What is the pass mark for the Standards Check?

31 out of 51 for a grade B, and 43 for a grade A. Below 31 is a fail, as is a risk management score of 7 or less regardless of the total.

Why would I fail with a total over 31?

A risk management score of 7 or less is an automatic fail whatever your total, and so is the examiner having to stop the lesson for safety.

Is the Standards Check the same as ADI Part 3?

They use the same report form and marking. Part 3 is the qualifying test; the Standards Check is the periodic check once you are on the register.

DVSA test guide

The ADI Standards Check, explained

Your own check, marked on the same form as ADI Part 3. Here is how the score becomes a grade.

Competencies: 17, scored 0–3
Maximum score: 51
Grade A: 43–51
Grade B: 31–42
Automatic fail: Risk management 7 or less, or a stopped lesson

The 17 competencies

The examiner marks 17 competencies, each from 0 to 3 — 0 for no evidence, 1 for a few elements, 2 for most, 3 for all. That gives a maximum of 51.

They sit in three areas: lesson planning (4 competencies), risk management (5) and teaching and learning strategies (8).

Grade boundaries

The total sets the grade, per DVSA guidance.

43–51 — grade A
31–42 — grade B
0–30 — fail

A grade A or B both keep your registration. A fail leads to a further check and, ultimately, removal from the register.

The automatic fail

A risk management score of 7 or less is a fail whatever the total. The examiner also fails the check if they had to stop the lesson because someone was put in immediate danger.

You can score a practice check against these exact rules with the Standards Check grader.

Figures follow published DVSA guidance, last checked 27 August 2026. Grade boundaries and criteria can change — check the current DVSA guidance, and remember only a DVSA examiner can give a real result.

Put it into practice

Lesson Diary marks mock tests DL25-style with a live pass or fail, straight into the pupil’s progress record.

Mock tests in Lesson Diary Standards Check grader

Common questions

What is the pass mark for the Standards Check?: 31 out of 51 for a grade B, and 43 for a grade A. Below 31 is a fail, as is a risk management score of 7 or less regardless of the total.
Why would I fail with a total over 31?: A risk management score of 7 or less is an automatic fail whatever your total, and so is the examiner having to stop the lesson for safety.
Is the Standards Check the same as ADI Part 3?: They use the same report form and marking. Part 3 is the qualifying test; the Standards Check is the periodic check once you are on the register.