DVSA Code Of Conduct

About the code

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

This code of practice has been agreed between DVSA 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 paymentmust 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 DVSA to check their continued ability to give instruction to an approved standard.

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 DVSA 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

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