Is you driving instructor vehicle fit for purpose ?

​If you are considering becoming a driving instructor then making sure the training vehicle meets the relevant legal and organisational requirements for roadworthiness is obviously a necessity. You should confirm that all necessary documentation is available and valid. You should also be aware of any requirements for a minimum test vehicle (MTV). Routine maintenance and recognising any faults with the vehicle are also covered. When using a vehicle provided by the learner there are clearly limits to how far you can go in carrying out checks and taking corrective actions. You should still confirm that the vehicle meets the requirements, check the documentation, carry out basic safety checks, such as those on tyres and lights, and make sure that L plates (or D plates in Wales) are displayed correctly. Performance standards You must be able to adhere to are:

1. make sure that any vehicle used for training purposes  meets the minimum test vehicle requirements  is correctly marked
2. make sure that any ancillary equipment fitted to the vehicle, such as dual controls, satellite navigation systems 1 or other electronic aids, is  legally compliant  fit for purpose
3. make sure that insurance is in place to cover driver/rider-training, and where appropriate driver/rider-testing, in the vehicle as adapted
​4. confirm all other vehicle Knowledge and understanding requirements You must know and understand a. minimum test vehicle (MTV) requirements for licence acquisition practical tests b. the legal requirement to identify a vehicle being used for on-road training of provisional licence holders, by fitting L/D plates c. how to check the operation of equipment such as dual controls d. any legal requirements or restrictions that apply to the fitting and use of ancillary equipment and how to make sure it can be used safely and with the minimum of distraction e. what insurance you must have in place to deliver driver/rider-training for the vehicle involve documentation (such as registration, tax disc and MOT) meets legal requirements
​5. confirm the vehicle’s service record is in accordance with the supplier’s or your organisation’s recommendations 6. carry out vehicle checks and report faults or problems with the vehicle in line with organisational and legal requirements
7. carry out corrective actions that are within your authority
​8. make other arrangements when a vehicle is not fit for purpose f. the need to inform your insurance provider of any adaptations to your vehicle g. the statutory registration, licensing and testing requirements for the vehicle h. how to access the service record for the vehicle and confirm that necessary servicing has been carried out i. how to access any organisational checklist for the vehicle and carry out those checks j. what action to take if the vehicle  does not have all the necessary documentation  has not been serviced  fails any checks