Millions of young Brits eager to start driving are being advised to perform one vital check before parting with their money for driving lessons. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has released new guidance to new drivers.
It is urging learners to ensure their instructor is officially approved, amid fears some may be shelling out for lessons with unqualified tutors. In a social media update, 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 regulatory body, responsible for driving tests and instructor standards, provides an online postcode checker enabling prospective drivers to locate approved driving instructors (ADIs) in their vicinity. Learners can utilise the official 'find driving instructors' service on GOV.UK and search by postcode – for instance, SW1A 2AA – to discover nearby instructors who have opted to be listed.
However, the DVSA cautions that not all qualified instructors will necessarily be included. It clarifies: "Approved driving instructors (ADIs) choose whether or not to be on this service, so not all ADIs will be listed."
This implies learners should not presume an instructor is unqualified simply because they do not feature in the search results. Instead, the agency recommends anyone uncertain to contact it directly to verify an instructor's qualifications. Drivers will require the instructor's name and ADI number, if known.
You can reach the DVSA by emailing customerservices@dvsa. gov.uk, calling 0300 200 1122, sending a WhatsApp message to +44 (0)1908 787001, or using webchat between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
An approved driving instructor must satisfy rigorous standards and undergo regular checks. The DVSA also publishes online information about its continuous professional development scheme, ADI code of practice and standards checks.
For young people already facing soaring insurance premiums and long waits for practical tests, making sure their instructor is properly approved could save both money and heartache. Those ready to start lessons can search the official DVSA service by entering their postcode here.
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