At RED Driver Training, we are aware of the continuous trend of scammers creating fake ADI driving instructor licences, pretending to be our instructors, and offering driving lessons. This alarming practice not only misleads learners but also poses a risk to your safety and RED’s trusted reputation.
These individuals create a fake ADI licence (approved driving instructors) with the RED branding and copy a legitimate instructor’s ADI number. They often set up profiles that appear legitimate, using RED branding, logos, and even fake testimonials to deceive learners.
They reach out through posts, messages, or ads offering lessons, frequently at discounted rates, to lure in customers. Once someone expresses interest, they request payment upfront—typically through untraceable methods like bank transfers or third-party apps.
Unfortunately, after payment is made, these fake instructors either disappear or fail to deliver genuine lessons. In some cases, they might even attempt to provide lessons despite lacking the proper qualifications or insurance, putting learners at risk on the road.
These scams have proven to be dangerous and have affected learners in different ways. Here are the reasons why this is so dangerous and the ways it can affect new drivers:
When communicating with an instructor, you may not know whether you are talking to a legitimate ADI driving instructor or not. The signs might not be clear and everything you have been shown or seen up to purchase seems safe and legit. If unsure, it was always recommended to go directly to the RED Driver Training website to book with one of your qualified instructors, or download the Learn To Drive With RED app, where you can book your driving sessions and speak to your instructor directly.
It is also best to double-check. You can check on the GOV website and search for instructors or you can contact the driving school directly.
Here are some key warning signs to look out for when interacting with instructors online:
RED Driver Training has always prided itself on having fully qualified, professional instructors who are committed to delivering exceptional driving lessons. To ensure you’re dealing with a genuine RED instructor and not a scammer, follow these simple steps to verify their credentials:
Every approved driving instructor (ADI) is required by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to display their official ADI badge in their car during lessons. These badges are either:
Always check for this badge before starting a lesson. If the badge is missing or seems fake, it’s a red flag.
All RED instructors carry official RED-branded identification. This includes their name, photograph, and instructor ID number. Feel free to ask them to show their ID—any legitimate instructor will be happy to provide it.
If you’ve booked your lessons through RED Driver Training’s official website or customer service, the instructor’s details will match what we’ve provided. You can also contact us directly to confirm their credentials if you’re unsure.
Genuine ADIs are registered with the DVSA and can provide their registration number upon request. You can cross-check this number with the DVSA’s online ADI database to ensure they are authorised to teach.
RED’s instructors use clearly branded vehicles, typically displaying the RED logo and contact information. While scammers can imitate this, genuine instructors should have consistent branding both on their vehicles and in their communications.
The safest way to ensure your instructor is genuine is to book lessons directly through RED Driver Training. This guarantees you’re connected with a legitimate, DVSA-approved professional.
By following these steps, you can protect yourself from scammers and ensure you receive the high-quality instruction that RED is known for.
If you ever have doubts or concerns, contact our customer service team for support. Let’s work together to keep your driving experience safe and secure!
At RED Driver Training, we take these incidents seriously. We work hard to identify and report fraudulent profiles, ensuring our learners are protected. To further safeguard yourself:
We understand the frustration and concern caused by scams like these. That’s why we urge all learners to stay vigilant when interacting online. By booking lessons through verified channels and reporting fraudulent activity, you can help us maintain a safe, trustworthy learning environment for all.
If you have any concerns or suspect you’ve encountered a fake profile, please contact our customer service team. Together, we can put a stop to these scams and ensure your driving journey is smooth, secure, and successful.
Stay safe, and happy driving!
