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Choosing a driving instructor

If you are paying someone to teach you to drive or ride, they must be registered with the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). Only Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Approved Motorcycle Instructors (AMIs) can charge money for teaching you to drive or ride.

If you want to confirm that an ADI or AMI is registered you can:

  • ask to see their licence which should be displayed on their person at all times. In the case of ADIs and Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs) (who will be issued with a trainee licence to instruct under the supervision of an ADI), they can also display their licence on the windscreen of their car. Please see below for samples of ADI, PDI, and AMI licences:
  • you can contact
DVA (Testing)
Business Support Unit
Balmoral Road
Belfast
BT12 6QL
  • on 028 9054 7933 to check ADIs, or 028 9054 1858 to check AMIs
  • check an ADI or AMI close to you at the following links, however there are some ADIs and AMIs that have not given their permission for their details to be put onto the website.

You should take advice from your ADI or AMI on:

  • how to prepare for your theory test
  • all aspects of driving
  • what books to read
  • when to take your test
  • how to practice

Try and choose an instructor who:

  • has a good reputation
  • is reliable and punctual
  • has a car or bike that suits you

Trainee driving instructors

Some trainee driving instructors are given a licence so they can gain experience before their qualifying examination. DVA is responsible for maintaining and checking the standards of all ADIs and AMIs. In order to qualify, ADIs and AMIs must:

  • have held a full driving licence for at least four years
  • pass a much tougher theory test than the one learner drivers take
  • pass a strict driving test
  • pass a test of their teaching ability
  • be of good character
  • reach and keep up a high standard of instruction. The standard of tuition given by the ADI and AMI is regularly checked by a supervising examiner from the DVA

ADI / AMI Unregistered Instruction

Under the Road Traffic (NI) Order 2007, it is illegal for a person to give driving or riding instruction for a fee if they are not registered.

If you suspect illegal instruction you should take the following steps:

  • Provide proof of evidence that relates to the incident for example a copy of a business card or a copy of the advert.
  • You should write to the address below, giving as much information as possible to enable investigations to commence, for example, why you suspect that an individual is providing unregistered instruction, where and when they have been sighted, vehicle registration numbers and any other information that you feel is relevant. The address to write to is:
Business Support Unit
DVA (Testing)
Balmoral Road
Belfast
BT12 6QL

What happens after I report illegal instruction?

DVA investigates every case of alleged unregistered driving or riding tuition and if required will refer the matter to the PSNI for further investigation.

Driver and Instructor records

Taking professional instruction can help you with all areas of learning to drive including your theory and practical tests. We recommend you download and record your progress using the Driver Record and the Instructor Record when you are with your instructor and also if you are getting private practice. This is a useful way to see that your lessons are being delivered in a focussed and structured manner.

More useful links