Press release

Online directory of driving instructors launched

A free online service making it easy for learner drivers to find qualified instructors in their area has been launched.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

‘Find your nearest driving instructors’ is available on GOV.UK. It lists fully qualified driving instructors who have signed up to be listed, and allows users to search for instructors closest to them by typing in their postcode.

Learners will also be able to see if an instructor has signed up to the voluntary code of practice and if they are committed to continuing their professional development. The voluntary code of practice sets out the professional standards and business ethics expected of those working in the industry.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

This new service will make life easier for learner drivers and parents looking for qualified instructors in their area. I hope that this will allow people to make more informed choices about who they want to teach them to drive.

Once qualified, approved driving instructors are tested regularly by the Driving Standards Agency to ensure they are delivering the required standard of instruction, and are subject to ongoing enhanced criminal record checks. They display a green badge in their windscreen during lessons.

Trainee driving instructors will not be listed in the directory. However, trainee driving instructors can do a limited amount of teaching to gain experience and must display a pink badge in their windscreen to indicate that they are not yet fully qualified.

Published 18 July 2011