ADI Process

Legal Process

If you want to become an ADI, you will need to apply to the ADI Registrar (the Registrar) to start the qualifying tests via the ADI 3 form.Click here for your copy (opens in new tab).

Before you can complete this form however, you will need to have a Criminal Records Bureau check (otherwise known as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check),  before applying to start the qualifying process and obtain a ‘disclosure number’.

To do this you must call TMG, the government’s DBS agent, on the DBS Application form hotline – 0870 850 2455

(The way in which your application is processed may be affected if any of the following apply:

• you have endorsements – including disqualifications – or more than three fixed penalty points on your driving licence
• you are only allowed to drive vehicles with an automatic transmission due to a disability
• you have not held a full UK or European Union driving licence for four out of the last six years

If you fall within any of these categories, you should send full details – along with your application – to the DVSA. They will then tell you when you should obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service. At this point, you must complete the DVSA’s ADI 3 form (opens in new tab).)

Any questions call us on 0800 09 88 321 or get in touch.

You must pass all three parts of the examination in this order and must complete the whole examination within two years of passing the theory test (Part 1). This is to ensure that your training is structured and that the information gained from studying for the theory test is still relevant when you qualify.

There is no limit on the number of attempts you may have at the Part 1 of the ADI qualifying tests. You are only allowed three attempts at each of the two practical tests. If you do not pass either in the three attempts you must wait until the end of your two-year period before you can start again, beginning with Part 1.

The two-year period cannot be extended for any reason. If the Registrar has received a valid application for the Part 3 test from you before the two years expires, you can take the test after the expiry date. Once an appointment has been made, you will only be allowed to change the date in exceptional circumstances and you are only allowed to have one application lodged with the Registrar at any one time. If you pass that test you are deemed to have done so within the two years.

The qualifying examinations are very demanding and you are advised not to arrange a test for a date that falls before you will be thoroughly prepared. We (and the DVSA) recommend that you take a proper structured training course before you take each part of the qualifying examination.

Once you have passed the second part of the qualifying examination – the driving ability assessment, you can apply for a trainee licence to help you prepare for the third part – the test of instructional ability. This allows you to be legally paid for giving driving instruction, but you should not see it as an alternative to registering as an ADI.

Once qualified, you must also pass a ‘Standards Check’ at certain intervals in order to remain on the instructors register. These tests are to satisfy the Registrar that you still meet the DVSA’s standards for ability and fitness to give instruction. ADIs must also have further criminal record checks when they apply to renew their four-yearly registration or rejoin the ADI Register.