ADI Stage 2 - The Practical Driving Test for Driving Instructors
Everything you need to know about the ADI Stage 2 practical test: 19 assessment categories, test centres, pass criteria, and how NUI prepares you.
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The Short Answer
Stage 2 is a practical on-road driving test assessing your competence across 19 categories. The test costs EUR 200 per attempt (RSA.ie, 2026), lasts 1-1.5 hours covering 25-30km, and is available at 13 specific test centres. You must achieve fewer than 3 faults per category and fewer than 5 total. Any major fault is automatic failure. Pass rates average 73-75%.
What Is Stage 2?
The second stage of the ADI qualification process.
Stage 2 is a practical on-road driving assessment. It tests whether your driving competence is significantly above that of a normal driver. The examiner will assess your ability across all 19 categories during a route covering 25-30km over 1 to 1.5 hours.
Unlike Stage 1 (the theory test), which many candidates prepare for through self-study, professional training is strongly recommended for Stage 2. This is where NUI's one-to-one in-car training begins. NUI trainers know examiner routes and test centre specifics in Dublin, Galway, and Cork. They understand what examiners look for and how to bring your driving to the required standard.
For guidance on planning your journey after the theory test, see what to do after passing Stage 1.
19 Assessment Categories
The examiner assesses your driving across 19 categories. Use the interactive checklist below to self-assess your confidence in each area. Your progress is saved automatically.
Pass Criteria
To pass Stage 2 you must achieve fewer than 3 faults in any single category and fewer than 5 faults total across all 19 categories. Any major fault results in automatic failure. (RSA.ie)
Stage 2 Test Centres
The ADI Stage 2 practical test is available at 13 specific test centres across Ireland. Unlike Stage 1, which can be taken at any of the 41+ RSA theory test centres, Stage 2 requires you to attend one of the following locations.
Motorcycle note: Category A (motorcycle) ADI tests are restricted to Finglas, Limerick, Sligo, and Waterford only.
How NUI Prepares You
Professional training is strongly recommended for Stage 2. Here is how NUI gives you the edge.
- One-to-one in-car training with an experienced ADI trainer. No contracts, no group sessions, no classroom theory. You train behind the wheel.
- Knowledge of examiner routes and personalities at Dublin (Finglas/Rathgar), Galway, and Cork test centres. NUI trainers drive these routes regularly.
- All 19 categories covered systematically. Your trainer identifies weak areas and focuses training where it matters most.
- NUI beats any training quote by 15%. If you receive a lower quote from another provider, NUI will beat it. No contracts required. See the ADI training costs page for details.
- Training available in Dublin, Galway, and Cork. Choose the location closest to your preferred test centre.
Tips: Practice all 19 categories regularly, familiarise yourself with the test routes at your chosen centre, and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, taxed, and insured well before test day. See the full eligibility requirements for the complete list.
Test Day Walkthrough
What to expect on the day of your Stage 2 practical driving test.
Arrive at your chosen test centre with your own vehicle, which must be fully roadworthy, taxed, and insured. Bring your full driving licence and ADI eligibility number. You must have passed Stage 1 within the previous 2 years.
The test covers 25-30km over 1 to 1.5 hours. The examiner will assess your driving across all 19 categories. Expect a brief Q&A session with the examiner before you start driving. After the test, the examiner provides feedback on your performance, including details of any faults recorded.
For the complete step-by-step qualification journey, see becoming an ADI or how to become a driving instructor.
After Passing Stage 2
Your options once you have your Stage 2 result.
After passing Stage 2, you can apply for a 6-month trainee instructor licence (EUR 50, RSA.ie). This lets you start teaching real learners while preparing for Stage 3. At least 20% of your lessons must be supervised by a sponsoring ADI. You then prepare for the Stage 3 instruction ability test, which assesses your teaching skills. Remember: you have a 24-month deadline from your Stage 1 pass to complete all three stages.
See the full qualification guide and what to do after passing Stage 1 for more on planning your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the ADI Stage 2 practical driving test.
EUR 200 per attempt. If you fail, you pay EUR 200 again to rebook. There is no discount for retakes. Budget for at least two attempts when planning your ADI training costs. (RSA.ie, 2026)
Vehicle Knowledge, Positioning, Observation, Hazard Perception, Mirror Use, Overtaking, Signalling, Parallel Parking, Emergency Stop, Courteous Driving, Exiting Vehicle, Basic Driving Skills, Vehicle Control, Speed, Traffic Control Compliance, Yielding, Reversing, Manoeuvres, and Bay Parking. Use the interactive checklist above to review each one.
At 13 specific test centres: Athlone, Cork, Dundalk, Finglas, Galway, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Limerick, Mullingar, Rathgar, Sligo, Tralee, and Waterford. NUI provides training near the Dublin (Finglas), Galway, and Cork centres.
Your vehicle must be fully taxed, insured, and roadworthy. You drive your own car for the test. Make sure all lights, tyres, and mirrors are in working order. The examiner may refuse to proceed if your vehicle is not up to standard.
After passing Stage 2, you can apply for a 6-month trainee licence (EUR 50) that allows you to start teaching learner drivers. At least 20% of your lessons must be supervised by a sponsoring ADI. This gives you real experience before taking Stage 3. (RSA.ie)
You can rebook and retake by paying EUR 200 again. Review your examiner's feedback carefully to focus on weak areas. Many candidates find additional professional training with NUI helps target specific faults before the retake.
Between 73-75% of candidates pass, according to the RSA. With professional training, your chances improve significantly. NUI's structured preparation covers all 19 categories and familiarises you with the actual test routes.
Train With NUI for Stage 2
Get one-to-one in-car training with NUI. No contracts. We know the routes, we know the examiners, and we beat any training quote by 15%. Partnership opportunities available. Request your free consultation.