Meta description: Preparing for ADI Part 1 in 2026? Learn the pass marks, revision plan and hazard perception tips from Allison Driver Academy in Glasgow.
Hello there! So, you’ve decided you’d like to become a driving instructor. That’s fantastic news!
Helping someone move from nervous first steps to confident, independent driving is incredibly rewarding. Of course, before you’re teaching learners around Glasgow, Lanarkshire or Renfrewshire, you’ll need to work through the three ADI qualifying tests.
This guide focuses on ADI Part 1, the theory and hazard perception test. With the right preparation, you can give yourself an excellent chance of passing first time in 2026 (without trying to memorise the entire Highway Code in one frantic weekend!).
What is the ADI Part 1 test?
ADI Part 1 is the first test in the process of becoming an Approved Driving Instructor. It’s a computer-based theory test made up of two sections:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Hazard perception
You take both sections as one test, and you must pass both in the same sitting. Passing one section but falling short in the other means you’ll need to rebook and take the test again.
Before you can book, your application to start the ADI qualifying process must have been accepted. You can check the current eligibility and application requirements through the official GOV.UK guide to becoming a driving instructor.
Once you’re ready, you can book your ADI Part 1 test through GOV.UK. The current listed fee is £81, although it’s sensible to check the official page before booking in case fees change.
ADI Part 1 multiple-choice questions
You’ll have 90 minutes to answer 100 questions. The questions are divided into four bands, with 25 questions in each:
Band 1: Road procedure
This covers the practical rules and decisions you make on the road, including:
- Junctions and roundabouts
- Overtaking
- Lane discipline
- Speed management
- Mirrors and signals
- Motorways and dual carriageways
- Meeting and crossing other traffic
Band 2: Signs, signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanics
This section tests your knowledge of:
- Traffic signs and road markings
- Traffic light signals
- Vehicle control
- Pedestrian safety
- Cyclists and other vulnerable road users
- Basic mechanical knowledge
- Safe and legal vehicle operation
Band 3: Driving tests, disabilities and the law
You’ll need to understand areas such as:
- How the driving test works
- The standards expected of a driver
- Legal responsibilities
- Fitness to drive
- Supporting people with disabilities
- Insurance, vehicle requirements and penalties
Band 4: Publications and instructional techniques
This is the section that makes ADI Part 1 different from a standard learner theory test. It focuses on teaching, including:
- How people learn
- Lesson planning
- Giving helpful feedback
- Client-centred learning
- Managing risk
- Adapting your approach for different pupils
- The role and responsibilities of a driving instructor
The pass mark is at least 85 out of 100 overall, plus at least 20 out of 25 in every band. That second part catches people out. You could score 90 overall but still fail if you only achieve 19 in one band.
You can read the official details about the ADI Part 1 multiple-choice section, including how flagging and changing answers work during the test.
How to revise for the multiple-choice section
The best approach is to study by topic rather than simply rushing through random mock questions.
Start with the official DVSA source materials listed on the GOV.UK ADI revision and practice page. These include:
- The Highway Code
- Know Your Traffic Signs
- Driving – The Essential Skills
- The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive
- The Driving Instructor’s Handbook
- Practical Teaching Skills for Driving Instructors
- The National Standard for Driving Cars and Light Vans
- The National Standard for Driver and Rider Training
- The Driving Instructor Code of Practice
- Carrying Out Driving Tests: Examiner Guidance
Use mock tests to find weak areas
Mock tests are useful, but only if you learn from your mistakes. Don’t just celebrate a high score and move on!
After every practice test, write down:
- Which questions you got wrong
- Which band they belonged to
- Why your answer was incorrect
- Which official source explains the correct answer
Before booking your real test, aim to score around 90 or above overall, with at least 22 or 23 in each band consistently. That gives you a useful safety margin above the pass marks.
During the real test, answer the straightforward questions first. If one question feels like it’s attempting to eat five minutes of your life, flag it and come back later. You can review and change your answers before finishing.
How to pass the ADI Part 1 hazard perception test
The hazard perception section contains 14 video clips with 15 developing hazards. You can score up to five points for each hazard, giving a maximum score of 75.
For the ADI test, the pass mark is 57 out of 75.
A developing hazard is something that would cause you to change your speed or direction. It might be a parked vehicle beginning to obstruct your path, a pedestrian moving towards the road, or another driver starting to emerge from a junction.
The best clicking technique
You need to click when you recognise that a potential danger is beginning to develop into a situation that requires action.
Try this routine:
- Scan the whole scene rather than staring at one object.
- Look for changes in movement, position or direction.
- When a hazard starts to develop, make one clear click.
- Continue watching in case another developing hazard appears.
- Avoid clicking repeatedly or in a regular pattern.
Clicking too early, before a hazard has started to develop, may not score. Clicking continuously can also trigger the system’s unacceptable clicking response, leaving you with zero for that clip. In other words, don’t panic-click like you’re trying to win a very slow computer game!
The official DVSA hazard perception guidance and the recommended ADI theory test e-learning kit are excellent places to begin.
Practise local thinking
Although the clips won’t be filmed specifically around Glasgow, local road experience can improve your observation skills.
When you’re out and about, practise spotting developing hazards on:
- Busy Glasgow junctions
- Narrow residential streets
- Rural roads in Lanarkshire
- Town-centre routes in Renfrewshire
- Roads with parked cars and limited visibility
- Routes shared with buses, cyclists and pedestrians
Ask yourself: What could change here, and what would I need to do if it did? That’s the mindset you need for both hazard perception and real instructor work.
A practical four-week ADI Part 1 study plan
Week 1: Understand the test
- Read the official DVSA ADI Part 1 guidance.
- Learn the four multiple-choice bands.
- Complete one diagnostic mock test.
- Start reading the Highway Code and instructor-specific materials.
- Begin short daily hazard perception sessions.
Week 2: Build your knowledge
Focus on Bands 1 and 2:
- Road procedure
- Signs and signals
- Car control
- Pedestrians and cyclists
- Mechanical knowledge
Complete topic-based questions and review every wrong answer.
Week 3: Focus on law and teaching
Spend time on Bands 3 and 4:
- Driving test standards
- Disabilities and equality
- Driver responsibilities
- Lesson planning
- Learning styles
- Instructional techniques
These topics can feel less familiar than road rules, so don’t leave them until the night before your test.
Week 4: Simulate the real thing
- Complete two or three full timed mock tests.
- Aim for 90-plus overall.
- Make sure every band is comfortably above 20.
- Practise hazard perception regularly.
- Try to achieve at least 60 out of 75 in practice sessions.
- Revisit any topic that still feels uncertain.
If you’re working or managing family commitments, 30–45 minutes of focused study each day is often more effective than one exhausting six-hour session at the weekend.
What support can you expect from Allison Driver Academy?
Good driving instructor training isn’t just about handing you a textbook and wishing you luck. At Allison Driver Academy, we support trainees through Parts 1, 2 and 3 with practical guidance, mentoring and progress tracking.
We operate with both fully qualified ADI instructors and trainee instructors, also known as PDIs, across our Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire catchment area.
A PDI is not yet a fully qualified ADI. A trainee instructor may provide lessons only within the rules set by the DVSA, such as holding the appropriate trainee licence after passing Part 2 and meeting the relevant supervision and training conditions. If you’re booking a lesson and would prefer to learn with a fully qualified instructor, just ask us and we’ll explain who will be teaching you.
Our wider team also supports:
- Learner manual and automatic lessons
- ADI instructor training and franchise opportunities
- B+E trailer training
- Fleet driver assessments
Whether you’re interested in delivering manual driving lessons Glasgow learners can rely on, supporting the growing demand for automatic driving lessons Glasgow, or building a career with a trusted driving school Lanarkshire and driving school Renfrewshire customers know, we can help you plan your next step.
You can also read our related guide, How to Pass Your ADI Part 1 Theory Test First Time, for more preparation ideas.
Ready to start your ADI journey?
Passing ADI Part 1 first time is absolutely achievable, but it’s much easier when you prepare in a structured way. Learn the test format, study the official materials, practise each band and develop calm, accurate hazard-spotting skills.
Once you’re ready to explore your options, contact Allison Driver Academy about ADI training. David and the team will be happy to talk through the route, answer your questions and help you work out the right plan for Glasgow, Lanarkshire or Renfrewshire.
Your new career could be closer than you think. Let’s get started!