ADI Part 1 band 3: Driving test, disabilities, and the law
Driving test, disabilities, and the law is one of the 4 question categories in the ADI Part 1 multiple-choice test. On this site we call it band 3, because it is third in the GOV.UK list.
What this category is
- These rules apply in Great Britain. The ADI part 1 test works differently in Northern Ireland. [1]
- The GOV.UK guidance names this category as "driving test, disabilities, and the law". It is third in its list of 4 categories. [1]
- The guidance gives the category name only. It does not describe the topics inside it, so we do not add any. [1]
- The other categories are: road procedure; traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge; publications and instructional techniques. [1]
How many questions, and the score you need
- There are 25 questions in this category, out of 100 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour and 30 minutes. [1]
- You need at least 20 out of 25 in this category, so you can get no more than 5 wrong in it. [1]
- You also need at least 85 out of 100 overall. A score of 85 or higher overall still fails if this category is below 20. [1]
- If you fail, the letter you get at the test centre tells you which parts you did not score enough points on. [1]
What to study
- GOV.UK lists the publications for the multiple-choice questions as a whole, not for each category. The full list is on our theory test questions page. [1]
- You can also study using the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency theory test kit for approved driving instructors e-Learning. [1]
Sample band 3 questions
Our own practice questions, each checked against its GOV.UK source. These are not questions from the real test.
1. According to Annex 5 of the Highway Code, a driver disqualified once for drink-driving was over two and a half times the legal limit. What must they also do before their licence is returned at the end of the disqualification?
- Complete a Pass Plus course before the DVLA will return their licence
- Nothing further: the licence is returned automatically when the disqualification ends
- Satisfy the DVLA's Medical Branch that they do not have an alcohol problem and are otherwise fit to drive
- Wait a further 12 months after the disqualification ends before applying for it
Show answer
C: Satisfy the DVLA's Medical Branch that they do not have an alcohol problem and are otherwise fit to drive
Drivers disqualified twice within 10 years, or once if over 2.5 times the limit, or who refused a specimen, must satisfy the DVLA's Medical Branch that they do not have an alcohol problem and are otherwise fit to drive before their licence is returned.
Source: The Highway Code, Annex 5
2. According to the examiner guidance, a candidate with no disability simply passes their test in an automatic car rather than a manual. Which licence code applies?
- Code 10
- Code 15
- Code 25
- Code 78
Show answer
D: Code 78
Code 78 is the administrative code for simply passing in an automatic. Code 10 is used when the driver needs automatic selection of gear ratio or modified transmission.
Source: Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance (section 8.07: Licence restriction codes)
3. According to the examiner guidance, what is the legal position on displaying an ADI certificate during a driving test?
- It must be displayed or the test cannot go ahead
- It must be handed to the examiner at the start of the test
- It is not legally required to be displayed during a driving test
- It must be displayed on the nearside of the windscreen
Show answer
C: It is not legally required to be displayed during a driving test
ADI certificates are not legally required to be displayed during a driving test. If one is displayed and the examiner needs to remove it from its holder, they should try to avoid damaging the certificate or holder.
Source: Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance (section 6.59: ADI and PDI certificate numbers)
4. Cars normally need their first MOT test how long after the date of first registration?
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
Show answer
B: 3 years
Annex 3 says cars and motorcycles must normally pass an MOT three years from first registration and every year after that.
Source: The Highway Code, Annex 3
5. In Scotland, what is the legal limit for alcohol in breath when driving?
- 22 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
- 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
- 50 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
- 80 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
Show answer
A: 22 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath
Rule 95 says the limits in Scotland are lower: 22 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath (50 mg per 100 ml of blood). The limit in England and Wales is 35 microgrammes.
Source: The Highway Code, Rule 95
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