FAQ’s

How do I book a standards check?

Answer: You’ll get a letter from DVSA when you need to book your standards check. You can book a standards check online it does not cost anything. You’ll need your driving licence number and ADI personal reference number (PRN).

If you need help booking your standards check you can contact the DVSA  by email: [email protected]

What pupil should I take?

As previously mentioned, the DVSA do not want you to deliver a beginner lesson and will require you to bring a partly trained, trained or full licence holder. To keep the lesson from mainly being static at the side of the road, this will mean that you will need to consider the lesson goals of the pupil and the levels of support they may need.

Top tip: Have two pupils in mind and make the decision about which one you might take a little closer to the day. This way you will have a plan B if either of your pupils is ill or can’t make it for some other reason. 

What should I take on my standards check?

You must take:

• your approved driving instructor (ADI) registration certificate
• a car that meets the requirements
• a pupil

Your pupil can be a:

• partly trained learner
• fully trained learner
• full licence holder

What are the requirements for the car I take on my standards check?

The car you use for your standards check must:

• be roadworthy, safe and reliable – this means it’s less than 3 years old or has a valid MOT certificate
• have working rear seat belts
• be fitted with L plates (or D plates in Wales) if your pupil is a learner

You cannot use:

• a soft-top convertible
• a car with a 2+2 seating arrangement rather than full-size rear seats

Your standards check will be cancelled if your car does not meet the requirements. Another appointment will be booked for you.

You can be removed from the ADI register if you keep bringing a car that does not meet the requirements.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my standards check?

You should call the standards check bookings team as soon as you can on the day of your standards check if there’s bad weather. Ask to speak to the ADI examiner.

If nobody answers the phone, and the conditions in your area are not looking too bad, it’s likely that the examiners are:

• checking the local roads to see if driving tests can go ahead
• taking driving tests because the conditions are suitable

However, this is not a guarantee that your standards check will go ahead.

You should tell the standards check bookings team if your check is cancelled – they’ll make a new appointment.

ADI standards check booking team
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

What happens if I fail my standards check?

You’ll have up to 2 more attempts to pass the standards check.

If you fail 3 times:

• you’ll be removed from the approved driving instructors (ADI) register
• you’ll have to retake the ADI tests to join the ADI register again

Can I complain about my standards check if I am not happy?

Yes, you can complain to the DVSA if you’re not happy about the way your standards check was carried out by following their complaints procedure. (See note 7)

You can appeal if you think your examiner did not follow the regulations when they carried out your standards check.

Your result cannot be changed, but you might be able to take another standards check if your appeal is successful.

Contact your local magistrate’s court within 6 months to appeal in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland, contact your local sheriff’s court within 21 days. After you’ve booked, you can find training courses to prepare for an ADI standards check. 

Resource Notes