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The UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) have an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Code of Practice that is transitioning from a voluntary framework to a mandatory requirement in late 2026 and early 2027.
These are some of the highlights:
Personal Conduct and Safeguarding
- Professional boundaries: Maintain high standards of integrity, respect, and clear boundaries, particularly with students under 18 or vulnerable adults.
- Prohibited behavior: Avoid aggressive behavior, intimidation, inappropriate language, unnecessary physical contact, or romantic/sexual relationships with current pupils.
- Mandatory reporting: Report any criminal or motoring convictions, cautions, or safeguarding bars to the DVSA within 7 calendar days.
Instruction and Road Safety
- Standards: Provide lessons aligned with the national standard for driver training and ensure vehicles are fully legal, taxed, insured, and roadworthy.
- Vehicle setup: Fit tuition cars with an extra interior rear-view mirror and correctly positioned L plates.
- Mobile devices: Do not use mobile phones or handheld devices—including hands-free calls—while actively instructing. Tablets for progress tracking may only be used when the car is safely parked with the engine off.
- Test booking restrictions: Instructors are strictly prohibited from booking, swapping, or canceling driving tests on behalf of students.
Business Dealings and Terms
- Terms in writing: Provide pricing, lesson duration, cancellation policies, and complaints procedures in writing before lessons begin.
- Advance payments: Accurately account for and protect all prepayments and deliver the instruction paid for.
- Progress tracking: Keep transparent records of delivered hours and give clear updates on a student's readiness for test booking.
Advertising and Social Media
- Accurate claims: Ensure promotional materials and claimed pass rates are verifiable and clear.
- Consent: Never share client images, personal information, or in-car camera footage without explicit written consent.
I'll be reviewing the content over the next few weeks, suffice to say I am proud at Driving-Ed that I already follow much, if not all, of the new guidance.
I welcome your comments on how you are dealt with by me at Driving-Ed.
Safe Driving
Jonathan