FearFree launches ‘Emergency Stop’ campaign on safeguarding in driver training

FearFree, a UK charity supporting people affected by sexual abuse and domestic violence, has launched a new campaign called ‘Emergency Stop’ aimed at improving safeguarding during driving lessons.

The campaign highlights concerns around safeguarding during driving lessons and calls for additional measures to better protect learner drivers. Among its proposals are calls for mandatory safeguarding training for Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and greater recognition of the instructor’s role as a position of trust under the Sexual Offences Act (2003).

FearFree cites a BBC Freedom of Information request to DVSA that shows 500 reports of sexually inappropriate behaviour by driving instructors over a three-year period (2020-2023). The charity argues that this demonstrates the need for stronger safeguarding measures and increased awareness among learners.

The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) said it recognises the importance of safeguarding and the need to ensure pupils feel safe while learning to drive, the association has raised concerns that the statistics presented in the campaign lack wider context. With around 44,000 ADIs currently registered in Great Britain, the figures referenced would represent less than 1% of instructors over that period. Without that context, there is concern that the headline figure could unintentionally create unnecessary alarm among learner drivers and their families.

DIA has also highlighted that the driver training sector already operates within an established regulatory framework designed to protect learners.

A spokesperson for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said: “Sexually inappropriate behaviour committed by driving instructors is unacceptable. The safety of learner drivers is our priority and DVSA treats complaints extremely seriously.

“Approved Driving Instructors must be suitably qualified and pass pre-registration checks. Once registered, they must undergo checks and are expected to follow a strict code of practice.

“Pupils are encouraged to report all incidents of inappropriate conduct to the DVSA, and all complaints against Approved Driving Instructors are investigated, involving the police if necessary.”

Before entering the profession, prospective ADIs must undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, confirming they are suitable to work with young people. 

These checks must be renewed every four years as part of the ADI registration process.

DVSA also requires instructors to be deemed a “fit and proper person” to remain on the register, and the agency can investigate complaints or take regulatory action where concerns arise. In cases involving potential criminal behaviour, matters may also be referred to the police.

The DIA believes safeguarding remains an important issue for the industry and was the first training body and representative stakeholder in the space to lobby for more safeguarding training and introduced the first industry specific safeguarding qualification.