Road policing officers carry out joint operation targeting illegal driving instruction

Road policing officers from Lothians and Scottish Borders and Edinburgh have partnered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Counter Fraud and Investigation Unit as part of a joint operation targeting illegal driving instruction.

During the operation, officers stopped 38 learner drivers under instruction in the areas around the Musselburgh, Haddington and Currie test centres. The vast majority were found to be compliant; however, one instructor was warned for failing to display their instructor license and enquiries are ongoing into two possible insurance offences.

Sergeant Dominic Doyle said: “Quality driving instruction is a cornerstone of road safety. Learner drivers should ensure they are training with a fully qualified and approved instructor who will provide professional, structured training that goes beyond simply passing a driving test.

“DVSA-approved driving instructors must display a green or pink badge in the windscreen during instruction and learners are advised to check for this before beginning instruction.

“If learning with a friend or family member, they must be over 21-years-old and have held their full license for at least three years to supervise a learner driver. The vehicle must also be appropriately insured and L-plates correctly displayed to the front and rear.”

Further enforcement activity is planned throughout the year.

Anyone with information about illegal driving instruction is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.