ADI part 2, structure and criteria

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Eyesight test

If you normally wear glasses or contacts, you must wear these at all times during the test. In good daylight, you’ll be expected to read a number plate from a distance of:

• 26.5 metres a new-style number plate (beginning with two letters followed by two numbers)

• 27.5 metres for an old-style number plate

Not being able to read a registration plate from the required distance is an instant fail, and the test will be discontinued.

 

'Show me, tell me'

After the eyesight test, there will be a ‘show me, tell me’ test regarding safety checks. The examiner will ask you to explain how to carry out checks on the safety and condition of three different vehicle components.

After you start driving, you’ll be asked to demonstrate how to carry out a further two checks.

You can read the full list of ADI part 2 ‘show me, tell me’ questions here.

 

ADI part 2 test of driving ability

During the test of driving ability, you’ll be expected to demonstrate a very high standard of driving skill and knowledge. You’ll be taken out on roads with a possible range of conditions. These are likely to include dual carriageways or motorways, and you may encounter heavy and fast-moving traffic. You’ll need to prove to the examiner that you’re a highly competent driver, whatever situations come your way.

The examiner will test you on any or all of the following:

• Expert handling of the car’s controls.

• Using the correct road procedure.

• Anticipating other road users’ actions and reacting appropriately.

• Sound judgment of speed, distance and timing.

• Driving in a considerate fashion, bearing in mind the safety and convenience of other road users.

• Environmentally friendly driving.

• The examiner may also ask you to carry out an emergency stop.

 

Manoeuvres

You’ll be expected to carry out two of the following reverse manoeuvres, with effective all-round observation:

• Parallel park at the side of the road.

• Reverse into a parking bay, and then drive out.

• Drive into a parking bay, and then reverse out.

• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, then reverse for about two car lengths. You’ll then be asked to rejoin the traffic.

 

Independent driving

The ADI part 2 independent driving section was introduced in 2010, and lasts roughly 20 minutes. Here you’ll drive without any instruction, instead following directions from a sat nav or road signs. If the examiner chooses a sat nav, they’ll set it up for you – you won’t use your own. You’ll be expected to make the correct decisions without prompting.

If you go off route by mistake, this won’t affect your test result, provided you don’t make a fault while doing so. If this happens, the examiner will help you get back on the correct route.

 

The end of the test

At the end of the test, you’ll return to the test centre, and the examiner will give you your score and any feedback.

Like the original driving test, your examiner will mark any faults, and the perfect score is zero. However, here you can only make six driving faults. Seven or more faults will result in you failing your test. One serious fault will result in a fail, and a dangerous fault will cause you to fail and for the test to be discontinued.

 

How do I pass the ADI part 2 driving test?

Here are a few tips for the ADI part 2 driving test that you may find useful:

• Clean your car. First impressions are always important. If your car is clean inside and out, this is likely to make a better impression on the examiner than you might realise.

• Have a practice drive beforehand. Much like having a lesson before your first driving test, it’s a good idea to drive around for an hour before the ADI part 2 test. This should warm you up, and help familiarise yourself with the area if you aren’t already.

• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your examiner questions, especially if you need any instructions clarified.

• Don’t sweat your mistakes. If you make any errors, don’t assume the worst. For example, if you stall or need to start a manoeuvre again from scratch, this is unlikely to constitute a serious fault if it’s not potentially dangerous. As long as you remember to make your observations and correct your error, the worst you’ll get is a minor fault.

• Stay positive. Similarly, if you’ve made any mistakes, don’t assume that you’ve failed the test. You might not have failed, but giving up means you almost certainly will. Keep driving to the best of your abilities throughout the test, and avoid the temptation to assume the worst.

 

What happens if I fail the ADI Part 2?

If you fail, you’ll be given the option to apply to resit the ADI part 2 test. After failing the first time, you’ll have two more chances to pass, so be sure to take any feedback given on board.

Top tip: It’s also worth checking out the DVSA’s understanding your driving test result page. This explains what constitutes faults in detail, and gives handy pointers for how to improve in each area.

You can rebook straight away, although how long it takes before you can resit the test will depend on the waiting times at your chosen test centre.

Failing for a third time means having to start your ADI tests from scratch.

 

When you pass your ADI Part 2 test

If you pass, you’ll be presented with a letter with your result, which includes details of how to apply for the ADI part 3 test of instructional ability. Although you can apply for this straight away, it’s well worth preparing exhaustively for it.

You’ll also be given the option of applying for a trainee licence, and the pink badge which comes with it. It’s worth considering the potential driving instructor (PDI) trainee route, as this will give you valuable hands-on experience in teaching real pupils how to drive.

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