Approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check

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What to take to your standards check

You must take:

  • your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration certificate
  • a pupil
  • a car that meets the requirements

Your pupil

Your pupil can be a:

  • partly trained learner
  • fully trained learner
  • full licence holder

If you bring a partly trained learner, they should be able to drive for 40 minutes without frequently stopping.

Your pupil cannot be an ADI or someone who is preparing to take the ADI part 3 test.

Car requirements

The car you use for your standards check must:

  • be roadworthy, safe and reliable - this means it’s less than 3 years old or has a valid MOT certificate
  • have working rear seat belts
  • be fitted with L plates (or D plates in Wales) if your pupil is a learner

You cannot use:

  • a soft-top convertible
  • a car with a 2+2 seating arrangement rather than full-size rear seats

Your standards check will be cancelled if your car does not meet the requirements. Another appointment will be booked for you.

You can be removed from the ADI register if you keep bringing a car that does not meet the requirements.

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.

Bad weather

You should call the standards check bookings team as soon as you can on the day of your standards check if there’s bad weather. Ask to speak to the ADI examiner.

If nobody answers the phone, and the conditions in your area are not looking too bad, it’s likely that the examiners are:

  • checking the local roads to see if driving tests can go ahead
  • taking driving tests because the conditions are suitable

However, this is not a guarantee that your standards check will go ahead.

You should tell the standards check bookings team if your check is cancelled - they’ll make a new appointment.

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