Overview
What the Part 3 test involves
The ADI Part 3 instructional ability test is a real teaching session, typically lasting around 60 minutes. A DVSA examiner observes the lesson and scores you against 17 teaching competencies across three areas: lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning strategies.
In the standard format — known as the Preset Test — the examiner role-plays as a pupil at a specified stage of learning. They brief you on their role before the session starts: for example, they might play a pupil who has just started learning, or one who is preparing for their test. You then plan and deliver the lesson as you would with any real pupil.
The DVSA expects ADI candidates to use a client-centred, coaching approach rather than a prescriptive teaching style. This means asking questions, adapting to the pupil's responses, and encouraging self-reflection — not simply telling the pupil what to do at every stage.
Competencies
The 17 DVSA competencies
Each competency is scored 0 (not demonstrated) to 3 (excellent). You need at least 31 out of 51 overall and cannot score 0 in more than 2 competencies.
Lesson planning
Did you identify the pupil's learning needs at the start?
Was the lesson planned to meet the identified needs?
Were risks managed to an acceptable level throughout?
Was the plan adapted appropriately as the lesson developed?
Risk management
Did you ensure the vehicle was safe before the lesson began?
Was your intervention timely and appropriate when needed?
Were the controls of the vehicle used correctly?
Were mirror checks made at appropriate times?
Was the speed appropriate for the conditions throughout?
Teaching and learning strategies
Was a coaching style used appropriately to promote independence?
Were explanations clear and given at suitable moments?
Was feedback given in a constructive and timely way?
Did you check the pupil's understanding effectively?
Did the pupil have sufficient opportunities to practise?
Were reflection and self-evaluation encouraged?
Were questions used effectively to promote thinking?
Did the pupil make appropriate progress during the lesson?
Note: These are paraphrased competency descriptions. The full DVSA competency framework is available in the ADI standards check documentation.
Teaching Approach
Client-centred learning explained
The biggest shift for most Part 3 candidates is moving from an instructor-led style to a pupil-centred, coaching approach. The DVSA describes client-centred learning as adapting your teaching to the individual needs, abilities, and goals of the pupil — not following a rigid curriculum regardless of how the lesson is going.
Instructor-led approach (penalised)
- “Do exactly as I say — check your mirrors, signal, move off.”
- Providing commentary on every action taken
- Not asking questions or seeking the pupil's input
- Ignoring pupil progress and sticking to a fixed plan
Coaching approach (rewarded)
- “What do you think went well there? What would you do differently?”
- Asking questions to develop understanding
- Adapting the lesson as the pupil's needs become clear
- Encouraging the pupil to self-evaluate and reflect
Common Pitfalls
Common pitfalls in Part 3
Over-instructing — telling the pupil everything rather than asking and coaching
Failing to adapt the lesson when the pupil's needs change mid-session
Not intervening when the risk level becomes too high (waiting too long)
Intervening unnecessarily when the pupil has the situation under control
Giving feedback that is too vague or too late to be useful
Neglecting to recap or check understanding at the end of a topic
Poor lesson structure — jumping between topics without clear progression
Prepare for your standards check with DrivePro
The 17 DVSA competencies assessed in Part 3 are the same ones used in the ongoing standards check every qualified ADI must pass. DrivePro's standards check preparation tool helps you understand each competency, practise reflection, and build the coaching habits that examiners are looking for — both in Part 3 and throughout your career.
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