Complain about a driving instructor

Complain about an approved driving instructor (ADI) if you’re not happy with their service or behaviour.

Service from your driving instructor

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if your instructor:

  • provides lessons that are shorter than agreed
  • keeps cancelling or arriving late for lessons
  • does not provide lessons that you’ve already paid for

DVSA driving instructor team
instructorconduct@dvsa.gov.uk

DVSA
PO Box 349
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
NE12 2GN

DVSA can ask the instructor about the matter on your behalf, but they cannot help you get any money back.

Your driving instructor’s behaviour

Contact DVSA if your driving instructor is behaving inappropriately, for example:

  • using their mobile phone while you’re driving
  • shouting or swearing at you
  • using inappropriate language, either in person or in messages they’ve sent to you
  • using unnecessary physical contact

DVSA driving instructor team
instructorconduct@dvsa.gov.uk

Information you need

It will help DVSA’s investigation if you can give them any of the following:

  • your full name and email address
  • the full name of the driving instructor and driving school
  • the driving instructor’s ADI number
  • the driving instructor’s telephone number or email address
  • the driving instructor’s vehicle registration
  • any evidence, such as receipts or screenshots of messages from the driving instructor

DVSA will not make you report the incident to the police unless you want to.

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practice.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses