ADI Part 3 third attempt: the rules
You get three attempts at Part 3. If you fail the third, you must stop giving paid lessons immediately and start again from Part 1.
What a third fail means
- You must stop giving paid lessons straight away. It's illegal to continue.
- Any trainee licence becomes invalid.
- You must retake and pass Parts 1 and 2.
- You must wait 2 years from when you first passed Part 1 before retaking it.
Before your third attempt
Work out your deadline: all attempts must be booked within 2 years of your Part 1 pass. Then use your previous reports to target your weakest competencies, and only book when a self-score shows you're ready.
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: your result. Last checked October 2026.
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