Confirming My Driving Instructor is Registered and Approved

Why it is vital to have a DVSA registered Driving Instructor

Before looking at the ways of checking an instructor’s authenticity, we should look at the reasons why it is critical to be taught by a DVSA registered instructor

Legal Necessities

It is against the law in the UK to charge for driving lessons if the instructor is not an Approved Driving Instructor ADI) or Potential Driving Instructor (PDI). An ADI is fully qualified whilst a PDI is still undergoing training but is allowed to teach whilst still undergoing that training. These rules are set by DVSA to ensure that the public get a minimum standard of training from professionals.

Correct Experience and Training

A good instructor is not born of a good driver without rigorous training. Driving instructors must pass very tough examinations and on-the-job testing to keep their qualification. The initial examinations have an extremely high fail rate and the vast majority of trainees never go on to become ADIs. Instructors are not only trained in driving theory, but in practical driving skills, and teaching skills too.

Safety Matters

Rigorous safety standards are instilled into ADIs by the DVSA. Regular checks of standards and background checks are used to confirm that all ADIs remain fit to train the public. By picking a DVSA registered instructor you can be assured that they have been vetted and are safe and fit to teach.

The risk of using an unregistered and unqualified trainer

If an ADI is not qualified they will have no idea what to train you in. Bad habits are likely to be taught, and vital skills left out. An ADI will be responsible for your safety and getting you ready to drive on your own. An unqualified person will not necessarily have safety in mind, and this could lead to a higher chance of you being involved in collisions or incidents when driving alone. Very importantly, it is highly unlikely that an unregistered, unqualified instructor will have the correct insurance to protect you during lessons.

How to Confirm Your Instructor’s qualifications

Let’s now look at how you can check on an instructor’s qualifications

Use the Online DVSA Tool

An online tool is provided by the DVSA to give details of all ADIs local to a postcode area. This tool gives an ADI’s name, phone number and whether they take part in regular continuing professional development (CPD).

Check the Badge in the Instructor’s Windscreen

If you have met an instructor already, and are now thinking is my driving instructor qualified? Their status can be verified by looking in the windscreen at the badge that should be displayed. An ADI badge is a green octagon and a PDI is a pink triangle. If you see an orange octagon, that is a DVSA Fleet badge and is a higher qualification than an ADI, but it should not replace the green badge. All badges display the instructor’s reference number, photograph and a date of expiry. If you see no badge, you are entitled to ask the instructor to show you their badge, as the DVSA rules are that the badge must be displayed in the windscreen at all times when teaching.

If You Have Doubts That Your Driving Instructor is Qualified, What Should You Do?

WHERE YOU REALLY SUSPECT YOUR INSTRUCTOR IS NOT DVSA REGISTERED, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO REPORT YOUR WORRIES. You could not only be helping yourself but you could be saving others too. It’s a safety issue, and very important. DVSA take reports of unlicenced instructors very seriously.

Don’t panic! There may be a simple explanation when asking the question is my driving instructor qualified? ADIs can choose not to be on the public list. They may have left their badge in another teaching vehicle. If in doubt about an instructor, you can contact the DVSA with as much information as possible – DVSA Customer Support adireg@dvsa.gov.uk  or 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. The other thing you can do is report your concerns to your local driving test centre. They are the DVSA too.

The simplest way to avoid all the hassle, is to join a reputable driving school in the first place – like The DriveAll Driver Training Co.

If you can’t find your instructor in the DVSA’s database or if they don’t display a badge, don’t panic. It’s possible they opted out of the public list or forgot to display their badge. However, if you’re concerned, you can contact the DVSA directly with your instructor’s details to confirm their status.

In cases where you suspect your instructor is not DVSA-approved, it’s important to report your concerns. The DVSA takes such reports seriously and will investigate to ensure all instructors are operating legally and safely.

Conclusion

Learning to drive is so important, it is vital that you have a DVSA registered and qualified instructor on-board to help you along the route. By avoiding the charlatans, and only using a legitimate and approved instructor, you will take the first step on your journey to becoming a safe and skilled driver. Check your instructor’s legitimacy using the information in this article and if you are in any doubt, contact DVSA using the contact details given here, or by contacting your local test centre.