Approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check

Skip contents

Book your ADI standards check

You’ll get a letter from DVSA when you need to book your approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check.

You can book a standards check online. It does not cost anything.

You’ll need your:

  • driving licence number
  • ADI personal reference number

After you’ve booked, you can find training courses to prepare for an ADI standards check.

Start now

Get help to book

Contact DVSA if you need help booking your standards check.

DVSA
customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

What happens next

A DVSA examiner will call to ask if you want to schedule a 30-minute phone call before your standards check.

During the 30-minute call, the examiner will talk to you about:

  • how your pupils perform when they take driving tests
  • where you can get support or find more information
  • what will happen when you take your standards check

Change your test time or check the details

Contact DVSA if you cannot go to your standards check.

You can also ask DVSA to confirm any test details.

ADI standards check booking team
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges

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