Plainfiles

Independent. Not government.

Exam practice

ADI Part 1 theory test practice quiz: 25 free questions

Try 25 original questions across the four ADI Part 1 categories before you book the test. Choose an answer, then open the explanation to see the correct one and the source behind it. Hazard perception is not covered.

Independent guide, not governmentReviewed by Liam Humphreys on Last updated Last checked 27 sources17 min readHow this guide was made, including our use of AI

Contents

Practice questions, not the real exam

These questions are original. They were written from the Highway Code, Know your traffic signs, legislation and DVSA guidance published free on GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk, not copied from any DVSA question, past paper, book or app. This is independent practice material: it is not DVSA material and DVSA has not endorsed or checked it. It does not cover hazard perception, the second part of the test. The law and guidance change, so check the sources at the end before you rely on an answer. This is not legal advice.

About the ADI Part 1 exam

The ADI Part 1 exam at a glance
DetailWhat the specification says
Who needs itAnyone training to become an approved driving instructor (ADI) for cars in Great Britain. ADI part 1 is the theory test; part 2 tests driving ability and part 3 tests instructional ability.
Format of the multiple-choice part100 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, 25 questions in each of 4 categories: road procedure; traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge; driving test, disabilities and the law; publications and instructional techniques.
Pass mark for the multiple-choice partAt least 85 out of 100 overall and at least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories. You can score 85 or more and still fail if you miss the minimum in a category.
Hazard perceptionThe test has a second part, hazard perception: 14 video clips, pass mark 57 out of 75. You book and take both parts as one test and must pass both. This pack does NOT cover hazard perception: it has no video clips and cannot practise clicking on developing hazards.
If you do not passYou get a letter showing which parts you scored too low on, must book and take the whole test again, and must wait at least 3 working days. Your pass certificate number lasts 2 years, and you must qualify as an ADI within that time.
Who sets the testDVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). This pack is independent and not DVSA material: it does not contain DVSA questions and is not endorsed by DVSA.
Where our questions come fromOnly free, public sources: the Highway Code and Know your traffic signs on GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk, DVSA guidance on GOV.UK (driving test, ADI standards check, national standards, ADI code of practice, DT1 examiner guidance). We did not use the paid books on GOV.UK’s revision list, so questions on teaching practice rest on the free national standard for driver and rider training and DVSA guidance. Category 4 (publications and instructional techniques) therefore relies on free sources only and may not cover everything the real test asks.
Law coveredGreat Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has its own rules and is not covered. Where Scotland or Wales differ (drink-drive limits, built-up area speed limits, pavement parking), the questions say so.
A man reads a book and makes notes at a kitchen table, a mug and a highlighter beside him.
Illustration. AI-generated image. About our images

How the quiz works

Read each question and decide on A, B, C or D. Then open Show the answer under it. There is no score, so keep your own tally. Aim for at least 22 out of 25. The real multiple-choice part needs 85 out of 100 overall (85 per cent, which is 21.25 out of 25) and at least 20 out of 25 in each of its four categories, so 22 is the nearest whole mark at or above the overall figure. This quiz mixes the categories, so the category minimum applies only to a full 100-question mock.

Abbreviations used: ADI means approved driving instructor, DVSA means Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, DVLA means Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, DT1 means DVSA’s examiner guidance ‘Carrying out driving tests’, RTA means the Road Traffic Act 1988, RTOA means the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, MOT means the annual vehicle test, SORN means statutory off-road notification, ABS means anti-lock braking system, and MAM means maximum authorised mass.

The 25 questions

Question 1

What is the legal limit of alcohol in the breath for a driver in England and Wales?

  1. 22 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
  2. 80 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
  3. 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
  4. 50 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
Show the answer

Answer C. 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath

Rule 95 gives 35 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath (80 mg per 100 ml of blood) in England and Wales. Scotland’s limits are lower: 22 and 50.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 95 (GOV.UK).

Question 2

Which of these is something a driver MUST ensure before setting off, as opposed to something advised?

  1. They have planned the route and allowed enough time for breaks and for delays
  2. They have enough fuel or charge for a motorway journey
  3. They hold a valid licence and insurance, and the vehicle is roadworthy
  4. They have set the seat, mirrors and head restraint correctly
Show the answer

Answer C. They hold a valid licence and insurance, and the vehicle is roadworthy

Rule 97: licence, insurance and a legal, roadworthy vehicle are ‘MUST’ items; route planning, fuel, seat and mirror adjustment and head restraints are ‘SHOULD’ items.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 97 (GOV.UK).

Question 3

A 9-year-old child who is 1.30 metres tall travels in the rear of a car. What does the Highway Code require?

  1. An adult seat belt, as the child is over 3 years old
  2. No restraint, provided the rear child locks are fitted
  3. The correct child restraint, as they are under 1.35 m and under 12
  4. A booster cushion, but only on journeys of more than an hour or so
Show the answer

Answer C. The correct child restraint, as they are under 1.35 m and under 12

Rule 99: the correct child restraint MUST be used for a child from the 3rd birthday up to 1.35 m tall or the 12th birthday, whichever they reach first.

Relies on: Highway Code rules 99 and 100 (GOV.UK).

Question 4

A pupil is on a two-lane dual carriageway and is not overtaking. Which lane should they use?

  1. Either lane, as there is no lane discipline rule
  2. The right-hand lane, to keep clear of joining traffic
  3. The right-hand lane, if the left is busy
  4. The left-hand lane
Show the answer

Answer D. The left-hand lane

Rule 137: on a two-lane dual carriageway stay in the left-hand lane; use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right, then return to the left when safe.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 137 (GOV.UK).

Question 5

What space does the Highway Code give as a guide when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30 mph?

  1. At least 3 metres
  2. At least 0.5 metres
  3. At least 1.5 metres
  4. At least 1 metre
Show the answer

Answer C. At least 1.5 metres

Rule 163: leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and more space at higher speeds.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 163 (GOV.UK).

Question 6

Under what conditions may a provisional car licence holder drive on a motorway?

  1. With a parent aged over 21 who holds a full licence
  2. Alone, on a motorway that has a 50 mph limit
  3. With an approved driving instructor, in a car with L plates and dual controls
  4. With any full licence holder over 25, in a car with L plates in daylight hours only
Show the answer

Answer C. With an approved driving instructor, in a car with L plates and dual controls

Rule 253: provisional car licence holders MUST NOT drive on the motorway unless accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor and driving a car with red L plates (D plates in Wales) and dual controls.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 253 (GOV.UK).

Question 7

How far behind a broken-down vehicle on an ordinary road should a warning triangle be placed?

  1. At least 10 metres, on the opposite side of the road
  2. At least 20 metres, on the same side of the road
  3. At least 100 metres, on the opposite side of the road
  4. At least 45 metres, on the same side of the road
Show the answer

Answer D. At least 45 metres, on the same side of the road

Rule 276: put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side, taking great care; never use them on motorways.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 276 (GOV.UK).

Question 8

Know your traffic signs says there are three basic types of sign, each with its own shape. Which matches shape to function?

  1. Circles warn, triangles inform and rectangles give orders
  2. Circles inform, triangles give orders and rectangles warn
  3. Circles give orders, triangles warn and rectangles inform
  4. Circles and triangles give orders, and rectangles warn
Show the answer

Answer C. Circles give orders, triangles warn and rectangles inform

Know your traffic signs: circles give orders, triangles warn and rectangles inform; a further guide to the function of a sign is its colour.

Relies on: Know your traffic signs, ‘The signing system’ (GOV.UK).

Question 9

Which colour of road stud marks the left-hand edge of the carriageway?

  1. White
  2. Red
  3. Green
  4. Amber
Show the answer

Answer B. Red

Rule 132: red studs mark the left edge of the road; white studs mark lanes or the middle; amber studs mark the central reservation; green studs mark lay-bys and slip roads.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 132 (GOV.UK).

Question 10

According to the Highway Code’s typical stopping distances, what is the overall stopping distance for a car at 30 mph?

  1. 53 metres (175 feet)
  2. 23 metres (75 feet)
  3. 36 metres (118 feet)
  4. 12 metres (40 feet)
Show the answer

Answer B. 23 metres (75 feet)

The Typical stopping distances diagram gives 9 m thinking plus 14 m braking, 23 metres (75 feet) at 30 mph. It describes the figures as a general guide.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 126, Typical stopping distances (GOV.UK PDF).

Question 11

A pedestrian at a pelican crossing sees a steady green figure. What should they do?

  1. Cross only when the green figure begins to flash on the signal
  2. Wait for the amber light to start flashing
  3. Check that traffic has stopped, then cross with care
  4. Cross at once, without looking at the traffic
Show the answer

Answer C. Check that traffic has stopped, then cross with care

Rule 22: when a steady green figure shows, check that the traffic has stopped then cross with care; when the green figure flashes, do not start to cross.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 22 (GOV.UK).

Question 12

At what speed will a vehicle probably kill a pedestrian it hits, according to the Highway Code?

  1. 30 mph
  2. 20 mph
  3. 40 mph
  4. 60 mph
Show the answer

Answer C. 40 mph

Rule 207: at 40 mph your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrians it hits; at 20 mph there is only a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed.

Relies on: Highway Code rule 207 (GOV.UK).

Question 13

What is the legal minimum tread depth for a car tyre, according to Annex 6?

  1. 1 mm across the whole width of the tread
  2. 3 mm across the whole width of the tread
  3. 2 mm across the central half of the tread and around the full circumference
  4. 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters and the whole circumference
Show the answer

Answer D. 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters and the whole circumference

Annex 6: cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.

Relies on: Highway Code Annex 6 (GOV.UK).

Question 14

What are the four parts of the car driving test, according to GOV.UK?

  1. Safety questions, hazard perception, general driving and reversing
  2. Eyesight check, independent driving, reversing and emergency stop
  3. Eyesight check, theory recap, general driving and motorway driving
  4. Eyesight check, safety questions, general driving and reversing
Show the answer

Answer D. Eyesight check, safety questions, general driving and reversing

GOV.UK: the car test has 4 parts: an eyesight check, ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions, general driving ability (including independent driving) and reversing. Candidates do not drive on motorways.

Relies on: GOV.UK, Driving test: cars, ‘What happens during the test’.

Question 15

Which requirements must a person meet to supervise a learner for free, according to GOV.UK?

  1. Over 21, qualified for the vehicle type, full licence held for 3 years
  2. Over 18, holding any type of full licence for a year
  3. Over 25, and registered with DVSA as an instructor
  4. Over 21, with a full licence held for at least 12 months at the time
Show the answer

Answer A. Over 21, qualified for the vehicle type, full licence held for 3 years

GOV.UK: anyone you practise with (without paying them) must be over 21, be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, and have had their full licence for 3 years.

Relies on: GOV.UK, Learn to drive a car: Practising with family or friends; Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 reg 17.

Question 16

What do the ‘standards of vision for driving’ require, according to GOV.UK?

  1. A number plate read at 30 metres, with no acuity requirement
  2. Visual acuity of 0.5 in the better eye, with no distance requirement for the plate
  3. A number plate read at 20 metres, acuity of 0.5 (6/12) and an adequate field of vision
  4. A number plate read at 10 metres, and visual acuity of at least 0.8
Show the answer

Answer C. A number plate read at 20 metres, acuity of 0.5 (6/12) and an adequate field of vision

GOV.UK: read a number plate from 20 metres (about 5 parked cars); visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale using both eyes together; and an adequate field of vision.

Relies on: GOV.UK, Driving eyesight rules.

Question 17

How many penalty points within three years lead to a minimum six-month disqualification, according to Annex 5?

  1. 9 or more
  2. 15 or more
  3. 6 or more
  4. 12 or more
Show the answer

Answer D. 12 or more

Annex 5: a driver who accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period MUST be disqualified for a minimum of 6 months, or longer if previously disqualified (RTOA s.35).

Relies on: Highway Code Annex 5; Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 s.35 (legislation.gov.uk).

Question 18

Under section 123(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, who may give paid instruction in driving a motor car?

  1. Someone on the register of approved instructors, or holding a trainee licence
  2. Anyone who is employed by a registered driving school
  3. Anyone who has passed the ADI part 1 theory test
  4. Anyone who has held a full licence for three years or more and is insured
Show the answer

Answer A. Someone on the register of approved instructors, or holding a trainee licence

RTA 1988 s.123(1): no paid instruction in driving a motor car shall be given unless the instructor’s name is in the register and the registration is not suspended, or they hold a current licence under Part V (a trainee licence).

Relies on: Road Traffic Act 1988 s.123 (legislation.gov.uk).

Question 19

What are the pass requirements for the multiple-choice part of the ADI part 1 test, according to GOV.UK?

  1. 20 out of 25 in each category, with no overall minimum
  2. 85 out of 100 overall, with no category minimum
  3. 85 out of 100 overall, and 20 out of 25 in each category
  4. 70 out of 100 overall, and 15 out of 25 in each category
Show the answer

Answer C. 85 out of 100 overall, and 20 out of 25 in each category

GOV.UK, ADI part 1 pass mark and result: an overall score of at least 85 out of 100 and at least 20 out of 25 in each of the 4 categories; you fail with 85 or more if you miss a category minimum.

Relies on: GOV.UK, ADI part 1 test: pass mark and result.

Question 20

How does the Highway Code identify rules that are legal requirements?

  1. By placing the rule in the sections on motorways only
  2. By the words should or do not, with a reference to the Act
  3. By the words MUST or MUST NOT, with a reference to the law
  4. By printing the rule in bold type, with a footnote number
Show the answer

Answer C. By the words MUST or MUST NOT, with a reference to the law

Highway Code, Introduction: rules that are legal requirements use ‘MUST/MUST NOT’ together with an abbreviated reference to the legislation creating the offence.

Relies on: Highway Code, Introduction (GOV.UK).

Question 21

What is the legal effect of a Highway Code rule using advisory wording such as ‘should’ or ‘do not’?

  1. It applies only to the drivers of large vehicles
  2. It has no legal effect and can never be used in court
  3. It is a criminal offence to disobey it, though with a lower penalty than a MUST rule
  4. Not following it is no offence in itself, but it can be used in evidence
Show the answer

Answer D. Not following it is no offence in itself, but it can be used in evidence

Highway Code, Introduction: failure to comply with other rules will not in itself cause a person to be prosecuted, but the Code may be used in evidence in proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability, including for rules with advisory wording.

Relies on: Highway Code, Introduction (GOV.UK).

Question 22

What does the National standard for driver and rider training say ‘client-centred’ learning is NOT about?

  1. The learner taking charge and deciding what is going to happen
  2. A conversation between learner and instructor, based on mutual respect
  3. The instructor listening to the learner’s reactions to their input
  4. Helping the learner identify obstacles to understanding and change
Show the answer

Answer A. The learner taking charge and deciding what is going to happen

Unit 6.3: client-centred learning is not about the learner taking charge of the learning process and deciding what is going to happen; it is a conversation between learner and instructor based on mutual respect.

Relies on: National standard for driver and rider training, Unit 6.3 (GOV.UK).

Question 23

What is the aim of element 6.3.3 (Coach)?

  1. To decide whether a lesson needs to be cancelled
  2. To test the learner’s theory knowledge at the start of every lesson
  3. To give the learner a list of rules to memorise
  4. A conversation helping the learner find obstacles and strategies
Show the answer

Answer D. A conversation helping the learner find obstacles and strategies

Element 6.3.3: it is about engaging in a conversation with the learner to help them identify obstacles and strategies for overcoming them; it is unlikely to work unless a secure grounding has been established in element 6.3.1.

Relies on: National standard for driver and rider training, Element 6.3.3 (GOV.UK).

Question 24

How long is an ADI standards check lesson, and how long should the pupil drive?

  1. About 90 minutes, with the pupil driving for 60
  2. About 20 minutes, with the pupil driving for 15
  3. About 45 minutes, with the pupil driving about 40
  4. About 60 minutes, with the pupil driving throughout
Show the answer

Answer C. About 45 minutes, with the pupil driving about 40

GOV.UK: the examiner watches a client-centred lesson for about 45 minutes; the pupil must drive for about 40 minutes; about 3 minutes at the start for goals and risk management and about 3 at the end for the pupil to reflect.

Relies on: GOV.UK, ADI standards check: what happens at the check.

Question 25

What total scores give a Grade B at an ADI standards check?

  1. 31 to 42
  2. 20 to 40
  3. 43 to 51
  4. 0 to 30
Show the answer

Answer A. 31 to 42

GOV.UK: 0-30 fail; 31-42 Grade B (stay on the register); 43-51 Grade A (high standard of instruction); there are 17 competencies, each scored 0 to 3.

Relies on: GOV.UK, ADI standards check: your standards check result.

Want more practice?

The ADI Part 1 question bank has all 363 questions, not only these 25, in the four categories, with answers and notes in PDF and a 100-question self-marking mock that needs at least 20 out of 25 in each category. It does not cover hazard perception, the video part of the real test, and its publications and instructional techniques category is written only from free sources, so it may not cover everything the real test asks. The questions about the ADI code of practice follow the current voluntary code; DVSA has said a new mandatory code is expected from late 2026 to early 2027, so check GOV.UK before relying on them.

Sources

All sources were last checked on 8 November 2026.

Changes to this guide

  • 9 November 2026: First published. Questions checked against the sources listed above. GOV.UK’s ADI code of practice page was re-read on 9 November 2026: the current code is still voluntary and the new mandatory code has no start date yet.

This guide is general information written from the official sources listed above and checked on 9 November 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and Plainfiles is not endorsed by any government body. Rules change, so check the linked official pages for your own situation. Written and designed by Plainfiles with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, then checked against the official legislation and guidance listed in the sources. How we write and check our guides.