Driving Theory Test Kit UK

ADI Part 1

UK ADI Part 1 theory test

Last reviewed against gov.uk on

Questions
100
Time
1 h 30 min
Pass mark
85 / 100
Per band
20 / 25
Fee
£81

Practise for the ADI Part 1 theory test on your phone. Free DVSA questions, no signup.

The UK Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 1 theory test is the entry exam for becoming a car driving instructor. It is 100 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour 30 minutes , divided into 4 banded categories of 25 questions each. To pass, you need at least 85 out of 100 overall AND at least 20 out of 25 in each band — both conditions are required. The hazard perception section has a higher bar than the standard test: 57 out of 75. Fee: £81.

Practise 20 real DVSA revision questions

Covering Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge and Band 1 road procedure, each with the correct answer and a full explanation.

To pass the multiple-choice part, you must get both: an overall score of at least 85 out of 100; at least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories of questions.
— GOV.UK — ADI Part 1: pass mark and result

The 4 banded categories

Each band has 25 questions. You need at least 20 right in each to pass that band — and an overall 85+.

  1. Road procedure.
  2. Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge.
  3. Driving test, disabilities, and the law.
  4. Publications and instructional techniques.

Structure and pass marks

UK ADI Part 1 theory test — at a glance (source: gov.uk)
Multiple-choice questions100 (25 in each of 4 bands)
Time allowed1 hour 30 minutes
Overall pass mark85 out of 100
Per-band minimumAt least 20 out of 25 in each band
Hazard perception clips14 (15 scored developing hazards)
Hazard perception pass mark57 out of 75
Fee£81
Certificate validity 2 years from the day you pass Part 1 — you must pass Parts 2 and 3 within that window, or start the whole application process again

Why the bar is higher

ADI Part 1 is the first of three exams (Part 1 theory, Part 2 practical driving, Part 3 instructional ability). Because you will be teaching learners the test material, DVSA expects a broader and more consistent grasp than a regular learner. The 20-per-band rule prevents passing the overall test while leaving one topic area weak.

Eligibility

  • Aged 21 or over and have held a full car driving licence for at least 3 years.
  • Not disqualified (banned) from driving in the last 4 years.
  • Registered on the ADI candidate register and passed the criminal-record (DBS) check.
  • Your application can also be refused if you have 5 or more penalty points within the last 3 years; convictions for a sexual, violent, financial or drug-related crime; or a ban from working with children.
  • Once you pass Part 1, you have 2 years to pass Part 2 and Part 3; otherwise you must start the whole application process again.

Sources

The app's test-picker screen, asking which test you are preparing for, with Cars, Motorcycles, LGV, HGV & PCV, and ADI to choose from

Revise for ADI Part 1

Choose ADI when you set up the app and the app switches to the instructor bank — the DVSA revision questions for ADI Part 1 across all four bands, free to get started, plus the 2026 Highway Code. iOS and Android, works offline, no signup.

★ 4.8 · 250K+ downloads · iOS & Android

ADI Part 1 — FAQs

When can I retake the ADI Part 1 test if I fail?

You must book and take the full test again — there is no partial retake of just the section you failed. You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.

Source: gov.uk — ADI Part 1 test: pass mark and result