Free ADI Theory Test

Learning is far more effective when a pupil can identify for themselves the reason why something has gone wrong. If they can't work it out, you can help them to understand with an explanation or a diagram. When they understand the problem, the pupil should then practise this manoeuvre.

Everyone learns at a different rate, so you'll need to adapt your teaching to the ability of each pupil. Building confidence is an important part of teaching someone to drive. This can be hard to build but easy to lose, so be realistic in your expectations of a pupil.

Avoid drinking and driving. Just one drink could dangerously impair your judgement and reactions, as well as put you over the legal drink-drive limit.

Never leave the vehicle documents inside the vehicle. They would help a thief to dispose of it more easily.

The lights that control the crossing show to both directions of traffic. If a pedestrian from either side is still crossing when the amber light is flashing, you must wait.

If you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

All vehicles must display parking lights when parked on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph. Park in the direction of the traffic flow so that your parked vehicle isn't mistaken for a moving vehicle.

Parking near a pedestrian crossing creates an obstruction that prevents both drivers and pedestrians from having a clear view. Careless parking is selfish and could endanger other road users.

An MOT certificate will normally be valid for one year. The certificate doesn't warrant the condition of the vehicle at a later date, but simply shows that at the time the certificate was issued the vehicle met the MOT requirements. It's the driver's responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy whenever it's driven.

At the start of the practical driving test, the examiner will ask the candidate if they wish their instructor or accompanying driver to be present during the test. Anyone who does accompany the candidate must be 16 years or older and must wear a seat belt during the test.

The national speed limit for a car or motorcycle on a single carriageway is 60 mph. You don't have to drive at the speed limit. Use your judgement and keep within the speed limit while driving at a speed that suits the road, weather and traffic conditions.

Before you drive a vehicle on the road, you must hold a driving licence for the class of vehicle being driven. You must also be covered by a minimum of third-party insurance while driving that vehicle.

The maximum permitted speed for a car on a motorway is 70 mph, but if a car is towing a caravan or trailer, the speed limit is reduced to 60 mph. Also, vehicles towing trailers may not use the right-hand lane of a motorway that has more than two lanes.

It's illegal to use a mobile phone while you're driving (except for genuine emergencies). Driving requires your total attention and concentration at all times. Using a mobile phone will distract you and increase your chances of having a collision. Even using a hands-free system will distract you. Be safe: switch off your phone before you start driving and pick up any messages when you stop for a break.

Fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced. They must be switched off when visibility improves, to avoid dazzling other road users.

Only use your fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Use dipped headlights at other times when visibility is poor. Your headlights and tail lights help others on the road to see you. It may be necessary to turn them on during the day if visibility is reduced; for example, due to heavy rain.

For safety reasons, any dual accelerator must be removed before a vehicle can be used by a candidate for their driving test.

If an ADI is charging for a driving lesson, they must display their ADI certificate and appropriate L or D plates on the tuition car.

You must be able to show your documents to a police officer when asked to do so. If you don't have them with you, you're allowed to produce them at a police station within seven days.

One condition of holding a driving licence is that you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland, if your health deteriorates in any way that affects your ability to drive. This also applies if your eyesight deteriorates to the point that you can no longer meet the driver's eyesight requirements.

Anyone who accompanies a learner driver on a driving test must be at least 16 years old and must wear a seat belt. (This includes a person who holds a seat-belt exemption certificate.) The accompanying driver mustn't take any part in the test. The examiner can end the test if they feel any inappropriate communication has taken place.

If you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

The lights that control the crossing show to both directions of traffic. If a pedestrian from either side is still crossing when the amber light is flashing, you must wait.

As you approach a school crossing patrol, you may see two amber lights, one above the other and flashing alternately. This will be accompanied by a 'school' warning sign. The school crossing patrol will display a 'stop' sign, so you must stop. Don't wave anyone across the road, get impatient or rev your engine.

Give way to buses if you can do so safely, especially when they signal to move off from a bus stop. Look out for people who've just got off the bus, as they may try to cross the road. Don't try to accelerate past before the bus starts moving, and don't flash your headlights; other road users may be misled by this signal.

There's usually a 30 mph speed limit where street lights are less than 185 metres (600 feet) apart.

Before giving any signal, you need to use your mirrors to check what's behind and consider how other drivers may be affected by your signal. Sometimes a signal may not be necessary or you may feel it safer to give a signal earlier or later than normal.

Pedestrians and cyclists can both cross at a toucan crossing; cyclists are permitted to ride across.

A toucan crossing is designed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time. Look out for cyclists approaching the crossing at speed.

The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway, and their locations, are
- red - between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
- white - between the lanes
- amber - between the edge of the
carriageway and the central reservation
- green - along slip-road exits and entrances bright green/yellow - at roadworks and contraflow systems.

You may only stop on the carriageway of a motorway
- when told to do so by the police
- when a red cross with flashing red lights shows above every lane - in a traffic jam
- in an emergency or breakdown.

Where there are double white lines in the middle of the road and the line nearest to you is broken, you may cross the lines to overtake, provided it's safe and you can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side.

Before you enter a roundabout, you normally give way to any traffic approaching from your immediate right. In a few cases, however, traffic on the roundabout has to give way to traffic entering. Look out for 'give way' signs, road markings and traffic lights on the roundabout.

At the start of their training, a pupil needs to understand why the seating adjustment is important. They should familiarise themselves with all seat adjustment controls; without assistance, pupils should be able to move the seat into a position where they can reach all of the important controls comfortably.

Exterior mirrors are designed to be convex. This gives a wide angle of view and helps to reduce blind areas. However, a vehicle behind will appear smaller and further away in a convex mirror, so it could be closer than you think.

The flashing amber light allows time for pedestrians to finish crossing. If the crossing is clear and it's safe, you may drive on before the green light shows.

A spongy footbrake normally indicates that air has entered the hydraulic system. This may be caused by allowing the fluid level to fall too far, a fluid leak, or moisture ingress. If the brakes feel spongy or slack, have them checked by a qualified mechanic. Test your brakes before the start of every journey. Check the brake fluid regularly but don't overfill it.

When approaching a zebra crossing where you intend to stop, using an arm signal can be helpful. This not only tells the vehicles behind that you intend to stop, but also informs approaching traffic and waiting pedestrians, who can't see your brake lights.

If your indicators don't turn off automatically, you must cancel them. This might happen after a slight deviation, where the movement of the steering wheel hasn't been enough to activate the auto-cancel mechanism. A signal that continues to show after it should have cancelled can mislead other road users.

If any warning light shows while you're driving, it indicates a fault that needs prompt attention. If the warning light for the anti-lock brake system shows, have the braking system checked before driving further.

Make sure you know what the different warning lights mean. An illuminated warning light could mean that your car is unsafe to drive. Don't take risks. If you're not sure about the problem, get a qualified mechanic to check it.

Selecting a low gear when travelling downhill will help you to control your speed. The engine will assist the brakes and help prevent your vehicle from gathering speed.

Spilled fuel wastes money, damages the environment and makes the road surface slippery. This can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. Ensuring that you replace the fuel filler cap securely will prevent fuel spilling from your vehicle's fuel tank.

A roof rack increases your car's wind resistance. This will cause an increase in fuel consumption, so you should remove it when it isn't being used.

If your car is fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), this will activate when you brake so hard that the tyres start to lose their grip on the road surface. At this point, the wheels would normally lock up and a skid would start. The ABS senses the wheel locking and releases the brake pressure just enough to avoid the skid. It then cycles through applying and releasing the brake pressure many times per second. This ensures maximum braking for the available grip is constantly applied without the wheels locking.

Black ice makes a road look damp, and you may not be able to see that it's icy. Signs that indicate you may be on black ice include
- your steering suddenly feels light
- a lack of road noise from your tyres.

Driving in neutral or with the clutch down for long periods is known as 'coasting'. If you do this on a steep downhill gradient, there will be no engine braking to help check your speed.

Hazard warning lights mustn't be switched on in normal driving. The exception is when driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and there's a need to warn drivers behind of a hazard or obstruction ahead.

You mustn't park in spaces designated or marked for specific users, such as registered disabled drivers (whose vehicle will display a blue disabled badge), or in places reserved for local residents.

If you see a vehicle with a flashing green light, allow it to pass when you can do so safely; it will be a doctor on an emergency call. Someone's life could depend on the driver making good progress through the traffic.

A continuous white line is often seen along the edge of the road. Its purpose is to mark the edge of the carriageway. This can be helpful in conditions of poor visibility, such as when it's foggy or at night.

Some junctions have advanced stop lines with an area for cyclists to position themselves ahead of other traffic. You must stop at the first white line you reach. If you're unable to stop safely at the first line, you must stop at the second line, even though you'll be blocking the area reserved for cyclists.

This sign reminds all road users that they're entering an area where cameras will monitor traffic regulations. This could include traffic-light cameras and bus-lane cameras, as well as the more common speed cameras.

Where there's a hidden dip (dead ground), you should be aware that there could be oncoming vehicles out of sight between you and the road in the distance. Don't start to overtake until you can see into the dip and know the road ahead is clear.

This sign tells you that all lanes continue through the junction. Traffic leaving at the junction does so by using a slip road. There will normally be countdown markers before the slip road.

This sign means it's illegal to overtake. It may have a black-and-white plate telling you over what distance the prohibition applies. There will normally be a sign with an 'End' plate where the prohibition ends.

Using a lower gear will allow the engine braking to assist the brakes in keeping the vehicle's speed under control. Avoid coasting with the clutch held down or rolling in neutral, as there will then be no engine braking.

A properly adjusted head restraint can help to prevent whiplash injury to the neck and spine. You're most likely to suffer this type of injury if you're hit from behind by another vehicle.

If you operate the brakes when air is in the hydraulic system, they'll have a spongy feel and braking efficiency will be reduced. This is because the air in the system is being compressed as you brake; hydraulic brake fluid alone can't be compressed. If you notice there's a fault with your brakes, have them checked as soon as possible. Don't drive with faulty brakes.

Look at each sign that you pass on the road, so that you don't miss any warnings, orders or information. The shape of the sign will tell you its purpose: triangular signs warn, circles give orders and rectangles inform.

These lights warn that children may be crossing the road to a nearby school. Slow down so that you're ready to stop if necessary.

If you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

If you wish to overtake a long vehicle, stay well back so that you can see the road ahead. Don't
-get too close to the vehicle, as this will restrict your view of the road ahead
-get impatient; overtaking on a busy road calls for sound judgement
-take a gamble; only overtake when you can see that you can safely complete the manoeuvre.

At blind junctions, there's often a 'stop' sign. The 'stop' sign has been put there because the view into the main road is poor. You must stop because it won't be possible to assess the situation on the move, however slowly you're travelling.

If you're following a cyclist who's signalling to turn right at a roundabout, leave plenty of room. Give them space and time to get into the correct lane.

If you see a motorcyclist take a quick glance over their shoulder, this could mean they're about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to be prepared and take appropriate action, making you safer on the road.

It takes more time to overtake a long vehicle than a small one, such as a car. Before overtaking, you need to be able to see far enough ahead to know that you have the space and time to complete the manoeuvre safely. Hazards to watch for include oncoming traffic, junctions, bends or dips (which could restrict your view), and any signs or road markings prohibiting overtaking.

You can overtake other traffic on either side when travelling in a one-way street. Make full use of your mirrors and ensure that it's clear all around before you attempt to overtake. Look for signs and road markings and use the most suitable lane for your destination.

A long vehicle may have to straddle lanes on, or approaching, a roundabout. This is to prevent the rear wheels from going up onto the kerb. If you're following a long vehicle, stay well back and give it plenty of room.

The hard shoulder of a motorway that's not subject to smart motorway technology is only to be used in an emergency or if you break down. Roadside emergency telephones are placed about one mile apart and they connect directly to a control centre. The control centre will know your exact location from the telephone you're using and will inform the appropriate emergency services for you. Never cross the carriageway to use a telephone on the other side.

On occasions, other road users may make a mistake or lack judgement. When this happens, try not to let it annoy you. Don't react by showing anger, sounding your horn, flashing your headlights or shouting. A safe driver remains calm and makes allowances for others.

Should the parking brake fail, the use of first gear will help to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. By turning the front wheels to the right, they'll travel the shortest distance before running against the kerb. This will reduce the potential for the vehicle to move any further.

Hazard warning lights are an important safety feature. Use them if your vehicle has broken down and is causing an obstruction. You can also use them to warn traffic behind of danger ahead when you're driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway.

When turning right at a crossroads where oncoming traffic is also turning right, it's generally safer to turn behind the approaching vehicle. This allows you a clear view of approaching traffic and is called turning offside to offside. However, some junctions - usually those controlled by traffic-light filters - are marked for vehicles to turn nearside to nearside.

When leaving a motorway, your judgement of speed may be affected: 40 mph may seem more like 20 mph. Check your speedometer: it will give you an accurate speed. Motorway slip roads and link roads often have sharp curves that require accurate judgement of speed.

Properly timed signals tell other road users what you intend to do. When you're turning right at a roundabout, signal left just after passing the exit before the one you wish to take. This helps drivers behind and also those waiting to join the roundabout.

Modern vehicles provide the driver with a good view of the road both ahead and behind, using well-positioned mirrors. However, the mirrors can't see every angle of the scene behind and to the sides of the vehicle. This is why it's essential that you know when and how to check your blind spots, so that you're aware of any hidden hazards.

In good conditions, one useful method of checking that you've allowed enough room between you and the vehicle in front is the two-second rule. To check for a two-second time gap, choose a stationary object ahead, such as a bridge or road sign. When the car in front passes the object, say, 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule'. If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you're too close.

A skid happens when the driver changes the speed or direction of their vehicle so suddenly that the tyres can't keep their grip on the road. The risk of skidding is much greater on wet or icy roads than in dry conditions. It's the driver's responsibility to recognise the conditions and drive in a manner that takes the conditions into account.

As you look through the rear of your vehicle, you may not be able to see a child because of their height. Be aware of this before you reverse. If you're uncertain whether a child is behind but hidden from view, get out and check it's clear before reversing.

Using your hazard warning lights in addition to your brake lights will give the traffic behind you an extra warning of the hazard ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

If you have to stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway, you should park as far to the left as you can and leave the vehicle by the nearside door. If you're on a smart motorway you should stop in an emergency refuge area. Don't attempt even simple repairs. Use the emergency telephone and phone for assistance. While waiting for assistance to arrive, wait near your car, keeping well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder.

If you're on the motorway and have to call the emergency services, the operator will need to know your exact location. Look for a number on the nearest marker post beside the hard shoulder. Give this number to the operator and be ready to describe where you are. For example, tell the operator the last junction or service area you passed. This will help the emergency services to reach you as quickly as possible.

If you realise you've taken a wrong turn when you're driving in a one-way street, don't reverse or turn your vehicle around. Drive on and find another route.

If you can't restart your engine before the warning bells ring, stay calm, especially if you have passengers on board. Leave the vehicle and get yourself and any passengers well clear of the crossing without delay.

White lights at the rear of a car show that the driver has selected reverse gear. When reversing, the driver's view of the road is likely to be reduced. Sound your horn to warn of your presence and be ready to stop if necessary.

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway unless you've stopped on the hard shoulder. If you have to use the hard shoulder, switch off the headlights but leave the parking lights switched on to help other road users see your vehicle.

On a busy motorway, traffic may travel at high speeds despite the vehicles being close together. Don't follow too close to the vehicle in front. If a driver directly behind seems to be too close to you, increase your distance from the vehicle in front by slowing down gently. If the traffic in front slows, you'll be able to spread your braking over a longer distance. This will reduce the risk of the driver behind being unable to stop in the room they've allowed.

Normally, you should travel in the left-hand lane and use the right-hand lane only for overtaking or turning right. Move back into the left-hand lane as soon as it's safe, but don't cut across the path of the vehicle you've just overtaken.

When travelling in fog, use dipped headlights so that other road users can see you. When visibility is seriously reduced, you may also use fog lights. Drive at a reduced speed and make sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

If your vehicle breaks down, be aware of the danger to, and from, other traffic. Get your vehicle off the road if possible. Use a warning triangle to alert other road users to the obstruction, unless you're on a motorway.

When a driver is following you too closely, gradually increase the gap between your vehicle and the one in front. This will create a buffer, giving you more time to react if traffic suddenly slows down or stops.

If your vehicle breaks down, use hazard warning lights as well as a warning triangle or other device to warn other drivers. It's even more important to do this in the dark. Warning triangles should be placed at least 45 metres (147 feet) from your vehicle and on the same side of the road. Don't use a warning triangle on a motorway.

By keeping well back from the large vehicle, you'll increase your view past it. This will allow you to see further down the road and be prepared for any hazards.

Normally, you should place your warning triangle on the same side of the road as your vehicle, and at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind it. On a very narrow road, the triangle itself could be a hazard and is best placed off the road but in a clearly visible position. Don't place a warning triangle on a motorway.

When your vehicle is too big to fit into the central reservation, you should treat a dual carriageway as one road and wait until the road is clear in both directions before emerging to turn right. If you try to treat it as two separate roads and wait in the middle, your vehicle will overhang the central reservation and could cause a collision.

A security-coded radio can deter thieves, as it's likely to be of little use when removed from the vehicle.

During periods when ATM is in operation, the hard shoulder is used as an extra driving lane. When ATM isn't in operation, the hard shoulder resumes its normal role as a refuge for breakdowns or emergencies.

If a horse is frightened, it may bolt or shy unpredictably, and the rider may lose control. To reduce the risk of frightening the horse, you should not make any unnecessary noise. Pass it slowly and give it plenty of room.

At a road traffic incident, there's a real danger of further collisions and fire, so only approach if it's safe. Get someone to call the emergency services and, if there's an injured casualty, first check if they're breathing. If they're not breathing, you may need to give chest compressions until the ambulance arrives.

The motorcyclist is in a vulnerable position, exposed to further danger from traffic. You need to warn approaching traffic without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. Use your hazard warning lights and, if you have one, a warning triangle to alert other road users.

Check there are no objects in the wound and then apply a firm pressure with a pad of clean material, such as a bandage or a length of cloth. Raising the leg will lessen the flow of blood. Avoid tying anything tightly round the leg, as any restriction to blood circulation for more than a short period of time can result in long-term injury.

Provided they're breathing, unconscious casualties shouldn't usually be moved. The exception to this is when there's further danger; for example, from other traffic or from fire. Moving a person unnecessarily could cause further injury.

Even if you've had no first-aid training, you can help at a crash. Deal with any danger, make sure that the emergency services are called, and help those involved. If a casualty isn't in danger, then don't move them, as they may have injuries you can't see. Reassure them and wait for the emergency services to arrive.

In a one-way street, all the traffic will be travelling in the same direction. When going ahead, you should choose the most appropriate lane for your destination and move into it in good time. Remember that traffic may be passing you on either side.

As you approach a left turn, maintain your normal driving position on the left. Don't swing out before you turn, and make sure that you've reduced your speed and are in the correct gear. Look into the road before you turn and give way to any pedestrians who are crossing.

Large, long and heavy vehicles will need more time to pass you than a car, especially uphill. If necessary, be prepared to slow down to let them pass.