Guidance

Take the DVSA special tests for instructors

Take the voluntary Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) special test if you’re an approved driving instructor or a fully qualified motorcycle instructor.

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
11 July 2012

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

You can take the voluntary DVSA special test if you’re an approved driving instructor (ADI) or a fully qualified motorcycle instructor.

The DVSA special test will test your skills to the highest standard.

Taking the DVSA special test shows your commitment to continuing professional development.

DVSA has temporarily suspended special tests. You cannot currently apply to take a special test.

Who can take the test

You can take the test if you’re one of the following types of fully qualified instructor:

  • an ADI
  • a DVSA-assessed compulsory basic training (CBT) instructor
  • a direct access scheme (DAS) trainer
  • a DVSA enhanced rider scheme trainer

You cannot take the DVSA special test if you’re a down-trained CBT instructor.

Where you can take the test

You can take your test at DVSA sites in:

  • Aberdeen
  • Avonmouth
  • Bishop Briggs
  • Chadderton
  • Garretts Green
  • Gosforth
  • Gillingham
  • Llantrisant
  • Norwich
  • Portsmouth
  • Slough

After you’ve applied, DVSA will email you to arrange the location you want to take your test.

Book the test

DVSA has temporarily suspended special tests. You cannot currently apply to take a special test. Sign up for email alerts to be told when you can apply again.

When you can apply it costs:

  • £144 for the ADI test
  • £163 for the motorcycle instructor test

What to bring to your test

You should bring your:

  • driving licence
  • ADI certificate or original motorcycle instructor certificate

You must also bring either:

  • a manual or automatic car - you can use an adapted car if you have a disability
  • a motorcycle with manual transmission and a power output of at least 35 kilowatts

What happens when you take the test

The test lasts up to 1 hour 30 minutes. It includes:

  • an eyesight check
  • general driving or riding
  • manoeuvres

Your test result

You’ll get a grade from A to D for each skill you’re tested on. You’ll also get one of the following as an overall grade:

  • gold
  • silver
  • bronze
  • fail

You’ll be given feedback on any faults you’ve made.

Updates to this page

Published 11 July 2012

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