard for driving.

If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure you bring them with you on the day of your test.

Vehicle safety questions

You may be asked questions such as:

• Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
• Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights.
• Tell me how you would check tyre pressures.

You don’t need to perform a full mechanical check, but you should explain how you would confirm the vehicle is safe to drive.

You can view the full list of ADI Part 2 vehicle safety questions on GOV.UK.

Driving assessment

The main part of the test involves driving on a variety of roads and traffic conditions.

During this time, the examiner will assess:

• Observation and awareness
• Use of mirrors and signals
• Positioning and lane discipline
• Speed control and planning
• Decision-making in traffic

You must demonstrate smooth, controlled and confident driving throughout.

Manoeuvres

You’ll normally be asked to complete two manoeuvres during the test.

These may include:

• Parallel parking
• Bay parking
• Pulling up on the right and reversing

The examiner is assessing observation, control and accuracy, rather than how quickly you complete the manoeuvre.

Independent driving

During the independent driving section, the examiner may ask you to follow directions from a sat nav or road signs.

If you take a wrong turn, don’t worry. The examiner will simply redirect you. You will only be marked down if the mistake affects safety or causes a driving fault.

When do you get your ADI Part 2 result?

At the end of the test, the examiner will explain whether you have passed or failed and discuss any faults recorded during the drive.

You’ll also receive a test report, which shows:

• Driving faults
• Serious or dangerous faults (if applicable)
• Areas where your driving could be improved

This feedback can be useful if you need to prepare for another attempt.

How to prepare for the ADI Part 2 practical driving test

During the ADI Part 2 practical driving test, you’ll need to demonstrate a consistently high driving standard throughout the assessment.

To achieve a pass:

• You must not commit any serious or dangerous faults
• You can receive no more than six driving faults

Preparation is essential. AA Driving School provides specialist instructor training to help refine your driving skills before taking the test. Our training also introduces key instructional skills early on, so you’re developing the abilities needed for both Part 2 and Part 3 together.

If you’re planning your full qualification journey, you can also learn more about how to become a driving instructor.

What happens if you fail ADI Part 2?

If you fail the ADI Part 2 practical driving test, you can take it again after waiting at least 10 working days.

You’re allowed three attempts to pass this stage as part of the ADI qualification process.

If you fail all three attempts, you’ll need to restart the instructor application process from the beginning.

Many trainees take additional training before retaking the test to improve their chances of success.

What happens after you pass ADI Part 2?

Passing the ADI Part 2 practical driving test means you’re ready to move to the final stage of instructor qualification.

Following completion of the required training, you may also be eligible to apply for an AA Trainee franchise, giving you the opportunity to start earning while continuing your preparation for ADI Part 3. To apply for a DVSA trainee licence, you’ll need to have passed ADI Part 2 and completed at least 40 hours of training with a qualified ADI. Eligibility for an AA Trainee franchise is also subject to AA acceptance criteria, franchise terms and availability.

The final stage is ADI Part 3, which assesses your ability to teach pupils and deliver effective driving lessons. While Part 3 is a separate test, our training programmes begin developing your teaching skills alongside your Part 2 driving preparation, so you’re better prepared for the final stage.

This stage focuses on:

• Instructional techniques
• Lesson planning
• Coaching and communication skills

You can find out what to expect in the next stage by reading our guide to ADI Part 3 instructor training.

ADI Part 2 practical driving test FAQs

Is the ADI Part 2 practical driving test difficult?

Yes. The ADI Part 2 practical driving test is difficult because it requires a significantly higher standard of driving than the learner practical test.

Candidates must demonstrate advanced driving ability, excellent observation, safe decision-making and consistent vehicle control. Even experienced drivers often need additional training to remove bad habits and meet the professional driving standard expected of a driving instructor.

What is the pass rate for ADI Part 2?

The ADI Part 2 practical driving test has a pass rate of around half of candidates, based on DVSA driving instructor test statistics.

This means the test has a high standard, so thorough preparation is important.

You can attempt ADI Part 2 up to three times before needing to restart the instructor qualification process.

What counts as a serious fault in ADI Part 2?

A serious fault in the ADI Part 2 practical driving test is any mistake that could potentially create danger for you, your passengers or other road users. One serious fault results in an immediate test failure.

Common serious faults include:

• Failing to observe properly at junctions
• Pulling out without checking for approaching traffic
• Not checking mirrors before changing direction
• Turning right into a junction unsafely
• Moving off without checking blind spots
• Responding incorrectly to traffic lights

Examiners assess whether your actions could have created a safety risk.

How long is the wait for an ADI Part 2 test?

Waiting times for the ADI Part 2 practical driving test vary depending on the test centre and demand.

If your preferred test centre has limited availability, it might be worth checking nearby centres you would be willing to travel to.

If you cannot find a suitable appointment, you can also use the DVSA “Book to hold” service to join the waiting list for a test centre.

You can check availability and book your test through the official GOV.UK driving test booking service.

How long does the ADI Part 2 driving test take?

The ADI Part 2 practical driving test lasts around one hour.

This includes an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions (“show me, tell me”), and the practical driving assessment. The driving section tests your ability to drive safely and confidently in a range of road and traffic conditions.

You should arrive early for your appointment to avoid missing your test slot.

Can I appeal an ADI Part 2 test result?

Yes, you can appeal the result of an ADI Part 2 practical driving test if you believe the examiner did not follow the correct procedures.

Appeals must be submitted:

• Within 6 months at a magistrate’s court in England or Wales
• Within 21 days at a sheriff’s court in Scotland

If your appeal succeeds, your original test result still stands, but you may be entitled to a free retest.

Start your driving instructor journey with AA Driving School

Passing the ADI Part 2 practical driving test is a major milestone on your journey to becoming a qualified driving instructor.

With the right preparation and expert training, you can build the advanced driving and instructional skills needed to progress through the ADI qualification process.

Explore AA driving instructor training to take the next step towards becoming a qualified driving instructor. You’ll prepare for both ADI Part 2 and Part 3, building the skills you need to succeed at every stage.