ADI Code of Practice

The driving school code of practice is an agreement between the DVSA and the main ADI organizations. The code emphasizes professional standards and business ethics. Qualified driving instructors are expected to operate within the framework set out by the code. However, the code is only voluntary. The main criteria of the code are:

Personal Conduct - a driving instructor should:

• Behave in a professional manner towards their clients.
• Treat clients with respect and consideration.
• Be polite, punctual and presentable.
• Avoid physical contact with clients, except in emergencies or in the normal course of greeting.
• Give value for money.
• Not discuss with other pupils any matters that a pupil has disclosed.
• Avoid acting in a way that contravenes legislation on discrimination.

The Training Vehicle Should be:

• Properly maintained.
  
• Safe and roadworthy.
• Legal for giving instruction.
• Clean, both internally and externally.

Business Dealings - a driving instructor should:

• Safeguard and account for any monies paid in advance for driving lessons, test fees, or any other purposes. These details should be available to clients on request.
• Make sure a client, if taking intensive driving lessons, is aware of the potential loss of fees if the test is not taken or if the course is not completed.
  
• Ensure that when presenting a client for a driving test, they have all the correct documentation and that the car is roadworthy.
• Forecast a client's readiness, and advise them when to apply for their theory and practical tests, taking into account local waiting times.
• Not cancel or rearrange tests without the client's agreement.
• Make sure a client, if taking intensive driving lessons is aware of the potential loss of fees if the test is not taken or if the course is not completed.
• Make sure the whole of the lesson time is dedicated to the pupil's instruction, not to any other business.
• Do their best to teach clients the correct driving skills in accordance to the DSA's recommended syllabus.
• Provide clients, on or before their first lesson, with a written copy of their terms of business. This should include:

• The legal identity of the driving school, together with a full address and telephone number of an address at which the instructor can be contacted.
• The price and duration of lessons
• The price and conditions for using the training car for driving tests
  
• The terms under which cancellation by either party may take place
• A complaints procedure

Advertising

All advertising relating to a driving school or instructor should be honest. Any claims made should be readily verified and comply with the codes of practice laid down by the Advertising Standards Authority. Any advertising referring to pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation, and the basis on which these rates are calculated should be made clear.

If you need to make a complaint against a driving school or driving instructor contact the:

The ADI Registrar
Driving Standards Agency
The Axis Building
112 Upper Parliment Street
Nottingham
NG1 6LP