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What happens during the test

There are 5 parts to the approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test:

• an eyesight check
• ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
• general driving ability
• manoeuvres
• independent driving

How long the test lasts

The test takes around one hour.

The eyesight test

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

• 26.5 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
• 27.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
• New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.

You’ll fail the test if you do not pass the eyesight test. It will count as one of the 3 attempts you’re allowed at the ADI part 2 test.

‘Show me, tell me’ questions

You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety tasks.

You’ll be asked:

• 3 ‘tell me’ questions at the start of your test, before you start driving
• 2 ‘show me’ questions while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers

You’ll get a driving fault for each incorrect answer you give. You’ll get a serious fault and fail the test if you answer all 5 questions incorrectly, or if you lose control of the car while answering any of the ‘show me’ questions.

Your general driving ability

You’ll have to show the examiner all of the following:

• expert handling of the controls
• use of correct road procedure
• anticipation of the actions of other road users and then taking appropriate action
• sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
• consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
• driving in an environmentally-friendly manner
• You’ll drive in varying road and traffic conditions, including motorways or dual carriageways where possible.
• You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Reversing your vehicle

The examiner will ask you to do 2 of the following exercises:

• parallel park at the side of the road
• reverse into a parking bay and drive out
• drive into a parking bay and reverse out
• pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

• directions from a sat nav
• traffic signs

The examiner will tell you which you have to do.

Following directions from a sat nav

The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up for you.

You cannot follow directions from your own sat nav during the test.

Going off the route

Your test result will not be affected if you take a wrong turning, unless you make a fault while doing it.

The examiner will help you get back on the route if you do.

If you cannot see traffic signs

If you cannot see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.

If you make mistakes during your test

You can carry on if you make a mistake. It might not affect your test result if it’s not serious.

Your driving examiner will direct you back to the driving test centre if the mistake you made means you’ve failed. The test will end early.

Faults and test result

There are 3 types of faults you can make:

• a dangerous fault - this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
• a serious fault - something potentially dangerous
• a driving fault - this is not potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault

Pass mark

You’ll pass your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test if you make:

• no more than 6 driving faults
• no serious or dangerous faults

If you pass your test the examiner will:

• tell you what faults you made, if any
• give you a copy of the driving test report

You can then either:

• book your ADI part 3 test
• apply for a trainee driving instructor licence (conditions apply)
• A trainee driving instructor licence can help you prepare for the ADI part 3 test.

If you do not pass

The examiner will tell you what faults you made.

You can take the test again if you fail at either your first or second attempt.

You have to pay again to book another test.

Failing the third attempt

You have to retake and pass the ADI part 1 test again if you fail the ADI part 2 test 3 times.

You have to wait 2 years from when you first passed the ADI part 1 test before you can take it again.

Appeal your ADI part 2 test

You can appeal if you think your examiner did not follow the regulations when they carried out your test.

Your test result cannot be changed, but you might get a free retest if your appeal is successful.

How to appeal

You have to appeal to a magistrate’s court or sheriff’s court.

You must appeal to a:

magistrate’s court within 6 months if you took your test in England or Wales

sheriff’s court within 21 days if you took your test in Scotland

When you pass your Theory Test you can proceed to Part Three

Part Three