Code of Conduct: Professional and Ethical Standards for ADIs
The Code of Conduct domain tests the standards expected of an ADI beyond vehicle control and lesson content. It covers honesty, safety, respect, confidentiality and the professional boundaries that protect students and the public. Exam questions often present a realistic dilemma and ask what a reasonable, safety-focused instructor should do. The answer is usually the option that puts safety and integrity ahead of convenience, profit or reputation.
Core standards
- Safety first. Do not teach when unfit through illness, alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs driving. Do not allow a student to drive when they are unfit or uninsured.
- Honesty and transparency. Advertise services accurately, explain fees and lesson arrangements clearly, and do not promise test outcomes.
- Respect and non-discrimination. Treat every student fairly regardless of age, sex, disability, nationality, religion or background. Adapt instruction reasonably rather than ridicule or exclude.
- Confidentiality. Student records, progress and personal information should be used for instruction and administration, not gossip or marketing without consent.
- Professional boundaries. Avoid harassment, exploitation and inappropriate personal relationships. Keep communication and touching professional and necessary.
- Vehicle and environment. Keep the tuition vehicle clean, legal and smoke-free where required, and free from distractions such as unnecessary phone use.
- Reporting and cooperation. Report collisions, vehicle defects and serious incidents promptly and cooperate with DVDL inquiries.
Worked example
An instructor develops a bad cold and takes a drowsiness-inducing antihistamine before a lesson. The student is close to test day and has paid in advance. The instructor feels “mostly fine” and does not want to disappoint the student. The Code requires the lesson to be cancelled or reassigned. A instructor who is impaired cannot supervise safely, cannot react reliably to a hazard, and may invalidate insurance. The professional response is to explain the cancellation, rearrange promptly and not charge for a lesson that could not be safely delivered.
Traps that cost marks
- Thinking the Code applies only in the car; it also covers advertising, fees, records and online conduct.
- Prioritising a booked lesson over fitness to teach.
- Sharing a student’s progress or personal details casually.
- Using a personal phone for calls or messages during instruction without a genuine safety reason.
- Promising that a student will pass to win business.