30/06/2026
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR DRIVING INSTRUCTOR IS QUALIFIED ? JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE SAYS THEY ARE AN INSTRUCTOR OR HAS DUAL CONTROLS FITTED TO THEIR CAR DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE QUALIFIED OR AUTHORISED TO TEACH LEARNER DRIVERS.
The Driving Standards Agency issue TWO types of Instructor licenses. A PINK License means the instructor has passed the first two tests in the qualifying process. They are allowed to charge for lessons and their badge is valid usually only for 6 months whilst they complete their training. A GREEN License shows that the instructor is fully qualified and has passed all of the required tests, including the Part 3 Instruction Ability Test. Both Pink and Green License holders have had to complete an enhanced DBS check and a lot of training to deliver high quality training to learners.
If your instructor is not displaying an official DVSA Pink or Green License then they cannot legally charge for lessons, are not qualified to DVSA standards and will probably not have had a DBS check done. It may be a cheap option but in the long run you’re not going to get the training you need to meet the test standards.
Choose your instructor carefully, get recommendations from friends and family or check that your instructor is qualified by visiting the DVSA website and the Register of Approved Driving Instructor’s. Your safety always come first and learning to drive can be expensive so only use someone who’s qualified and authorised to deliver high quality coaching to get you ready for your test and beyond.
