If you're learning to drive in the UK, your driving instructor plays a crucial role in your progress and success. Unfortunately, not all driving instructors are created equal, and sometimes things can go wrong.
Whether you've had a bad experience with an instructor or simply want to make a complaint, it's important to know your rights and the process for making a complaint. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about making a complaint against a driving instructor in the UK.
First and foremost, it's important to note that all driving instructors in the UK must be approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and be registered as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). If an instructor is not registered with the DVSA, they are not legally allowed to give driving lessons for payment. Therefore, if you have an issue with a driving instructor who is not registered, you should contact the DVSA immediately. https://www.passmefast.co.uk/resources/driving-instructors/check-instructor-dvsa-approved
Assuming your driving instructor is registered with the DVSA, there are several steps you can take to make a complaint.
The first step is to speak to your instructor directly and express your concerns.
In many cases, this can be enough to resolve the issue. Perhaps your instructor is unaware that you're struggling with a particular aspect of driving, or maybe they're willing to make changes to their teaching style to better suit your needs. If you feel comfortable doing so, it's always a good idea to try to work things out directly with your instructor before taking further action.
If speaking to your instructor doesn't resolve the issue, the next step is to contact the driving school or company that employs them.
You can find out the name of the company from the car's roof sign or the instructor's badge. If you're not sure which company your instructor is associated with, you can search for them on the DVSA's Register of Approved Driving Instructors. Once you've identified the company, you should contact them to make a complaint. They will have their own complaints process, which will vary depending on the company. In some cases, you may need to submit a written complaint. In others, you may be able to make a complaint over the phone or in person.
If you've tried to resolve the issue with your instructor and their driving school but still feel that your complaint has not been adequately addressed, you can escalate the matter to the DVSA.
You can do this by filling out a complaint form on the DVSA's website. The form will ask for details about your complaint, including your instructor's name and ADI number, the name of the driving school, and a detailed description of the issue. You should also provide any relevant evidence, such as emails or text messages exchanged with your instructor or their company.
Once the DVSA receives your complaint, they will investigate the matter and take appropriate action. This may involve taking disciplinary action against the instructor, such as suspending or revoking their ADI registration. In some cases, the DVSA may also contact the police or other authorities if there are concerns about the instructor's conduct. https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-a-driving-instructor
It's important to note that making a complaint against a driving instructor can be a lengthy process, and there's no guarantee that your complaint will be upheld.
However, it's still important to speak up if you've had a bad experience with an instructor, as it can help to prevent others from having similar experiences in the future.
In addition to the official complaints process outlined above, there are also several other steps you can take if you're having issues with a driving instructor.
One option is to leave a review of the driving school or instructor on a website like Trustpilot or Google Reviews. This can help to alert other potential students to any issues they might encounter. However, it's important to be honest and factual in your review, and avoid making defamatory or abusive comments.
Another option is to seek advice from a relevant professional body. For example, if you have concerns about the conduct of a driving instructor, you could contact the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) or the National Associations Strategic Partnership for Driving Instructors (NASP). These organizations may be able to provide advice or support, although they may not be able to intervene directly in the matter.
It's worth noting that the complaints process for driving instructors is different from the process for making a complaint about a driving test. If you have concerns about a driving test, you should contact the DVSA directly. You can find more information about the complaints process for driving tests on the DVSA's website.
While most driving instructors in the UK are professional and dedicated to helping their students learn to drive safely, sometimes things can go wrong. If you're having issues with a driving instructor, it's important to know your rights and the steps you can take to make a complaint. By following the process outlined above, you can help to ensure that your concerns are heard and that appropriate action is taken.
Remember, making a complaint can not only help to resolve your own issue but can also help to improve standards in the industry and ensure that other learners do not have similar experiences.
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