Instructor Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Recordkeeping
This domain tests integrity, boundaries, confidentiality, and accurate records. Ethical failures-especially falsified hours-undermine the program and endanger the public.
Ethical practice
- Honesty in certification: never sign for classroom, behind-the-wheel, or observation hours that were not completed.
- Boundaries: avoid dual relationships, private social-media contact with minors, and accepting gifts that could influence evaluation.
- Confidentiality: share student information only with authorized parties; secure paper and digital records.
- Mandated reporting: follow Maine child-protection reporting duties and program policies.
- Non-discrimination and safety: treat students fairly, never instruct while impaired, and maintain insurance and vehicle readiness.
Recordkeeping
Maintain accurate attendance, drive logs, assessment notes, vehicle checks, and completion certificates. Record promptly, correct errors transparently, and retain records for the required period.
Worked example
A parent asks you to sign off four behind-the-wheel hours the student did not complete because "the road test is next week." You decline, explain that the certificate is a legal attestation, offer available make-up sessions, and document the request and your response. Reasoning: signing false hours is fraud and leaves the student unprepared.
Traps that cost marks
Rounding up hours; texting a student privately; posting student photos without consent; discussing a student's performance with other parents; treating recordkeeping as clerical rather than professional.
Key points
- Never certify hours not completed.
- Maintain professional boundaries and avoid private contact with minors.
- Protect student confidentiality in all formats.
- Follow mandated-reporting and program policies.
- Document requests, decisions, and corrections.