Driving teachers warned to steer clear of leaners
DRIVING instructors in West Lancashire who have relationships with their learners could be removed from the register.
The Driver And Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) made the announcement following Prime Minister Theresa May’s call in the House Of Commons last October to look at ways to protect learner drivers.
DVSA approved driving instructor (ADI) registrar Jacqui Turland has confirmed to the driver training industry that she will treat a sexual relationship with 16 and 17-yearold pupils as exploitation – even if consensual.
If an instructor is considered a high risk to learners, they face being removed from the ADI register.
A DVSA spokesman said there were about 39,000 driving instructors in Great Britain and the majority offered a high standard of tuition and “pride themselves” on delivering excellent customer service.
Bu, in 2016-17 there were 109 investigations into instructor misconduct, which includes inappropriate sexual behaviour and other offences.
The DVSA will investigate serious allegations of improper behaviour and refer its findings to the police.
These allegations include instructors using sexualised language, unnecessary physical or inappropriate contact and sending indecent messages or images to their pupils.
DVSA head of counter-fraud and investigations Andy Rice said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.
“We take the safety of learner drivers extremely seriously and will thoroughly investigate any complaints about the conduct of instructors and will involve the police where necessary.
“Any driving instructors threatening the safety of learner drivers and failing to meet the ‘fit and proper’ criteria will be removed from the ADI register.”
To ensure the safety of learner drivers, all driving instructors are subject to enhanced criminal record checks which must be renewed every four years.
DVSA is also reminding learners it is illegal for instructors to use a hand-held phone while teaching them and that it is also “unacceptable” for instructors to be impatient, shout or swear at learners during their lessons.
The spokesman said: “It’s important that learner drivers get a high quality service from their instructor.
“Learners and their parents need to be confident that their instructor will act in a professional manner at all times and will provide them with the skills they need to drive safely on modern roads.”