FT/D/2025/0388 - [2025] UKFTT 01277 (GRC)

Guidance and the Code

The DVSA has issued Guidance which an ADI is required to declare they have read when applying to become an ADI. It states:-

"When you’re giving driving lessons, you’re responsible for your own safety, that of your pupil and other road users.

You have to show a:...

professional approach to your customers

responsible attitude to your pupils and profession

ADIs are in a position of considerable trust. The ADI Registrar protects the image of the register and maintains the public’s confidence in the ADI industry.

The law says you must be a ‘fit and proper’ person, but does not define what it means.

The ADI Registrar interprets it as the personal and professional standards, conduct or behaviour that could be unacceptable in the eyes of the public and other ADIs.

"It’s not possible to be definitive about what’s classed as ‘fit and proper’. There has to be some discretion to take into account the circumstances of each case.

The ADI Registrar makes an assessment of the risk you’re likely to pose to the public."

"It’s also unlikely that you’ll be classed as a ‘fit and proper’ person if you’ve been found guilty of: driving while using a hand-held mobile phone."

Additionally a Code has been agreed between the DVSA and the National Associations Strategic Partnership, which is a steering group for approved driving instructor associations. The Guidance states that "It is a framework within which all instructors should operate."The DVSA also says that it gives "a summary of the conduct and behaviours that DVSA and the public expect from an ADI."It says for example that the instructor agrees not to use "... mobile devices like phones when driving or supervising client’s driving and only when parked in a safe and legal place."