While training to become an approved driving instructor (ADI), there’s an option to become a trainee instructor. This means that – while not fully qualified – you’ll still be able to take out pupils, and charge for lessons. This is a great way of gaining invaluable tuition experience, and preparing you for the ADI part 3 instructional ability test.
But while operating with a trainee licence, are you allowed to advertise your services? We get asked this question a lot, as there seems to be some confusion over the regulations. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What are the rules for trainee driving instructors?
While it’s not mandatory, many of those training to become a driving instructor will choose to become trainee instructors themselves via the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Trainee Instructor Licence Scheme. If you apply for the scheme, you’ll be issued with a trainee licence for 6 months, and can teach for reward. In other words, you’ll be paid for lessons you give. Win-win.
The complete set of rules for trainee instructors are laid out in The Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 20051. These include how to apply for a trainee licence, what additional training needs to take place, and even the exact placement of the pink triangular sticker which identifies you as a licenced trainee driving instructor.
According to GOV.UK, you can use your trainee licence provided you:
- Are a ‘fit and proper’ person
- Get the required amount of supervision or additional training during the period your licence is still valid
Where do I give lessons?
The GOV.UK rules are clear on this point:
"Your trainee licence shows the name and address of your training establishment. You can only give instruction from there, so you cannot work independently, such as by setting up your own school."
In other words, the driving school where you train is also where your pupils should be registered. So while you’re now able to give paid lessons, you’re not really going it alone. The opportunity to set up your own driving instruction business only comes when you’re a fully qualified ADI.
Can I advertise for pupils?
This is where GOV.UK is arguably less clear, which is where confusion over the issue has arisen. The rules state:
You must not advertise yourself as an instructor. Any advertising your training establishment does must not make it seem like you’re a fully qualified instructor.
On the face of it, the statement that you mustn’t advertise yourself as an instructor seems fairly final. However, the operative word here is ‘instructor’. You’re not yet qualified, but saying that you’re an instructor is likely to lead to prospective pupils thinking that you are.
So the issue is more about being clear where you are in the training process, rather than whether or not you can advertise per se.
To comply with advertising and promotion rules and regulations, any promotion or advertising that you undertake must clearly communicate to prospective customers that you’re a trainee driving instructor.
It’s also worth helping your potential customers understand what that means. You should think about supplying supporting information, such as information regarding your training, what tests you’ve passed, which tests remain, and who sponsors your licence. All of this will increase prospective customers’ understanding of what they’re paying for.
Likewise, the stipulation that ‘any advertising your training establishment does’ allows for advertising to be made on your behalf. But again, your status as a trainee should be clear, so that any pupils are fully informed.
So I can advertise, then?
The AA is of the opinion that you can promote your services, provided you’re as clear as possible about your status and what you’re providing. It’s in the interests of the driving school, the DVSA – and of yourself – that you’re able to make your services known and available, in order to aid the qualification process.
And it’s also possible for your driving school to reach out to potential pupils on your behalf, provided it’s clear that you’re a trainee, and not a fully qualified instructor.
Find out more about how to become a driving instructor here.
1 The Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 2005https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1902/contents/made