Driving Instructor Training in Bolton

Driving Instructor Training in Bolton

Explore ADI Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 training in Bolton with Shah Driving School. Enquire about theory preparation, advanced driving coaching and instructor teaching skills. DVSA manages official applications and tests.

How to become a driving instructor

If you want to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Great Britain, begin with the official DVSA process — before you book ADI Part 1. Shah Driving School can help you discuss preparation for the tests, while applications and test bookings are handled by DVSA.

  1. Check the DVSA eligibility criteria and obtain a new DBS check.
  2. Apply to begin qualifying as a driving instructor, and wait for DVSA to accept your application.
  3. Prepare for and pass ADI Part 1 (theory and hazard perception).
  4. Pass ADI Part 2 (driving ability), then train for ADI Part 3 (instructional ability).
  5. After Part 3, apply to join the ADI register and obtain your first full ADI certificate.

ADI Part 1, 2 and 3 — Your training pathway

Choose the ADI stage you need. Explore what each test involves, the preparation available to enquire about and how to take the next step with Shah Driving School.

Stage 01

ADI Part 1

Theory knowledge, multiple-choice questions and hazard perception.

Explore Part 1 →
Stage 02

ADI Part 2

Advanced driving ability, observation, control and safe decisions.

Explore Part 2 →
Stage 03

ADI Part 3

Pupil-centred teaching, lesson planning, risk management and coaching.

Explore Part 3 →
01

ADI Part 1 — Theory & Hazard Perception

Part 1 is the first qualifying test. It checks your understanding of road procedure, traffic signs and vehicle knowledge, the law, driving tests and instructional techniques. You'll also need to recognise developing road hazards accurately.

Multiple-choice

100 questions across four categories. Pass with at least 85 overall and 20 in every category.

Hazard perception

14 video clips with 15 developing hazards. The pass mark is 57 out of 75.

How to prepare: Review official DVSA materials, identify weak topics, practise questions in each category and build consistent hazard-recognition skills. Ask Shah about current Part 1 preparation support.

DVSA test fee: £81Shah training prices: on enquiry
02

ADI Part 2 — Driving Ability

After passing Part 1, the Part 2 practical test assesses your ability to drive at a professional instructor standard. Good control, planning, observation, correct road positioning and safe judgement matter throughout.

What the test covers

Eyesight and vehicle safety checks, general driving, two reversing exercises and about 20 minutes of independent driving.

Pass requirement

No serious or dangerous faults, with no more than six driving faults. Up to three attempts.

How to prepare: Practise higher-standard driving, unfamiliar roads, junctions, roundabouts, manoeuvres, speed management and independent decisions. Enquire about Part 2 driving assessments and coaching in Bolton.

DVSA test fee: £111Shah training prices: on enquiry
03

ADI Part 3 — Instructional Ability

Part 3 assesses how well you teach a real pupil. A DVSA examiner observes a roughly 45-minute client-centred lesson, looking at your ability to help the learner improve while keeping everyone safe.

Three scoring areas

Lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning strategies — 17 competencies in total.

Pass requirement

31/51 or more, subject to DVSA risk-management and safety rules. Grades A and B are both passes.

How to prepare: Practise adapting to the pupil, setting meaningful goals, responding to faults, sharing responsibility, giving feedback and encouraging independent learning. Ask Shah about observed lessons and Part 3 preparation options.

DVSA test fee: £111Shah training prices: on enquiry

Can you teach with a six-month pink badge?

After passing ADI Part 1 and Part 2, you may be eligible to apply to DVSA for a six-month trainee driving instructor licence (the pink badge). This can help you gain teaching experience before Part 3.

  • You must complete at least 40 hours of training in giving driving instruction with a qualified ADI within the required period, including at least 10 hours in a car, recorded on the DVSA training declaration.
  • The badge is not automatic after 40 hours — DVSA must approve your application.
  • While your licence is valid, you may charge for lessons to cover costs, but only through the training establishment named on the licence; you cannot run an independent school.
  • Additional supervision or further training rules apply during the six-month licence.
Important: Ordinary learner-driving lessons are not the same as the qualifying 40 hours of instructional training. A trainee licence does not make you a fully qualified ADI.

Official DVSA resources & application links

Use GOV.UK for legal requirements, applications, booking, fees and licence rules. Training with a private provider and DVSA test fees are separate.

DVSA fees and test rules can change. Always confirm the latest information on GOV.UK before booking.

ADI training — Frequently asked questions

Do I need to apply to DVSA before taking ADI Part 1?

Yes. You must satisfy the eligibility requirements, complete the DBS and application process, and wait until DVSA accepts your application before booking Part 1.

Can I do all three ADI stages with Shah Driving School?

Contact Shah Driving School for the current availability and format of training support for Parts 1, 2 and 3. DVSA administers the qualifying tests separately.

Does 40 hours of training automatically give me a pink badge?

No. Those must be qualifying hours of instruction training with an ADI, including at least 10 in-car hours, and you must meet the other conditions and receive a valid DVSA trainee licence.

Can a pink-badge trainee charge pupils for lessons?

A valid trainee-licence holder may charge to help cover eligible costs but must teach through the named training establishment and follow DVSA supervision, advertising and training conditions.

How much does ADI training cost?

Private training prices depend on your stage, training hours and agreed support. Shah Driving School can provide current prices on enquiry. The DVSA Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 tests have separate official fees.

What happens after I pass ADI Part 3?

You can apply for your first full ADI certificate and registration with DVSA. The application should be made within 12 months of passing Part 3, with a separate registration fee.

DRIVING SCHOOL BOLTON
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

https://shahdrivingschool.uk/privacy-policy/