How to choose an Instructor

To charge for lessons an Instructor must be registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

If they are fully qualified, they will display a green certificate with their photo on, the expiry date and their ADI number. If a Pink certificate is displayed, it means that the Instructor is only partially qualified but has been granted a certificate in order to gain teaching experience before passing the final exam. If no certificate is displayed it is illegal to charge, or accept money for lessons.

When choosing an Instructor, find one:

Who has a good reputation,
Who is reliable and punctual,
Whose car suits you.

If possible, ask family or friends to recommend an Instructor. Ask the Instructor to provide names of people learning with him, or ex-pupils who you could speak to.

Some questions you may wish to ask:

What is their DSA check test grading? 4 is the standard for a qualified ADI while grades 5 and 6 indicate a higher standard of instruction has been taken.
Have they taken any further training or passed the Diploma in Driving Instruction?
Have they passed the Cardington Special Driving Test? If they hold the Diploma and have passed the test they may call themselves a Diamond Advanced Instructor.

Beware of gimmicks and 'free' offers. Remember that there is no such thing as free - only built-in prices. Don't book your lessons purely on price - some lessons may not be a full hour, and you usually get what you pay for!