DVSA Voluntary Code Of Practice

 

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 the client except in an emergency or in the 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 purpose and will make the details available to the client on request
  • The instructor on or before the first lesson should provide the 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 the driving school car for the practical driving test
    • the terms under which cancellation by either party may take place
    • procedure of complaint
  • 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


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 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 DVSA’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