How to Complain against a Driving Instructor
Before we can start with the subject of complaining against the driving instructor, it’s important that we understand the following. It is against the law for any person to take money in return for driving lessons unless they are registered with the DVSA. (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)
Fully Qualified Approved Driving Instructor
A fully qualified ADI, (Approved Driving Instructor) must by law, display a green certificate in the windscreen of their tuition vehicle. If a pink badge is displayed, this will indicate that the person is registered with the DVSA as a trainee driving instructor. However, if no certificate is displayed, there is a high possibility that the instructor is teaching illegally. You should ask to see the driving instructor’s certificate.
Licenced Trainee Driving Instructors
The process of becoming a driving instructor is not an easy one. Firstly, the candidate must undergo an enhanced CRB check. One of the conditions to be a driving instructor is the person must be a “fit and proper person.” Once the DVSA have completed the CRB check and is happy, the applicant must take a strict theory test followed by an advanced driving test. Only after successfully passing these two tests, the candidate may apply to register themselves as a trainee driving instructor. However, even before applying, must have at least 40 hours of teacher training under the supervision of an ADI.
Complaining against a Driving Instructor – Contractual Issues
Most complaints against a driving instructor are contractual issues. This can include cutting short the agreed amount of time. Maybe the driving instructor is constantly late and does not make up for the time. Alternatively, they may finish the lesson before the agreed time. Contractual issues can also include the driving instructor cancelling lessons at very short notice. Even worst, this section can include a driving instructor and not providing you with driving lessons for which you have paid for in advance.
Complaining against a Driving Instructor – Disrespectful Behaviour
Complaints in this section are taken very seriously. If a driving instructor shouts or swears at you, this is seen to be disrespectful behaviour. They may say something disrespectful, either in person or by messages they have sent you. Using a mobile phone while teaching also comes in this category.
Complaining against a Driving Instructor – Serious inappropriate behaviour
Complaints in this category are extremely rare. They include incidents such as using sexual language or unnecessary physical contact. It can also include sending offensive messages or writing offensive comments on social media.
Talk to the Driving Instructor
Many complaints can easily be resolved by simply talking to the individual driving instructor. However, if you do not feel comfortable talking, you could send them a text message or an email regarding the complaint. If the driving instructor is part of a school, you may contact the school directly. After the driving school what their complaints procedure is.
There are many driving instructors that operate individually on their own. Many of them will be members of the local association which are normally advertised on their appointment cards, website and sometimes even on their vehicles. You can ask the Association to investigate any complaints.
Raise the Complaint to the DVSA
If you’re not happy with the outcome of the complaint by talking to the individual driving instructor or the driving school, you may DVSA to investigate the complaint on your behalf. The DVSA will not force you to report the incident to the police unless you wish to do so. The DVSA takes all complaints seriously. They have the power to suspend or even remove an ADI from the register. As mentioned earlier, one of the conditions to remain on the register is that the person must be of good character.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that you are paying for a service. You are the customer. You must always feel safe and enjoy the learning process. The team to DTC UK hopes that you will never have an opportunity to complain about any driving instructor. Why not become a better smarter driver by visiting our YouTube Channel.
