ADTA TAS SAFE DRIVERS FOR LIFE

The Code of Conduct

This Code of Practice is designed to set out the legislative requirements and professional ethics required of a member of the Australian Driver Trainers Association (Tas) Inc [ADTA (Tas) Inc]. The Code exists to enhance the standard of driving tuition within the industry and the public image of professional driver tuition in the state of Tasmania. Members are expected to meet the standards as laid down in the Code and breaches may result in disciplinary action by ADTA (Tas) Inc. or the relevant government authority.

LEGISLATIVE

Persons conducting driver tuition in Tasmania for reward must hold a current Ancillary Certificate in Driving Instruction for the appropriate category of vehicle used for tuition issued by the Department of State Growth Licensing Section and comply with the following conditions:

• Must hold a current Drivers Licence appropriate to the class of vehicle in which tuition occurs.
• Must hold a current Ancillary Certificate in Driving Instruction and meet any preconditions as required by DIER for issue of the Certificate .
• Must hold Certificate IV in Driving Instruction or other training requirements as required by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
• Must display on a vehicle supplied for the purpose of Driver Training a current Vehicle Inspection label and meet all conditions required for the issue of that label.

PERSONAL CONDUCT

The Driving Instructor will:

• At all times behave in a proper and professional manner towards clients.
• At all times provide driving instruction to clients to the best of the instructors ability with respect and consideration.
• At no time subject clients to harassment (sexual or otherwise), abuse, foul or suggestive language or unwanted attention of any kind.
• Provide all lessons in a non-smoking environment.
• Maintain proper standards of dress and personal hygiene.
• Maintain high standards of punctuality and reliability.
• Try to avoid physical contact with clients except in an emergency or in the normal and accepted method of greeting.
• Whilst reserving the right to decide against giving tuition, the instructor will not act in any way which contravenes legislation on discrimination.
• In his own personal driving, drive in such a manner as to set a good example to other clients and other road users.
• Do all in their power to maintain and strengthen the reputation of the Association, its members and the industry in general.
• Conduct their business and perform their duties in free competition and refrain from criticising the actions of, or damaging the reputation of their fellow instructors either directly or by implication.

BUSINESS DEALINGS

The instructor will safeguard and account for any monies paid in advance by clients in respect of driving lessons, test fees or any other purpose and will make the details available on request.

The instructor on, or before, the first lesson should provide clients with a written copy of their terms of business to include:

• The price and duration of lessons.
• The terms under which cancellation by either party may take place.

ADVERTISING

The advertising of lessons will be honest and any claims made will be capable of verification.

Advertising that refers to pass rates should not be open to misinterpretation and the basis on which the “pass rate” calculation is made should be clear.

Any “pass first time” guarantees must be given in writing and with any exclusion clauses fully explained.

CONCILIATION

Complaints by clients should be made in the first instance to the instructor / driving school / contractor.

Failing agreement or settlement of a dispute the issue should be referred to any member of the ADTA (Tas) Inc executive for the matter to be considered by the ADTA Disputes Committee as laid down in the rules of that Committee. The Committee may refer the matter to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Police or any other relevant body.

VEHICLE STANDARDS

Although no maximum vehicle age is set, all vehicles must comply with all Australian Design Rules as applicable to that make and model of vehicle and not show any of the following ageing signs or faults:

• Panel damage or different paint colours on external panels including bumper bars (professional sign writing excepted).
• Opaque or cracked lenses on any headlight, brake light, indicator light, etc.
• Sandblasting, cracks or star fractures on the windscreen or other windows.
• Torn, split or badly worn carpets and / or floor mats and seat coverings.
• Difficulty in adjusting seat positioning or difficulty in operating any of the driving controls including the dual controls.