Martin's Driving School in Plymouth ADI Code of Practice

Introduction

An Approved Driving Instructor who gives lessons in a motor car in return for payment must be on the Register Of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI's). To gain entry to the register, prospective instructors must pass a series of examinations administered by The Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). People training to become ADI's who have part completed the examinations can obtain from the agency a licence to acquire practical experience which is strictly limited to six months. Once fully qualified and on the register, ADI's are regularly tested by the DVSA to check their continued ability to give instruction to the required standards. DSA and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics. The Code of Practice set out here has been agreed between the DVSA and the main bodies representing ADI's. It is a framework within which all instructors should operate.

PERSONAL CONDUCT:

The Instructor will at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients.

Clients will be treated with respect and consideration.

The Instructor will try to avoid physical contact with the client, except in an emergency or in the normal course of greeting.

Whilst reserving the right to decide against giving tuition, the instructor will not act in any way which contravenes legislation on discrimination.

BUSINESS DEALINGS:

The Instructor will safeguard and account for any monies paid in advance by the client in respect of driving lessons, test fees or for any other purpose and will make the details available on request. The instructor should provide clients with a written copy of their terms and business to include:

>legal indemnity of the school/instructor with full address and telephone number at which the instructor or their representative can be contacted.

>The price and duration of the lessons.

>The price and conditions for use of the school car for the practical driving test.

>The terms under which cancellation by either party may take.

PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS:

The Instructor should check a clients entitlement to drive to the vehicle and their ability to read a number plate at the statutory distance on the first lesson. When presenting a client for the practical driving test, the instructor should check that the client has all the necessary documentation to enable them to take the test and that the vehicle is roadworthy. Instructors will advice clients when to apply for the theory and practical driving tests, taking into account local waiting times and forecast of the clients potential for achieving the driving test pass standard. The instructor will not cancel or rearrange the driving test without the clients agreement. In the event of the instructors decision to withhold the use of the school car for the driving test, sufficient notice should be given to the client to avoid the loss of the DSA fee. The instructor should at all time, to the best of his/her ability, endeavour to teach the client the correct driving skills according to DVSA's recommended syllabus.

ADVERTISING:

Advertising of driving tuition shall be honest, claims made shall be capable of verification and comply with the codes of practice set down by the advertising standards authority. Advertising that refers to clients pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation, and the basis for which the calculation is made should be clear.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

All trainees must be in possession of a signed provisional driving licence on commencement of training, and must satisfy the eyesight requirement. INSURANCE: Fees include trainees cover for insurance liability claims whilst driving the schools vehicle, providing the trainee is duly licenced to drive and is accompanied by or under instruction of the instructor. PAYMENTS: The school reserves the right to charge for any training NOT CANCELLED at least 36 HOURS BEFORE the date booked. Payment for training MUST be made 48 HOURS in ADVANCE, Otherwise Lesson will be cancelled and not commence.  By signing the contract, you are bound by it. Courses must be completed, or, unless there is a Ligitimate reason, there will be no refund. Prepayments are refundable at the descretion of the management, on production of an official receipt, and any previous block bookings or late cancellation will be charged at the full rate of £40 per hour. Parent or carer will be resposible for all payments due either late or on time if student is under 18 years of age. If no contact is made from the student after 1 month, the contract will be terminated with no refunds. Any Learning Material Withheld Or Returned Used will be Charged at The full Recommended Retail Price.(RRP.)

BLOCK BOOKING/BUNDLES: Offers where the Theory Test or Practical Test are Included MUST BE USED WITH THIS SCHOOL and with Lessons Paid in Advance. These Tests are NOT REFUNDABLE in ANY EVENT of Early Termination of Training.

BLOCK BOOKING INSTALLMENT ARRANGEMENTS: The Total Pre-Arranged Agreement Must be Paid in Full By the End of the Hours Used. Any 4 or 10 Hour Introductory Offer must be used in 2 hour sessions.

GIFT VOUCHERS: Vouchers must be presented and redeemed on the first day of training and  within 2 months of Purchase. No voucher, no lesson. A 50% charge will be made if a Refund is requested within 2 months. NO Refund after 2 Months. Vouchers are not transferable.

CANCELLATION OF BOOKED LESSONS: 

At least 48 HOURS notice must be given by you or your instructor if there is a need to to cancel or arrange a lesson booking. Failure to give this notice will result in a valid claim for an equivalent value of compensation.If after 2 Weeks, any late payment due, will incur a 25% weekly charge. OFFICIAL DRIVING TESTS: The school reserves the right to withhold training vehicles for the driving test if, in the instructors opinion, the trainee does not meet the required standard by the DVSA. The test fee will be forfeited if ten clear days notice is not given. This does not include weekends, bank holidays, the day of cancellation or the day of the test. The Instructor will provide sufficient notice for the client to make alternative arrangements if they wish to continue with the test appointment. Any Covid related cancellations, will not be charged.

APPOINTMENTS: Students are responsible for turning up on time. The Instructor will wait 10 minutes and a text reminder will be sent. Failure to respond and the lesson will be forfeited. Whilst every care will be taken to ensure that that receive the training at the requested time and with the instructor as booked, all bookings are made on the understanding that the school is not responsible for the postponement of training due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdown of equipment, absence or sickness of staff or any other cause beyond our control. Neither can the school be responsible  for driving tests appointments postponed by the Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: 

Naturally every endeavour is made to to safeguard the personal property of any trainee, but I point out that the school accepts no liablity whatsoever for jewellery, cash, clothing, mobile phones or any other property left in the training vehicle or on their premises, unless the loss is caused by my own negligence. I understand that my personal and contact details will be kept strictly confidential, and not used for marketing purposes of any source.