Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 3 test

Skip contents

Rules for the car you use

When you take your test, your car must:

  • have no warning lights showing, for example, the airbag warning light
  • have no tyre damage and meet the legal tread depth on each tyre - you must not have a space-saver spare tyre
  • be roadworthy
  • be fitted with an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner
  • be fitted with a passenger seatbelt and a passenger head restraint for the examiner (slip-on types are not allowed)
  • be able to reach at least 62mph and have an mph speedometer
  • have 4 wheels and meet the maximum authorised mass (MAM) limit

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your car does not meet the rules.

Tax and insurance

Your car must:

  • be taxed

  • have a current MOT (if it’s over 3 years old)

  • be insured for an ADI part 3 test (check with your insurance company)

Cleaning your car

You should tidy your car before your test. This includes removing any rubbish or unnecessary items from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats.

Your car must be smoke-free - this means you cannot smoke in it just before or during the test.

Dashcams and other cameras

You can use a camera fitted for insurance purposes, as long as it:

  • faces outside of the car and does not film the inside
  • does not record audio from inside the car

Vehicle features

You can use a car with:

  • an electronic parking brake
  • hill-start assist

Hire cars

You can take your test in a hire car if it’s fitted with dual controls and meets all the other rules.

Manual and automatic cars

If you have a manual licence, you can take the test in either a manual or automatic car. You’ll be able to train people in both types of car when you’ve qualified.

If you have an automatic licence, you must take the test in an automatic car. You’ll only be able to train people in an automatic car when you’ve qualified.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Become a car driving instructor: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if you can become an instructor

    1. Check if the role is right for you on the Safe Driving for Life website
    2. Check you're eligible to become a driving instructor
    3. Find out about the skills and knowledge you need

  2. Step 2 Apply to become a driving instructor

    You must get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

    1. Get a DBS check £8.22

    You need to agree to the responsibilities set out in the 'ADI register guide' before you apply.

    1. Read about driving instructor responsibilities
    1. Start your application

  3. Step 3 Get a trainer

    Get a registered trainer to help you prepare for the 3 qualifying tests.

    1. Find driving instructor training courses

  4. Step 4 Take the theory test (ADI part 1)

    1. Revise and practise for your test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a theory test centre
    4. Book your test £81

    Once you've passed the theory test, you must pass the other parts of the test within 2 years or you'll have to start the whole process again.

  5. Step 5 Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)

    1. What happens during the test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a driving test centre
    4. Book your test £111

  6. Step 6 Get practice teaching

    If you’ve passed ADI part 2 you have the option to apply for a 6 month trainee licence to get experience teaching students.

    1. Find out about trainee instructor licences
    2. Apply for a trainee instructor licence £140

  7. Step 7 Take the instructional ability test (ADI part 3)

    1. What happens during the test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a driving test centre
    4. Book your test £111

  8. Step 8 Register and start working as an instructor

    Once you've passed the tests you must register within 12 months.

    1. Register for your first ADI certificate £300

    When you have your certificate you can start charging for lessons. You can either:

    You'll have at least one standards check every 4 years. You also need to renew your registration and get a new DBS check every 4 years.

    1. Find out about ADI standards checks
    2. Renew your registration £300
    3. Improve your skills as an instructor