ADI Qualification Guide 2026

How to become a driving instructor.

Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor opens the door to a flexible, rewarding career. This guide walks you through the 4-stage qualification — and shows you how DrivePro supports you at every step.

Start your ADI journeySee all 4 stages
6–12 months

Typical timeline

£2,000–£3,000

Qualification cost

£30,000–£35,000/yr

Median ADI earnings

Overview

The ADI qualification at a glance

To become a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor, you must pass three separate tests — known as Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 — administered by the DVSA. Most candidates take between 6 and 12 months to complete the full qualification, though this varies depending on how quickly you train and how often test slots are available.

Before passing Part 3, you may be able to apply for a trainee licence, which lets you start teaching real pupils under the supervision of a qualified ADI. This is a great way to build confidence and start earning while you complete the qualification.

The qualification costs roughly £2,000 to £3,000 in total — including test fees, training, and study materials. Once qualified, the median ADI earns around £30,000 to £35,000 per year, with experienced instructors earning considerably more.

The Journey

The 4 stages of ADI qualification

Click any stage for a detailed breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare.

Part 1

Theory Test

1

A 100-question multiple-choice exam covering everything a professional instructor needs to know about road safety, traffic law, and driving theory.

  • 4 bands: road procedure, traffic signs, driving theory, and publications
  • 100 questions — pass mark is 85 out of 100
  • Hazard perception test included (same session)
  • Up to 3 attempts allowed within the qualification window
Full Part 1 guide

Practice questions and mock tests — coming soon

Prepare with DrivePro

Part 2

Driving Ability Test

2

A 60-minute advanced driving assessment where you must demonstrate that your own driving is of the highest standard before you can teach others.

  • Around 60 minutes of driving, mostly on higher-speed roads
  • Examiner assesses vehicle control, observation, and anticipation
  • Must meet a higher standard than a regular driving test
  • Up to 3 attempts allowed within the qualification window
Full Part 2 guide

Log your training sessions and monitor progress toward test readiness

Track your progress

Part 3

Instructional Ability Test

3

Teach a real pupil while a DVSA examiner observes your technique. This is the most challenging part — you are assessed on 17 competencies across three areas.

  • 17 DVSA competencies: lesson planning, risk management, teaching and learning strategies
  • Real pupil (often supplied by the examiner or your own)
  • Examiner scores each competency as 0, 1, 2, or 3
  • Up to 3 attempts allowed within the qualification window
Full Part 3 guide

DrivePro's standards check prep mirrors the 17 DVSA competencies

Standards check prep

Trainee Licence

Start Teaching Under Supervision

4

You do not have to wait until you pass Part 3 to start teaching. A trainee licence lets you work with real pupils under the supervision of a qualified ADI sponsor.

  • Available after passing Parts 1 and 2
  • Requires a qualified ADI sponsor (often from a driving school)
  • Maximum 40 hours of supervised tuition per licence period
  • Licence lasts 6 months and can be renewed once
Trainee licence guide

Sponsorship matching — coming soon

Start your free trial

Ready to start your ADI journey?

DrivePro is built for instructors at every stage — from trainees logging their first lessons to experienced ADIs filing quarterly HMRC returns. Join free and see how DrivePro fits around your training.

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