Having a criminal record will not necessarily stop you from becoming an ADI. Before reaching a decision on whether you’re a ‘fit and proper’ person, the risk you’re likely to pose to pupils is assessed by considering factors like:
- whether the caution, conviction or other information revealed is relevant to the ADI role
- the seriousness of any offence
- the circumstances surrounding an offence and the explanation
- the length of time since the offence occurred and if it’s ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- whether there’s a pattern of offending behaviour
- whether the circumstances have changed since the offending behaviour
Each case is considered on an individual basis. The ADI Registrar will write to you giving you the opportunity to explain your circumstances before making a final decision.
Offences where it’s unlikely you’re ‘fit and proper’ – These include both motoring offences and other convictions
Your application can be refused if you have:
- been banned from driving
- 5 or more penalty points
- been convicted of any non-motoring offences
The ADI Registrar will consider whether or not you’re suitable to become a driving instructor.
Your application is unlikely to be accepted if you’ve been:
- convicted of a sexual, violent, financial or drug-related crime
- banned from working with children
Visit the gov.uk website to see further details about eligibility.