Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Qualification Part 1: Theory and Hazard Perception Test Syllabus

What does a red X (cross) over a motorway lane mean?

The lane is closed - you MUST NOT drive in a lane displaying a red X. You should move safely into an open lane. This applies on smart motorways where the hard shoulder may also be closed or running as a live lane.

What colour are motorway direction signs, and how do they differ from primary route and local route signs?

Motorway signs have a blue background with white text. Primary route signs are green with white text (and yellow route numbers). Non-primary/local route signs are white with black text.

What is the minimum age to hold a full licence for category B (car) and category A (large motorcycle direct access) in the UK?

Category B (car): minimum age 17 (16 if receiving certain mobility allowances). Category A large motorcycle via direct access: minimum age 24 (or 21 with a minimum two years' A2 experience).

What vehicles does category B cover, and what weight/passenger limits define it?

Category B covers vehicles up to $3500\ \text{kg}$ maximum authorised mass (MAM) with up to 8 passenger seats, plus a trailer up to $750\ \text{kg}$ (or a heavier trailer if the combined MAM does not exceed $3500\ \text{kg}$).

When does a car normally first require an MOT test, and how often thereafter?

A car must have its first MOT on the third anniversary of registration (at 3 years old), then annually thereafter. Driving without a valid MOT (except to a pre-booked test) is an offence.

What are the three documents legally required to drive your own car on a public road, besides a valid licence?

A valid MOT certificate (if the vehicle is 3+ years old), at least third-party motor insurance, and valid vehicle tax (Vehicle Excise Duty). The vehicle must also be registered with a V5C logbook.

State the UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) legal drink-drive limits for breath, blood and urine.

Breath: $35\ \mu\text{g}$ of alcohol per $100\ \text{mL}$ of breath. Blood: $80\ \text{mg}$ per $100\ \text{mL}$. Urine: $107\ \text{mg}$ per $100\ \text{mL}$. (Scotland's limits are lower.)

What are Scotland's lower drink-drive limits compared with the rest of the UK?

Scotland: breath $22\ \mu\text{g}/100\ \text{mL}$, blood $50\ \text{mg}/100\ \text{mL}$, urine $67\ \text{mg}/100\ \text{mL}$ - lower than the England/Wales/NI limits of 35, 80 and 107 respectively.

What is the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs?

Up to life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, a mandatory minimum disqualification of 5 years, and a compulsory extended re-test. (Causing death by dangerous driving also carries up to life imprisonment.)

Under the New Drivers Act, what happens if a driver accumulates 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing their first test?

Their licence is automatically revoked. They must reapply for a provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical driving tests again to regain a full licence.

How long do penalty points/endorsement codes typically remain relevant on a licence, and how many points usually trigger a 'totting-up' disqualification?

Most endorsements stay on the driving record for 4 years (some serious offences 11 years), though they count for totting-up for a shorter period. Accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years normally leads to a minimum 6-month disqualification.

When supervising a disabled learner driver in an adapted vehicle, what key adaptation categories should an ADI be aware of?

Adaptations include hand controls (for accelerator/brake), steering aids (e.g. steering ball/knob), left-foot accelerators, automatic transmission, and push/pull or infra-red secondary controls. The instructor must ensure controls are safe and suit the pupil's specific needs.

In the Highway Code, what is the difference between rules that say 'MUST/MUST NOT' and those that say 'should/should not' or 'do/do not'?

'MUST/MUST NOT' rules are legal requirements - breaking them is a criminal offence with penalties. 'Should/should not' (and 'do/do not') are advisory; not following them is not directly illegal but may be used in evidence to establish liability.

What is the minimum legal tread depth for a car tyre in the UK, and across what proportion of the tyre must it apply?

$1.6\ \text{mm}$ minimum tread depth, across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference. Below this is illegal and risks 3 penalty points and a fine per tyre.

What checks should be made on tyres before driving, and why does correct pressure matter?

Check tread depth ($\geq 1.6\ \text{mm}$), correct inflation pressure, and absence of cuts/bulges. Correct pressure ensures good grip, even wear, safe handling and fuel efficiency; under-inflation increases rolling resistance, wear and the risk of overheating/blowout.

How can you check brake and clutch fluid or coolant, and what warns of a brake fault?

Check fluid reservoirs against the min/max marks when the engine is cool; coolant between MIN and MAX in the expansion tank. A spongy brake pedal, a dashboard brake warning light, the car pulling to one side, or a low fluid level all indicate a brake fault needing attention.

What is the function of engine oil, and how do you check the oil level correctly?

Engine oil lubricates, cools and cleans moving engine parts to reduce friction and wear. Check with the dipstick on level ground with the engine off and cool; wipe, reinsert, withdraw, and confirm the film sits between the MIN and MAX marks.

Which warning light indicates low oil pressure, and what should you do if it comes on while driving?

A red oil-can symbol. Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine - continuing to drive risks severe engine damage. Check the oil level and seek assistance; do not restart until the cause is found.

What is the legal requirement for vehicle lights and indicators, and how should they be checked?

All lights (head, side, brake, indicators, fog, number-plate, reversing) MUST be clean, working and correctly adjusted. Check by walking around the car while operating each, or use a wall/reflection or a helper; replace any failed bulbs before driving.

Why must headlights be correctly aligned, and when must dipped headlights be used?

Misaligned headlights dazzle oncoming drivers or fail to light the road. Dipped headlights must be used at night, in poor daytime visibility, and whenever they help others see you; full beam must be dipped for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.

What is 'clutch control', and what is meant by the 'biting point'?

Clutch control is using the clutch pedal to engage/disengage drive smoothly, especially at low speed (e.g. moving off, hill starts). The biting point is where the clutch plates first begin to transmit engine power to the wheels, felt as the engine note drops and the car strains to move.

What is 'vehicle sympathy' and give two examples of driving with it?

Vehicle sympathy means operating the controls smoothly to minimise wear, fuel use and stress on components. Examples: not 'riding' the clutch or resting a hand on the gear lever, and not over-revving or labouring the engine in too high/low a gear.

What is the principle of 'block gear changing' (selective gear changing) and a benefit?

Block changing means skipping gears to match the gear directly to the road speed (e.g. 5th down to 2nd) rather than sequentially through every gear. Benefits: fewer gear changes, more time with both hands on the wheel for steering and braking, and reduced clutch wear and fuel use.

What is the difference between a 'static' (potential) hazard and a 'developing' hazard?

A static/potential hazard is a fixed or predictable feature that may become dangerous (e.g. a junction, parked cars, a bend). A developing hazard is one that involves movement and is changing, requiring you to respond (e.g. a pedestrian stepping out, a car pulling out). The hazard perception test scores developing hazards.

In the hazard perception part, how does the scoring window for a developing hazard work?

Each clip contains scripted developing hazards; you score points (5 down to 1) for clicking within the response window as the hazard develops. Clicking too early/late scores 0, and a continuous stream of clicks or an obvious pattern scores 0 for that clip (anti-cheat).

Who are the four main groups of 'vulnerable road users', and why do they need extra care?

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. They have little or no protection in a collision, can be harder to see, and may move unpredictably; drivers should give them plenty of room, anticipate their actions and reduce speed when passing.

What clearance and approach should you give when overtaking a cyclist or horse rider under the Highway Code?

Leave at least $1.5\ \text{m}$ when passing cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph (more at higher speeds), and pass horses, horse-drawn vehicles and walkers at no more than 10 mph leaving at least $2\ \text{m}$. Pass slowly, only when safe, and be ready to wait.

What scanning and observation technique should a driver use for forward planning?

Continuously scan far ahead, to the sides and into the distance, regularly checking mirrors, to identify hazards early. Look 'through' the road into the far point of a bend/road, keep the eyes moving, and plan speed and position in good time rather than reacting late.

Describe the format of the ADI Part 1 theory and hazard perception test (number of questions and clips).

The multiple-choice section has 100 questions (selected from four bands of subjects) to be answered in 90 minutes, followed by a hazard perception test of 14 video clips containing 15 developing hazards.

What are the Band 1-4 pass requirements for the ADI Part 1 test?

Multiple choice: at least 85 out of 100 overall, AND a minimum of 80% (20/25) in each of the four bands of subjects. Hazard perception: at least 57 out of a possible 75. Both parts must be passed at the same sitting.

List four fuel-efficient ('eco-safe') driving techniques and the idling rule.

1) Accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid sharp braking; 2) change up to a higher gear early and keep revs low; 3) anticipate and maintain steady speeds; 4) reduce drag (remove roof racks) and keep tyres correctly inflated. Switch off the engine when stationary for more than a minute, as needless idling wastes fuel and increases emissions and is an offence on a public road.