What to Do If Your Driving Instructor Is Not Legal or Not a Registered ADI

If you discover that your driving instructor is not a registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), the first and most important step is do not give them any money.

If you have already paid for driving lessons, you can contact the police and report that the individual may be impersonating a qualified driving instructor. You should also report them to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
You can contact the DVSA using the official website:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/contact-dvsa

If you have already started lessons and later find out the instructor is not legally allowed to teach, contact the DVSA immediately. They can confirm whether the instructor is on the ADI register.

How to Check If a Driving Instructor Is Legal

A legal driving instructor must display an official DVSA instructor badge in the windscreen, with the photo facing inside the car. Always check this before starting your lessons.

There are two types of instructor badges:

• Green Badge – This means the instructor is a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

• Pink Badge – This means the instructor is a trainee driving instructor. They must inform you that they are a trainee, but they are still legally allowed to charge for driving lessons.

Be cautious: some illegal instructors may attempt to forge or hide badges, so always double-check.

Can a Driving Instructor Charge Without a Badge?

No. A person cannot legally charge for driving lessons — or accept any form of payment (including fuel money) — unless they hold a valid pink or green DVSA badge.

If you are unsure, contact the DVSA, and they will help you confirm whether the driving instructor is legally registered.

Protect Yourself When Booking Driving Lessons

To protect your money and your safety:

• Always check the ADI badge

• Confirm the instructor is on the DVSA register

• Never pay an instructor who cannot prove they are legal

Let’s help remove illegal driving instructors and make sure learner drivers receive safe, legal, and professional driving lessons. Always choose a registered driving instructor.

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