If you are paying someone to teach you to drive, they must be approved and registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Only a registered approved driving instructor (ADI) can charge money for teaching you to drive.

About your ADI

A fully qualified ADI must display a green certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you. Some trainee driving instructors are granted a licence so they can gain experience before their qualifying examination. In this case, the trainee driving instructor must display a pink certificate on the windscreen.

DSA is responsible for maintaining and checking the standards of all ADIs, who to qualify must:

• be registered with the DSA
• have passed a criminal record check
• pass a much tougher theory and practical driving test
• display an ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of the tuition vehicle
• maintain a high standard of instruction - the standard is regularly checked by the DSA

How to find and choose your ADI

DSA do not recommend individual instructors, ask your friends and relatives to recommend someone they know. You could use the Directgov 'find your nearest driving instructor' service or look in a local business directory for ADIs in your area.

Try and choose an instructor who:

• has a good reputation
• is reliable and punctual
• has a car that suits you

You should take advice from your ADI on:

• all aspects of driving
• what books to read
• when to take your test
• how to practice