Helpful Organisations for PDIs and ADIs
Driving Standards Agency (DSA)
Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is responsible for conducting all theory and practical driving tests in Great Britain. They maintain the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
DSA trains its own examiners but is not responsible for the training of instructors. DSA issues mail shots, e-bulletins and the quarterly magazine "Despatch" to ADIs and PDIs taking their qualifying examinations. Additionally, they consult ADIs on proposed policy changes via customer surveys and consultative groups representing ADIs.
You can contact DSA direct on www.dsa.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 200 1122
Business Link
Business Link offers help with starting, running and growing your business. They offer advice on the training you need to succeed and fact sheets giving hints and tips.
Visit their website on www.businesslink.gov.uk
The Driving Instructors Association
The Driving Instructors Association offers a range of benefits and services to its ADI members. DIA is the largest driver training association and regularly consults DSA on matters affecting its membership. DIA's services include:
- Vehicle insurance and recovery service
- Monthly magazines and conferences
- Training products for ADIs
- Professional indemnity and public liability cover
For a little over £1 per week you can be a member of the UK's largest association for professional driving instructors.
Contact DIA on 020 8665 5151 or www.driving.org
The Motor Schools Association
The Motor Schools Association provides information, representation and services to driving instructors. It is the senior association for ADIs, established in 1935. It is a non-profit making association, wholly owned and run entirely for its members.
MSA has regional centres giving real support, advice and information to its members and the public. The cost to join is similar to DIA’s fees. MSA runs local meetings and seminars and has a full range of services and products available to its members.
Contact MSA on 0161 429 9669 or www.msagb.com
The ADI National Joint Council
The ADI NJC was formed in 1973 to offer a national voice and representation to local associations of driving instructors. It claims to be the fastest-growing organisation in the industry. It is now run by a new team which intends to place the ADI NJC back at the forefront of the industry.
You can contact the ADI NJC on 01747 855091 or on www.adinjc.org.uk
The ADI Federation
The ADI Federation was founded in 1996 by then ADI, Barbara Trafford. It is a non-profit making limited company offering unique and individual support to its ADI members. Some of the ADI Federation's achievements include:
- Representing ADIs when their livelihoods are under threat
- Assisting ADIs through appeals procedures
- Training and re-training of its members
You can contact the ADI Federation on 01933 461821 or www.theadifederation.org.uk
We strongly recommend that ADIs, once qualified, become a member of a National ADI Association