Part 3 · Topic 19 of 37
Booking your ADI Part 3 test
How to book the ADI Part 3 test on GOV.UK, what you need to log in, the pupil you have to bring with you, and the rules on rescheduling and cancelling.
Key facts
- The ADI Part 3 test costs £111 (as of 2024) — check the amount shown on GOV.UK when you book
- Logging in to book requires your ADI personal reference number and your driving licence number
- You bring your own pupil and give a real lesson — there is no role-play option
- You can reschedule or cancel up to 3 working days before your test date
Part 3 is your final step toward becoming a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor, and it is a different kind of booking from the first two parts: you are not just booking a slot for yourself, you are arranging a real lesson with a real pupil. Booking is done entirely through GOV.UK, and the test costs £111 (as of 2024) — the amount is shown on GOV.UK when you book, so check it there before you pay.
Before you book
- You must have passed Part 1 and Part 2.
- You have three attempts at Part 3. A fail costs you one of them.
- If you took the trainee licence and chose the extra-training option, the 20 hours must be completed before you book your Part 3 test, within 3 months of getting the licence. The rules for both trainee licence options are in trainee badge vs going straight to Part 3.
How to book
- Booking website. Go to the GOV.UK ADI Part 3 booking page at gov.uk/adi-part-3-test.
- Log in. You will need your ADI personal reference number and your driving licence number.
- Test centre. Select an authorised test centre.
- Date and time. Book early, and pick a slot at an hour when your pupil can realistically drive well.
- Line up your pupil and car before you commit to the date — see below.
The pupil you bring
The test is a real client-centred lesson, not a role-play, so the pupil is part of the booking:
- They must be your own pupil. A partly trained learner, a fully trained learner or a full licence holder all count.
- They cannot be an ADI, or someone else preparing for their own Part 3.
- Insurance must be valid for the car being driven on the test.
- You cannot legally accept payment for lessons unless you hold the trainee badge or are a full ADI. You may charge to cover costs such as insurance and the vehicle.
Rescheduling or cancelling
You can reschedule or cancel your ADI Part 3 test up to 3 working days before your test date, through the GOV.UK portal.
Quick tips for success
- Practise with real learners.
- Keep a lesson diary if you hold the pink badge.
- Ask an experienced instructor to sit in the back and give you feedback.
- Attempt a mock Part 3 test before the real one.
You are almost there
The remaining topics in this part cover the marking detail and mock test practice that will get you over the line — start with what the examiner is looking for. If you have questions at any point, get in touch and we will help.