Guides / Part 3 essentials
The ADI Part 3 test explained
Part 3 is a real, roughly 45-minute driving lesson you give to your own pupil while a DVSA examiner watches. You're scored on 17 competencies, and you need 31 out of 51 to pass.
What happens
Your pupil drives for about 40 minutes. You have up to 3 minutes at the start to agree goals and how risk will be managed, and you give the pupil up to 3 minutes at the end to reflect. You can stop safely to give feedback. You can't spend the whole lesson on a manoeuvre, though a short recap is allowed.
How it's marked
The examiner scores 17 competencies from 0 to 3, in three groups: lesson planning, risk management, and teaching and learning strategies. 31–42 is a Grade B pass and 43–51 is Grade A. You fail automatically with 7 or less in risk management, or if the examiner has to stop the lesson for safety.
The stakes
You get three attempts, all within 2 years of passing Part 1. The test costs £111. After a third fail you must stop paid lessons and retake Parts 1 and 2.
Want the full picture? The 17 Competencies explains every competency on the form, with a rehearsal drill for each. Or score your last lesson free.
Sources: GOV.UK: what happens · GOV.UK: your result. Last checked October 2026.
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