Minister drives through reforms for Instructors

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today announced new legislation requiring Approved Driving Instructors to display their licence whilst instructing learner drivers.

The Minister said: “The introduction of mandatory display of Approved Driving Instructors’ licences will be welcomed by the industry and learner drivers alike.

“The display will not only raise the professionalism of the industry but help learners to establish the status of the instructor. It will also assist with the enforcement and detection of unregistered instructors.”

The new style licence will include photographic identification, a certificate of registration and a number of security features. Prior to becoming a registered Approved Driving Instructor, individuals have to undergo a rigorous three part qualification process including a criminal history check.

The Minister added: “Anyone buying driving lessons will now be able to carry out visual checks to ensure the driving instructor is registered, properly qualified and has had a full criminal record assessment. This will, no doubt, be a source of comfort to learners and to parents who frequently purchase lessons for their teenage children.”

The Chairman of the Driving Instructors National Association Council (DINAC), Mr Billy Marks, welcomed the initiative. He said: “This is a very positive step and one which the industry has waited for some time for. DINAC worked closely with Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) to bring this forward and it demonstrates the benefits to be gained when the industry and Department work in partnership.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) administer and maintain the Approved Driving Instructor register on behalf of the Department of Environment under the Road Traffic (NI Order 2007).
2. It is illegal for anyone to charge for driving instruction unless they are an ADI or hold a valid trainee licence.
3. Trainee licences are issued, on request, to part qualified instructors under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Trainees may not set up business on their own behalf and must not advertise their services or telephone numbers or any ‘brand’ which is unique to them.
4. Trainee instructors will be issued with Trainee Licences, suitably endorsed, but there is no requirement for them to display their licence. However, it is in their own interest to display their licence.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.