Neil Whitley

Introduction

A driving instructor who gives lessons in a motor car in return for payment must be on the ‘Register of Approved Driving Instructors’ (ADI’s). To gain entry to the register prospective instructors need to pass a series of examinations administered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). People training to qualify as ADI’s who have part completed the examinations can obtain from the agency a licence to acquire practical experience which is strictly limited to six months. Once fully qualified and on the register, ADI’s are regularly tested by DSA to check their continued ability to give instruction to an acceptable standard. DSA and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics. The code of practice has been agreed between DSA and the main bodies representing ADI’s; it is a framework within which all instructors should operate.

Personal Conduct

The instructor will at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients

Clients will be treated with respect and consideration.

The instructor will try to avoid physical contact with a client except in an emergency or in the normal course of greeting

Whilst reserving the right to decide against giving tuition, the instructor will not act in any way which contravenes legislation on discrimination.

Business Dealings

The instructor will safeguard and account for any monies paid in advance by the client in respect of driving lessons, test fees or for any other purpose and will make the details available to the client on request.

The instructor on or before the first lesson should provide clients with a written copy of his/her terms of business to include:

legal identity of the school/instructor with full address and telephone number at which the instructor or his/her representative can be contacted

the price and duration of lessons

The price and conditions for use of a driving school car for the practical driving test.

The terms under which cancellation by either party may take place

Procedure for complaints.

The instructor should check a client's entitlement to drive the vehicle and his or her ability to read a number plate at the statutory distance on the first lesson. When presenting a client for the practical driving test the instructor should ensure that the client has all the necessary documentation to enable the client to take the test and that the vehicle is roadworthy.

Instructors will advise clients when to apply for their theory and practical driving tests, taking into account local waiting times and forecast of clients' potential for achieving the driving test pass standard. The instructor will not cancel or re-arrange a driving test without the client's agreement. In the event of the instructor's decision to withhold the use of the school car for the driving test, sufficient notice should be given to the client to avoid loss of the DSA test fee.

The instructor should at all times, to the best of his or her ability, endeavour to teach the client correct driving skills according to DSA's recommended syllabus.

Cancellation Policy

If cancelling a lesson you must give at least 48 Hours minimum notice (excluding Bank Holidays). If You wish to cancel or rearrange Your lesson, otherwise You will be liable for 100% of the lesson fee. Where You have pre-paid for any lesson but fail to attend or provide the Minimum Notice, You will still be liable for the Lesson fee.

Advertising

The advertising of driving tuition shall be honest; claims made shall be capable of verification and comply with codes of practice set down by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Advertising that refers to clients' pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation and the basis on which the calculation is made should be made clear.

Conciliation

Complaints by clients should be made in the first instance to the driving instructor/driving school/contractor following the complaints procedure issued.

Failing agreement or settlement of a dispute, reference may be made to the DSA's Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors who will consider the matter and advise accordingly.

Should the Registrar not be able to settle the dispute he or she may set up a panel , with representatives from the ADI industry, to consider the matter further or advise that the matter should be referred to the courts or other statutory body to be determined.

For further information or advice write to:

The ADI Registrar

Driving Standards Agency

Stanley House

56 Talbot Street

Nottingham

NG1 5GU

Or telephone

0115 901 2500