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The Journey of a PDI

Your Journey From PDI to ADI Starts Here

More than completing 40 hours. We're here to help you develop into the instructor you want to become.

Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor is a journey. From passing your first ADI test to teaching real pupils and preparing for Part 3, PassWith can support your development every step of the way.

Practical In-Car Training • Real Teaching Development • Part 3 Support • Ongoing CPD

PDI

Trainee

ADI

Qualified

Your Journey

From first thought to fully qualified

Every instructor's path is different, but the milestones are the same. Tap each stage to learn more.

1
1

Thinking About Becoming an ADI

2
2

ADI Part 1

3
3

ADI Part 2

4
4

40+ Hours In-Car Instructor Training

5
5

Trainee Licence / PDI

6
6

Teaching Real Pupils

7
7

ADI Part 3 Preparation

8
8

Qualified ADI 🎉

9
9

Continued Development & CPD

10
10

Opportunity to Join PassWith

Stage 1 of Your ADI Journey

It Starts With Part 1

The ADI Part 1 test assesses the knowledge required to begin your journey towards becoming an instructor — including theory and hazard perception.

PassWith can provide guidance and help you understand the journey ahead, so you know exactly what's involved before you get behind the wheel.

What Part 1 Covers

  • Theory of driving
  • Hazard perception
  • Road safety knowledge
  • Understanding your role as an instructor

Drive to an Instructor Standard

ADI Part 2 is about demonstrating a high standard of driving ability — well beyond what's needed to pass a standard driving test.

Observation

Planning

Vehicle Control

Positioning

Appropriate Speed

Anticipation

Demonstration-Level Driving

40+ Hours of Practical In-Car Training

40 Hours Is the Minimum.
Not the Finish Line.

PassWith's approach focuses heavily on practical in-car instructor development. We don't want trainees to simply complete the minimum hours, tick a box and be left to work everything else out themselves.

The goal isn't to complete 40 hours.
The goal is to become a great instructor.

1Client-centred learning
2Lesson planning
3Risk management
4Coaching techniques
5Effective questioning
6Identifying learning needs
7Giving useful feedback
8Adapting lessons in real time
9Teaching nervous learners
10Managing different learning styles
11Teaching junctions and roundabouts
12Manoeuvres
13Dual carriageways and higher-speed roads
14Mock driving tests
15Reflective practice
16Understanding Part 3 competencies

Our instructor training is focused on practical, in-car development rather than relying on classroom-based training.

Sometimes a Fresh Perspective Makes the Difference

As part of a trainee's development, PassWith may use independent instructor trainers who operate outside of PassWith Driving School. This may be used where it would benefit the trainee by providing another professional perspective on their instructional ability.

Fresh Perspective

Another trainer may identify strengths or development areas from a different viewpoint.

Additional Experience

Exposure to different coaching and teaching approaches can help trainees become more adaptable instructors.

Constructive Feedback

Independent observations can provide valuable feedback as trainees prepare for Part 3.

Independent trainers are not necessarily employees of PassWith Driving School. The trainers involved may vary depending on location, availability and individual training requirements.

Now It Gets Real.

The trainee licence stage is where eligible trainees may begin gaining experience teaching real pupils. Becoming a PDI means developing much more than teaching skills.

Teaching Real Learners

Building Confidence

Planning Lessons

Managing a Diary

Student Communication

Professional Standards

Running Your Business

Reflecting & Improving

Passing Part 3 matters. But learning how to be an instructor every day matters too.

You're Teaching — But You're Not On Your Own

The PDI period is where trainees develop rapidly because they're putting their training into practice. Support is there to help you grow — not to constantly assess you.

Lesson observations
Additional in-car training
Reflective discussions
Feedback
Mock assessments
Help with lesson planning
Risk-management development
Identifying weaker areas
Preparing for Part 3

Ready for Part 3?

The ADI Part 3 test assesses your ability to deliver a client-centred driving lesson. Training and development may include:

1Mock Part 3 assessments
2Examiner-style observations
3Lesson planning
4Risk management
5Client-centred learning
6Questioning and coaching
7Identifying pupil needs
8Adapting lessons
9Giving feedback
10Reflection after lessons

Three Core Competency Areas

Lesson Planning

Structured, goal-oriented sessions tailored to pupil needs.

Risk Management

Keeping everyone safe while maintaining a productive learning environment.

Teaching & Learning Strategies

Client-centred coaching that adapts to how each pupil learns best.

We don't believe in teaching you a script to pass Part 3.
We want you to understand why you're making each teaching decision.

Need More Than 40 Hours? That's Okay.

Every trainee develops differently. Some areas may click quickly while others need more time, practice and reflection. Completing the minimum training requirement doesn't mean you suddenly stop developing.

Where appropriate, further training and development can continue as you work towards Part 3.

More Training ≠ Failure

More Training = More Development

You've Done It.
You're an ADI. 🎉

Qualifying is a huge milestone — but professional development doesn't stop when the green badge arrives.

PDI

Trainee

Pink Badge

ADI

Qualified

Green Badge

Your Development Doesn't Stop at ADI

Great instructors never stop learning. Here are some of the opportunities for continued professional development:

Standards Check Preparation
Observed Lessons
Continued Professional Development
Nervous Learner Training
Coaching Development
Business Development
Reflective Practice
Peer Support
Keeping Up With Industry Changes

Great instructors never stop learning.

Want to Continue Your Journey With PassWith?

Suitable PDIs and newly qualified ADIs may have the opportunity to continue building their career under the PassWith Driving School brand.

Training with PassWith does not automatically require you to join the PassWith franchise.

PassWith branding
Online presence
Student enquiries/leads
Student management systems
Marketing
Instructor support
Business guidance
Continued development
Being part of a growing instructor network

The Difference Is Development

The minimum gets you started. The PassWith approach keeps you developing.

Minimum Requirement

40 Hours Training

Complete the minimum and move on.

  • Complete 40 hours
  • Tick the box
  • Move on to Part 3
The PassWith Approach

40+ Hours & Continued Development

Develop into the instructor you want to become.

  • 40+ hours practical in-car training
  • Real teaching experience as a PDI
  • Lesson observations & feedback
  • Reflective practice & discussion
  • Mock Part 3 assessments
  • Ongoing CPD after qualifying
Training
Real Experience
Observation
Feedback
Reflection
Part 3
ADI
CPD

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you're researching becoming an instructor, working towards Part 2, completing your training, teaching on a trainee licence or preparing for Part 3 — we'd love to hear where you are in your journey.

PDI Enquiry

Start Your PDI Journey

Tell us where you are in your journey and we'll be in touch to discuss what support may be suitable.

40 Hours Is the Minimum. Your Development Shouldn't Be.

Practical in-car training, real teaching experience, continued feedback, Part 3 preparation and ongoing professional development — with the opportunity to continue your journey with PassWith.