DVSA Head of Policy and Chief Driving Examiner Lesley Young said:

“Following our recent announcement about driving instructor conduct, we’re aware that some members of the driver training sector have expressed concerns about the approach the ADI Registrar will take in dealing with the small minority of driving instructors whose actions bring the Register – and the driver training sector – into disrepute.

“DVSA treats seriously all complaints about driving instructor conduct. As a regulator of a public service, we have a duty to protect the public by taking action to remove from the Register those who fall short of required standards and we remain committed to doing so. The reality is that DVSA’s Counter-Fraud and Investigations team does have to investigate allegations of serious misconduct, and where they are proven, ADIs are removed from the Register.

“Pretending this doesn’t happen doesn’t help the victims, and doesn’t encourage them to speak out when it’s happened to them.
“We’re committed to supporting the vast majority of driving instructors who take pride in offering a high standard of tuition, giving excellent customer service and most importantly, providing a safe environment for pupils to learn in. These road safety professionals abide by the ADI Code of Practice and take seriously their position of trust in training their pupils to stay safe on Britain’s roads.
“Over the last few months we’ve been listening to industry representatives and discussing with them how we can help improve safeguarding guidance within the driver training sector. Driving instructors have an important role in safeguarding, as they’re also in a position to help keep their pupils safe from harm, by helping to spot, report and stop safeguarding issues occurring – particularly amongst young and vulnerable people.

“This dialogue will continue as we work with the driver training sector to look at how best we can help to inform, educate and advise instructors about safeguarding and raise awareness of appropriate training available to support them.”