In this blog post we’ll share with you how we are working with our industry partners to progress and protect the driving instructor profession.
This includes working together to update the code of practice for approved driving instructors (ADI) and reviewing the scheme for those who provide training for instructors.
The updated code will make expectations clearer for instructors, trainers, schools, and franchises and DVSA.
As well as providing a clear set of written guidelines and ethical standards to instructors, the code is a key element in communicating the professionalism of trainers to the public. We will be promoting the code across our public facing channels, as well as ADI channels.
We're also sharing a summary of the topics discussed at the latest car driver training and testing forum on 19 May, and what's coming next. This includes what changes we are working jointly on, when best to introduce them, and what it means for you.
We know things are tough
Waiting times for driving tests are still too long. If you're working towards your ADI qualification or support people who are going through the qualification process, delays to part 2 and part 3 tests have made it hard to plan your business or commit to a career change.
We also know we haven't carried out as many standards checks as we'd like. Examiner capacity is lower than we need it to be, but we have rapidly increased our training capacity and are working hard to recruit more ADI examiners.
We will update you further on the actions we are taking to address this issue as soon as we can.
Is becoming an ADI the right career for you?
Many people start the ADI qualification process but don't finish. That adds to the part 2 and 3 test waiting times and affects everyone. The qualification involves 3 separate tests, takes real commitment, and costs money — often while you're still working elsewhere.
Data for 2024 to 2025 shows that the pass rate for the part 3 test was 28.9%, and, based on recent survey data from ADIs who took the part 3, 80% said the qualifying process was harder than they expected.
We're working with the industry to develop clearer information to help people decide if it's right for them before they start and to help support them as they progress through the qualification process. We'll share more soon.
An updated code of practice for instructors - coming in summer 2026
We've been working with the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) and national driving schools, and forum members who collectively represent a significant number of trainers (both independent and franchisees) and pupils — to update the code of practice.
The updated code of practice will replace the existing code. It will set out the expected behaviours and standards for instructors.
To make it quick, simple and easy to find the information you need, the updated code will make clear what DVSA and the industry’s expectations are for all instructors.
The updated code of practice will use plain language throughout:
- Must - required. Non-negotiable.
- Should - strongly recommended.
- Could - good practice. Your choice.
All instructors will be expected to read and follow the code of practice from the day it is launched. Anyone joining or renewing their ADI registration will need to declare they've read, understood and agree to the code of practice. If DVSA receives any complaints on instructor conduct, we will use the code of practice to check if an instructor has behaved appropriately.
The code of practice is a key benchmark utilised by the ADI Registrar in Fit and Proper proceedings and is also taken into consideration in respect of appeals. More on how we use the code in this respect below.
We worked closely with NASP to develop the content, and we agreed that the updated code should include further information on 4 topics:
1. Safeguarding and inclusive teaching - clearer expectations for teaching young people, vulnerable learners, and those with disabilities or special educational needs.
2. Social media - guidance on promoting your business professionally and what could put your registration at risk.
3. AI tools - how to use them appropriately in your training business, and where the limits are.
4. Trainee licences - these are for genuine learning, not a shortcut to get instructors working before they're fully qualified.
We are aiming to publish the updated code of practice during summer 2026. We'll update you before we publish and we will also host a webinar, so you have the opportunity to ask us questions about what it means for you, your businesses, trainees and instructors.
Complaints and illegal instruction
The code isn't there to catch people out. It protects everyone by making expectations clear and fair for all from the start. We know it can be a worry to receive a complaint especially if it is a malicious one. So, we want to explain how our existing processes will work alongside the updated code.
If DVSA receives a complaint about an ADI, trainee, school or franchise, we'll use the updated code as a reference point.
You'll be told about the complaint, given a fair chance to respond, and we'll look at the evidence - including any context you provide. If you've been following the code, that matters and will be taken into account.
If you disagree with our decision, you have the right to appeal. The code will be used throughout that process to make sure decisions are consistent and fair.
We also take reports about illegal instructors seriously - people giving paid lessons without being registered put learners at risk and undermines professionals who've worked hard to qualify. The code helps us assess those cases fairly too.
Reviewing the ORDIT scheme and how it could work in the future
We hosted a workshop with industry partners in early June to review the scheme for people who provide instructor training. We want to work with these partners to make sure the way new instructors are trained and assessed is still fit for purpose.
Together we considered the existing problems, looked at the current data, and considered the principles that should underlie any future driving instructor training scheme.
We'll share more details on this when we can and we’ll also run a webinar for existing trainers to get their views and feedback on the current scheme and ideas on how it can be improved.
What happened at the May forum
The car driver training and testing forum met on 19 May at the Department for Transport (DfT) in London.
As well as talking about the above joint work, DVSA's new Chief Executive Beverley Warmington and DVSA’s new Head of Policy, Oliver Mulvey, joined the forum to introduce themselves to our industry partners.
Cathy Miller, Head of Road Safety at the Department for Transport, spoke about the Road Safety Strategy and what it means for driver training - including the industry's role in improving safety for young drivers.
Read the latest forum report for a summary of what was discussed.
Have your say
Leave a comment below or contact your association, franchises or employer - if you have any suggestions of something you’d like us to work jointly on. They represent you, and this is exactly the kind of work they feed into on your behalf.
Clearer rules mean a fairer system for everyone - and safer roads for all of us.
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