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100+ Free ADI Part 1 Practice Questions

Pass your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 1 Theory Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ADI Part 1 Exam

100

Multiple-Choice Questions

DVSA / GOV.UK

1 hour 30 minutes

Multiple-Choice Time Limit

DVSA / GOV.UK

85/100 + 20/25 per category

Multiple-Choice Pass Requirement

DVSA / GOV.UK

57/75

Hazard Perception Pass Mark

DVSA / GOV.UK

£81

Booking Fee

GOV.UK

2 years

Part 1 Certificate Validity

DVSA / GOV.UK

ADI Part 1 is administered by DVSA and costs £81 to book through GOV.UK. The multiple-choice test has 100 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, split into four 25-question categories. You must score at least 85 overall and at least 20 in every category, and also pass hazard perception with 57 out of 75. The Part 1 pass certificate is valid for 2 years.

Sample ADI Part 1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ADI Part 1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When turning into a side road, which road user should an instructor expect the driver to give priority to if they are crossing or waiting to cross the road being entered?
A.Traffic behind the car
B.Pedestrians at the junction
C.Drivers waiting in the side road
D.Cyclists only if they dismount
Explanation: The Highway Code gives pedestrians priority when they are crossing, or waiting to cross, a road into which a driver is turning. An ADI should teach pupils to scan both pavements, reduce speed early, and be prepared to stop before committing to the turn.
2On a dry road, what minimum time gap should normally be left between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead?
A.One second
B.Two seconds
C.Four seconds
D.Ten seconds
Explanation: The two-second rule gives a basic safety margin on dry roads. The gap should be increased in poor weather, at higher speeds, or when visibility and road surface conditions reduce the driver's ability to stop safely.
3Before signalling or changing direction, what routine should a pupil be taught to use?
A.Signal first so others know the intention, then check mirrors
B.Check mirrors, assess the situation, signal if it will help, then manoeuvre
C.Brake sharply, signal, and look over the right shoulder
D.Move position first, then signal if anyone reacts
Explanation: Drivers should use mirrors before changing speed or direction, then signal only when it will inform or help other road users. The routine prevents signals being given blindly and helps the driver decide whether the manoeuvre is safe.
4A learner intends to turn right at a standard roundabout. Which approach is normally correct unless signs or markings show otherwise?
A.Use the left lane and signal left on approach
B.Use the right lane, signal right on approach, then signal left after passing the exit before the one required
C.Use either lane without signalling until leaving
D.Drive around the outside of the roundabout to keep away from faster traffic
Explanation: For a right turn at most roundabouts, the normal routine is to approach in the right lane, signal right, maintain correct position, and signal left after passing the exit before the one to be taken. Local signs and road markings override the general pattern.
5When may a driver normally use the hard shoulder on a motorway?
A.To overtake slow-moving traffic
B.To stop in an emergency or when directed by signs or authorised personnel
C.To take a mobile phone call
D.To rest when tired if the services are full
Explanation: The hard shoulder is primarily for emergencies and for situations where signs, police, or traffic officers direct drivers to use it. It is not a spare lane and should not be used for convenience.
6On a narrow road with parked vehicles on your side, what is the safest general approach when meeting oncoming traffic?
A.Accelerate through the gap before the oncoming vehicle arrives
B.Give way if the obstruction is on your side and only proceed when there is enough space
C.Drive halfway into the gap so the other driver must stop
D.Sound the horn continuously until the road is clear
Explanation: If the obstruction is on your side, you normally need to give way to oncoming traffic unless you have already safely committed. An ADI should coach early observation, speed control, and eye contact or clear positioning rather than forcing a priority claim.
7On a clear dual carriageway, what lane should a driver normally use when not overtaking or preparing for a right turn?
A.The right-hand lane
B.The lane nearest the central reservation
C.The left-hand lane
D.Any lane if the speed limit is being obeyed
Explanation: Drivers should normally keep to the left unless overtaking or following signs and markings for their route. Good lane discipline reduces bunching, prevents unnecessary lane changes, and keeps overtaking lanes available.
8What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway road, unless signs show a lower limit?
A.40 mph
B.50 mph
C.60 mph
D.70 mph
Explanation: For cars, the national speed limit on a single carriageway is 60 mph unless signs impose a lower limit. The limit is a maximum, not a target, so speed must still suit visibility, road layout, traffic, and weather.
9Why should an instructor discourage pupils from waving pedestrians across the road?
A.It is illegal to make any hand signal to pedestrians
B.The pedestrian may rely on the signal without checking for other traffic
C.It always gives the pedestrian legal priority
D.It makes the vehicle's brake lights stop working
Explanation: A friendly wave can be misunderstood as confirmation that the whole road is safe. The safer coaching point is to stop where required, remain predictable, and let the pedestrian make their own decision after checking all directions.
10What should a driver do before opening a door into a road where cyclists may be passing?
A.Open it quickly so the cyclist can see the movement
B.Check mirrors and blind spots, opening the door only when it is safe
C.Rely on the cyclist to leave a large gap
D.Use the horn before opening the door
Explanation: Drivers and passengers should check carefully before opening doors because cyclists and motorcyclists can be seriously injured by a door opening into their path. Teaching the far-hand or Dutch Reach habit can encourage a shoulder check before opening.

About the ADI Part 1 Exam

The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 1 Theory Test is the first DVSA qualifying test for people who want to become approved driving instructors in Great Britain. The multiple-choice section has 100 questions, split evenly across four official categories, and candidates have 1 hour 30 minutes. To pass the multiple-choice section, candidates need at least 85 out of 100 overall and at least 20 out of 25 in every category. The test also includes hazard perception, which has a pass mark of 57 out of 75. A Part 1 pass certificate is valid for 2 years while the candidate progresses through the ADI qualification process.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions in 4 categories of 25 questions, plus a hazard perception section scored out of 75.

Time Limit

1 hour 30 minutes

Passing Score

85/100 overall and at least 20/25 in each multiple-choice category; hazard perception 57/75

Exam Fee

£81 (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA))

ADI Part 1 Exam Content Outline

25 questions

Road Procedure

Safe road positioning, junctions, roundabouts, speed control, stopping distances, overtaking, motorways, vulnerable road users, and hazard awareness

25 questions

Traffic Signs and Signals, Car Control, Pedestrians, Mechanical Knowledge

Traffic signs, signals, road markings, crossings, vehicle checks, tyres, brakes, skids, warning lights, and basic mechanical safety

25 questions

Driving Test, Disabilities, and the Law

Practical driving test requirements, driver licensing, learner supervision, ADI registration, trainee licences, standards checks, medical conditions, and disability considerations

25 questions

Publications and Instructional Techniques

The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, DVSA official learning resources, national driving standards, lesson planning, coaching, feedback, risk management, and professional conduct

How to Pass the ADI Part 1 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 85/100 overall and at least 20/25 in each multiple-choice category; hazard perception 57/75
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions in 4 categories of 25 questions, plus a hazard perception section scored out of 75.
  • Time limit: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Exam fee: £81

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ADI Part 1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the four official multiple-choice categories evenly; a high overall score still fails if any category is below 20 out of 25.
2Use The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs as active teaching references, not just memorisation lists.
3Practise explaining rules as you would teach them to a learner, especially junction priority, vulnerable road users, pedestrian crossings, and speed management.
4Review DVSA ADI registration duties, trainee licence rules, standards checks, and professional conduct because these are easy to miss if you only revise ordinary learner theory material.
5Connect hazard perception practice to real instruction: identify developing hazards early and explain what change of speed, position, or direction would be needed.
6Track scores by category during practice so weaknesses are fixed before booking the £81 official test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ADI Part 1 theory test?

The ADI Part 1 multiple-choice section has 100 questions. They are split into four categories of 25 questions: road procedure; traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge; driving test, disabilities and the law; and publications and instructional techniques.

How long is the ADI Part 1 multiple-choice test?

The multiple-choice section lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. ADI Part 1 also includes a hazard perception section, which candidates must pass as well as the multiple-choice section.

What is the ADI Part 1 pass mark?

For the multiple-choice section, you need at least 85 out of 100 overall and at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories. The hazard perception pass mark is 57 out of 75. You must pass both parts to pass ADI Part 1.

How much does ADI Part 1 cost?

The official GOV.UK booking fee for the ADI Part 1 test is £81. Candidates should book through the official DVSA/GOV.UK service to avoid unnecessary third-party charges.

How long is an ADI Part 1 pass certificate valid?

An ADI Part 1 pass certificate is valid for 2 years. During that period, candidates must progress through the remaining qualifying tests within the DVSA rules.

What official resources should I study for ADI Part 1?

Use DVSA and GOV.UK materials first: the ADI Part 1 guide, The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, Safe Driving for Life theory revision resources, the national standard for driver and rider training, and official ADI registration and conduct guidance.