Know exactly what the Part 3 examiner is marking.
The ADI Part 3 test and the Standards Check score you on 17 competencies. This guide explains every one, line by line, from DVSA's own examiner guidance.
For trainee instructors sitting Part 3, and qualified instructors facing a Standards Check. Same form, same 17 competencies.
Score your last lesson
DVSA's scale: 0 no evidence, 1 a few elements, 2 most elements, 3 all elements. Be honest.
| Lesson planning0 / 12 | |
|---|---|
| 1. Found the pupil's goals and needs | |
| 2. Lesson structure fitted the pupil | |
| 3. Practice areas suited the goal | |
| 4. Plan adapted when needed | |
| Risk management0 / 15 | |
| 5. Shared responsibility for risk made clear | |
| 6. Directions clear and in good time | |
| 7. Aware of surroundings and pupil | |
| 8. Interventions timely and appropriate | |
| 9. Safety-critical incidents debriefed | |
| Teaching and learning strategies0 / 24 | |
| 10. Style matched the pupil | |
| 11. Pupil analysed problems and owned learning | |
| 12. Real examples used | |
| 13. Technical information accurate | |
| 14. Feedback appropriate and timely | |
| 15. Queries answered | |
| 16. Respectful, non-discriminatory manner | |
| 17. Pupil reflected at the end | |
Built on DVSA's own documents
Every chapter is based on DVSA's guidance for examiners, the Part 3 report form and GOV.UK, with sources you can check yourself.
One chapter per competency
What the form asks, what earns and loses marks, common mistakes, and a drill to practise in your real lessons.
For Part 3 and the Standards Check
The Standards Check uses the same 17 competencies and grade bands, so the whole book applies, plus a chapter on what's different.
Get the basics right first
Some widely read guides get the numbers wrong. GOV.UK says you fail with a risk management score of 7 or less, not "less than 7". And Grade A starts at 43, not 42.
How is the ADI Part 3 test marked?
The examiner scores 17 competencies from 0 to 3, grouped into lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning strategies. The scores add up to a total out of 51.
What is the pass mark for ADI Part 3?
31 out of 51 is a pass at Grade B. 43 to 51 is Grade A. 30 or below is a fail.
Can I fail Part 3 on risk management alone?
Yes. A score of 7 or less in the risk management section is an automatic fail, whatever your total. So is the examiner having to stop the lesson for safety.
How many attempts do I get at Part 3?
Three. After a third fail you must stop giving paid lessons and retake Parts 1 and 2.
Get the printable self-scoring sheet
One page, all 17 competencies, DVSA's own 0–3 scale. Score your next lesson and see where you stand. Free.
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