ADI Part 2

In the ADI part 2 examination, there’s an eyesight test and a test of your ability to drive to a very high standard. In this test, you’ll need to show a thorough understanding and demonstration of good, safe driving techniques.

You can book your test online at www.gov.uk.

For the test, you must provide a car that’s properly taxed and insured and has a valid MOT, if necessary.

It must be

• a saloon car or hatchback/estate car
• in good working condition
• capable of the normal performance of vehicles of its type.

It must also have

• a rigid roof which may or may not have a sliding panel
• seat belts in working order
• right-hand steering
• a readily adjustable seat with a head restraint for a forward-facing front passenger
• an adjustable interior rear-view mirror for use by the examiner.

The vast majority hatchbacks, saloons and estates can be used for the ADI part 2 test. However, some vehicles may have considerably large blind spots to the rear which may cause problems with observation for a pupil and the instructor or examiner. Convertibles and panel vans are examples of such problematic vehicles. They have restricted rear and rear-side vision. Most are unsuitable for test because the examiner can’t see directly behind.

The car mustn’t display L plates or be fitted with a ‘space-saver’ tyre (a type of spare wheel that takes up less space in the vehicle) for the test.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the above requirements, it won’t be possible to carry out the test and you’ll lose your fee.

The duration of the ADI part 2 test is about one hour. You must pass the eyesight test along with the driving ability test on the day of the assessment. It’s a good idea to take your trainer on test, or they can listen to the debrief at the end of the test.

You must be able to read, in clear conditions where daylight is good, a vehicle registration number plate with the following letters and figures:

• 79 mm in height and 50 mm wide at a distance of 26.5 metres
• 79 mm in height and 57 mm wide at a distance of 27.5 metres

You’re permitted to wear glasses or contact lenses if needed.

If you don’t pass the eyesight test, you won’t be allowed to take the driving technique element. Your test will be marked as a fail and will count towards your three attempts.

The driving technique section of the ADI part 2 test is considerable more difficult than the standard learner driver test. It’s an advanced test and your driving ability must be of a very high standard.

You must demonstrate that you possess strong knowledge of good driving and road safety principles. You must also show that you can apply them in practice.

During the test, you’ll be asked questions on basic vehicle safety, based on a show me/tell me format.

The examiner will be testing you on

• expert handling of the controls
• use of correct road procedure
• anticipation of other road users’ actions and the appropriate action that you take
• sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
• consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
• whether your driving is environmentally friendly.

You’ll be asked to drive independently for approximately 20 minutes by following

• traffic signs to a certain place, or
• directions on a sat-nav.

You’ll be asked to carry out several exercises that will involve direct observation. You mustn’t rely on mirrors during these exercises.

The routes used for the test will cover different road and traffic conditions and, where possible, will include motorways or dual carriageways. Both urban and rural conditions will be covered.

Make sure your vehicle control, judgement and forward planning are developed to a very high standard. Drive as you normally do and if you think you’ve made a mistake, try not to let it worry you. Think about what you’re doing, not what you’ve done.

You must be able to perform any or all of these manoeuvres:

• move away straight ahead or at an angle
• overtake, meet or cross the path of other vehicles and take an appropriate course without unnecessary hesitation
• turn left-hand and right-hand corners correctly without unnecessary hesitation
• stop the vehicle as in an emergency
• reverse into a parking space behind a parked car. Do this
• within the space of about two car lengths
• close to and parallel with the kerb
• with reasonable accuracy
• with effective all-round observation
• drive into and reverse out of a parking bay, or reverse into a parking bay, with reasonable accuracy and effective all-round observation
• pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse back, then move away with reasonable accuracy and effective all-round observation.

To pass the test, you must drive

• to a high standard of competence
• in an eco-friendly way
• in a way that’s well-planned, positive and progressive
• so that you reach and keep to national speed limits when safe and where possible.

Remember that you’re limited to three attempts at this test.

A supervising officer may come along as well. Don’t worry – they won’t be looking at your performance, but that of the examiner. They’ll take no part in the test.

Any faults are recorded on the examiner’s driving-test report form (DL25). If your action or reaction to a situation is incorrect, it’ll be assessed and marked on the form. You’re allowed a maximum of six driving faults during the test. Seven or more will result in a failure. One or more major or dangerous faults will also cause you to fail the test.

At the end of the test, the examiner will offer

• a debrief on all driving faults (your trainer can be present)
• a copy of the test report
• explanatory notes.

If you pass, you can apply online at www.gov.uk for the test of ability to instruct (part 3).

You’ll also be offered a trainee licence application form. A trainee licence can help you gain experience in instructing pupils to drive. Further details can be found in the section on trainee licences.

If you fail, you’ll be directed to www.gov.uk for information on retaking the part 2 test.

You may appeal to a Magistrates’ Court or, in Scotland, a Sheriff Court, if you consider your test was not conducted properly. However, you can’t appeal against the examiner’s decision.