Why cant I pass the adi part 1
Why You Still Can’t Pass the ADI Part 1 Theory Test (and What the DVSA Isn’t Telling You)
Why can't I pass the ADI Part 1? Every month, hundreds of good drivers fail the ADI Part 1 theory test — often more than once.
And it’s not because they’re bad drivers. It’s because they’re preparing for the wrong kind of test.
Let’s be honest — most trainees go into Part 1 thinking it’s a slightly tougher version of the learner theory test. But it isn’t. The ADI Part 1 is a professional knowledge test designed to check whether you understand the deeper skills, standards, and safety principles that sit behind driving — and behind teaching driving.
The DVSA Changed the Game in August 2025
As of August 2025, the DVSA expanded the list of publications used to write the ADI Part 1 questions.
That means your exam could now draw from ten official sources, including:
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
National Standard for Driving Cars and Light Vans
National Standard for Driver and Rider Training
Driving Instructor Code of Practice
Carrying Out Driving Tests: Examiner Guidance (excluding sections 2, 3, 4, 5, and 15)
Here’s the catch: most of the actual questions are not published anywhere.
So memorising mock tests or scrolling through free question apps won’t prepare you properly anymore.
It’s Not About Guessing — It’s About Understanding
It’s Not About Guessing — It’s About Understanding
Ask yourself this:
If there were no multiple-choice options, could you clearly explain…
What an offside bus lane is?
How a contraflow bus lane differs from a contraflow cycle lane?
What arm signal you’d use to tell a traffic officer you’re going straight ahead?
Why, according to the National Standard for Driving Cars and Light Vans, instructors should also understand the rules for lorries, cyclists, and pedestrians?
What is client centred learning? How do you offer a coping strategy?
If you hesitated, you’re not alone — but that’s exactly why so many trainees stumble.
The Part 1 test isn’t about recalling answers; it’s about showing you understand the principles behind them.
Think Like an Instructor, Not a Driver
Think Like an Instructor, Not a Driver
To pass ADI Part 1, you need to study with the mindset of a teacher, not a test-taker.
Don’t just read what signs or rules mean — think about why they exist and how you’d explain them to a learner.
When you can describe something clearly, in your own words, without looking it up — that’s when you know you’re ready.
Where to Get the Right Support
Where to Get the Right Support
If you want to build real confidence and understanding, use proper DVSA-aligned training tools:
👉 For practice questions and hazard perception:
Visit www.drivertrainingtheory.co.uk
👉 For the complete ADI Part 1 Course:
Go to www.adionline.co.uk
And don’t forget — you can learn even more tips, insights, and study support on our YouTube channel:
🎥 Subscribe now at @adipart1
