Driving Standards Agency Voluntary Code of Practice

Driving Standards Agency 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 a client
     except in an emergency or in the normal 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 other purpose and will make the details available to the client
     on request
  • the instructor on or before the first lesson should provide clients
     with a written copy of his/her terms of business to include:
                         
     o    school/instructor with full address and telephone
          number at which the instructor or his/her representative can
          be contacted
     o the price and duration of lessons                                           
                                                              
     o the price and conditions for use of a driving school car for
          the practical driving test
     o the terms under which cancellation by either party
       may take place
     o procedure for complaints

  •   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.

  •   instructors will advise clients when to apply for their theory and   
      practical driving tests, taking account of local waiting times and
      forecast of clients’ potential for achieving the driving test pass
      standard. The instructor will not cancel or re-arrange a driving test
      without the client’s agreement. In the event of the instructor’s
      decision to withhold the use of the school car for the driving test,
      sufficient notice should be given to the client to avoid loss of the
      DSA test fee.

  •   the instructor should at all times, to the best of his or her ability,
      endeavour to teach the client correct driving skills according to
      DSA’s recommended syllabus.

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 Standards 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 DSA’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 ADIindustry, to consider the matter
      further or advise that the matter should be referred to the courts
      or other statutory body to be determined

Quoted from YOUR ROAD TO BECOMING AN APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR (ADI 14)
Published 28 July 2010

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Email dave@daves-driving.com