Drivers in Guernsey could be forced to undergo tougher driving laws as part of new safety measures currently under proposal.
A Guernsey driving instructor has backed calls for tougher checks on local driving schools and official regulation of instructors after concerns that not all teachers are being consistently vetted.
Wayne Stokes, who runs Roadcraft Driving School in Guernsey, said the current system is “not enough” and wants stronger protections so parents can have confidence their children are safe behind the wheel.
He told the BBC: “Instructors should be regulated for parents’ sake… so they can trust their children are in safe hands.”
Under the current system in Guernsey, driving instruction is only partially regulated, and anyone who wants to put pupils forward for a practical driving test must have completed an enhanced DBS check.
Instructors who don’t intend to enter pupils for the practical test are not currently required to complete the enhanced DBS check, and there is no legal requirement yet for all instructors to be registered under a formal law.
Mr Stokes warned that it leaves a “gap” in safeguarding. “If you go on Gov.gg and check on driving schools… and they’re not there, obviously be careful.”
The States of Guernsey have already been working on new legislation to create a mandatory register of driving instructors.
Guernsey revealed it will be bringing in tougher rules for instructors to fall in line with the rest of the UK
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PA/GETTYA draft law has been prepared and discussed in the States in 2024, with officials stating finalisation of the legislation was expected in the first half of 2025, with implementation later the same year.
This register would mean instructors must meet specific criteria before being allowed to operate, potentially including DBS vetting, qualifications, and professional standards.
Colin Le Page, traffic and highway services manager for the States of Guernsey, said the Government remains “committed to bringing the register into force”.
He added: “Those who are learning to drive can have confidence that they are learning with an officially registered instructor.”
The driving instructor warned that the lack of regulation causes a gap in safeguarding
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PAUnlike Guernsey’s current partial system, some jurisdictions already have formal laws requiring instructors to be registered.
For example, in Jersey, the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956 makes it clear that “no person” may give paid driving instruction unless they are registered with the Government as a driving instructor.
Drivers must also meet strict standards, including holding a valid licence, having less than six penalty points, and passing a DBS check.
The law also requires the state to establish and maintain a register of instructors and remove people from the list if they no longer meet the conditions.
Driving instructors in Guernsey face different rules and regulations than in the UK
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PAIn parts of the UK, driving instructors must be on the Approved Driving Instructor register and pass official exams before charging for lessons.
Mr Stokes said he wants all instructors covered by the same rules, so families don’t have to worry about safety or qualifications.
Supporters of a register explained that it will professionalise the industry and give parents more confidence, a move similar to what already exists in the UK and other jurisdictions.
While the law is being updated, Mr Stokes advised drivers to check the official list on the States website and make sure any instructors have passed the enhanced DBS check.