ADI Part 3 instructional ability test

The ADI Part 3 instructional ability test is the final step in becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). While Part 1 focuses on theory and Part 2 assesses your driving ability, Part 3 evaluates how well you can teach a learner driver during a real lesson. In reality, these skills go hand in hand, as being a safe driver underpins your ability to teach others effectively.

During the test, a DVSA examiner sits in the back of the car and observes you delivering a lesson to a pupil in normal driving conditions. They assess how effectively you plan the lesson, communicate clearly, manage risk and help the pupil improve.

Passing Part 3 shows you can provide safe, structured and effective driving instruction, which is essential for working as a qualified driving instructor.

Are you ready for the ADI Part 3 test?

Before booking the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test, it’s important to feel confident not only in your driving but also in your teaching skills.

The DVSA expects you to meet the standards set out in the national standard for driver and rider training, which focuses on planning lessons, managing risk and supporting pupil learning.

You must also have already passed the earlier stages of the qualification process, including ADI Part 1 (the theory test) and ADI Part 2 (the driving ability test).

You may be ready to take the test if you can consistently:

• Plan and deliver structured driving lessons
• Adapt your teaching style to suit different pupils
• Identify and manage risks during the lesson
• Encourage pupils to analyse their own driving
• Give constructive feedback that helps the pupil improve

Many candidates find Part 3 challenging because the focus shifts from driving ability to instructional skills and coaching techniques. In practice, many trainees develop these skills alongside their driving, rather than treating Part 2 and Part 3 as completely separate stages.

Booking the ADI Part 3 test

Once you’ve successfully passed ADI Part 1 and ADI Part 2, you can book the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test through the official DVSA service. When booking, you’ll choose a test centre and available appointment date. Waiting times can vary depending on demand, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Good preparation and real teaching practice can help you approach the test with confidence, especially when your training has developed both your driving and instructional skills together. You’ll also need to pay a separate DVSA fee when booking your ADI Part 3 test. You can find the latest approved instructor training and test fees on the official GOV.UK website.

ADI Part 3 test requirements

Car requirements

You must provide a suitable car for the test. The car must:

• Be roadworthy, insured, and meet the DVSA’s vehicle requirements for the ADI Part 3 test
• Be fitted with an additional interior rear-view mirror for the examiner
• Have a passenger seatbelt and head restraint

For full details, including vehicle restrictions and legal requirements, see the official GOV.UK car rules.

The examiner will carry out basic vehicle checks before the lesson begins.

Your pupil

You must bring a genuine pupil to take part in the lesson during the test. This could be a learner driver or a qualified driver looking to improve specific skills or build confidence on the road. Your pupil should be suitable for the lesson you plan to deliver and able to take part safely.

Your pupil should:

• Be comfortable taking part in a lesson observed by an examiner
• Be at a level where coaching or instruction is appropriate for the lesson
• Be able to follow your guidance safely during the lesson

Some candidates arrange a backup pupil in case the original pupil is unavailable on the day.

How the ADI Part 3 test is structured

The ADI Part 3 instructional ability test is essentially a normal driving lesson observed by a DVSA examiner. The lesson usually lasts around 45 minutes.

During the lesson, the examiner looks at how you plan the session, support the pupil’s learning and maintain safety.

They will assess whether you can:

• Identify the pupil’s ability and learning needs
• Set clear lesson objectives
• Give clear instructions and explanations
• Encourage the pupil to reflect on their driving
• Manage risks and maintain a safe learning environment

The aim is to show you can deliver pupil-centred instruction that helps the learner make progress.

How the ADI Part 3 test is marked

The ADI Part 3 test is marked using a competency-based scoring system. Examiners assess your performance across three main areas.

Lesson planning

This looks at how well you structure the lesson, identify the pupil’s needs and set appropriate learning goals.

Risk management

This assesses how effectively you maintain safety throughout the lesson, including identifying hazards and intervening when necessary.

Teaching and learning strategies

This focuses on how clearly you communicate, how well you encourage reflection and how effectively you adapt your teaching to suit the pupil. Across these three areas, the examiner assesses 17 individual competencies. Each competency is scored between 0 and 3, depending on how consistently you demonstrate the skill. 

What score do you need to pass ADI Part 3?

To pass the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test, you must:

• Score at least 31 out of 51 overall
• Score at least 7 out of 12 in the risk management section
• Demonstrate a safe and satisfactory standard of instruction throughout the lesson

Demonstrating effective coaching, clear communication and safe lesson management is key to achieving a passing score.

What happens if you don’t pass ADI Part 3?

If you fail the ADI Part 3 test, you can normally retake it.

Candidates can take the ADI Part 3 test up to three times. Your first ADI Part 3 test must be booked within two years of passing ADI Part 1. If you use all three attempts without passing, you’ll need to restart the ADI qualification process from the beginning.

With a limited number of attempts available, it’s worth making sure you feel confident in both your driving and instructional ability before booking your test. If you do not pass, reviewing your feedback can help you focus on areas for improvement before rebooking.

What happens after you pass ADI Part 3?

Passing the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test means you’ve demonstrated the teaching skills required to become a qualified driving instructor.

Once you pass, you can:

• Register with the DVSA as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
• Receive your ADI badge, which lasts four years before renewal
• Charge for driving tuition without needing a trainee licence

Many new instructors choose to join a driving instructor franchise for support with areas such as branding, marketing, pupil opportunities, business tools and vehicle-related services, depending on the package selected. This can help you can focus on teaching while accessing the support that’s right for your business.

Frequently asked questions

What does ADI Part 3 consist of?

The ADI Part 3 test consists of a driving lesson delivered by the trainee instructor to a real pupil while a DVSA examiner observes from the back seat. The examiner assesses lesson planning, risk management and teaching ability.

How many hours training are needed for ADI Part 3?

The DVSA does not set a fixed number of training hours before taking the test. However, most trainees complete extensive instructor training and real teaching practice before booking the test, often developing their Part 2 and Part 3 skills alongside each other.

How many attempts do you get for ADI Part 3?

You can take the ADI Part 3 test up to three times. Your first ADI Part 3 test must be booked within two years of passing the ADI Part 1 theory test.

Is ADI Part 3 harder than Part 2?

Part 2 focuses on advanced driving ability, while Part 3 focuses on teaching skills. Many candidates find Part 3 more challenging because it requires managing a pupil while demonstrating effective coaching techniques.

Start your journey as a driving instructor

Passing the ADI Part 3 instructional ability test is the final step towards becoming a fully qualified driving instructor. With the right preparation and training, you can go into your test feeling well prepared and ready to take the next step towards your career as an ADI.

Find out more about our driving instructor training and take the next step towards becoming an ADI today.