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.

A fully qualified approved driving instructor (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 approved driving instructors (ADI), who to qualify must:

have held a full driving licence for at least four years pass a much tougher theory test than the one learner drivers take pass a strict driving test reach and keep up a high standard of instruction. The standard of tuition given by the ADI is regularly checked by a supervising examiner from DSA be registered with DSA display an ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of the tuition vehicle

You should take advice from your ADI on:

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

DSA, as a government agency, is not allowed to recommend an instructor. We suggest that you ask friends and relatives to recommend someone they know. You could also 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

Choosing a certified motorcycle instructor

All learner motorcycle and learner moped riders must complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course before riding on the road.

Only instructors certified by the Driving Standards Agency can teach CBT at an approved training body (ATB). ATBs must have instructors who have successfully completed a two day assessment and have sites approved by DSA for off-road training.

Legal obligations of drivers and keepers of vehicles

There are duties and obligations you must meet before driving or keeping a vehicle on the road. You must also tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any changes to your personal or vehicle details.

To drive or ride a vehicle or motorcycle you must:

hold the appropriate driving licence for the vehicle being driven
meet driver minimum age requirements
meet the legal eyesight standards
As a learner driver you must:

be supervised by a qualified driver (not if riding a motorcycle)
display L plates
Driver licensing
Learner and new drivers

Before taking a vehicle on the road
The vehicle must:

be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
have a valid vehicle tax disc
hold a current test certificate (if this is required)

You must:

have the minimum of third party insurance which covers your use of the vehicle
Registering a vehicle
How to tax your vehicle
MOT

You must tell the DVLA if you:

change your address and or name
make any alterations to your vehicle
sell your vehicle
develop or have a medical condition
Changes to your registration certificate
Need a new or updated licence

Driving larger vehicles or buses

There are higher eyesight and medical standards for driving larger vehicles. You must also notify the DVLA if you have convictions relating to your driving conduct or if you have convictions not relating to driving if you are the holder of a passenger carrying vehicle.

There are special licensing arrangements allowing you to drive minibuses and buses without having to hold the higher passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) driving licence entitlement. Drivers of minibuses having 9-16 passenger seats will normally need to hold a PCV licence category D1 or a category D licence to drive larger buses.