About the code

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics.

This code of practice has been agreed between DSA and the bodies representing ADIs listed at the end of this document. It is a framework within which all instructors should operate.

A person who gives lessons in a motor car in return for payment must be on the register of approved driving instructors (ADIs). To gain entry to the register the instructor is required to have passed the necessary qualifications to become a driving instructor.

Once fully qualified and on the register, ADIs are regularly tested by DSA to check their continued ability to give instruction to an approved standard.

Personal conduct

The instructor agrees that:

• they will at all times comply with the law and, in particular legislative requirements regarding the protection of personal freedoms, discrimination, data protection, trading standards, the workplace and road safety
• they will at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients in line with the Standards in the ‘National standard for driver and rider training’
• clients will be treated with respect and consideration and will be supported to achieve the learning outcomes in the ‘National standard for driver and rider training’ as efficiently and effectively as possible
• they will ensure that their knowledge and skills on all matters relating to the provision of driver training  comply with current practice and legislative requirements
• they will try to avoid physical contact with a client except in an emergency or in the normal course of greeting

Business dealings

The instructor agrees that:

• they 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
• on or before the first lesson they should make available to clients a copy of this code of practice together with their terms of business to include:      legal identity of the school/instructor with full address and telephone number at which the instructor or their representative can be contacted
• the current price and duration of lessons
• the current price and conditions for use of a driving school car for the practical driving test
• the terms under which cancellation of lessons by either party may take place
• the procedure for making a complaint

• they must check a client’s entitlement to drive the vehicle and their ability to read a number plate at the statutory distance on the first lesson
• they will advise a client when to apply for their theory and practical driving tests, taking account of local waiting times and forecast of the client’s potential for achieving the driving test pass standard
• they will not cancel or rearrange 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
• 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 ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy

• Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (ADI NJC)
• Driving Instructors Association (DIA)
• Driving Instructors Scottish Council (DISC)
• The Motor Schools Association of Great Britain (MSAGB)

This code is endorsed by the following ADI consultative groups who represent driving instructors and schools:

Endorsement by ADI consultative groups

• complaints by clients should be made in the first instance to the driving instructor, driving school or contractor following their complaints procedure
• if, having completed the procedure, the client has been unable to reach an agreement or settle a dispute they may seek further guidance:     if they believe their instructor is not providing a good service they can contact their local Trading Standards office or Citizens Advice Bureau for guidance
• if they are not happy with their instructor’s behaviour, the client can contact the ADI Registrar by emailing adireg@dsa.gsi.gov.uk

The instructor agrees that:

Conciliation

• the advertising of driving tuition shall be clear, fair and not misleading
• claims made shall be capable of verification and comply with CAP Advertising Codes
• advertising that refers to clients’ pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation and the basis on which the calculation is prepared should be made clear

The instructor agrees that:

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