The ADI Part Two Test: Driving Ability

ADI Part Two is a practical driving ability test to a higher standard of driving than the general public. It is a 3-part test examining the essential elements to effectively teach others to drive. These elements are good eyesight, good knowledge of road safety and the ability to drive safely. All three parts of the test must be taken at the same time. 

Eligibility to take the ADI Part Two comes from successfully passing the ADI Part One test. ADI Part Two is the practical driving element of the ADI qualification process.

The test is taken at a DVSA test centre, located across the country.

You must pass all parts of the test at the same time and within 3 attempts. 

Surepass will provide you with two in-car training days with an ORDIT-registered Surepass driving instructor trainer to prepare you for your Driving Test. 

The candidate is responsible for choosing and providing a suitable vehicle for the test. Surepass can provide a suitable vehicle for this purpose.

What Is In The ADI Part Two Test?

The three parts of the ADI part 2 are:

  • the eyesight test
  • safety questions
  • general driving ability

What is the ADI Part Two Eyesight Check?

The eyesight test is to evaluate whether or not the candidate is able to read the number plate of another car. Since there are different standards for number plate styles and sizes, there are two different distances used, depending upon the style of number plate used during the exam. A ‘new-style’ number plate begins with two letters followed by two numbers, e.g.:

DE25 XYZ

Number plates in other formats qualify as ‘old-style’ number plates. However, most examples adhere to the system in place between 1983 and 2001 where a prefix letter denotes the year of issue. For example: 

T675BKX

The candidate must be able to read a car registration number plate from a distance of:

  • 26.5 metres for vehicles with a ‘new-style’ number plate.
  • 27.5 metres for vehicles with an ‘old-style’ number plate.

A candidate is permitted to wear spectacles or contact lenses during the test. Failing the eyesight test results in a failure for the whole of ADI Part Two.

What Are The ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions Asked in ADI Part Two?

The examiner asks the candidate to describe how to check on the condition and safety of three components of the vehicle and to demonstrate an actual check on the condition of a further two components. The first three items are the ‘tell me’ elements of the test, the other two items are the ‘show me’ elements.

  • The three ‘tell me’ questions are answered verbally while the vehicle is parked.
  • Two ‘show me’ questions are tasks to demonstrate the ability to operate important vehicle features such as lights or wipers while driving.

The features and components will be chosen from the following list: tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators, audible warning device (horn) and the liquids used in the braking system, steering system, engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a coolant, lubricant, cleaner or otherwise.

For each incorrect answer or attempt, the candidate receives a driving fault. If the candidate fails all five tests – or otherwise loses control of the vehicle during this stage, they fail ADI Part Two.

How is General Driving Ability Assessed in ADI Part Two?

A candidate is assessed under a variety of different road and traffic conditions. The examiner is looking for evidence of 

  • expert handling of the controls
  • use of correct road procedure
  • anticipation of the actions of other road users and the taking of appropriate action
  • sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
  • consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
  • Driving in an environmentally-friendly manner.
  • An emergency stop.

The routes used for the test will include roads which may carry heavy and/or fast moving traffic, such as major A-roads, dual carriageways and motorways. They will also cover a range of road and traffic conditions, including urban and rural conditions.

Which Manoeuvres Are Assessed During ADI Part Two?

A candidate must perform any two of the following manoeuvres correctly:

  • Parallel parking at the side of the road.
  • Reversing into a parking bay before driving out.
  • Driving forward into a parking bay before reversing out.
  • Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road and reversing for around two car lengths before rejoining the traffic.

What is the Independent Driving Test in ADI Part Two?

The independent driving test determines the ability of the candidate to drive the car to a planned destination. This part of the test examines navigation skills while driving, using either a sat-nav or road signs. The independent driving part of the test normally takes about 20 minutes.

Determination of a pass or fail result depends upon the candidate’s ability to avoid faults or serious errors while following the directions. There is no penalty solely for straying from the planned route, and the examiners provide assistance to get back onto the route following a mistake.

If the candidate’s driving is deemed to be unsafe or dangerous then the examiner halts the test and mark the test as a fail.

What are the Pass Marks for ADI Part Two?

In order to pass, a candidate must incur no dangerous or serious faults and no more than 6 driving faults. These three driving fault categories are as follows.

Dangerous Fault Definition

A dangerous fault is when the candidate places themselves, the examiner, members of the public and/or any property in danger. Examples of this type of fault include failing to stop at a red light or manoeuvring unsafely.

Serious Fault Definition

A serious fault has the potential to be dangerous. For example, not noticing a developing hazard or not reacting to an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaching at speed.

Driving Fault Definition

A driving fault is not potentially dangerous. However, the standard expected of a driving instructor is high and so driving faults are expected to be rare. Therefore if a driving fault is repeatedly made or more than 6 different driving faults are noted by the examiner, the test will fail.

When Do You Get Your ADI Part Two Result?

The result is provided as soon as the examination is complete. The result will include details of any faults made. Candidates who pass are able to book their ADI Part Three test and/or apply for a trainee driver instructor licence. A candidate who fails has two further attempts at passing ADI Part Two.

How Many Attempts Can Be Made?

If a candidate fails ADI Part Two on their third attempt then their ADI application is halted. The candidate is able to reapply after two years from the date on which they passed ADI Part One. A candidate is able to appeal their result if they believe the examiner failed to follow the law. Successful appeals result in either a refund or a free retest, but the original test result is not changed.

How to Book an ADI Part Two Test

A candidate is eligible to book an ADI Part Two after passing ADI Part One. Slots open for booking up to 24 weeks in advance. Each candidate needs:

  • UK driving licence number.
  • Driving instructor’s personal reference number.
  • Credit or debit card.

The test costs £111, with an extra fee for an out-of-hours test. A candidate is able to reschedule or cancel their test up to three days before the test date (excluding Sundays and public holidays). 

Changes or cancellations requested fewer than three days in advance result in the candidate forfeiting their fee other than in exceptional circumstances.

On the day of the test, the candidate must bring:

  • Their UK driving licence.
  • A suitable car.

If a candidate has a paper licence then they must also bring their passport. If, on the day of the test, the candidate forgets their licence, or their vehicle is not suitable, then the test is cancelled without a refund. If the examiner must cancel the test owing to, e.g., bad weather, then the test is rescheduled free of charge.

What is a Suitable Vehicle for ADI Part Two?

A candidate’s vehicle must meet a minimum specification to be suitable for undertaking ADI Part Two.

  1. a) Unsuitable models

The following cars cannot be used as the examiner has no all-around vision:

  • BMW Mini Convertible.
  • Ford KA Convertible.
  • Smart Fortwo (2-door).
  • Toyota iQ.
  • VW Beetle Convertible.

Other models are liable to rejection if the examiner has no all-around vision. Each candidate must therefore check that their proposed model is suitable, especially if their choice is:

  • A convertible car.
  • A panel van.
  • A coupe.

Candidates must also not select a model that has been recalled owing to a known safety issue unless they bring proof that the vehicle has been rendered safe.

  1. b) Manual or Automatic

A candidate possessing a manual licence is able to take the test in either a manual or automatic car. However, candidates with automatic licences must take the test in an automatic car. 

  1. c) General guidelines

The vehicle must meet the following, minimum requirements:

  • No warning lights displayed.
  • Legal tread depth on each tyre.
  • No tyre damage. 
  • Carry a full spare tyre (no space-savers).
  • Roadworthy.
  • Fitted with an additional interior rear-view mirror.
  • Fitted with a passenger seatbelt and head restraint for the examiner (not slip-on).
  • Fitted with a speedometer measuring in mph.
  • Able to reach at least 62mph. 
  • Have 4 wheels.
  • Meet the maximum authorised mass limit.
  • Fully taxed and licensed.
  • Have a current MOT (if more than three years old).
  • Insured for ADI Part Two.
  • Clean and tidy, with no litter or clutter on the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats.
  • Smoke-free.
  1. d) Miscellaneous
  • A hire car fitted with dual controls is permissible.
  • Electronic parking brakes and/or hill-start assist are both permitted.
  • The candidate is permitted to fit a dashcam that films only outside the vehicle while recording no audio from the inside.
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