Instructor Policy

Section 1 - Franchisee

Driving Equality operates as a franchise. Our instructors are self-employed and are regulated by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). In joining Driving Equality, they have agreed to our mission and to adhering to our policies. We have judged all our instructors to be fit and proper for the role. See our “Join the Team” for more information.

Section 2 – Contact Response Times

Our instructors are only required to respond if a legible message is received. They endeavour to address all new inquiries within 2 working days of receipt. Existing students should receive a response by the next working day.

Section 3 - Abuse Towards Our Instructors

Driving Equality has a zero-tolerance stance on abuse. Any instance of abuse towards our instructors will result in immediate termination of your lesson. Regardless of location, you will be responsible for your own transport arrangements from this point. The lesson will still be charged as normal. All future lessons will be cancelled and charged in full if they are within 48 hours of the incident.

Section 4 - Our Instructors Treatment of You:

You are entitled to always be treated with dignity and respect during your lessons. As a learner you may make mistakes, but in no way does this mean you should be yelled at or belittled. If you feel you have been treated in an unacceptable manner, please contact Driving Equality directly. We take such instances extremely seriously as we strongly believe that all students should be treated respectfully during their lessons. Please note that our instructors may occasionally need to vary the tone and volume of their voice in order to draw a student’s attention to emergency situations during lessons.

Section 5 – Driving Test & Using an Instructor’s Car

To qualify use of an instructor’s car for your driving test they must judge you as “Test Ready”. Please ensure you receive written agreement for this at least 14 days before the test. New students will not be considered for this service unless committing to at least 10 hours of tuition.

The instructor can withdraw the use of their car at any point if they believe the student no longer meets the test standards or pose a danger on the day of the test. In rare cases the car may need to be withdrawn at short notice due to mechanical issues. If so, Driving Equality will endeavour to locate a replacement vehicle.

Section 6 – Driving test

Your instructor is allowed to sit in on the test If accompanying you. The decision for them to do so is the students' to make. Your instructor is unable to provide any support at this time, they will only be monitoring the drive. This will result in more in-depth feedback afterwards.

Section 7 - Lone Working

Driving Instructors working with us follow lone working principles. They will always meet you in their car. They may need to make dynamic risk assessments and put control measures in place.

Section 8 – Lesson Termination

Your instructors retain the right to terminate your lesson without warning if legal or safety concerns are raised. Such as:

  • You do not meet eligibility criteria set by the DVSA.
  • You are unfit to drive.
  • You pose a danger on the road.
  • You have provided misinformation or misled Driving Equality in any way.
  • You are unable to communicate effectively.
  • You are unable to follow instructions.
  • In these instances, the lesson will still be charged in full.

Section 9 - Termination Review

After a lesson termination your instructor will drive you to your drop of location. Driving Equality will conduct a peer review of the event. This can result in a withdrawal or pause in our service. Future lessons may be cancelled and charged in full if they are scheduled within 48 hours of the incident.

Section 10 - Complaints:

If you have any complaints or concerns regarding your instructor, please contact Driving Equality directly so we can address this. We investigate all concerns and will handle any malpractice appropriately.

If you wish to escalate the matter further, you can follow the DVSAs complaint procedure.