About the Part 1 test

Part one is entirely computer based. You will be asked 100 multiple choice questions about all aspects of driving and driver training. The questions follow a similar format to those set in the learner's theory test but cover a much wider spread of topics including teaching practice and principles.  

The ADI theory test is made up of two sections; multiple choice and hazard perception. In order to pass the theory test, you must pass both sections.

Section 1. Multiple choice
You will have 90 minutes to answer 100 questions. Each question will have four possible answers which appear on screen and you are required to select the correct answer (or indeed answers if advised to select more than one) by touching the screen or using the mouse. The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 85% - that is 85 questions answered correctly.

The questions are banded into four sections and you must score 80% in each band and achieve an overall mark of 85% to pass. This means that it is possible to get a score of 94% and still fail if you are weak in a particular band of knowledge. In order to pass Part-One you also need to attain a pass mark of 57 in the HPT. If you do not achieve this you will have to do the whole test again, including the theory test, even if you gained 85% or higher in the questions.

If you have any type of reading difficulties you can ask for a voiceover or request additional time within which to complete the test.

Section 2. Hazard perception
The hazard perception test is also delivered via the computer screen but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. 

These clips will be chosen at random from a selection of two hundred. You will be assessed on how soon you spot and respond to the dangers shown on screen. You will watch the video clips on a computer screen and you will need to click the mouse button at the correct time to identify the developing hazard ahead.

To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score for spotting each hazard early is 5. The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 57 out of 75. 

Your ADI trainer will advise you on the study materials you will need to have the best possible chance of passing this test, although everything you need is available in our Instructor Training Publications section.

We have no hesitation in recommending the Focus series of Theory Test discs. They are superb value for money and have everything you need to pass this test. You do not need to spend hundreds of pounds on passing part 1.

With the official bank of questions included in your DSA starter pack, and the Focus CD Rom's, you have everything you need.

Your trainer will also offer help and support, ensuring that you are fully prepared for the HPT and will guide you in your understanding of ‘developing hazards’ and the techniques used to pass.

Traditionally, trainee instructors are often simply left to pass part one with their own efforts and are then contacted by the trainers to continue with part two.

We believe that this approach misses out on vital skills that can be developed towards other parts of the qualifying process.

Part one should lay the foundations for your future knowledge of driving and teaching. We believe that you should incorporate training in hazard perception to an advanced level to prepare you for the work to come at part two and part three.

By adopting an integrated ‘holistic’ approach to ADI training, trainee instructors will develop an understanding of how the three parts of the qualifying process fit together and gain the greatest benefit from their training.

You may have as many attempts at this test as you need in order to pass.