ADI Part 3 Test: Everything You Need to Know
9th September 2026
During the ADI Part 3 test, a DVSA examiner observes you delivering a real client-centred driving lesson to one of your pupils.
The lesson lasts around 45 minutes, with your pupil driving for about 40 minutes. You’ll be assessed across 17 competencies covering lesson planning, risk management and teaching and learning strategies.
In this guide, we’ll explain how ADI Part 3 works, what the examiner is looking for, how the scoring system works, the pass mark, how to prepare and what happens when you pass.
What Is the ADI Part 3 Test?
The ADI Part 3 test is the instructional ability test and the final stage of the ADI qualification process.
The three qualifying tests are:
- ADI Part 1 – theory and hazard perception
- ADI Part 2 – driving ability
- ADI Part 3 – instructional ability
Unlike Part 2, you’re no longer the person being assessed primarily on your own driving.
Instead, the examiner wants to see how effectively you plan and deliver a lesson, manage risk and help your pupil learn.
You can book Part 3 once you’ve passed ADI Part 2.
If you’re still working through the earlier stages, read our ADI Part 1 guide and ADI Part 2 guide.
What Happens During the ADI Part 3 Test?
A DVSA examiner will sit in the car and observe you giving a client-centred driving lesson to one of your pupils.
The lesson lasts around 45 minutes.
At the beginning, you’ll discuss the goals of the lesson and risk management with your pupil. This should take no more than around three minutes.
Your pupil should then spend around 40 minutes driving.
At the end, you’ll give your pupil an opportunity to reflect on their performance.
The examiner isn’t looking for a rehearsed performance. They want to see whether you can respond appropriately to the pupil in front of you and deliver a lesson that helps them develop.
What Are the 17 ADI Part 3 Competencies?
The examiner assesses you across 17 areas of competence.
These are grouped into three main categories:
1. Lesson Planning
This looks at how well the lesson is structured around the pupil.
The examiner considers whether you:
- identify the pupil’s goals and needs
- agree an appropriate lesson structure
- choose suitable practice areas
- adapt the lesson when necessary
2. Risk Management
Teaching somebody to drive means managing risk while still allowing them enough independence to learn.
The examiner will look at areas including:
- whether responsibility for risk is understood
- whether instructions and directions are clear and given at the right time
- whether you’re aware of your surroundings and the pupil’s actions
- whether you intervene appropriately when necessary
- whether potential safety-critical incidents are properly addressed
3. Teaching and Learning Strategies
This is the largest part of the assessment and looks at how effectively you help the pupil learn.
That includes areas such as:
- adapting your teaching style to the pupil
- encouraging the pupil to analyse problems
- giving accurate and appropriate information
- using questions effectively
- giving useful feedback
- creating opportunities for the pupil to take responsibility
- responding to the pupil’s needs
- encouraging reflection on their progress
Part 3 therefore isn’t just about how much driving knowledge you have. It’s about whether you can communicate that knowledge in a way that helps another person develop.
How Does the ADI Part 3 Test Sheet Work?
Each of the 17 competencies is given a score from 0 to 3.
- 0 – no evidence
- 1 – a few elements demonstrated
- 2 – most elements demonstrated
- 3 – all elements demonstrated
Those scores are added together to produce your overall result.
The maximum possible score is 51 points.
Understanding the marking sheet before your test is useful because it changes how you think about preparation. Rather than simply asking, “Was that a good lesson?”, you can look at the individual behaviours the examiner is assessing.
What’s the Pass Mark for ADI Part 3?
Your total score determines your Part 3 grade.
- 0 to 30 points – Fail
- 31 to 42 points – Grade B Pass
- 43 to 51 points – Grade A Pass
So you’ll normally need at least 31 out of 51 to pass.
However, your total score isn’t the only thing that matters.
Risk management is particularly important.
You will fail if you score 7 points or fewer in the risk management category.
You can also fail if the examiner has to stop the lesson because you’ve put yourself or somebody else in danger.
This means it’s possible for your overall score to appear high enough for a pass but still fail because of how risk was managed during the lesson.
Is ADI Part 3 Difficult?
Part 3 can be challenging because there’s no single script that guarantees a pass.
You’re teaching a real person, and real pupils don’t always behave exactly as expected.
Your pupil might make an unexpected mistake, struggle with something they normally do well or progress more quickly than you anticipated.
The skill is being able to recognise what’s happening and adapt.
That’s why simply memorising questions or rehearsing a lesson isn’t enough. You need to demonstrate that you can listen, observe, make decisions and change your approach when the pupil needs something different.
The more experience you gain delivering real lessons and reflecting on them, the more natural these decisions can become.
How Do You Pass ADI Part 3?
There isn’t a magic lesson topic or set of phrases that guarantees a pass.
A strong Part 3 performance comes from demonstrating the competencies consistently while keeping the lesson focused on the pupil.
Some of the most important areas to work on are:
- understanding what your pupil wants to achieve
- agreeing clear and realistic lesson goals
- choosing roads and situations appropriate to their ability
- asking useful questions rather than doing all the talking
- allowing the pupil to solve problems where it’s safe to do so
- giving clear instructions at the right time
- recognising developing risks early
- intervening when necessary
- giving meaningful feedback
- adapting when the lesson isn’t progressing as expected
- helping the pupil reflect on what they’ve learned
One of the biggest things to remember is that the test is about the pupil’s learning, not about demonstrating how much you know.
What Can Go Wrong on an ADI Part 3 Test?
Because every lesson and pupil is different, there isn’t one definitive list of ‘Part 3 fails’.
However, your preparation should focus closely on the competencies the examiner actually scores.
Potential weaknesses can include:
- choosing a lesson that doesn’t match the pupil’s needs
- spending too much time talking instead of allowing the pupil to practise
- asking questions without using the pupil’s answers to shape the lesson
- giving instructions too late
- missing developing risks
- intervening too early and preventing the pupil from learning
- intervening too late when safety is becoming an issue
- failing to explore why a mistake happened
- continuing with the original plan when the pupil needs something different
- giving feedback without involving the pupil in reflection
The goal isn’t to perform a flawless, scripted lesson.
It’s to demonstrate that you can recognise what your pupil needs and make appropriate instructional decisions throughout the session.
Who Should You Take to Your ADI Part 3 Test?
You need to bring a pupil with you for your Part 3 test.
Your pupil can be:
- a partly trained learner
- a fully trained learner
- a full driving licence holder
If you’re taking a partly trained learner, they should be capable of driving for around 40 minutes without needing frequent stops.
Your pupil cannot be an Approved Driving Instructor or somebody who is preparing to take their own ADI Part 3 test.
Choosing your pupil carefully is important.
You want somebody whose ability and learning needs you understand, rather than choosing somebody purely because you think they’ll make the lesson look easy.
A genuine development need gives you opportunities to demonstrate planning, coaching, risk management, feedback and adaptation.
What Should You Teach on Your ADI Part 3 Test?
The lesson should be based around your pupil’s genuine needs.
That could involve developing skills around areas such as:
- junctions
- roundabouts
- meeting traffic
- speed and planning
- rural roads
- dual carriageways
- independent driving
- another appropriate area of development
You cannot spend the entire Part 3 lesson teaching a manoeuvre, although a short recap of a manoeuvre previously taught can form part of the lesson.
Don’t choose a topic simply because you think it will impress the examiner.
The best lesson is one that makes sense for the pupil sitting next to you.
Why Is Risk Management So Important in ADI Part 3?
Risk management is central to being a driving instructor.
You need to create enough space for your pupil to make decisions and learn independently without allowing a situation to become unsafe.
That means constantly balancing learning and safety.
Sometimes the right decision will be to ask a question and let the pupil work something out.
At other times, you’ll need to give a clear instruction or intervene directly.
The examiner wants to see that you’re aware of what’s happening, understand the level of risk and respond appropriately.
This is why risk management has additional importance in the scoring system.
What Does Client-Centred Learning Mean in ADI Part 3?
Client-centred learning means involving the pupil in their own development rather than treating every learner exactly the same.
You should be finding out what they already understand, what they’re struggling with and what they want to improve.
That can influence:
- the lesson goal
- how much support you provide
- the questions you ask
- the level of responsibility you give them
- how you explain information
- when you change the lesson plan
A pupil who already understands a subject may benefit from being encouraged to analyse their own decisions.
Someone encountering a situation for the first time may need more explanation and support.
Good instruction means recognising that difference.
How Should You Prepare for ADI Part 3?
Part 3 preparation should give you plenty of opportunity to practise teaching rather than simply talking about teaching.
That means developing experience with different pupils, lesson topics and situations.
After a lesson, it can help to reflect against the same three areas used by the examiner:
- How effective was my lesson planning?
- How well did I manage risk?
- How effective were my teaching and learning strategies?
Instead of only asking whether the lesson felt good or bad, this gives you a clearer way to identify what actually needs improving.
How Does Pass N Go Help You Prepare for ADI Part 3?
Part 3 is a major part of the Pass N Go Driving Instructor Training programme.
Our programme includes 40 hours of ADI Part 3 training, giving you time to develop the instructional skills needed for the final qualifying test.
Support also includes Part 3 workshops and Part 3 Rescue Training, alongside the wider support available throughout your instructor training journey.
The aim isn’t simply to help you memorise what an examiner wants to hear.
It’s to help you develop the skills you’ll actually use when teaching pupils after qualification.
You can explore the complete training journey through our Instructor Training Command Centre.
How Much Does ADI Part 3 Cost?
The current DVSA fee for the ADI Part 3 test is £111.
If you don’t pass and need another attempt, you’ll need to pay the full test fee again.
The test fee is separate from the cost of instructor training.
We’ve broken down the wider costs involved in our How Much Does It Cost to Become a Driving Instructor? guide.
How Many Attempts Do You Get at ADI Part 3?
You have a maximum of three attempts at ADI Part 3 during the qualification process.
If you use all three attempts without passing, you’ll have to restart the ADI qualification process.
You cannot simply go straight back to Part 1.
You have to wait until two years have passed from the date you originally passed ADI Part 1 before you can start the process again.
That makes it important to use your training time carefully and avoid treating Part 3 attempts as practice runs.
What Car Do You Need for ADI Part 3?
The vehicle you bring must meet the DVSA’s requirements for an ADI Part 3 test.
Among other requirements, it must be roadworthy, appropriately taxed and insured for the Part 3 test and have a valid MOT where required.
It also needs an additional interior rear-view mirror for the examiner, along with a suitable passenger seatbelt and head restraint.
If the vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements, your test can be cancelled and you may have to pay again.
Because vehicle requirements can change, check the latest GOV.UK guidance before your test rather than relying on an old checklist.
What Happens After You Pass ADI Part 3?
Passing Part 3 means you’ve successfully completed all three ADI qualifying tests.
The next step is applying to join the Approved Driving Instructor register.
You must register within 12 months of passing Part 3.
Once you’re registered and have your ADI certificate, you can start working as a fully qualified driving instructor.
You could operate independently or work with a driving school.
If you’re interested in the support of an established driving school while running your own instructor business, explore the Pass N Go Instructor Franchise.
How Do You Book the ADI Part 3 Test?
You can book ADI Part 3 after you’ve passed your Part 2 driving ability test.
Booking and managing the test is handled through GOV.UK.
Because test availability, cancellations and booking arrangements can change, it’s best to use the official service for current information rather than relying on third-party information about waiting times.
ADI Part 3 FAQs
Is ADI Part 3 difficult?
Part 3 can be challenging because you’re being assessed on your ability to plan and adapt a real lesson, manage risk and help a pupil learn. Good preparation should therefore focus on developing genuine teaching skills rather than rehearsing a fixed lesson.
What’s the pass mark for ADI Part 3?
You normally need at least 31 out of 51 to pass. A score of 31 to 42 gives you a Grade B pass, while 43 to 51 gives you a Grade A pass. However, you can still fail if you score 7 or fewer points for risk management or the examiner has to stop the lesson because of danger.
How do you pass Part 3 of the ADI test?
Focus on delivering a lesson that meets your pupil’s needs. You’ll need to demonstrate effective lesson planning, risk management and teaching and learning strategies rather than simply delivering a rehearsed script.
How much does ADI Part 3 cost?
The current DVSA ADI Part 3 test fee is £111. If you need to retake the test, you’ll have to pay the full fee again.
How long is the ADI Part 3 test?
The observed lesson lasts around 45 minutes, with your pupil expected to spend about 40 minutes driving.
How many competencies are there in ADI Part 3?
There are 17 competencies, grouped into lesson planning, risk management and teaching and learning strategies.
How many times can you take ADI Part 3?
You have up to three attempts. If you use all three without passing, you’ll need to restart the qualification process once you’re eligible to do so.
Who can I take as my pupil for ADI Part 3?
You can take a partly trained learner, fully trained learner or full licence holder. You cannot take an ADI or somebody who is preparing to take their own Part 3 test.
Continue Your Driving Instructor Research
- How to Become a Driving Instructor in the UK
- ADI Part 1 Test: Everything You Need to Know
- ADI Part 2 Test: Everything You Need to Know
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Driving Instructor?
- How Much Does It Cost to Become a Driving Instructor?
- How Much Do Driving Instructors Earn in the UK?
- Is Becoming a Driving Instructor Worth It?
- Instructor Training Command Centre
Ready to Prepare for ADI Part 3?
ADI Part 3 is the final qualifying test, but it’s also where the skills you’ll use throughout your career really start coming together.
With Pass N Go, you’ll receive structured Part 3 training designed to help you develop your lesson planning, risk management and teaching skills as you work towards qualification.
Explore our Driving Instructor Training programme and see how we can support you through the complete ADI journey.