The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is advising prospective learner drivers to confirm that their instructor is officially approved before paying for lessons. The guidance comes amid concerns that some learners may be booking sessions with individuals who are not properly registered.
The agency issued the reminder through a social media post, directing learners to the official government website to search for qualified instructors in their area. The message is straightforward: check credentials first, hand over money later.
The advice matters at a time when demand for driving lessons remains high across Britain. For many young people, securing a reliable instructor is the first step towards gaining independence on the road. The DVSA, which oversees driving tests and instructor standards, is seeking to ensure that learners receive tuition from professionals who meet national requirements.
Official Register Allows Postcode Search for Approved Instructors
According to the DVSA, learners can use the official ‘find driving instructors’ service available through GOV.UK. By entering a postcode (for example, SW1A 2AA) users can view instructors in their area who have signed up to be listed on the system.
The agency stated in its post: “Looking to start driving lessons? You can find DVSA approved driving instructors by visiting GOV.UK. Simply enter your postcode to find approved driving instructors near you.” The online tool is designed to provide reassurance that an instructor holds Approved Driving Instructor status, commonly referred to as ADI.
The DVSA oversees the standards of driving instructors across Great Britain and requires approved instructors to meet strict criteria. These include passing qualifying examinations and undergoing regular standards checks. The agency also publishes information about its continuous professional development scheme, its ADI code of practice, and the standards check process on its website.
The postcode checker forms part of the DVSA’s wider effort to ensure transparency for learner drivers. By using the service, learners can identify instructors who have chosen to appear on the public register and who are officially recognised.
Not all qualified instructors appear on the public list
The DVSA has made clear that the online search tool does not include every qualified instructor. In guidance published on the service, the agency states that approved driving instructors “choose whether or not to be on this service, so not all ADIs will be listed.”
This means that absence from the online register does not automatically indicate that an instructor lacks qualifications. Learners are advised not to draw conclusions solely from the search results.
According to the DVSA, anyone who is uncertain about an instructor’s status can contact the agency directly to verify credentials. To do so, learners will need the instructor’s name and, if available, their ADI number.
The DVSA can be contacted by email at [email protected], by telephone on 0300 200 1122, via WhatsApp message on +44 (0)1908 787001, or through webchat between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
By encouraging learners to take this preliminary step, the agency is reinforcing the message that official approval matters. For those about to begin driving lessons, a brief check on the government website could help ensure that their first experience behind the wheel is guided by a properly accredited professional.
