Theory test preparation
You need a high standard of driving knowledge to pass the ADI theory test. Having a thorough understanding of these topics will help you teach your pupils to drive safely.
The ADI theory test is in 2 parts and costs £81.
Multiple choice
Hazard perception
You’ll need to complete a criminal record check and been given permission by the ADI registrar before you can apply for the test.
Multiple choice theory test
About this test
- You have 90 minutes
- Answer 100 questions
There are 25 questions on each of these 4 categories
- Road procedure
- Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
- Driving test, disabilities and law
- Publications and instructional techniques
How to prepare
eLearning
Learn online with your preferred device and track your learning progress.
- study the key topic areas
- practice questions focused on the 4 categories
- test yourself with our official "test view" option.
Our eLearning will measure your test readiness based on your progress, so you can be confident you're fully prepared on the day of your test.
In the multiple choice test, you’ll need to show your knowledge of instructional techniques and the rules of the road.
Buy: Official DVSA Theory Test Kit for Approved Driving Instructors
Books
Buy: Official Highway Code
Preparing for your theory test will help you to understand what your pupils will be going through as they prepare for their test. Think about how you find the process and what you find helpful so you can use this to support your pupils in the future.
Free test resources for multiple choice
Try: Free practise theory test
Tips for helping you learn
There are lots of tricks you can use to help you learn what you’ll need to know for your test. Here are a few ideas.
- Link what you’re learning to your own experiences: for example, think about where you’ve seen an example of a road sign and use this to help you remember what the sign means.
- Use mnemonics: these are sayings or stories that help you remember something – for example, ‘Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain’ reminds you of the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
- Practise the question formats: as well as knowing all the information, you’ll also need to know how the questions are asked in the test. Use the practice test and the self-assessment questions in the eLearning training.
- Plan your study: set yourself some timelines and targets. This will help you to see your progress and make sure you have not missed anything. Plan to do your studying somewhere you will not be disturbed and at a time when you’re fully awake.
- Get help: use friends, family, your instructor or your colleagues from work to ask questions and share driving experiences.
It might be a while since you did any studying so allow yourself plenty of time to find out what works best for you.
Hazard perception
About the test
- 14 clips (1 clip contains 2 developing hazards)
- 5 points (max) per developing hazard response
- 57 out of 75 to pass
This test measures your ability to spot developing hazards, something that might need you, as the driver, to take action.
For example: a car pulling in to the side of the road ahead of you is a developing hazard because you may need to slow down and manoeuvre around it or stop.
How to practise
This part of the test checks you can recognise and respond to hazards that could happen while you’re driving. Being out on the road with your instructor will help you prepare for this part.
eLearning subscription
Buy: Hazard Perception eLearning
Free test resources
