Instructor Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 2 June 2025

These Instructor Terms & Conditions ("Instructor Terms") supplement our mainTerms of Service and apply specifically to Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) providing services through the LPlate platform. Please read these terms carefully before registering as an instructor.

1. Instructor Eligibility and Registration

1.1 ADI Requirements

• Must hold a valid ADI licence issued by the DVSA
• ADI badge must be current and not subject to any restrictions
• Must maintain ADI standards check ratings as required by DVSA
• Trainee instructors (PDI) may be considered on a case-by-case basis

1.2 Insurance and Legal Requirements

• Valid driving instructor insurance covering business use
• Comprehensive vehicle insurance including passenger liability
• Enhanced DBS check (required for working with young people)
• Business registration and appropriate tax arrangements

1.3 Vehicle Requirements

• Vehicle must be suitable for driving instruction
• Dual control system properly installed and maintained
• Valid MOT certificate and road tax
• L plates or appropriate learner driver signage
• Clean, professional appearance inside and out

1.4 Registration Process

• Complete instructor application with accurate information
• Upload required documentation for verification
• Undergo background and qualification checks
• Account activation typically within 48-72 hours

2. Professional Standards and Conduct

2.1 Teaching Standards

• Maintain high standards of driving instruction in accordance with DVSA requirements
• Provide structured, progressive learning experiences
• Adapt teaching methods to individual student needs
• Keep up-to-date with current driving laws and best practices

2.2 Professional Behaviour

• Maintain professional conduct at all times
• Treat all students with respect, patience, and courtesy
• Ensure a safe, comfortable learning environment
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

2.3 Safety Responsibilities

• Prioritise student and public safety above all else
• Ensure vehicle is roadworthy before each lesson
• Conduct appropriate safety checks with students
• Refuse lessons if student appears unfit to drive

2.4 Continuing Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training and development
• Maintain DVSA standards check requirements
• Stay informed about platform updates and best practices
• Consider student feedback for service improvement

3. Platform Service Fees and Payments

3.1 Service Fee Structure

• Platform Fee: 15% of lesson cost (including VAT)
• Payment Processing: Included in platform fee
• No Monthly Fees: Pay only when you earn
• No Setup Costs: Free to join and start teaching

3.2 Payment Schedule

• Payments processed at 12pm every Monday
• Direct bank transfer to registered bank account
• Payment for lessons completed in previous week
• Minimum payout threshold: £10
• Detailed payment statements provided monthly
• Payment processing may be delayed during UK bank holidays

3.3 Pricing and Rate Setting

• You set your own lesson rates
• Rates can vary by lesson type, duration, and location
• Competitive pricing recommendations provided
• Rate changes take effect for new bookings only

3.4 Payment Protection

• Students pay upfront when booking
• Payment guaranteed for completed lessons
• Protection against student payment defaults
• Cancellation policy protects against no-shows

4. Availability and Scheduling

4.1 Calendar Management

• Keep availability calendar accurate and up-to-date
• Block out unavailable times for maintenance, breaks, holidays
• Enable instant booking for preferred time slots
• Respond to booking requests within 2 hours during business hours

4.2 Lesson Confirmation

• Confirm lesson bookings promptly
• Contact students before first lesson to introduce yourself
• Provide clear pickup instructions and contact information
• Confirm lesson details 24 hours in advance

4.3 Punctuality Requirements

• Arrive at pickup location on time
• Contact student immediately if running late
• Provide lessons for the full booked duration
• Maintain consistent scheduling practices

5. Student Interaction and Communication

5.1 Initial Contact

• Contact new students before first lesson
• Discuss student goals, experience, and preferences
• Explain your teaching approach and what to expect
• Confirm pickup location and lesson arrangements

5.2 Progress Tracking

• Maintain accurate records of student progress
• Provide regular feedback on development areas
• Use platform tools for progress tracking where available
• Discuss test readiness and preparation timing

5.3 Communication Standards

• Respond to student messages within reasonable timeframes
• Use professional, clear communication
• Keep students informed of any changes or issues
• Maintain confidentiality of student information

6. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies

6.1 Instructor-Initiated Cancellations

• Provide maximum notice possible for cancellations
• Students receive full refund for instructor cancellations
• Offer alternative times or arrangements where possible
• Emergency cancellations should be rare and justified

6.2 Student Cancellation Benefits

• 24+ hours notice: No charge to instructor
• 2-24 hours notice: 50% payment to instructor
• Less than 2 hours: Full payment to instructor
• No show: Full payment to instructor

6.3 Weather and Safety Cancellations

• Make final decision on weather-related safety
• Full refunds provided for safety cancellations
• Consider alternative lesson types (theory, hazard perception)
• Document weather conditions for reference

7. Quality Standards and Reviews

7.1 Service Quality Expectations

• Maintain high customer satisfaction ratings
• Provide consistent, professional service
• Address student concerns promptly and professionally
• Continuously improve based on feedback

7.2 Review System

• Students can rate and review your services
• Reviews are moderated for appropriateness
• Respond professionally to all feedback
• Use feedback constructively for improvement

7.3 Performance Monitoring

• Regular quality assessments may be conducted
• Consistently poor ratings may result in account review
• Support provided for performance improvement
• Best performing instructors may receive additional promotion

8. Platform Promotion and Marketing

8.1 Profile Optimization

• Complete your instructor profile with accurate information
• Upload professional photo and describe your teaching approach
• Highlight qualifications, experience, and specialties
• Keep profile information current and relevant

8.2 Marketing Support

• Platform marketing includes instructor promotion
• High-rated instructors receive priority placement
• Participate in promotional campaigns when invited
• Follow brand guidelines for any external marketing

8.3 External Marketing Restrictions

• Do not solicit students to book directly outside the platform
• Maintain platform booking for all student interactions
• Respect intellectual property and branding guidelines
• Report any attempts to circumvent platform policies

9. Data Protection and Privacy

9.1 Student Data Handling

• Handle all student data in accordance with UK GDPR
• Use student information only for lesson provision
• Maintain confidentiality of student records
• Report any data breaches immediately

9.2 Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate lesson records
• Records may be required for insurance or legal purposes
• Follow data retention guidelines in our Privacy Policy
• Provide student data upon valid request

9.3 Platform Data Use

• Your teaching data helps improve platform matching
• Anonymized performance data may be used for analytics
• Marketing materials may feature instructor success stories
• Opt-out options available for promotional use

10. Insurance and Liability

10.1 Required Insurance Coverage

• Professional indemnity insurance for driving instruction
• Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million)
• Motor insurance covering business use and passengers
• Proof of insurance must be current and verifiable

10.2 Incident Reporting

• Report all accidents or incidents immediately
• Complete incident forms accurately and promptly
• Cooperate with insurance investigations
• Notify LPlate of any insurance claims

10.3 Liability Limitations

• Instructors responsible for lesson quality and safety
• LPlate liability limited to platform service provision
• Professional insurance primarily covers lesson-related incidents
• Follow all safety protocols to minimize risk

11. Account Management and Suspension

11.1 Account Maintenance

• Keep all qualifications and documents current
• Update insurance information when renewed
• Maintain accurate contact and payment details
• Notify platform of any significant changes

11.2 Account Suspension Reasons

• Expired ADI licence or insurance
• Consistently poor student ratings
• Violation of professional standards
• Failure to comply with platform policies

11.3 Appeal Process

• Right to appeal account decisions
• Formal review process for suspensions
• Opportunity to address concerns and improve
• Reinstatement possible upon resolution

12. Tax and Business Responsibilities

12.1 Self-Employment Status

• Instructors operate as independent contractors
• Responsible for own tax and National Insurance
• Register as self-employed with HMRC
• Maintain appropriate business records

12.2 Tax Reporting

• Annual statements provided for tax purposes
• Quarterly earnings summaries available
• UTR number required for payment processing
• Professional tax advice recommended

12.3 Business Expenses

• Vehicle running costs are instructor responsibility
• Insurance and maintenance costs not covered by platform
• Consider business expense allowances in pricing
• Keep detailed records for tax deductions

13. Technology and Platform Use

13.1 App and Platform Access

• Use provided technology tools effectively
• Maintain updated app versions
• Report technical issues promptly
• Participate in platform training sessions

13.2 System Requirements

• Reliable internet connection for booking management
• Compatible smartphone for app access
• Regular software updates installation
• Backup communication methods available

14. Support and Training

14.1 Onboarding Support

• Comprehensive platform training provided
• Dedicated support during initial weeks
• Best practice guidance and tips
• Peer instructor community access

14.2 Ongoing Support

• Regular platform updates and improvements
• Customer service support for platform issues
• Performance coaching available
• Professional development opportunities

15. Termination and Exit

15.1 Voluntary Termination

• Close account at any time with 7 days notice
• Complete all pending lessons before termination
• Final payment processed after completion
• Student contacts transferred appropriately

15.2 Platform Termination

• Account closure for serious policy violations
• Notice period provided where possible
• Outstanding payments settled promptly
• Student rebooking assistance provided

16. Changes to Instructor Terms

We may update these Instructor Terms to reflect changes in regulations, platform features, or business practices. Material changes will be communicated at least 30 days in advance via email and platform notification.

17. Additional Resources

• Main Terms of Service: Complete platform terms
• Privacy Policy: Data protection information
• Help & FAQ: Platform guidance and support
• Contact Support: Get help when needed

18. Instructor Support Contacts

For questions about these Instructor Terms or your teaching business:

• Instructor Support: Staff@LPlateApp.com
• Payments Team: Staff@LPlateApp.com
• Technical Support: Staff@LPlateApp.com