FT/D/2025/0491/FPP - [2025] UKFTT 01285 (GRC)

The Appellant believes that whilst accepting responsibility for the relevant conviction that that conviction does not accurately reflect their character, professional conduct or the full context of the situation.

The incident that led to the conviction was isolated and an unintentional lapse in judgement, but also at the same time asserts that despite the conviction the other individual drove the car without the Appellant’s consent.

That they have a had a clean driving record since 2016 apart from this one conviction, and have been a trainee driving instructor since 2022 having passed the final part of the ADI exam on the 7 November 2024.

That the decision to refuse to enter their name on the Register has had a significant impact on their family as they are the sole provider and so this has “extreme” personal and professional consequences.

The Appellant has been convicted of the offence of causing or permitting the use of a vehicle uninsured against third party risks. The conditions for entry onto the register extend beyond instructional ability and require that the applicant is a fit and proper person. Anyone who is an ADI is expected to have standards of driving and behaviour above that of the ordinary motorist. Teaching (generally) young people to drive as a profession is a responsible and demanding task which should only be entrusted to those with high standards and a keen regard for road safety. The Appellant has not displayed the level of responsibility or commitment to improving road safety that is expected from a potential ADI and so allowing someone on the Register whose licence is currently endorsed with 6 penalty points would be a failing of the DVSA’s public duty.

Registration represents official approval, it would be inappropriate to condone motoring offences of this nature as it would effectively sanction such behaviour if transgressors are allowed entry on to the register to teach others.

It would be offensive to other ADIs and persons trying to qualify as such, who have scrupulously observed the law for this recent relevant conviction to be ignored.