400 ‘instructors’ put lives at risk

More than 400 driving instructors are under investigation for operating without qualifications, according to the Driving Standards Agency.

As a result, it’s urging learners to check their tutor is properly qualified before booking lessons. It’s thought that the spiralling cost of tuition and the demand for cut-price instruction is tempting criminals into setting up bogus driving schools.

According to the DSA, a number of firms are run by tutors who started instructor training, but failed to finish their courses. Others are still practising after being struck off by the DSA.

Bona fide instructors need to display an in-date pink licence or green certificate in their windscreen during lessons. They should also carry photographic ID along with their paperwork.

DSA spokeswoman Michelle Moston said: “If illegal instructors are on our roads, they haven’t passed the Agency’s rigorous three-part test and could be putting lives at risk.”

Learners suspicious of their instructor should contact the DSA’s fraud team on 029 2058 1155 or E-mail: integrity.team@dsa.gsi.gov.uk.