Environment
Minister, Arlene Foster, warned learner drivers of the dangers
of taking lessons from illegal driving instructors.
Commenting
on the issue, the Minister said: “Illegal instructors don’t have
the necessary qualifications to teach and may not have proper
insurance. Most alarmingly, they may not have undergone the rigorous
repute checks that driving instructors must pass before they are able
to teach on a one-to-one basis.
“Learner
drivers could be putting themselves at serious risk if they take
lessons from illegal, uninsured or potentially dangerous
instructors,” she added.
The
Minister outlined a number of steps that learner drivers could take
to make sure their driving instructor is approved and authorised to
give lessons. She said:” Illegal instructors may appear legitimate;
the instructors may advertise in local newspapers, have dual controls
fitted and have their vehicles covered with logos.
“Later
this year we will have legislation to require qualified instructors
to display their licences but until then, learners can easily check
the status of their instructor by calling the Approved Driving
Instructor (ADI) Section of the Driver & Vehicle Agency or ask
the instructor for their ADI certificate or Trainee Licence (paying
careful attention to the expiry date).
“If
none exists, they should not take lessons with this person. It is
important to make these checks even if an instructor has taught
others that you know. Parents paying for lessons should ask to see
the driving instructor’s licence before handing over money for
lessons.”
Checklist
for Learner Drivers:
Check
with the Driver & Vehicle Agency to see if the instructor is
registered – (How to find out – check the Driver
and Vechicle Agency website
Telephone 028 905 47933).
Check that
the instructor holds a valid Approved Driving Instructor or
Potential Driving Instructor (i.e. trainee) licence.
Don’t pay
for lessons until you know your instructor is legal.
Cheap
lessons may indicate illegal instruction.
New
DSA Show & Tell questions to be introduced in GB from 1 July
2008
