Overview
DVSA and NASP met to review progress on shared priorities for protecting and
developing the driving instructor profession. Both organisations reaffirmed their joint
ambition, with alignment on attracting suitably skilled people into the profession,
reforming the ADI qualification process, developing a future version of ORDIT,
clarifying the use of trainee licences and improving the standard check system.
Service position and pressures
As at August 2026, there were 45,251 ADIs on the register and 5,589 trainee licence
holders. Applications averaged 1,700 per month in 2025/26, with around 2,071 Part
2 and Part 3 tests conducted monthly in 2026/27. Key pain points include an unclear
applicant journey, booking and testing capacity that does not match demand, limited
performance data, pressure on small teams, weak assurance controls and
inconsistent PDI training. DVSA’s proposed response covers improvements to the
Part 2 test and test prioritisation, examiner recruitment and retention, an updated
code of practice and earlier guidance for prospective applicants, including a
“Becoming an ADI” campaign to be developed jointly with NASP. NASP also
restated the need for ADIs to be alerted when their PRN is used, although DVSA
considers the misuse risk reduced since new booking rules were introduced.
Qualification reform and ORDIT
Proposed Part 2 test changes will be presented to the wider car driver training and
testing forum on 13 October for discussion rather than as a final decision. The wider
review treats Parts 1 to 3 as a connected qualification journey. Evidence gathered so
far supports further exploration of a future ORDIT scheme, and customer research
launched on 16 September will report to the same forum. An updated driving
instructor handbook is due in early October.
Code of practice, complaints and surveys
An implementation date for the updated code of practice was discussed but depends
on the digital declaration process being ready; both should ideally launch together.
NASP asked that communications explain how the code works in practice, its role in
complaints and regulatory proceedings, and how it protects consumers and supports
compliant ADIs. DVSA is reviewing complaint triage, and participants stressed that changes should improve information quality without deterring genuine or vulnerable
complainants. Given falling survey participation, the group recommended shorter,
more focused surveys, clearer distinction from formal consultations and updates
when outcomes are delayed.
Trust and ways of working
Trust between DVSA, NASP and working ADIs was identified as a significant issue.
Participants called for more regular and empathetic communication, greater senior
visibility and clearer explanations of government constraints, alongside rebuilt local
relationships between ADIs and test-centre staff. Future NASP meetings should
serve as a sounding board for developing shared positions rather than repeating
presentations, and NASP outlined plans for new special interest groups that DVSA
may attend where useful.
Key actions
DVSA will share a draft agenda for the 13 October forum, present the Part 2
proposals and ORDIT research findings there, schedule the first “progress and
protect the profession” workstream meeting, and confirm the code of practice
implementation date and digital declaration process. DVSA will also develop a more
empathetic ADI communications approach, explore a consistent format for local
engagement forums, prepare a shorter annual ADI survey to share with NASP
before launch, and research funding support for learners, particularly young and rural
drivers. DVSA and NASP will jointly develop the “Becoming an ADI” campaign and
plan a code of practice webinar, while NASP will update DVSA on its working groups
in due course.
