Public warned to steer clear of illegal driving instructors

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today warned the public to steer clear of lessons offered by illegal driving instructors.

Mr Wilson warned anyone thinking of buying lessons for themselves or others for Christmas could be exposing themselves to a number of risks unless they check the bona fides of driving instructors properly.

The minister said: “Illegal instructors don’t have the necessary qualifications to teach and may not have proper insurance.

“More alarmingly, they may not have undergone the rigorous criminal record checks that driving instructors must pass before they are able to teach young people on a one-to-one basis.

“Illegal instructors may appear legitimate. They may advertise in local newspapers, have dual controls fitted and have their vehicles covered with logos.

“Learners could be putting themselves at serious risk if they take lessons from illegal, uninsured or potentially dangerous instructors. That is why anyone buying lessons must check out the credentials of those offering lessons.”

The Driver & Vehicle Agency which regulates the activities of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) outlined a number of steps that learner drivers should take to check driving instructors are approved and authorised to give lessons.

The Agency urged learner drivers to:

• Check with the Driver & Vehicle Agency to see if the instructor is registered or by phoning 028 9054 7933.
• Ask the instructor to produce a valid Approved Driving Instructor or Potential Driving Instructor (ie trainee) licence.
• Refuse to pay for lessons until they have established the instructor is legal.
• Report an instructor they know to be illegal to the Police Service of Northern Ireland or DVA.

Mr Wilson added: “Learner drivers should check the status of their instructor by asking him or her for their ADI certificate or Trainee Licence.

“They should also pay careful attention to the expiry date. If none exists, they should not take lessons with this person.

“If there is any doubt about the status or existence of a licence you should call the Approved Driving Instructor section of the DVA who will clarify the position for you.

“You should make these checks even if an instructor has taught others you know or works for a driving school.

“Parents paying for lessons - particularly if they are buying lessons in bulk - should also ask to see the driving instructor’s licence before handing over money for lessons. Cheap lessons may indicate illegal instruction.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Further information and a list of ADIs in any area can be obtained by calling DVA at 028 9054 7933 or by checking the Agency website
2. There are currently close to 1000 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 Instructor.
3. 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).
4. For further information, contact Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0003 and out-of-hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.