Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Qualification Part 2: Test of Driving Ability Syllabus

Part 2: Test of Driving Ability syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Part 2: Test of Driving Ability in Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Qualification, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Eyesight and Vehicle Safety Questions

   3 topics

   • Eyesight requirement: reading a number plate at 26.5 metres (new style)
   • Show me, tell me questions
     • Tell me questions asked at the start
     • Show me questions asked while driving
   • Demonstrating routine vehicle safety checks
2. 2

   Core Driving Competence

   5 topics

   • Expert handling of the controls
     • Smooth use of accelerator, clutch, gears and brakes
     • Steering technique and vehicle control
   • Correct road positioning and lane discipline
   • Use of mirrors, signals and effective observation
   • Anticipation and planning to a high standard
   • Progress and appropriate speed for conditions
3. 3

   Manoeuvres and Special Exercises

   4 topics

   • Reversing manoeuvres
     • Parallel parking at the side of the road
     • Reversing into a parking bay (or driving in and reversing out)
     • Pulling up on the right and reversing
   • Emergency stop exercise (controlled stop)
   • Moving off and stopping at the side of the road safely
   • Hill starts and angled starts
4. 4

   Independent and Sat Nav Driving

   4 topics

   • Following directions from a sat nav
   • Following traffic signs to a destination
   • Dealing with going off-route without fault
   • Maintaining safe driving while navigating independently
5. 5

   Assessment Standard and Faults

   4 topics

   • Fault marking system
     • Driving faults, serious faults and dangerous faults
     • Pass requirement: no more than 6 driving faults, zero serious or dangerous
   • Higher standard expected of an instructor candidate
   • Test duration (approximately one hour) and route variety
   • Three attempts rule and consequences of failing

Part 2: Test of Driving Ability flashcards for Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Qualification

21 of 50 cards from the Part 2: Test of Driving Ability deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the eyesight requirement at the start of the Part 2 ADI test for reading a new-style number plate?

   You must read a new-style number plate at a distance of $26.5$ metres in good daylight (with glasses or contact lenses if normally worn).

2. What reading distance applies to OLD-style number plates compared with new-style plates in the eyesight check?

   Old-style plates must be read at $20.5$ metres, whereas new-style plates (with letters 50 mm narrower) must be read at the longer $26.5$ metres.

3. Roughly how many car lengths does the $26.5$ m eyesight distance equate to?

   About 5 car lengths (an average car is roughly $5$ m long, so $26.5 \div 5 \approx 5.3$ cars).

4. What happens if you fail the eyesight test at the start of the Part 2 ADI test?

   The test is stopped immediately, you fail, and it counts as one of your three Part 2 attempts.

5. What are 'show me, tell me' questions in the ADI Part 2 test?

   Vehicle safety questions: a 'tell me' question (asked before driving) where you explain how you would carry out a safety check, and a 'show me' question (asked while driving) where you demonstrate a check.

6. When during the Part 2 test are the 'tell me' and 'show me' questions asked respectively?

   The 'tell me' question is asked before you start driving (stationary), and the 'show me' question is asked while you are driving.

7. How many minor/driving faults will result in a fail on the ADI Part 2 test?

   More than 6 driving faults (minors), or any single serious or dangerous fault, results in a fail.

8. How does the ADI Part 2 fault threshold compare with the learner (Category B) driving test?

   The learner test allows up to 15 driving faults, but the higher-standard ADI Part 2 allows only 6 driving faults before failing.

9. What three categories of fault are recorded on the ADI Part 2 marking sheet?

   Driving faults (minors), serious faults, and dangerous faults.

10. Define a 'serious fault' in the context of the driving ability test.

    A fault that is potentially dangerous, or a habitual driving fault that could lead to a dangerous situation; one serious fault fails the test.

11. Define a 'dangerous fault' on the driving ability test.

    A fault involving actual danger to you, the examiner, the public, or property; one dangerous fault fails the test.

12. Approximately how long does the ADI Part 2 driving ability test last?

    Approximately one hour.

13. How does the duration of the Part 2 ADI test compare with the standard learner driving test?

    Part 2 lasts about one hour (roughly double the standard learner test, which is around 40 minutes), reflecting its higher demands.

14. What general standard of driving must an ADI Part 2 candidate demonstrate?

    A higher standard than the ordinary learner driving test, expected of someone who will teach others to drive.

15. How many attempts are you allowed at the ADI Part 2 test?

    Three attempts, within the two-year qualifying period that begins from passing Part 1.

16. What is the consequence of failing the Part 2 test three times?

    You must wait until your two-year qualifying period (from passing Part 1) expires, then start the whole qualifying process again from Part 1.

17. Within what overall time limit must all three parts of the ADI qualification be passed?

    All three parts must be passed within two years of passing the Part 1 theory test.

18. Name the five main areas of driving competence assessed during the Part 2 test.

    Expert handling of the controls; correct road positioning; use of mirrors/signals/observation; anticipation and planning; and progress/appropriate speed for conditions.

19. What does 'expert handling of the controls' require on the Part 2 test?

    Smooth, accurate and confident use of accelerator, clutch, brakes, gears and steering, with no harsh or uncoordinated movements.

20. What is meant by 'correct road positioning and lane discipline'?

    Keeping a safe, normal driving position, positioning correctly for turns and hazards, and using the correct lane in good time without straddling or weaving.

21. Describe the MSM routine you must apply throughout the Part 2 test.

    Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre: check mirrors, give a signal if needed, then carry out the manoeuvre (position, speed, look).

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