Code Of Practice For Approved Driving Instructors

The DVSA and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics.

A revised version of the ADI Code of Practice has been jointly published by DVSA and the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP). It has been updated in 2017 to reflect modern practices in the delivery of driver training and the management of a training school business.

You can see if an Instructor has signed up for the code if they display this logo:-

Support ADI logo

The logo can be used on promotional materials only by those instructors signed up to the Code. It should be noted that anyone found using the logo, who has not agreed to abide by the code may be libel for prosecution for misuse of this logo.

Whilst the Code remains voluntary, it is reasonably expected that the majority of professional ADIs will sign up to it and endeavour to comply with its key principles and practices.

Many ADIs already deliver to these standards, but setting out the stall for what 'professional conduct' should be for an industry is valuable, not just in terms of providing a framework for driver trainers themselves, but also in educating the public as to what they should expect from a driver training provider.
And reflecting that desire to use the code as a way of promoting professional trainers to the public, a special logo has been created for ADIs who wish to promote to pupils that they support the Code. The 'ADI Code of Practice - I've signed up!' tick marque is available to download from the NASP website and can be used on trainer's websites and other promotional literature as a sign of their commitment to upholding professional standards.

An accompanying 'Continuing Professional Development - I'm taking part' logo is also available for those who wish to demonstrate their commitment, as a training and education professional, to continually developing their own skills and knowledge.

This code is endorsed by the following NASP member associations:


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Personal Conduct

Driver trainers will be professional, comply with the law, keep clients safe and treat them with respect

The instructor agrees to:
  • at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients in line with the standards in the National standard for driver and rider training
  • at all times comply with legislative requirements including:
    • the protection of personal freedoms, the prevention of discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation
    • not using mobile devices like phones when driving or supervising client’s driving and only when parked in a safe and legal place
    • demonstrating a high standard of driving and instructional ability upholding safety standards including showing consideration for all other road users particularly pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders
    • consumer, workplace and data protection regulations, the handling, storing, use and dissemination of video or audio recordings made in or around their tuition vehicle
  • avoid inappropriate physical contact with clients
  • avoid the use of inappropriate language to clients
  • not initiate inappropriate discussions about their own personal relationships and take care to avoid becoming involved in a client’s personal affairs or discussions about a client’s personal relationships, unless safeguarding concerns are raised
  • avoid circumstances and situations which are or could be perceived to be of an inappropriate nature
  • respect client confidentiality whilst understanding the actions to take if a client reveals concerns about their private lives
  • treat clients with respect and consideration and support them to achieve the learning outcomes in the National standard for driving cars and light vans (category B) as efficiently and effectively as possible
  • ensure that their knowledge and skills on all matters relating to the provision of driver training comply with current practice and legislative requirements
  • use social network sites responsibly and professionally:
    • ensuring that clients personal information is not compromised
    • ensuring when using social media for marketing purposes that what is written is compliant with privacy and data protection legislation pertaining to digital communications, the laws regarding spam, copyright and other online issues
    • treating other users of social media including clients, colleagues and their views with respect
    • be careful not to defame the reputation of colleagues, the DVSA, driving examiners or the ADI Register o not distribute, circulate or publish footage taken of driving tests from in car cameras, without permission from the DVSA and the client

Business Dealings

Driver trainers will account for monies paid to them, record client’s progress, advise clients when to apply for their driving tests and guide them fairly through the learning process

The instructor agrees to:
  • 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 make the details available to the client on request
  • on or before the first lesson make clients aware of both this code of practice and their terms of business which should include:
    • legal identity of the school/instructor with full postal 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 which apply to cancellation of lessons by either party
    • the terms under which a refund of lesson fees may be made
    • the procedure for making a complaint
  • 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 and regularly during their training
  • make a record of a client’s progress, which will include the number of lessons provided, and ensure that the client is aware of their progress and future training requirement to achieve their driving goals
  • discuss with and advise a client when to apply for their driving tests, taking account of DVSA’s cancellation rules, local waiting times and the instructor’s forecast of a client’s potential for achieving the driving test pass standard
  • not cancel or rearrange a driving test without the client’s knowledge and agreement, in the event of the instructor deciding 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 DVSA test fee
  • ensure that when presenting a client for the practical driving test:
  • the client has all the necessary documentation to enable the client to take the test
  • the vehicle complies with all aspects of motoring law, displays the instructors certificate or licence correctly and is fitted with an extra interior rear-view mirror and correctly positioned L or optionally D plates in Wales
  • accompany the client on their practical driving test and listen to the debrief, when requested to do so by the client

Advertising

Driver trainers will take care to advertise and promote their businesses in a clear and fair manner

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

Conciliation

Driver trainers will deal promptly with any complaints received and aim for speedy resolution of any grievances

The instructor agrees that:
  • complaints by clients should be made in the first instance to the driving instructor, driving school or contractor following the training provider’s complaints procedure
  • if, having completed the procedure, the client has been unable to reach an agreement or settle a dispute further guidance may be sought:
  • if a client believes that their instructor is not providing a satisfactory business service they can contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau for guidance
  • if clients are unhappy with their instructor’s professional service, the client can contact the ADI Registrar by emailing adireg@dvsa.gov.uk



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