The search for a driving instructor often begins with the usual round of searches on the internet or newspaper adverts. The lucky ones will be referred by a friend or family member to an instructor that has been tried and tested in the past. For some their choice will be made because someone is the cheapest around.

But how do you know that the instructor you choose is legal ? It is not enough to have a car with roof signs and marked up with driving school signs or covered with L plates. All of these items can be purchased  over the phone or online.

Many people are unaware that there is a system in place to check out the credentials of any legal and registered Instructor.

Firstly, they will have a certificate/badge displayed on the front windscreen of their tuition vehicle. This is a legal requirement. The badge will be either a green octagon for a fully qualified Instructor who has passed all parts of the qualification examination, or a pink triangle if the instructor is a trainee under supervision who has not yet passed the part three teaching exam and is gaining experience by teaching live pupils. If your instructor does not have either of these badges displayed they may not be licensed and therefore are not legally entitled to teach you to drive for reward (money or goods ).

All registered instructors have to undergo rigorous training and examinations. They are also Criminal Records Bureau checked at the enhanced level to ensure the safety of you, the pupil. Fully qualified ADIs ( Approved Driving Instructors ) have regular checks by the Driving Standards Agency to ensure their level of instruction is up to the required standard. Unregistered, illegal instructors do not have any of this!

More importantly if your instructor is not licensed you are not insured to drive their car. Registered instructors provide their licence details to the specialist insurance companies before they can obtain Tuition Vehicle insurance cover.

If you are involved in an accident whilst on a lesson with an illegal instructor and are injured , you will have no comeback , you may be sued for damages by a third party and you could face criminal conviction and penalty points on your licence.

 Don’t be afraid to ask for your instructors credentials. A genuine ADI will be only to happy to reassure you. If you cannot see a badge with a photograph of your instructor that is either a green octagon or pink triangle and is in date, demand an explanation. The Driving Standards Agency carry a database of all registered instructors. If you are in any doubt, check it out.

None of this of course applies to non professional lessons with a relative or friend, provided no money or goods changes hands  (even to cover the cost of fuel) and the supervising driver is over 21 and has held a full licence for 3 or more years, and you are insured to drive the vehicle.

Vehicles used for taking a driving test need special insurance cover. This applies to all vehicles, even family or friends or your own car.

Be sure and be safe. Enjoy your learning to drive experience. Always remember that you are the customer and deserve good quality service . It is your right to have a fully qualified registered instructor if that is what you have been told you are paying for.