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

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).

What is meant by 'effective observation' in the use of mirrors, signals and observation?

Looking early and acting sensibly on what you see, using mirrors before signalling or changing speed/direction, and taking effective all-round observation, especially at junctions.

What does 'anticipation and planning to a high standard' involve?

Reading the road ahead, predicting the actions of other road users (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles), and adjusting early to avoid hazards developing.

What does 'making progress and appropriate speed for conditions' require?

Driving at a realistic safe speed up to the limit when conditions allow, while reducing speed appropriately for hazards, weather and visibility — neither too fast nor over-cautiously slow.

Which reversing manoeuvres may be tested in the Part 2 ADI test?

One reversing exercise, chosen from: parallel park at the side of the road, park in a bay (drive-in and reverse-out, or reverse-in and drive-out), or pull up on the right, reverse two car lengths and rejoin traffic.

What is the 'pull up on the right' manoeuvre?

Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for about two car lengths, then moving off again to rejoin the traffic on the correct side.

In a bay-parking manoeuvre, what are the two possible variations?

Drive forward into the bay and reverse out, or reverse into the bay and drive forward out.

What is the emergency stop (controlled stop) exercise testing?

Your ability to stop the vehicle promptly and safely in a straight line as in an emergency, keeping full control without locking the wheels (or using ABS correctly).

How is the emergency stop signalled, and roughly how often is it included?

The examiner gives a clear pre-arranged signal (e.g. raising a hand and saying 'Stop'); the controlled stop is included in about 1 in 3 tests.

What is the correct technique for an emergency stop in a vehicle with ABS?

Apply the footbrake firmly and fully and depress the clutch just before stopping; with ABS keep firm pressure on the brake and steer if needed — do not pump the pedal.

What must you do before moving off after an emergency stop?

Apply the handbrake/select neutral if needed, then carry out full all-round observation including a blind-spot check before moving off safely.

What is assessed in 'moving off and stopping at the side of the road'?

Safe, controlled moving off (on the level, from behind a parked car, and at an angle) with proper observation, and stopping smoothly, legally and safely at the side of the road.

What three types of 'moving off' may you be asked to perform?

Moving off on the level (straight ahead), moving off at an angle (from behind a parked vehicle), and moving off uphill (a hill start).

What is the key control technique for a hill start?

Set the gas, find the bite point of the clutch, release the handbrake only when the bite holds the car, and pull away without rolling back, after full observation.

What is an 'angled start' and why is it more demanding?

Moving off from behind a parked vehicle at an angle; it demands extra observation for the blind spot and careful steering to avoid the parked car while merging safely with traffic.

How much of the Part 2 test is spent on independent driving?

About 20 minutes of independent driving, following either a sat nav or traffic signs to a destination.

What are the two methods used for the independent driving section?

Following directions from a sat nav (provided and set up by the examiner) or following a series of traffic signs to a destination.

Who provides and sets up the sat nav during the independent driving section?

The examiner provides and sets up the sat nav; you cannot use your own device.

What happens if you go off-route during the independent driving section?

Going off-route is not penalised as a fault, provided you do not make a driving fault; the examiner will help you get back on route.

Is making a wrong turn during independent driving counted as a fault?

No — taking a wrong turn or going off-route is not itself a fault; only an actual driving error (e.g. poor observation or control) would be marked.

What must you prioritise if the sat nav instruction conflicts with road signs or markings?

You must always follow road signs, traffic law and safe driving — the sat nav is only a guide and safe legal driving takes priority.

What does 'maintaining safe driving while navigating independently' require?

Keeping full control, observation and the MSM routine while also interpreting the sat nav or signs — navigation must never compromise safe, accurate driving.

Why is route variety important in the Part 2 ADI test?

Routes are designed to include a range of road and traffic conditions (urban, rural, dual carriageways) so the examiner can assess driving competence across varied situations.

Give an example of a 'tell me' vehicle safety question.

For example: 'Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey' — you explain that the brakes should not feel spongy or slack and should be tested as you set off.

Give an example of a 'show me' vehicle safety question.

For example: 'Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen' or 'how you would demist the front windscreen' while driving.

What standard of routine vehicle safety checks must an ADI candidate demonstrate?

A thorough, knowledgeable demonstration of routine checks (lights, brakes, tyres, fluids, washers/wipers) to the higher standard expected of someone who will instruct learners.

Why is a higher standard demanded of an instructor candidate than of a learner?

Because an ADI must model exemplary driving and be able to teach correct technique, so the examiner expects safe, fault-free, expert driving rather than merely adequate driving.

During the Part 2 test, in which order should mirrors and signals be used?

Always mirrors first, then signal — never signal before checking the mirrors — followed by the manoeuvre (MSM).

What does the examiner assess about your speed in different conditions?

That your speed is appropriate: keeping up reasonable progress within limits where safe, and reducing speed for bends, junctions, pedestrians, weather and reduced visibility.

Summarise the three-attempt rule and its time frame for ADI Part 2.

You get a maximum of three Part 2 attempts, all of which (with Parts 1 and 3) must be completed within two years of passing Part 1; otherwise you restart from Part 1.