Part-One
The first part of your examination to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is in two parts; the ADI Theory Test and an onscreen Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
Click here to see a short video.
You have to answer 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 questions are 'banded' into four sections and you must score 80% in each section (or 'band') and achieve an overall mark of 85% to pass.
This means that it is theoretically possible (although unlikely) to get a score of 94% and still fail if you are weak in a particular area of knowledge (and score below 80% in that knowledge band).
In order to pass Part-One you also need to attain a pass mark of 57 in the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). If you do not achieve this you will have to do the whole test again, even if you gained 85% or higher in the questions.
The HPT comprises of a selection of film clips, showing real road scenes and potential hazards. You will be tested on fourteen film clips; these clips will be chosen at random from a selection of two hundred. You are assessed on how soon you spot and respond to the dangers shown on screen.
Preparing for Part-One
Preparing for Part-One requires a degree of self-discipline and self-management; this is because you will have to spend quite a lot of time reading and studying. To help with this The Instructor Training Company offers a classroom based foundation course to ensure that you get the best start - this teaches the basic concepts and all of the study skills needed (in addition it provides you with valuable skills for the later parts of the exam).
For those who are limited to a very low budget and who may otherwise not be able to afford training, the SmartDriving Members Area contains a full Part-One course.
This is written by the same team who developed The Instructor Training Company Course and includes some of the same valuable 'tools' for study - however, it does not have the support and backup that many people will need to get the best possible start to their new careers.
However, by taking the SmartDriving route, if you decide that driving instruction is not for you after all, you will simply have invested around £20 and the cost of a few books to help you make an informed decision that could save you £1000's in lost training fees (some companies have an absolute no refund policy when all parts of their courses are paid up front).
Uncertain?
If you have any doubts about your suitability as an instructor, or whether you can 'make the grade' our best advise is to start with the SmartDriving course.
To demonstrate our integrity, if you don't think that the course alone is worth the £19.95 per year membership (and there's much, much more than the Part-One course) we will refund your money after six months. No one else will make you an offer like this.
Click the forward arrow below to learn about Part-Two of the driving instructors' examination...
