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How to Verify Your Instructor’s Qualifications

Now that we’ve established why it’s essential to have a DVSA-approved instructor, let’s look at how you can check their credentials.

Use the DVSA’s Online Tool

The DVSA offers a handy tool to find approved driving instructors in your area. By entering your postcode, you can access a list of qualified instructors near you. This list includes essential details like their name, contact information, and whether they participate in continuing professional development.

Check the Instructor’s Windscreen Badge

If you’ve already started lessons, a quick way to check your instructor’s status is to look for their DVSA badge in the car’s windscreen. ADIs display a green octagonal badge, while PDIs show a pink triangular one. These badges include the instructor’s photograph, reference number, and expiry date, all of which can confirm their legitimacy.

What to Do If You’re Unsure About Your Instructor

If you can’t find your instructor in the DVSA’s database or if they don’t display a badge, don’t panic. It’s possible they opted out of the public list or forgot to display their badge. However, if you’re concerned, you can contact the DVSA directly with your instructor’s details to confirm their status.

In cases where you suspect your instructor is not DVSA-approved, it’s important to report your concerns. The DVSA takes such reports seriously and will investigate to ensure all instructors are operating legally and safely.

Avoiding Illegal Driving Instructors

To avoid the risk of learning with an unqualified instructor, consider asking for recommendations from friends and family. You can also cross-check potential instructors using the DVSA’s database or by searching online for reviews.

If you prefer to bypass the hassle of verifying credentials yourself, consider enrolling in a reputable driving school, (you know… like Shift). These schools typically ensure all their instructors are qualified, saving you the worry of checking.

Safeguarding Your Journey to Becoming a Driver

Learning to drive is a significant milestone, and it’s essential that you’re supported by a qualified instructor who can guide you safely and effectively. By ensuring your instructor is DVSA-approved, you’re taking an important step towards becoming a confident, competent driver. Use the tools and tips provided in this guide to verify your instructor’s credentials, and don’t hesitate to take action if you suspect something is amiss. Your safety and success on the road are well worth the effort.

Great instructors, Hassan got me passed really fast and even managed to move my test to a sooner date! Super patient and great at explaining. Would highly recommend.
100% recommend Shift to anyone looking to learn. Simon is an excellent instructor, so calm and confident, took his time to understand me and how I learn best so that I could become a confident driver. Passed today with only 1 minor fault!
I had a great experience learning to drive with Shift and my instructor, Ciaran. As an anxious driver, I really appreciated his patience, encouragement, and support, which helped me build up my confidence behind the wheel. The booking app was also very convenient and easy to use, and Ciaran was always flexible and accommodating with my availability. Thanks to his help, I passed my driving test on the first try. Big thank you to Shift and especially to Ciaran for all the support!
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
My experience using Shift Driving School in Gateshead has been outstanding from start to finish.

My instructor, Simon Houghton, was incredibly patient, personable, and knowledgeable. He explained everything clearly, tailored lessons to my pace, and kept me calm with encouraging, constructive feedback.

His local knowledge and practical tips made a huge difference, and my confidence grew every week.

Thanks to Simon’s guidance, I’ve just passed my driving test and feel ready to drive independently.

I’d highly recommend Shift driving School—especially Simon—to anyone in Gateshead looking for a supportive, professional instructor and great results.
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
Super organised with their own app which helps you fit your lessons in whenever you like. Lewis is so patient and supportive and very calming when you’re just beginning. He has really developed my confidence and I couldn’t recommend Shift and Lewis enough!
What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
I passed my test today and would like to thank my instructor, Mr. Hassan. He has been incredibly kind, patient, and clear in his explanations, which made the whole learning experience truly positive. Throughout my journey, I had only one instructor and never felt the need to change, thanks to the excellent guidance I received. I’m also grateful to the Shift team for making everything smooth and convenient through the mobile application.
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Shift and Hassan. Thank you!