Is the ADI Part 2 test changing?

DVSA has confirmed it intends to introduce an improved ADI Part 2 test as part of a wider review of instructor qualification. The final content and framework have not been confirmed, and no start date has been announced.

What will the new ADI Part 2 test assess?

DVSA says it will assess expert control of the vehicle alongside the road knowledge and understanding needed to be an effective driving teacher. Detailed content has not been published yet.

Should I delay my ADI Part 2 test until the new version starts?

No. The current Part 2 test still applies and there is no confirmed start date for the improved version. Prepare for the test as it stands today.

How many attempts do you get at the ADI Part 2 test?

You get 3 attempts at Part 2, and you must pass Parts 2 and 3 within two years of passing Part 1.

DVSA News

DVSA plans an improved ADI Part 2 test: what we know so far

DVSA has confirmed it intends to introduce an improved Part 2 test for trainee driving instructors. The final content has not been confirmed yet, and fuller details are due to be shared with the industry at the Car Driver Forum on 13 October 2026.

By DriveSidekick | 6 October 2026 | 5 min read

Trainee instructors Driving instructors DVSA

The ADI Part 2 test is the driving ability test that every potential driving instructor (PDI) must pass before moving on to Part 3, the test of their ability to teach. DVSA now plans to change it as part of a wider review of how instructors qualify.

The plan follows DVSA's September update on ADI services, which showed applications to become an instructor up 152% since 2018/19 and Part 3 pass rates falling.

Nothing has changed yet

The current Part 2 test still applies. DVSA has not announced a start date for the improved test, and says the content and testing framework are still being developed. If you have a Part 2 test booked, prepare for the test as it is today.

What DVSA has said so far

The aim, according to DVSA, is to give PDIs more support as they work toward qualifying, by making sure the test reflects the skills, knowledge and behaviours a modern driving teacher needs.
Driving to an expert standard stays at the heart of it. Candidates will still need to show expert control of the vehicle.
More weight on knowledge and understanding. The improved test is expected to also assess the road knowledge and understanding needed to teach well, not just the ability to drive well.
Final content is not confirmed. DVSA has stressed that development work is ongoing and it is not yet ready to share detail on what will be assessed or how.

Why change Part 2?

DVSA's September update raised concerns that too many trainees reach Part 3 without being ready to teach. Every failed Part 3 uses up a scarce examiner slot. A Part 2 test that checks understanding as well as driving skill could help trainees build the right knowledge earlier, before they get to the teaching test.

This is our reading of DVSA's stated aims. DVSA itself has not yet explained exactly how the new test will be structured.

The Part 2 test as it stands today

Until DVSA confirms the changes, this is the test PDIs are taking:

Part of the test	What happens
Eyesight check	Read a number plate from a set distance. Failing it fails the test.
Vehicle safety questions	Three "tell me" questions at the start and two "show me" questions while driving.
General driving ability	Driving on different types of road and in varying traffic conditions. The whole test takes about an hour.
Manoeuvres	Two of: parallel parking, parking in a bay (reversing in or driving in), or pulling up on the right and reversing about two car lengths.
Independent driving	About 20 minutes following a sat nav or traffic signs, without directions from the examiner.

You pass with no more than 6 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults. You get 3 attempts, and you must pass Parts 2 and 3 within two years of passing Part 1.

What trainee instructors should do now

Don't delay a booked Part 2 test waiting for the new version. There is no confirmed start date, and examiner slots are hard to get.
Build your knowledge as well as your driving. Whatever the final format, DVSA is clearly moving toward testing understanding. Knowing why you drive the way you do, and being able to explain it, will help in Part 3 as well.
Talk to your trainer about how they expect to adapt their Part 2 training once details are published.
Watch for the 13 October update. DVSA is due to share fuller details with industry representatives at the Car Driver Forum. We will update this post when more is published.

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Sources: Driving Instructors Association: DVSA confirms plans for improved ADI Part 2 test; Driver Trainer: DVSA confirms plans for improved ADI Part 2 test; DVSA Despatch blog: ADI services update; GOV.UK: Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 2 test.