ADI - PDI training aids + Help with Part 1 2 & 3

ADI PDI Instructors | LESSON PLANNER | ADI Parts 1 2 & 3 | Useful stuff | PSTs download page

This website is intended to help PDIs giving advice and help on how to become a driving instructor.
Think long and hard before you make the step as contrary to what anyone in the media say to earn 30k is almost impossible. 
However you can make a respectable wage.
But this job is not just about the money.
You really do need to have a passion for it.

Pupils will drive you crazy. No matter how you explain what to do they will get it wrong time after time unlike the examiner on your part 3 who after your clear instruction got it right.
The law say we cant hit them !
We cant shout at them !
We have to be nice to them.
So if you have a short fuse forget it now as you will not enjoy this work.
Dont come into this industry if you are on a crussade to make all learners drive like you will on your part 2 it just wont happen.

So we have now decided to become a driving instructor, what next.

The very first thing you need to do is
You will need to apply to the Registrar to register as a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) and start the qualifying process. You can do this online at
direct.gov.uk or download the application form (ADI 3) from businesslink.gov.uk

Criminal records

You will usually need to obtain a criminal record disclosure before you apply to register as a PDI. You should apply for your criminal record check by ringing our contractor on 0870 850 2455.

Part 1


Part 1 Theory & hazard perception.

This is the start to becoming a fully qualified driving instructor.
CRB check done. next step part 1.

You don't need to pay any training body to pass this part of the 3 part test.
Do it yourself. heres how buy the DVD see here apx £6

Practice & book your own test Cost £90
So for less that £100 you have passed Part 1

Training companies charge upto £1000 just for part 1. (Do it yourself)


What you will need.

1. Highway code.

2. Theory & hazard perception DVD.

The best DVD we have found. (Click here)

3. Lesson plans training aids For part 3 Buy here


There are many discs on the market to help with part 1, the one we found to be the best is
"The driving test" by focus.
I say this one as you get 1 disc with everything you need on it from instructors to learner pupils,
without the need to change discs which can be a real pain.

You can see the one to buy in useful stuff . (click here)
Most supermarkets sell these much cheaper than on line.


Now you have the disc practice makes perfect.
Learn and understand all the questions,
this will stand you in good stead for your part 2&3 exams and also when you become a
fully qualified ADI.


Once you feel you are ready, book your theory test.
 Tip once your passing the test at home every time book the test. You will still have a few more weeks before your test to keep practicing.

Our advice would be, only book it through the DSA as 3rd party companys charge more for the same thing.
 The link in usefull stuff is driect to the DSAs website.

You can take this test as many times as you need until you pass.

Every test costs money (£90) so aim for 1st time success.

From passing part 1 you now have 2 years to pass part 2 & 3.

Part 2

Great we have now passed "part 1" on we go to part 2 your driving ability.

This part is all about your own driving, remember you are training to become a driving instructor so your driving has to be to a very high standard.

If since passing your driving test you have not taken extra training we advise you do so.

A good place to start would be by going in for the advanced driver test with the institute of advance motorist. The cost is around £140 with all training books & the final test. Most towns and citys have a local group. It is spread over 11 weeks usually sunday morning.

There is no reason why you can't start this course whilst practicing your theory. This will save time in the long run. We would also advise taking tuition from a local (ADI) his/her advise will be invaluable. I would advise training on part 2 as you can only take this test 3 times, then you have to wait for 2 years from when you passed part 1, resit part 1 then resit part 2. So it makes sence to get training on part 2 as this will become the foundations of part 3.


How the part 2 test is conducted & what to expect.

Show me Tell me questions. 
Click here or see shop & Links

The examiner will ask you several questions some "SHOW" some "TELL"
on maintainance the condition and safety of the vehicle

Show = demonstrate an actual check
Tell = describe how to check.

The questions will be chosen at random from the list below:

tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators, audible & light warning devices and the liquids used in the braking system, steering system, engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a coolant, lubricant, cleaner or otherwise.

The show me Tell me questions can be downloaded from the DSAs website or free to download from here they are the same for learner pupils as well as PDIs.

Next is the test of driving ability.

The test of driving ability is an advanced driving test
and a very high standard of competence is required.
You must show that you have a thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving
and road safety and that you can apply them. 

6 minor faults is a pass (just) 7 is a fail.
Learner pupils on test 15 is a pass (just) 16 is a fail.
1 serious or dangerous is a fail for everyone.
Serious ie; 4/5 same faults.
Dangerous ie; Pulling away into the path of others.

YOU MUST satisfy the examiner on all or any of the following subjects:

• Expert handling of the controls.

• Use of correct road procedure.

• Correct and well timed observations.

• Anticipation of the actions of other road users and the taking of appropriate action.

• Sound judgement of distance, speed and timing.

• Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users.

The routes used for the test will include roads which may carry heavy and/or fast moving traffic;
they will also cover a range of road and traffic conditions, including urban and rural roads.


What else must I be able to do in order to pass?

You must show the ability to perform any or all of the following manoeuvres
including all three of the reversing exercises:

• Move away straight ahead or at an angle.

• Overtake, meet or cross the path of other vehicles and take an appropriate course without undue hesitancy.

• Turn left-hand and right-hand corners correctly without undue hesitancy.

• Stop the vehicle in an emergency.

• Drive the vehicle in reverse gear and whilst doing so enter limited openings to the right or left, taking effective all round observation.

• Turn the vehicle to face in the opposite direction by the use of forward and reverse gears taking effective all-round observation.

• Reverse park the vehicle into the space behind a parked car, within the space of about two car lengths and close to and parallel with the kerb, taking effective all round observation.

• Reverse park into a parking bay, with due regard for other vehicles or pedestrians, while taking effective all-round observation.

In a nut shell
You will carry out all the manoeuvres a learner pupil will need to know.
If you cant do them how do you expect to teach them.

Likewise if you cant drive to a high standard how will you teach your pupils whilst watching them, the road ahead and all your mirrors to make sure you and your pupils are safe.

Trust me, men can multitask (with practice) Women are just born with the gift.
Moving on to part 3 (click here) or on the navigation bar

ADI Part 3 - Test Of Teaching Ability...

The object of this test is to assess the quality of your instruction and ability to pass your knowledge on to pupils. You will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and ability by giving practical driving instruction to the examiner. Candidates are only allowed 3 attempts at this test, then its a 2 year wait from your 1st attempt, by which time your part 1 will have expired and you will have to start the whole process again.

This is the part where good lesson plans and briefs are crucial. Every ADI plans the next lesson you need to know and have a good understanding of your lesson plans.

The test is in two phases, each of which lasts about half an hour. You must pass both parts on the same test. As with most tests there is a time restraint so dont worry if the examiner stops your lesson. They will ask you to finish your lesson and bullit point areas not covered.

Phase 1 Preset tests 1 - 10

The examiner will take on the role of:
  • A pupil who is a beginner

  • A learner driver with limited driving knowledge

Phase 2 Preset tests 1 - 10

The examiner will take on the role of:
  • A pupil who is near test standard

  • A full licence holder who requires driver improvement training

The examiner will explain everything to you at the time. If you don't understand ASK.

The exercises

For each of the two roles the examiner will choose one of the exercises given below as the basis for your instruction: 
  • Safety precautions on entering the car and explanation of the controls

  • Moving off and making normal stops

  • Reversing and reversing into limited openings to the right or left

  • Turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite direction, using forward and reverse gears

  • Parking close to the kerb, using forward and reverse gears

  • How to make an emergency stop and practical instruction in the use of mirrors

  • Approaching and turning corners

  • Judgement of speed, making progress and general road positioning

  • Dealing with road junctions

  • Dealing with crossroads

  • Dealing with pedestrian crossings and giving correct signals in a clear and unmistakable manner

  • Overtaking, meeting and crossing the path of other road users, allowing adequate clearance

The instruction you give should be tailored to the time available and to the standard of the "pupil" being role-played by the examiner.

You will find it helpful to establish the depth of the pupil's knowledge in each phase, by asking questions and observing the pupil's performance just as you would with a real pupil you had not taught before.

How will I be assessed?

In assessing your performance, the examiner will take into account:
  • The method, clarity, adequacy and correctness of instruction given

  • The observation, analysis and correction of faults committed by the pupil

  • Your general manner

You will be expected to maintain control of the lesson. You should be patient, tactful and give encouragement to the pupil at all times. What is assessed is the relevance of your instruction for the ability of the pupil to the road conditions on the day of the test.

The best advice we can give is...

You MUST be prepared for this test!

It's very important when picking a company for your ADI training that you find out how many hours of training they provide if paying upfront, and will all your tuition dates be booked in advance, remember once they have your money you are tied to them. Some don't charge upfront you pay as you go for the hours you need. If the trainer fails your needs they loose you so the insentive to give good tuition is always there. The part 3 training is where you will need most help from your trainer.

Time for a plug! Our lesson plans for part 3 are easy to use and also come with the brief you will deliver at the start of you exam. Like the picture part you can also edit these to put them in your own words. But keep it brief. They also come with the what why when where questions to ask during the lesson.and these really do come into their own. 

Please take a look at our sample training and teaching aids.
Teaching Aid  Guide to Phase 2 & ADI Part 3

Ok - plug over! You will also need to ensure that training is given in a structured manner. Most training establishments will offer in-car training on a two trainees to one trainer ratio. Some offer a 1 - 1 this can be more expensive but remember your getting 100% of the lesson. Once you become more confident then 2-1 can be adopted. Observational training is very helpful, but you must ensure that you work out how much training you will receive.

If you have any questions regarding the lesson planner feel free to email us via the contact me page.

Finally, we wish you good luck during your training and on all of the tests.

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - One

The Part 3 Test is what all your studying has been for...

You passed the theory and hazard perception test. You passed the test of driving ability to get to where you are now. You need to draw on all of that knowledge to help pass the part 3 test. Any questions the pupil might ask about road signs or laws will come from your Part 1 test. You will spot any mistakes your pupil makes while driving by comparing it to your Part 2 drive.

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Two

On your Part 3 Test, to teach complex subjects, ask the pupil to pull over ...

That way you're demonstrating control of the lesson and will have the pupil's complete attention. Also, you will be able to show visuals to help clarify what you are teaching.

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Three

Get your teaching aids ready before the test...

Don't leave your preparation until the last minute. Anything you need to use for teaching should be at hand and well organised. Not being able to find what you want during the part 3 test can lead to panic and will also look unprofessional.

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Four

Don't book any lessons on the day of your ADI Part 3 Test...

You should be concentrating on your Part 3 Test 100%. You don't want to arrive at the test centre in a rush. Also, if the worst happens and you fail, you won't feel like teaching anyone after the test.

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Five

The week before your ADI Part 3 Test - go to the test centre...

Getting to know the roads near the test centre is very helpful. PDI's have failed their part 3 test on the road outside the test centre because they didn't Q&A any potential situations that may arise e.g. there might be cars parked along the road outside the test centre!

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Six

When assessing the SE, use your Part 2 drive as a comparison...

If you wouldn't have done it on your Part 2 Test, then don't let the pupil do it on your Part 3!

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Seven

On your Part 3 Test the SE may try to put you off the lesson subject...

You must remember that you are in control! If you think the SE ('pupil') is asking questions that aren't relevant - tell them! "We'll talk about those questions later - let's concentrate on this junction for the moment"

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Eight

Excellent Q&A is vital for the ADI Part 3 Test...

If you ask the right questions, potentially, you can discover some of the mistakes the SE will make before you even move off!

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Nine

When the SE gives you the Part 3 Test word picture...

It's always good practice to jot down the main points. When under pressure, it's easy to forget what has been said or simply hear 'blah, blah, blah'!

ADI Part 3 Test Tips - Ten

At the start of the Part 3 Test the examiner goes into role...

After the word picture. You must ignore the fact that this was the supervising examiner who was just talking to you. Treat them as a pupil - after all, this is what the supervising examiner has been trained for!

The clear, easy to understand, full colour, A4 visuals have been designed for ease of use from PDIs & ADIs alike.

Outside of the ADI Part 3 test there are subjects that you will need to teach real pupils. These visuals are also included in the package also designed to make these subjects easier for pupils to visualise.

Studies show that the retention rate of a verbal presentation is 10% where as the retention rate of verbal and visual presentations is 50% meaning that teachers achieve a 400% increase in efficiency through the use of visual aids.

Many trainees use these visual aids and keep using them once qualified they adapt edit add remove items to suit their own style. Adding a comprehensive teaching aid designed to get your pupils from complete beginner to test standard.