Theory and Hazard Perception Test

Part 1 – Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) theory test

The test for potential driving instructors requires a higher standard of knowledge than that expected of a learner driver. The test, which is conducted on a computer, is carried out in two parts; a multiple-choice section and a hazard perception part.  Both parts are taken at the same sitting.  The test is available in English and Welsh. Multiple-choice questions These questions test your knowledge of:

• the Highway Code
• the rules of the road
• your knowledge of instructional techniques

How to book

You can book your test online at Part 1 Test Booking. But please only book this once you have received the go-ahead from us.

You can work through a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual test. Staff at the test centre will be on hand to help with any difficulties in using the system.

The screens are easy to read. Only one question appears on the screen at a time, and it is possible to move backwards and forwards through the questions. You can also to go back to any questions that you want to look at again, and it is easy to change any answers. The system also alerts you to the fact that you have not completely answered a question.

You will have 90 minutes to answer 100 questions, which are split into four bands. The purpose of the banding is to ensure that candidates have a comprehensive knowledge spread across the whole of the syllabus. You answer the questions by touching the computer screen to select the answer from the selections shown.

The four bands are:

1. road procedure
2. traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
3. driving test, disabilities, law
4. publications, instructional techniques

Hazard Perception

After a break of up to three minutes, the hazard perception part will start.

This is designed to test your ability to identify hazards which arise while you are driving.

You will be shown a tutorial video first. This uses sample footage with a sound track (headphones supplied), which will explain how to complete this part of the test. You may repeat the tutorial once more if you wish.

The test itself consists of 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute. The clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.

The earlier the developing hazard is spotted, and a response made, the higher the score.

The test contains fifteen specific hazards that you must identify and candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard.

Pass Marks

You need to pass both parts of the theory test at the same sitting to obtain an overall pass result.

The overall pass mark for the multiple-choice part of the test is 85% (85 questions answered correctly). However, you must reach a minimum mark of 80% (20 correct questions) in each of the four bands given above. It is therefore possible for you to get an overall mark of 85% or higher but still fail the examination because you have not gained the minimum of 80% in any one or more of the four bands.

For the hazard perception test the pass mark is 57 out of a possible 75. The results of your theory test are usually given before you leave the test centre along with details about applying for the test of driving ability if you are successful. You will be advised of the bands in which any errors have been made. You will not, however, be given details of individual questions.

Number of Attempts

There are no restrictions on the number of attempts you may have at the theory test.