The Standards Check

The Standards Check – Updated for 2025

Maintain your licence. Sharpen your skills. Stay ahead.

If you’re an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), you’ll need to take a standards check to remain on the register. While the original ADI check test was replaced back in 2014, recent updates have made the process more data-driven and learner-focused than ever.

At Quails, we offer one-to-one standards check training with our highly experienced, ORDIT-registered instructor trainers. Whether it’s been a while since your last check or you’re feeling unsure about the updated criteria, we’re here to help you prepare, pass, and continue building your career with confidence.

What Is the Standards Check?

The standards check is an assessment of how effectively you teach. It’s not about role play or artificial scenarios – it’s about delivering a real lesson to a real pupil. The DVSA examiner will observe how well you:

Identify and agree on your pupil’s learning goals
Manage risk throughout the lesson
Deliver meaningful and effective instruction

The check typically involves a 45-minute driving lesson, followed by a short debrief.

When Will You Need to Take One?

The DVSA will invite you to take a standards check when necessary, often based on performance indicators such as your pupils’ driving test fault patterns or pass rates. However, all ADIs must take at least one standards check every 4 years.

You must attend your check when requested. Failing to do so can result in removal from the ADI register.

There’s no fee for the standards check – it’s included as part of your ADI registration.

What You’ll Need to Bring

To your standards check appointment, you must bring:

A suitable car (taxed, insured, roadworthy, and fitted with dual controls)
A real pupil – this could be:
- An inexperienced or experienced learner
- A full licence holder (with or without driving experience)
Your ADI registration certificate

You can bring a trainer or mentor for support, but they must not participate in the lesson.

How You’ll Be Assessed

The examiner will mark you across 3 core areas:

Lesson Planning
Risk Management
Teaching and Learning Strategies

Each area is broken down into 17 specific competencies, each scored from 0 to 3. Your final score (out of 51) determines your outcome:

Grade A (43–51): High standard of instruction
Grade B (31–42): Sufficient to stay on the register
Fail (<31): Below standard – you’ll need to retake

Three failed attempts may result in your removal from the register.

Click here to view the new marking sheet

Why Train with Quails?

Standards check coming up? Don’t leave it to chance. Our friendly, patient, and expert trainers will guide you through exactly what’s expected in 2025, run through mock sessions, and help you develop a structured plan to pass with confidence.

Whether it’s your first check or your third, we’re here to help.
Book your one-to-one assessment today and stay in control of your ADI career.

Quails School of Motoring

Quail’s School of Motoring based in Wirral have been delivering the very best high quality MANUAL and AUTOMATIC driving lessons in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Wirral, Wrexham, Flintshire, North Wales and Liverpool. since 1988.

Latest posts by Quails School of Motoring (see all)