Displaying green badge
We, as driving instructors are fully aware of the rules and regulations governing the displaying of our green badge.
However it has come to our attention that driving examiners (DE) now take note of driving school cars presenting a candidate for test not displaying a green badge.
The DE reports this to the Fraud and Integrity Team(FIT); from a recent Freedom of Information request we obtained this and other information.
FIT get reports from test centres that ADI’s have attended without badges. I note you make the point that ADI’s do not have to display their badge when on test, but the reason that test centres report them to FIT is in case the person concerned is an illegal instructor which FIT should investigate. If they establish that it is an illegal instructor FIT then investigate. However, if it is shown that the individual is an ADI, FIT will issue a warning letter for non-display.
The question then has to be asked, why would a warning letter be sent out to an ADI who is breaching no legislation?
I have for many years not displayed my green badge, while my vehicle is being used on test. I have never received a warning letter and I know of no other instructors that have. You may know different, if so let us know.
We would also like to know under what regulation the FIT are authorised to issue the warning letters. I would have thought that if the ADI was qualified this would end any investigation but it appears not.
We need to establish the remit under which the FIT operate?
What regulations govern them?
Who are they answerable too?
The FIT are a department of the DSA, where as the ADI Registrar is an appointment by the Department of Transport. Because of the nature of the registrar remit he works from the DSA HQ as does the staff within the registrars office.
We at Dib-Unite feel that the FIT are exceeding their remit by issuing any warning letters, this clearly fall within the registrars remit.