The ADI Test of Driving Ability (Part 2)

The test of driving ability is held at a number of test centres around the country, a list of which you will find on the application form. Tests are arranged on demand and you may get an earlier date if you put a second choice of test centre on your application form. You will be given a minimum of three weeks notice of your test date.

What does the test consist of?

The practical test of driving ability consists of an eyesight test and a test of driving technique. It will last about one hour and you must pass both parts at the same time.

The Eyesight Test

You must be able to read a car number plate at a distance of 27.5 metres (90 feet), where the letters and numbers are 79.4mm tall (3.5 inches), in good daylight, with the assistance of glasses or contact lenses if worn. If you don't pass this part of the test then you will not be allowed to carry on with the test of driving technique.

The Test of Driving Technique

This is not a slightly harder version of the ordinary driving test. The standard of competence required is very high, and you must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety; showing that you can apply them.

You are a professional driver!

You must satisfy the examiner on all the following subjects

1. Expert handling of the controls
2. Use of the correct road procedure
   
3. Anticipation of the actions of other road users and then taking appropriate action
   
4. Sound judgment of distance, speed and timing
5. Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users

The routes used for this test take in a variety of road types :

• Motorways
• Dual carriage ways
• Urban and Rural Roads

Covering all speed limits and traffic conditions.

You are expected to show you can perform during the tes

• Move away straight ahead or at an angle
  
• Overtake, meet or cross the path of other vehicles and take an appropriate course without undue hesitancy
  
• Turn left hand and right hand corners without undue hesitancy
  
• Stop the vehicle as in an emergency
• Turning the vehicle round in the road to face the opposite direction, using forward and reverse gears (Turn in the road)
  
• Reverse round a corner to the right and to the left using effective all-round observation
  
• Reverse park the vehicle into the space behind a parked car, within the space of about two car lengths; close to and parallel with the kerb, using effective all-round observation. Or reverse park into a parking bay, with due regard for other vehicles or pedestrians, whilst using effective all-round observations.

Manner of the drive

You must drive positively in a brisk, business-like manner. You should aim for this to be your normal driving manner, while keeping to the legal speed limits and driving safely at all times.

Common ways to fail

• Failing to make progress (particularly on dual carriageways and motorways) when safe to do so
  
• Failure to avoid or correct skidding during the emergency stop exercise
  
• Failure to use effective all-round observation during the manoeuvres
  
• Inconveniencing other road-users
  
• Thoughtless or misleading use of signals
  
• Not using effective observations at junctions, including those controlled by traffic lights

Although only a small selection of reasons for failure, these tend to be the most common.

What sort of vehicle do I use for the test?

You must provide a car for the test which is properly tested and insured. It must be a saloon, hatchback or estate in good working order and with fully functioning seatbelts. It must be capable of the normal performance of vehicle of its type with a manual transmission, right-hand-drive, a readily adjustable seat with head restraint for a forward-facing front passenger, and an adjustable interior rear-view mirror for use by the examiner. The car must not display 'L' plates.

If your vehicle does not comply with all of the above, the test will not take place.

Who will be present when I take my test?

Sometimes the examiners supervisor may come along on the test. They are not concerned with you but are assessing the performance of your examiner. Their presence will have no bearing on the outcome of your test.

Your trainer may also sit in on your test if you wish. Remember, the car will be heavier with more people so take that into account when pulling away.

When will I receive the result?

The examiner will give you the result of your test at the end. If you have passed you will be given an application form for the Part 3 (Test of Instructional Ability). If you fail you will be given a sheet outlining your mistakes. However, the examiner will not discuss these mistakes in any great detail.

Test Result Appeals

If you feel that your test was incorrectly conducted in accordance with the relevant regulations, you may apply to a magistrate's court, acting for the Petty Sessions area in which you live. You have six months from the date of the test in which to appeal. In Scotland the system is different and you have only 21 days to appeal to the Sheriff for your area.

If the court finds the test was not conducted properly it may order a refund and authorise you to undertake a new test. Remember that you are not appealing against the result or the test but the manner in which it was conducted.

The examiner's decision and test result cannot be altered.