Do you have a Standards Check coming up?
Or have you failed your Standards Check?


We can help you prepare to pass your standards check test with our 2.5h master class from the comfort of your home via video call. We are so confident that our training will help you pass that if you don’t, then we will refund you 50% of all your training costs.*

Its affordable and straight to the point training filtering out all the complicated jargon so you can easily understand what the criteria is and how to get ready for the day. The 2.5h class is only £99 and any additional hours recap is only £30ph. Don’t forget, if you don’t make it through then we will refund you 50% off all the training you take with us.*


Why GSM and how are we different


In our opinion what most trainers get wrong is that they dive straight in to all the core information about the standards check requirements, the actual day, the SC1 mark sheet and all the text book information hoping you will absorb it all in a few hours. What they forget to do is initially prepare your mind to take all the information in. It is really important to have your mind focused before you start receiving all the info regarding the test.

We will first start by getting to know a little about you by asking some basic questions about your teaching history, discuss a little about your strengths and weaknesses, your current teaching techniques and move forward from there.

Two key important things our trainers understand are that 1) everyone’s teaching style is different and 2) not everyone is as confident when it comes to learning a new style of teaching/coaching and preparing for a test. We will work with you at your pace.

Master class Master class

£99 2.5h video call session

Any additional hours £30ph

*50% refund promise if you don’t pass. For the refund simply send us a copy of your SC1 form with your grade and we will refund you 50% of all training costs you paid for, that’s a promise.

1. Overview

The approved driving instructor (ADI) standards check replaced the ADI check test on 7 April 2014.

The ADI Standards Check assesses your ability to teach/coach pupils to the required standard. You have to take at least 1 ADI Standards Check during each 4-year period that you’re registered as an approved driving instructor.

You can only take Standards Check in English or Welsh. You’ll get a letter from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency asking you to go for your Standards Check. It will say when and where to go. There is no additional fee for a Standards Check.

Please note: You have to still take a Standards Check even if you don’t have a car or aren’t actively working as an ADI.

Its your responsibility to arrange a suitable vehicle and a student for the day. You can be removed from the ADI register if you keep missing your standards check.

2. What to take to your standards check

You must take:

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

Your pupil can’t be an ADI or someone who has passed the ADI part 2 test. They can be a learner or a full licence holder.


Car requirements

The car you use for your check test must:

  • be roadworthy, safe and reliable, ie 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 can’t use:

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

Your test will be cancelled if your car doesn’t meet the requirements. Another test will be booked for you. You can be removed from the ADI register if you keep bringing a car that doesn’t meet the requirements.

ADI standards check booking team

Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to midday

3. What happens at the standards check?

A Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency examiner will watch you give a normal 1 hour driving lesson to your pupil. The examiner will look for evidence that you meet the National standards for driver and rider training.


What you’ll be marked on

You’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence that are grouped into 3 categories:

  • lesson planning
  • risk management
  • teaching and learning skills

The 17 areas of competence are listed in the ADI standards check form, which the examiner will fill in during your check.

You’ll get a score from 0 to 3 for each of the 17 competencies, which are added up to work out your grade.

After you give the lesson, the examiner will discuss your performance and give you your grade. This will take about 15 minutes.

You can take your trainer or mentor with you, but they can’t take part in the lesson.

4. Your standards check grade

You’ll get your grade, along with your completed standards check format the end of your standards check.

Total score Grade Description
0-30 Fail Your performance is unsatisfactory
31-42 Grade B You’ll stay on the approved driving instructors (ADI) register
43-51 Grade A You have shown a high standard of instruction and you’ll stay on the ADI register

You’ll automatically fail if:

  • you get a score of 7 or less in the ‘risk management’ category
  • the examiner stops the lesson because you’ve put yourself or someone else in danger

If you fail the standards check

You’ll have 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

(All information taken from the .Gov.uk website)