25/09/2026
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS CODE OF PRACTICE IS CHANGING.
DVSA published a new Driving Instructor Code of Practice yesterday, 23 September 2026, which will eventually replace the current voluntary code and ADI register guide.
The Code of Practice will become MANDATORY.
DVSA says the new code will come into force sometime between late 2026 and early 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
DVSA makes it very clear that being an instructor carries responsibilities beyond simply teaching somebody to drive. We’re expected to be honest, professional, act with integrity and follow the law. Conduct outside work can also be considered if it affects public confidence, road safety or the profession.
FIT AND PROPER
Remaining a “fit and proper” person continues to be fundamental. DVSA can consider conduct, behaviour and professional standards when deciding whether somebody should remain on the register.
ALLEGATIONS AND OFFENCES
This is a big one. Instructors must tell DVSA within 7 days if they’re the subject of an allegation, cautioned or convicted of an offence, including motoring offences, or barred from working with children. Failure to report it may itself be treated as misconduct. Instructors must also cooperate fully with DVSA investigations.
SAFEGUARDING AND PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
There is much clearer wording around protecting pupils, particularly under-18s and vulnerable adults. Instructors must maintain professional boundaries, must not behave aggressively or intimidatingly, make unnecessary physical contact or have inappropriate contact with pupils outside lessons.
An instructor must not enter into a sexual or romantic relationship with somebody they’re currently teaching.
THE STANDARD OF LESSONS
Instruction must meet the national standard for driver and rider training, cover road safety and be appropriate for the pupil’s level.
The instructor must check the pupil is legally entitled to drive the vehicle, and the tuition vehicle must be insured, roadworthy and legal. It must also have the required additional interior mirror and correctly positioned L plates, with D plates optionally used here in Wales.
USE OF AI
If an instructor creates teaching materials using AI, they must make sure that information is technically correct, accurate and consistent with the national standards.
MOBILE PHONES AND TABLETS
While instructing, the accompanying driver must not use a mobile phone or handheld device, including tablets, and must not receive calls even hands-free.
If a tablet is being used to record pupil progress or show a diagram or video, DVSA says the vehicle should be safely parked with the engine switched off.
DRIVING TEST BOOKINGS
Instructors cannot book, change, swap or cancel car driving tests for pupils. Learners must manage their own appointments.
This restriction is already in place, but it is now incorporated into the new code. Misusing the system can be reported to the ADI Registrar and could ultimately lead to removal from the register.
YOUR ADI BADGE
The ADI badge or trainee certificate must be displayed in the windscreen when providing paid instruction.
DVSA also says instructors should display their badge when a pupil takes their test, including when the test is taken in the pupil’s own car, because it helps improve the accuracy of an instructor’s test data.
TERMS OF BUSINESS
Pupils must understand the terms they’re agreeing to.
These must cover things including contact details, lesson price and duration, cancellation and refund policies, how personal data is handled and how to make a complaint.
DVSA says these should be provided in writing before lessons begin.
LESSON RECORDS AND MONEY
Instructors must keep accurate records of lessons and hours delivered, tell pupils clearly how they’re progressing and what further training they need, protect money paid in advance and provide the instruction that has actually been paid for.
DVSA specifically states that giving shorter lessons than agreed, providing instruction below the expected standard, repeated lateness or repeatedly cancelling lessons can ultimately result in removal from the register.
SOCIAL MEDIA
This one will interest quite a few instructors.
Social-media use must be lawful, responsible and professional.
Client information, photographs or videos must not be shared without explicit written consent, and instructors still have responsibilities under privacy, data-protection and advertising rules.
If you advertise a pass rate, you must also be able to explain how you’ve calculated it.
COMPLAINTS
Instructors must deal with complaints promptly, make pupils aware of how they can complain about an instructor and keep records of complaints and how they were resolved.
YOUR DETAILS
Changes to details including your name, home address, business address or email address must be updated on your ADI registration within 7 calendar days.
