How to Book the ADI Theory Test (Part 1): Fees, Pass Marks & Prep (2026)

The ADI Part 1 test is the first of three qualifying tests on the road to becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI) — and it's a theory test, not a driving test. It's significantly harder than the learner theory test: 100 questions across four bands, a per-band minimum as well as an overall pass mark, and a tougher hazard perception threshold. This guide covers booking, the fee, the pass marks, the structure, and how to prepare properly.

Before you can book: the qualifying process You can't just book Part 1. First you must apply to the DVSA to start the ADI qualifying process and be accepted. To apply you must:

Be 21 or over Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years Pass a new DBS (criminal record) check Only once the DVSA accepts your application can you book the Part 1 test. There are over 160 theory test centres across the UK, and you book through GOV.UK.

Thinking about the career? Read how long it takes to become a driving instructor and our overview of driving instructor training — including costs — before you commit. And if you're already qualified or training elsewhere, we're always looking for instructors: see join as an instructor.

The fee: £81 per attempt The Part 1 test costs £81, paid when you book on GOV.UK — the same fee for every attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can take it, but each retake costs another £81 and you must wait at least 3 working days between attempts. Unlimited attempts sounds generous until you've paid for your third one — preparation is cheaper than retakes.

The structure: 100 questions in 4 bands The test takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and has two parts, both of which must be passed in the same sitting:

Part A: multiple choice (90 minutes) 100 questions, split into four bands of 25:

Road procedure Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge Driving test, disabilities, and the law Publications and instructional techniques Some questions need more than one answer. You can move between questions and flag ones to revisit.

Part B: hazard perception (around 20 minutes) 14 video clips, scored 5-down-to-1 per developing hazard, one clip containing two hazards — the same format as the learner test, but with a higher bar.

The pass marks (both must be hit together) Multiple choice: at least 85 out of 100 overall, AND at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four bands. The band minimum is what catches people — 95 overall with 19 in one band is still a fail. Hazard perception: at least 57 out of 75 (vs 44/75 for learners). Fail either part and you retake the whole test — there's no carrying a pass from one section to the other. You'll get a results letter showing which bands/sections you missed, which is genuinely useful for targeting your revision.

How to prepare (properly) This is not a test to wing. The candidates who struggle are usually experienced drivers who assume their driving knowledge carries them — then get blindsided by the publications-and-instructional-techniques band and the per-band minimums.

Study all four bands evenly. The 20-per-band floor means your weakest band decides your result. Most trainees under-study band 4 (publications and instructional techniques) — don't. Use ADI-specific practice material, not learner theory apps. The question style, depth and band structure are different. Our free learner theory practice (6,500+ questions) is a decent warm-up for road procedure and signs, but it doesn't cover the instructional bands. Practise hazard perception to the 57 standard. Clicking early and decisively on genuine developing hazards — the same technique as the learner test, but you need a higher hit rate. Our hazard perception practice plan explains the scoring mechanics. Sit full mocks under time pressure. 100 questions in 90 minutes is a different rhythm from 50 in 57. Practise flagging and returning, not agonising. Read the source publications. The DVSA's recommended reading (the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, Driving — the essential skills, the ADI-specific publications) is what the questions are drawn from. After Part 1: the clock starts Once you pass Part 1, you have two years to pass Parts 2 (driving ability) and 3 (instructional ability). Plan your training so the gap between Part 1 and Part 2 isn't wasted — many trainees book Part 1 preparation alongside the start of their practical instructor training. Our trainee licence guide explains how you can gain real teaching experience (and charge for it) while qualifying.

What to bring on the day (and what happens there) Bring both parts of your identity as the DVSA requires: your photocard driving licence, signed. If you hold an old-style paper licence, bring the paper licence and a valid passport — no other photo ID is accepted, and turning up without the right documents means the test doesn't go ahead and you pay again.

At the centre you'll go through standard theory-test security (ID check, belongings into a locker) and sit at a computer station. You'll get instructions and a chance to practise with sample questions before the real 90 minutes starts. The hazard perception follows after an optional short break. Results are given the same day at the centre, with the band-by-band breakdown sent as your results letter if you fail — treat that letter as your revision plan.

Retakes: using a fail properly Unlimited attempts with only 3 working days between them tempts people into a retake loop. Resist it. The productive pattern after a fail is:

Read the band scores. A 19 in one band with 88 overall means one focused week, not a general re-read. Rebuild the weak band from the source publications, then re-mock until you're clearing 20+/25 in it consistently. Rebook when your mocks say ready — usually 2–3 weeks, not 3 days. Each attempt is £81; two properly-prepared attempts beat five rushed ones on both cost and confidence. Frequently asked questions How much does the ADI Part 1 theory test cost? £81 per attempt, booked through GOV.UK. There's no limit on attempts, but you wait at least 3 working days between them.

What is the pass mark for ADI Part 1? 85/100 on the multiple choice with at least 20/25 in each of the four bands, plus 57/75 on hazard perception — all in the same sitting.

How many questions are on the ADI theory test? 100 multiple-choice questions (4 bands of 25) plus 14 hazard perception clips.

Can I book Part 1 before applying to the DVSA? No — the DVSA must accept your application to start the qualifying process first. You need to be 21+, have held a full licence for 3 years, and pass a DBS check.

How long is the ADI Part 1 test? Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours: up to 90 minutes for questions, an optional short break, then the hazard clips.

What happens after I pass Part 1? You have two years to pass Parts 2 and 3. See our guides to instructor training costs and the trainee instructor licence.