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The difference between an ADI and a PDI

If you’re considering becoming a driving instructor, you’ll need to become a PDI first and then pass a final test before you fully qualify. Here, we look at how ADIs and PDIs differ, how it affects the lessons you can give, and what driving instructor insurance is.

28.08.24

By Alan Boswell Group

Difference between and ADI and a PDI

What is an ADI?

ADI stands for approved driving instructor. To qualify as one, you must pass the ADI test which comes in three parts:

  • ADI test part one is a theory test

  • ADI test part two is a practical driving test

  • ADI test part three which tests your ability to teach learners

You’ll need to pass each test before you can apply for the next one. To find out more about what these tests entail, read our articles ADI parts 1 and 2 guide and ADI part 3 guide.

Can you be a driving instructor without being an ADI?

No. If you want to be a driving instructor and charge for lessons you must be an ADI or PDI. If you charge people for lessons and you’re not approved or in training, you’re breaking the law.

What is a PDI?

PDI stands for potential driving instructor (also known as a trainee driving instructor).

PDIs have passed the first two tests (ADI parts one and two) and are working towards passing part three of the ADI test.

Before you can call yourself a PDI, you’ll need to apply for (and be granted) a trainee driving instructor licence. When you get your licence, you can start charging pupils for lessons, earning money as you complete your training.

Your trainee driving instructor licence lasts six months, so you should aim to pass ADI part three within this time.

If you’re refused a trainee driving instructor licence, you won’t be able to teach.

Applying for your trainee driving instructor licence

To apply for your trainee driving instructor licence, you must have:

  • passed ADI test part one in the last two years;

  • passed ADI test part two;

  • had at least 40 hours of training in driving instruction; ten of these hours must have been done in a car and recorded in your ADI 21T declaration form.

Key differences between an ADI and a PDI

The main difference is that PDIs have not passed the third part of the ADI test and are not fully qualified. PDIs also don’t have the same level of practical experience when it comes to teaching learner drivers.

Remember that as a PDI, you can’t advertise your services as a driving instructor. Typically, you’ll be affiliated with a driving school or be sponsored by an approved driving instructor.

When you get your trainee driving instructor licence, you’ll be given the choice of having 20% of your lessons supervised or doing at least 20 extra hours of training. When you’ve chosen an option, you won’t be able to change it part way through, so it’s worth speaking to your sponsoring ADI or driving school to work out what’s best for you.

Can a PDI offer motorway lessons?

No, PDIs cannot give motorway lessons to learner drivers.

How does PDI insurance differ from ADI insurance?

The main difference is the cost of driving instructor insurance. Generally, PDI insurance will cost more compared to policies for ADIs. This is simply because PDIs aren’t fully qualified, and from an insurer’s perspective, this increases the risk of a claim.

In general, driving instructor insurance covers both PDIs and ADIs for similar events and scenarios, including: 

  • any driver cover 

  • examiner cover 

  • cover for social, domestic, and pleasure use (in addition to tuition) 

  • legal protection and cover for uninsured losses 

You can also add on extras, such as breakdown cover or a dual-control courtesy car.

Tailored ADI and PDI insurance from Alan Boswell Group

Driving instructor insurance should reflect the risks you face as an ADI or PDI and at Alan Boswell Group, we can tailor policies to suit you.

For more information about cover for driving instructors, speak to our team.

Speak to us:  01603 301770

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