This is The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) voluntary Code of Practise for Approved Driving Instructors (ADI’s) and those Potential Driving Instructors (PDI’s) who hold a valid Trainee Licence:
PERSONAL CONDUCT
- Seek at all times to comply with the law and, in particular, legislative requirements related to discrimination, data protection, trading standards, the workplace and road safety.
- At all times treat clients with respect and consideration.
- Not offer non business related promotional gifts or hospitality to prevent any undue misunderstanding or offence.
- Being in a position of trust, avoid any behaviour which encourages a physical or emotionally dependent relationship to develop with a client.
- Endeavour to maintain skills and knowledge to the required standard.
- Avoid physical contact with a client except in an emergency.
- Not make inappropriate contact with the client via phone, text, email or any other means.
- Not make comments or converse with the client about issues that could be deemed inappropriate, discriminatory, lewd or offensive.
- Ensure that the car is fit for purpose in that it is roadworthy and clean.
BUSINESS DEALINGS
- Safeguard and be able to account for any monies paid in advance by the client in respect of lessons, test fees or any other purpose and will make the details available to the client on request.
- Provide a copy of this Code of Practice, or highlight where it is available, to the client.
- On or before the first lesson should provide clients with a written copy of their terms of business.
- Check the clients entitlement to drive the car and their ability to read a number plate at the statutory distance on the first lesson and before driving the vehicle, repeated at suitable intervals.
- When presenting a client for a practical test the instructor should ensure that the client has all the necessary documentation to enable them to take the test and show that the vehicle is roadworthy. Further, the car should be prepared so that DSA supervising examiners can accompany the test if necessary.
- Advise clients when to apply for their theory and practical tests, taking account of local waiting time and forecast the clients’ potential for achieving a consistent standard of safe driving. The instructor will not cancel or re-arrange a test without the client being informed. In the event of the instructors decision to withhold the use of the school vehicle for the test, sufficient notice should be given to the client to avoid loss of the DSA fee.
- Should at all times endeavour to teach the client correct knowledge and skills according to DSA’s recommended syllabus.
- Should ensure that any discussions that occur with the client are treated in the stictest confidence and not disclosed to uninterested parties.
ADVERTISING
- The advertising of tuition shall be factual, honest and not misleading; claims made will be verifiable and comply with codes of practice set down by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
- Advertising that refers to clients’ pass rates must be factual and verifiable. Advertised pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation and the basis on which the pass rate has been calculated should be made clear.
CONCILIATION
- Complaints by clients should be made to the instructor/school in the first instance and follow the complaints procedure issued by the instructor/school.
- Failing agreement or settlement of a dispute reference may be made to DSA to consider the matter and advise accordingly.
