What Can a Driving Instructor Do? Roles, Rights and Responsibilities 2026
If you’re a learner driver wondering what a driving instructor can do that other licensed drivers cannot, you’re asking the right question. An Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) has specific rights, responsibilities, and limitations set by the DVSA. Here is a complete guide for 2026.
What Is an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)?
An ADI is someone who has passed a rigorous three-part qualification process regulated by the DVSA, including a theory test, an advanced driving test, and an instructional ability test. ADIs must be registered on the official DVSA ADI Register and display a green badge in their vehicle. Trainee instructors may hold a pink badge while completing their qualification.
What an ADI Can Do
An Approved Driving Instructor is permitted to:
- Teach learner drivers in a dual-control vehicle and receive payment for doing so
- Take pupils on motorways in England, Scotland, and Wales (since the 2018 rule change)
- Book theory and practical tests on behalf of their pupils with the pupil’s consent
- Countersign passports and other official documents, provided they meet the relevant criteria
- Provide Pass Plus training — post-test training recognised by many insurers
- Accompany learners on supervised practice outside formal lessons
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What an ADI Cannot Do
Despite their expertise, there are clear limits to an instructor’s role:
- Conduct the official driving test — this is exclusively carried out by DVSA examiners
- Charge for lessons without holding a current ADI badge — this is illegal
- Override DVSA test results or licence decisions
- Supervise on motorways without dual controls if being paid to do so
DVSA Standards Checks
ADIs are subject to regular standards checks by DVSA supervising examiners, assessing the quality of their teaching. Instructors must renew their ADI registration every four years, and poor standards check results can lead to removal from the register.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use an ADI for my lessons?
No — a full licence holder who has had their licence for at least three years can supervise you for free. But only an ADI can legally charge you for lessons.
How do I check if my instructor is registered?
You can search the DVSA ADI Register at gov.uk. All registered instructors must display a green badge in the front windscreen of their teaching vehicle.
Can an ADI fail you on your test?
No — only an official DVSA examiner can conduct and assess a practical driving test. Your instructor has no involvement in the test result.
What is a pink badge instructor?
A pink badge is held by a trainee ADI who is still completing their qualification. They can give paid lessons but only under specific conditions and for a limited time period.
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