The DSA and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on professional standards and business ethics. The code of practice has been agreed between DSA and the main bodies representing ADIs; it is a framework within which all instructors should operate.
The code leaflet can be obtained from any theory test and driving test centres. Your Driving Instructor should be able to obtain a leaflet for you. It is hoped that ALL Driving Instructors will formally agree to adhere to the terms of the Code.

Personal Conduct

   * The instructor will at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients
   * Clients will be treated with respect and consideration.
   * The instructor will try to avoid physical contact with a client except in an emergency or in the normal course of
      greeting
   * Whilst reserving the right to decide against giving tuition, the instructor will not act in any way which contravenes
      legislation on discrimination.

 Business Dealings

   * The instructor will safeguard and account for any monies paid in advance by the client in respect of driving lessons,
      test fees or for any other purpose and will make the details available to the client on request.
   * The instructor on or before the first lesson should provide clients with a written copy of his/her terms of business to
       include:
     - legal identity of the school/instructor with full address and telephone number at which the instructor or his/her
        representative can be contacted
     - the price and duration of lessons
     - the price and conditions for use of a driving school car for the practical driving test.
     - the terms under which cancellation by either party may take place
     - procedure for complaints.
   * The instructor should check a client's entitlement to drive the vehicle and his or her ability to read a number plate at
       the statutory distance on the first lesson. When presenting a client for the practical driving test the instructor should
       ensure that the client has all the necessary documentation to enable the client to take the test and that the vehicle is
       roadworthy.
   * Instructors will advise clients when to apply for their theory and practical driving tests, taking into account local
       waiting times and forecast of clients' potential for achieving the driving test pass standard. The instructor will not
       cancel or re-arrange a driving test without the client's agreement. In the event of the instructor's decision to withhold
       the use of the school car for the driving test, sufficient notice should be given to the client to avoid loss of the DSA
       test fee.
   * The instructor should at all times, to the best of his or her ability, endeavour to teach the client correct driving skills
       according to DSA's recommended syllabus.

Advertising

   *  The advertising of driving tuition shall be honest; claims made shall be capable of verification and comply with
        codes of practice set down by the Advertising Standards Authority.
   * Advertising that refers to clients' pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation and the basis on which the
       calculation is made should be made clear.  

Conciliation

   * Complaints by clients should be made in the first instance to the driving instructor/driving school/ contractor
       following the complaints procedure issued.
   * Failing agreement or settlement of a dispute, reference may be made to the DSA's Registrar of Approved Driving
       Instructors who will consider the matter and advise accordingly.
   * Should the Registrar not be able to settle the dispute he or she may set up a panel , with representatives from the
       ADI industry, to consider the matter further or advise that the matter should be referred to the courts or other
       statutory body to be determined.