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

You’ll fail the test if you don’t 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.

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.

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 can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test.

Going off the route

Your test result won’t 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 can’t see traffic signs

If you can’t 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.

The examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.