Code of Conduct

As Approved Driving Instructors we are entered onto a register, failure to adhere to the following code of conduct could make us liable to be removed from the register and unable to teach, this is your assurance that we will always act in a fit and professional manner.

Driving Standards Agency Code of Conduct

Personal conduct

• The instructor will at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients.
• Clients will be treated with respect and consideration.
• The instructor will try to avoid physical contact with a client except in an emergency or in the normal course of greeting.
• Whilst reserving the right to decide against giving tuition, the instructor will not act in any way which contravenes legislation on discrimination.

Business dealings

• The instructor 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.
• The instructor on or before the first lesson should provide clients with a written copy of his/her terms of business to include: - legal identity of the school/instructor with full address and telephone number at which the instructor or his/her representative can be contacted the price and duration of lessons - the price and conditions for use of a driving school car for the practical driving test - the terms under which cancellation by either party may take place - procedure for complaints.
• The instructor should check a client´s entitlement to drive the vehicle and his or her ability to read a number plate at the statutory distance on the first lesson. 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 that the vehicle is roadworthy.
• The advertising of driving tuition shall be honest; claims made shall be capable of verification and comply with codes of practice set down by the Advertising Standards Authority.
• Advertising that refers to client´s pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation and the basis on which the calculation is made should be made clear.

Conciliation

• Complaints by clients should be made in the first instance to the driving instructor/driving school/contractor following the complaints procedure issued.
• Failing agreement or settlement of a dispute, reference may be made to DSA´s Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors who will consider the matter and advise accordingly.
• Should the Registrar not be able to settle the dispute he or she may set up a panel, with representatives from the ADI industry, to consider the matter further or advise that the matter should be referred to the courts or other statutory body to be determined.

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As we are also members of the Driving Instructors Association, we will also follow their code of conduct, unless this ever conflicted with the above which will take precedence.

DIA Code of Conduct

All DIA members have agreed to abide by the following code:

• I will not mislead the public over services provided by the school. This applies in particular to instructors´ qualifications and the likely cost of lessons which will be necessary to reach the standard required by the Driving Standards Agency´s driving test.
• I will ensure that clients are fully aware of their terms of business.
• I will avoid improper language, suggestions or physical contact with clients.
• I will take all reasonable care, using skill and diligence, in instructing clients in all relevant aspects of traffic and driver education.
• I will not discuss with others matters that a pupil has disclosed during a lesson. This does not apply to business matters which concern a driving school or, where the lessons are being paid for by another person or company, information relevant to that person or company. In this case, while the third party has the right to this information, it will only be given with the client´s knowledge.
• I will maintain proper standards of personal hygiene and dress.
• I will ensure that any vehicle driven or used for training is maintained in good mechanical order and condition; is properly insured and taxed and, where appropriate, certified as roadworthy; and that all reasonable care is taken to keep it clean and tidy.
• I will ensure that tuition is carried out only within the terms of the law, with particular reference to driver licensing and provision of a professional service.
• I will continue my professional development to the best of my ability.