ADI Part 1 Test: Everything You Need to Know
9th September 2026
The ADI Part 1 test is the first of three tests you’ll need to pass on your journey towards becoming an Approved Driving Instructor.
It’s a theory test, but it’s more demanding than simply revisiting the theory test you took when learning to drive.
You’re preparing to become the person responsible for teaching other people how to drive safely, so you’ll need a strong understanding of road procedure, traffic signs, driving law, instructional techniques and hazard awareness.
ADI Part 1 consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and hazard perception. You’ll take both as one test and must pass both sections to pass Part 1.
This guide explains exactly what to expect, how the test is scored, how long it takes and how you can prepare.
What Is the ADI Part 1 Test?
ADI Part 1 is the theory stage of the Approved Driving Instructor qualification process.
It’s the first of three qualifying tests:
- ADI Part 1 – theory and hazard perception
- ADI Part 2 – driving ability
- ADI Part 3 – instructional ability
Part 1 itself has two sections:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Hazard perception
You take both sections as part of the same test and must pass both to pass ADI Part 1.
If you want to understand how Part 1 fits into the complete qualification journey, read our How to Become a Driving Instructor in the UK guide.
What Questions Are in the ADI Part 1 Test?
The multiple-choice section contains 100 questions.
They’re divided equally across four categories, with 25 questions in each.
1. Road Procedure
This covers your understanding of how drivers should behave and make decisions in different road situations.
2. Traffic Signs and Signals, Car Control, Pedestrians and Mechanical Knowledge
This category combines several areas you’ll need to understand as somebody preparing to teach other drivers.
3. Driving Test, Disabilities and the Law
You’ll need knowledge relating to the driving test, relevant legal responsibilities and how different circumstances can affect drivers and learners.
4. Publications and Instructional Techniques
This moves closer to the teaching side of becoming an instructor, including knowledge relevant to delivering effective driving instruction.
You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the 100 questions.
You can flag questions during the test and return to them before finishing the multiple-choice section.
What Is the ADI Part 1 Pass Mark?
The ADI Part 1 multiple-choice pass mark has two requirements.
You need:
- at least 85 out of 100 overall, and
- at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories.
That second requirement is particularly important.
For example, you could score 90 out of 100 overall but still fail if you scored fewer than 20 marks in one category.
This means your preparation needs to cover the whole syllabus rather than relying on particularly strong knowledge in one or two areas.
What Happens in the ADI Part 1 Hazard Perception Test?
After the multiple-choice section, you’ll move on to hazard perception.
You’ll watch 14 video clips showing everyday road scenes.
Each clip contains at least one developing hazard, while one of the clips contains two.
A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action as a driver, such as changing your speed or direction.
The earlier you correctly identify a developing hazard, the more points you can score.
You can score up to 5 points for each developing hazard.
The pass mark for the hazard perception section is 57 out of 75.
It’s important not to repeatedly click or use a pattern in an attempt to catch every hazard. If the system detects inappropriate clicking, you may score nothing for that clip.
How Long Does ADI Part 1 Take?
You have 90 minutes to answer the 100 multiple-choice questions.
You don’t have to use the entire 90 minutes. If you’ve answered everything and you’re satisfied with your responses, you can finish the section early.
Before hazard perception begins, you can take a break of up to three minutes.
The hazard perception section then follows as part of the same ADI Part 1 test.
If you’re asking how long the whole qualification takes rather than just Part 1, read our How Long Does It Take to Become a Driving Instructor? guide.
How Hard Is It to Pass ADI Part 1?
ADI Part 1 is designed to test somebody preparing for a professional teaching role, so it requires proper preparation.
One of the biggest challenges is the breadth of knowledge involved.
You aren’t simply trying to reach 85 correct answers. You also need to demonstrate a good level of knowledge across all four multiple-choice categories and achieve the required hazard perception score.
That means repeatedly practising only the areas you already feel confident in isn’t the best approach.
Use your practice results to identify weaker areas and spend additional revision time on those topics.
The goal isn’t just to memorise enough answers to pass a test. The knowledge you’re developing will support you later when you’re teaching learners.
How Should You Prepare for the ADI Part 1 Test?
A structured approach is much more useful than trying to cram everything shortly before your test.
Your preparation should include:
- studying each of the four multiple-choice categories
- keeping your knowledge of the Highway Code up to date
- practising ADI-level theory questions
- practising hazard perception
- reviewing topics where your practice scores are weaker
- getting used to answering questions within the available time
Practice tests can be useful, but don’t rely entirely on memorising questions and answers.
Understanding why an answer is correct will give you stronger knowledge to take into Parts 2 and 3 and eventually into your work with learners.
How Does Pass N Go Help You Prepare for ADI Part 1?
ADI Part 1 is more manageable when you have structure around your preparation.
The current Pass N Go Driving Instructor Training programme includes 10 hours of ADI Part 1 training.
You’ll also receive access to 50+ PECODO online lessons, alongside Part 1 learning sessions and ongoing support throughout your training journey.
Rather than treating Part 1 as an isolated theory exam, the aim is to start building the knowledge you’ll eventually use as a driving instructor.
You can see how Part 1 fits into the complete training programme in our Instructor Training Command Centre.
How Much Does the ADI Part 1 Test Cost?
The current DVSA fee for the ADI Part 1 test is £81.
If you don’t pass and need to take the test again, you’ll need to pay the full test fee again.
You can book Part 1 once your application to begin the ADI qualifying process has been accepted.
For a complete breakdown of training, test and registration costs, see our How Much Does It Cost to Become a Driving Instructor? guide.
How Many Times Can You Take ADI Part 1?
You have unlimited attempts at ADI Part 1.
This is different from ADI Parts 2 and 3, where the number of attempts is limited.
If you fail Part 1 and want to take it again, the DVSA says your new test date must be at least three working days after your previous attempt.
You’ll also have to pay the Part 1 test fee again.
Rather than immediately booking another attempt, it can be useful to review your result and identify where additional preparation would help.
What Happens If You Fail ADI Part 1?
If you don’t pass, you’ll receive your result at the test centre.
Failing Part 1 doesn’t mean the end of your instructor training journey.
Because Part 1 allows unlimited attempts, you can prepare again and rebook when you’re ready.
The important thing is understanding why you didn’t pass.
Was one multiple-choice category below the required 20 out of 25? Was your overall score below 85? Or was hazard perception the problem?
Knowing that gives you something specific to work on before your next attempt.
What Happens After You Pass ADI Part 1?
Passing Part 1 is a major milestone, but you’re not yet a qualified driving instructor.
Your next stage is ADI Part 2, which assesses your driving ability.
There’s also an important deadline to remember.
Your Part 1 pass certificate number lasts for two years. You need to complete the remaining qualification stages within that period or you’ll have to start the qualification process again.
Pass N Go’s training programme includes 10 hours of Part 2 training to help you prepare for the driving ability stage.
We’ll cover the Part 2 test in detail in our dedicated ADI Part 2 guide.
Is ADI Part 2 Harder Than Part 1?
Part 1 and Part 2 test different skills, so it’s difficult to describe one as universally harder than the other.
ADI Part 1 assesses your theoretical knowledge and hazard perception.
ADI Part 2 assesses your practical driving ability.
Some trainees may find theory easier and need more development with their driving. Others may feel confident behind the wheel but find the breadth of Part 1 knowledge more challenging.
The best approach is to treat each stage as a separate skill set that needs proper preparation.
Why Passing ADI Part 1 Starts an Important Two-Year Window
Once you’ve passed Part 1, the qualification timeline becomes particularly important.
You need to progress through Parts 2 and 3 and qualify within the required two-year period.
That doesn’t mean you should rush into tests before you’re ready.
It does mean it’s worth having a clear training plan so that long gaps between stages don’t put unnecessary pressure on your qualification timeline.
We’ve explained this in more detail in our driving instructor qualification timeline guide.
ADI Part 1 FAQs
How hard is it to pass ADI Part 1?
ADI Part 1 requires good preparation because you need to pass both the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections. For multiple choice, you need at least 85 out of 100 overall and at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories.
How long does ADI Part 1 take?
You have 90 minutes for the 100 multiple-choice questions. You can then take a break of up to three minutes before completing the hazard perception section.
How many questions are in ADI Part 1?
There are 100 multiple-choice questions divided into four categories, with 25 questions in each category.
What is the ADI Part 1 pass mark?
You need at least 85 out of 100 overall and at least 20 out of 25 in every multiple-choice category. You also need at least 57 out of 75 for hazard perception.
How many times can you do ADI Part 1?
You can take ADI Part 1 an unlimited number of times. If you fail, you’ll need to pay the test fee again and rebook your test.
Is ADI Part 2 harder than Part 1?
They’re different types of test. Part 1 assesses theory and hazard perception, while Part 2 assesses your practical driving ability. Which feels more difficult will depend on your individual strengths and preparation.
How much is the ADI Part 1 test?
The current DVSA fee for ADI Part 1 is £81. You’ll have to pay the full fee again if you need another attempt.
What happens after passing ADI Part 1?
You move on to ADI Part 2, the driving ability test. You also begin an important two-year qualification window in which you need to complete the remaining stages.
Continue Your Driving Instructor Research
Ready to Start Preparing for ADI Part 1?
Part 1 is your first major step towards becoming an Approved Driving Instructor.
With Pass N Go, you’ll have structured Part 1 training, online learning resources and support as you begin working through the ADI qualification.
Explore the full Instructor Training programme to see what’s included and how we can support you through Parts 1, 2 and 3.