Preparing for and Passing Your ADI Standards Check: A Complete Guide

As your friendly ORDIT trainer, I’m here to guide you through the ADI Standards Check with confidence. This comprehensive guide covers when to expect the check, how to prepare, what happens on the day, and more - with practical tips to help you pass with flying colours.

What is the ADI Standards Check?

The ADI Standards Check is a mandatory assessment for all Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) in the UK. Conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), it ensures you maintain the high teaching standards needed to stay on the ADI register. Rooted in the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training, this check assesses your ability to deliver safe, client-centred driving lessons.

When Do You Need to Take the Check?

You’re required to take a Standards Check at least once every four years. However, the DVSA may call you in earlier if your pupils’ driving test results raise red flags. They use a data-driven approach, analysing a rolling 12-month period of your pupils’ test outcomes. You might be flagged if your pupils show:

• An average of six or more driving faults per test
• 0.55 or more serious faults per test
• 10% or more tests requiring examiner intervention
• A pass rate of 55% or lower

This helps the DVSA support ADIs who need to up their game Changes to approved driving instructor (ADI) standards checks. Even if you’re not teaching or don’t have a car, you must still take the check—or risk losing your registration.

How to Prepare for Your Standards Check

Preparation is your ticket to success. Here’s how to nail it:

• Master the SC1 Form: The examiner uses the SC1 form to score 17 competencies in lesson planning, risk management, and teaching strategies. Get to know it inside out Approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check: marking sheet.
• Pick the Perfect Pupil: Choose someone you teach well—ideally a pupil who responds to your style, like those comfortable with Q&A. Steer clear of nervous or slow learners to keep things smooth.
• Plan a Varied Route: Select a route with crossroads, traffic lights, and junctions to show off your skills. Test-drive it first to spot hazards.
• Set Clear Goals: Tailor lesson goals to your pupil’s needs and ensure they’re doable on the route. Chat about them at the start and ask if the pupil has input—it proves you’re client-focused.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Teach different pupils on various routes to build confidence and polish your approach.
• Boost Your Skills: Feeling unsure? ORDIT-accredited training can refine your teaching and align it with DVSA standards.

What Happens on the Day

Here’s the rundown:

• Arrive Early: Get to the test centre 5 minutes ahead to set a professional tone.
• Brief the Examiner: Walk to your car with the examiner and share your pupil’s progress and lesson plan—use a logbook or progress sheet for clarity.
• Teach the Lesson: Deliver a 45-minute lesson, keeping it safe and client-centred. The focus is on you, not the pupil.
• Get Feedback: Enjoy a 15-minute debrief where the examiner shares your grade and insights.

Assessment and Scoring

Your lesson is judged on three pillars:

• Lesson Planning: Is your plan structured and pupil-appropriate?
• Risk Management: Are you keeping it safe and managing hazards? (You need at least 8 points here.)
• Teaching Strategies: Are you using Q&A, feedback, and encouragement effectively?

The total score is out of 51:

• Grade A: 43-51 (Top-notch)
• Grade B: 31-42 (Solid)
• Fail: 0-30

You’ll fail automatically if you score below 8 in risk management or if the examiner halts the lesson for safety reasons. The pass mark remains 31, despite talks of raising it to 33 Why we’re thinking about raising the ADI standards check pass mark.

Consequences of Failing

Fail your first attempt? You’ve got two more shots. Fail all three, and you’re off the ADI register. To return, you’d need to redo the ADI tests (Part 1, 2, and 3)—a costly and lengthy process Approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check: Your standards check result. Prep well to avoid this headache!

Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them

DVSA stats highlight why ADIs stumble:

• Not tailoring lessons to the pupil
• Using a teaching style that doesn’t fit (too much or too little guidance)
• Not encouraging independent thinking
• Giving weak or late feedback
• Mishandling safety-critical moments

Avoid these traps by:

• Customising your lesson plan.
• Using Q&A to spark pupil responsibility.
• Offering clear, timely feedback.
• Explaining safety incidents thoroughly.

Don’t sweat minor errors unless they’re safety-related—it can dent your pupil’s confidence. And keep your car pristine—it’s a reflection of you!

Client-Centred Learning (CCL) Tips

CCL is your golden ticket. Focus on helping pupils understand their actions and learn independently. Use Q&A, encourage reflection, and praise good work. Avoid over-talking or late instructions.

Extra Tips and Considerations

• Complaints: If the check feels off, complain to DVSA for a possible redo (original result stands, though).
• Booking: It’s free! Book online with your driving licence and ADI reference number Approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check: Book your ADI standards check.
• DBS Check: Renew your DBS every four years (with a £300 fee) to stay compliant.

Final Thoughts

The ADI Standards Check doesn’t have to be stressful. With solid prep, a great pupil, and a focus on client-centred teaching, you’ll breeze through it. Need a hand? ORDIT trainers like me are here to support you. Go out there and show the DVSA what you’re made of!