Watch out for fake driving instructors

If you are thinking about taking on some driving lessons to start ferrying your growing family around, then check that your instructor is a genuine Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

Fake driving instructor Susan Wilson, of Woodbridge in Suffolk is just starting a two-year suspended sentence for fraud after duping learner drivers into believing she was a qualified driving instructor.

Under UK law, no one is able to accept money for giving driving lessons if they haven’t passed the test to become an ADI, or are even a Trainee Licence holder.

DSA’s Registrar of Driving Instructors, Charles Morton, said:  “It is very simple to check that a driving instructor is qualified. Ensure they display an in-date pink or green badge in their windscreen during lessons and that the photo on the badge matches the person providing the instruction.

“The pink badge indicates that they have trainee status and are entitled to give paid instruction whilst acquiring practical experience. The green badge indicates their name is on The Register of Approved Driving Instructors, they are fully qualified to give paid instruction and are subject to regular checks by DSA to ensure their continued competence and suitability to give instruction.”

If you have any doubts about whether your driving instructor is teaching you legally, call DSA on: 02920 581155