Illegal driving instructor warning issued to learner drivers

Environment Minister, Arlene Foster, today warned learner drivers of the dangers of taking lessons from illegal driving instructors.

Commenting on the issue, the Minister said: “Illegal instructors don’t have the necessary qualifications to teach and may not have proper insurance. Most alarmingly, they may not have undergone the rigorous repute checks that driving instructors must pass before they are able to teach on a one-to-one basis.

“Learner drivers could be putting themselves at serious risk if they take lessons from illegal, uninsured or potentially dangerous instructors,” she added.

The Minister outlined a number of steps that learner drivers could take to make sure their driving instructor is approved and authorised to give lessons. She said:“Illegal instructors may appear legitimate; the instructors may advertise in local newspapers, have dual controls fitted and have their vehicles covered with logos.

“Later this year we will have legislation to require qualified instructors to display their licences but until then, learners can easily check the status of their instructor by calling the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Section of the Driver & Vehicle Agency or ask the instructor for their ADI certificate or Trainee Licence (paying careful attention to the expiry date).

“If none exists, they should not take lessons with this person. It is important to make these checks even if an instructor has taught others that you know. Parents paying for lessons should ask to see the driving instructor’s licence before handing over money for lessons.”

Checklist for Learner Drivers:

• Check with the Driver & Vehicle Agency to see if the instructor is registered – (How to find out – check the Driver and Vechicle Agency website Telephone 028 905 47933).
• Check that the instructor holds a valid Approved Driving Instructor or Potential Driving Instructor (i.e. trainee) licence.
• Don’t pay for lessons until you know your instructor is legal.
• Cheap lessons may indicate illegal instruction.

Notes to Editors:

• Further information and a list of ADIs in any area can be obtained by calling DVA at 028 9054 7933 or by checking the Driver and Vechicle Agency website.
• There are currently over 900 ADIs on the Register and a Trainee Licence scheme exists which allows certified trainees to offer instruction for reward under the supervision of an Approved Driving Instructors.
• Approved Driving Instructors are subject to a comprehensive police check, formerly undertaken by the Criminal Records Office and now undertaken by the newly formed Access NI (ANI).
• For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.