DSA cracks down on bogus driving instructors

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is cracking down on bogus driving instructors who flout the law by illegally teaching learner drivers.

Only those people who have qualified to become approved driving instructors and whose name appears on DSA's official register are legally able to give car driving lessons to the public for money; or moneys worth.

The ADI Registrar, Charles Morton said; "Illegal instructors are a danger to the public as they have not been assessed by us to ensure that they are able to provide driving instruction to the required standard. And they will not hold the correct insurance, so will not be covered in the event of an accident.

"It's very simple to check that your driving instructor is qualified. Check that they display an in date pink (trainee) or green (fully qualified) certificate in their windscreen during lessons and that the photo id is the person teaching you. Using an illegal instructor could cost you more time and money and mean that you are not as safe on the road as you might be. "

The head of the DSA Fraud and Integrity team, Andy Rice, said; "We investigate all reported cases of suspected illegal instruction and we work very closely with the Police and criminal justice agencies to identify offenders and prosecute".

If you have any doubts about whether your driving instructor is teaching you legally call DSA on 0115 901 2618.