Qualification process
The qualification examination is in three parts:

• a computer based theory test (Part 1 exam £80 DSA fee)
• a practical test of your driving ability (Part 2 exam £99 DSA fee)
• a practical test of your ability to instruct (Part 3 exam £99 DSA fee)

You must take and pass all three parts of the examination in this order and must complete the whole examination within two years of passing the theory test. If you are unable to complete the examinations within this time you must start again from the beginning and pass each part once again. You can take the theory test as many times as you wish but you are only allowed a maximum of three attempts at each of the practical tests within each two year qualification period.

Applying to become an approved driving instructor
If you decide to embark on this career, your first step should be to complete the application form enclosed in the starter pack and submit it to the Registrar who will decide if it will be accepted. You will need to send in character references from two people who know you well and will be prepared to vouch for you when approached by the Registrar. You should use the forms enclosed in the pack for these references.

It should not be assumed that acceptance is an automatic process, new applications can be refused by the Registrar if they do not meet the necessary legal requirements. A starter pack is available from DSA. This includes an explanatory booklet which gives full details of the ADI Register and qualification process, an Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT), the ADI question bank and application form. A book giving the multiple choice questions and answers, as well as information to help you understand the answers, is also available (all of this is included in our Part 1 pack) Or to order a starter pack yourself please call the ADI section with your credit or debit card details on 0115 901 2618.