Approved driving instructor (ADI/PDI) code of practice​

About the code

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the driver training industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics.

This industry code of practice has been agreed between the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) and DVSA.

It is a framework within which all instructors should operate. These professional bodies expect their members to adhere to this code of practice. The current NASP member groups are:

Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (ADI NJC)

Driving Instructors Association (DIA)

The Motor Schools Association of Great Britain (MSA GB)

If you’re an approved driving instructor (ADI) who agrees to follow the code, you can:

update your ADI registration to show you follow the code

use the ‘ADI code of practice - I’ve signed up’ logo on your website or literature

1. 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, DVSA, driving examiners or the ADI register

not distribute, circulate or publish footage taken of driving tests from in-car cameras, without permission from DVSA and the client

2. 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 instructor’s 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

3. 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

4. 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 instructorconduct@dvsa.gov.uk