School of Motoring
Code Of Practice For Approved Driving Instructors
The
DSA and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on professional
standards and business ethics. The code of practice has been agreed
between DSA and the main bodies representing ADIs; it is a framework
within which all instructors should operate.
The code leaflet can be obtained from any theory test and driving test
centres. Your Driving Instructor should be able to obtain a leaflet
for you. It is hoped that ALL Driving Instructors will formally agree
to adhere to the terms of the Code.
Phone
0115 901 2500 for an information leaflet.
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.
- Instructors
will advise clients when to apply for their theory and practical driving
tests, taking into account local waiting times and forecast of clients'
potential for achieving the driving test pass standard. The instructor
will not cancel or re-arrange a driving test without the client's
agreement. In the event of the instructor's decision to withhold the
use of the school car for the driving test, sufficient notice should
be given to the client to avoid loss of the DSA test fee.
- The
instructor should at all times, to the best of his or her ability,
endeavour to teach the client correct driving skills according to
DSA's recommended syllabus.
Advertising
- 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 clients' 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 the
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.
