Overview
What the ADI Part 1 test covers
The ADI Part 1 theory test is significantly harder than the standard driving licence theory test. Where a regular learner driver test covers everyday road safety, the ADI version tests your expert-level knowledge across four specialist topic bands. You need to know not just the rules, but the reasoning behind them — because you will soon be explaining those rules to students.
The test is also unusual in that it includes a hazard perception component in the same session. You must pass both sections in the same sitting — passing one and failing the other means you fail the entire test.
Topic Bands
The 4 topic bands
Band 1
Road Procedure
- Road priorities and give-way rules
- Junction types and approach techniques
- Roundabout priorities
- Overtaking safely on single and dual carriageways
- Motorway driving rules and lane discipline
- Meeting and passing oncoming vehicles
Band 2
Traffic Signs and Signals
- Warning signs, regulatory signs, information signs
- Road markings and their meanings
- Traffic light sequences and filter signals
- Signals given by police and school crossing patrols
- Signals given by other road users
Band 3
Driving Theory
- Safe attitudes and defensive driving
- Vehicle checks (tyres, lights, brakes, fluids)
- Skid prevention and emergency braking
- The Highway Code rules for all road users
- Driving in adverse weather conditions
Band 4
Official DVSA Publications
- The Official DSA Guide to Driving
- Know Your Traffic Signs (HMSO publication)
- The Highway Code (latest edition)
- Roadcraft — The Police Driver's Handbook
Hazard Perception
The hazard perception section
After the multiple-choice questions, there is a short break before the hazard perception test. You watch 14 video clips showing real-world driving scenes and click when you spot a developing hazard. One clip contains two hazards; the rest contain one each — giving a maximum score of 75.
You must score at least 57 out of 75 on the hazard perception test in the same sitting as your multiple-choice section. A pass on the MCQ section alone is not enough — both parts must be passed together.
Important: clicking repeatedly scores zero
The hazard perception system detects and penalises candidates who click repeatedly. You can only click once — or twice if you spot the hazard early and want to click again as it develops. Clicking more than that on a single clip scores zero for that clip.
Preparation
How to prepare effectively
Read the official DVSA publications cover to cover
Band 4 questions test your knowledge of specific books. The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs are freely available online. The Official DSA Guide to Driving and Roadcraft are available to buy. Do not rely on summaries — the questions quote specific passages.
Use official DVSA practice question banks
The DVSA publishes the complete question bank used in the test. Third-party apps and websites reproduce this bank and let you practise by topic band. Aim for consistent 90%+ scores in practice before booking the real test.
Study Band 4 hardest — it catches most candidates out
Most learner drivers have never read the official DVSA publications in detail. Band 4 questions often test obscure but important details from these books. Treat this band as its own revision topic and do not skip it.
Practise hazard perception separately — it requires its own technique
Hazard perception is a skill that improves with practice, not just knowledge. Practise clicking at the exact moment a hazard begins to develop — clicking too early or too late still scores, but clicking too many times scores zero for that clip.
Start practising Part 1 questions with DrivePro
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