Millions of young Brits desperate to get behind the wheel are being urged to make one crucial check before handing over their cash. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued fresh advice telling learner drivers to make sure their instructor is officially approved – amid concerns some may be paying for lessons with unqualified teachers.
In a social media post, the DVSA said: “Looking to start driving lessons? You can find DVSA approved driving instructors by visiting http://GOV.UK Simply enter your postcode to find approved driving instructors near you.”
The watchdog, which oversees driving tests and instructor standards, has an online postcode checker allowing would-be motorists to search for approved driving instructors (ADIs) in their area. Learners can access the official ‘find driving instructors’ service via GOV.UK and search by postcode – for example, SW1A 2AA – to see nearby instructors who have signed up to be listed.
However, the DVSA warns that not every qualified instructor will necessarily appear.
It states: “Approved driving instructors (ADIs) choose whether or not to be on this service, so not all ADIs will be listed.”
That means learners should not assume an instructor is unqualified simply because they do not appear in the search results.
Instead, the agency advises anyone in doubt to contact it directly to check an instructor’s credentials. Motorists will need the instructor’s name and ADI number, if available.
The DVSA can be contacted by email at customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk, by telephone on 0300 200 1122, via WhatsApp message on +44 (0)1908 787001, or through webchat between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. An approved driving instructor must meet strict standards and pass regular checks.
The DVSA also provides information online about its continuous professional development scheme, ADI code of practice and standards checks. Those ready to start lessons can search the official DVSA service by entering their postcode here.
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