Code of Ethics

The code has been developed as an expression of standard of conduct to provide practical assistance for driving instructors in the performance of their duties and as a guide to solving ethical issues.

The code demonstrates the high standards expected of Professional Driving Instructors which ensures protection to all who use their services.  The code is based on all instructors adopting a common set of moral values.

1. GENERALLY

1.1    Members of the Australian Driver Trainers Association (Queensland) [ADTA (Q)] shall be governed by this Code of Ethics and the Constitution of the ADTA (Q).

1.2    This Code represents the standard of professional conduct to which members of the Association must adhere.  Any member whose conduct is contrary to this Code shall be liable to reprimand, suspension or expulsion as provided by this Code of Ethics.

1.3    It is the responsibility of every member to report to the Executive Director of ADTA (Q) any apparent breach of this Code for investigation in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Code, the following definitions shall apply:-

2.2    Professional Misconduct - the term "professional misconduct" shall mean behaviour  which in the opinion of the Association falls short of, or directly contravenes, professional conduct;

2.3    Instructor - the term "instructor" means any person who holds a Driving Instructor's  Licence;

2.4    Proprietor - the term "proprietor" means any person with or without a Driving Instructor's Licence who owns or operates a driving instruction school.

3. RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS

Members of the Association shall:-

3.1    Abide by this Code of Ethics entirely.

3.2    Ensure compliance with this Code by all persons who represent them.

3.3    Be aware that each member is individually responsible for his/her own acts and omissions and will be held accountable for same.

3.4    Promote the advancement of the driving instruction industry and do all in their power to maintain and strengthen the Association and its reputation, and that of its members.

3.5    Conduct themselves in a manner which is not derogatory to their professional character, nor likely to lessen the confidence of the public in the Association or the Industry, nor bring them into disrepute.

3.6    Provide professional service of a high standard and maintain a high standard of integrity.

3.7    Compete for business fairly with other members and neither maliciously nor carelessly do anything to injure, directly or indirectly, the reputation, prospects or business of other members.

3.8    Not falsify or misrepresent their qualifications or experience.

3.9    Not solicit any gift or benefit other than normal payment in respect of services performed or to be performed.

3.10  Inform clients or employers of the existence of, or likelihood of, any conflict between the interest of themselves and that of their clients and/or their employers or the Association.

3.11  Inform their employers and/or clients if an assignment requires qualifications, skills and/or resources that they consider is outside their current capabilities.

3.12  Not directly or knowingly approach any client of another instructor for the purpose of inducing or coercing that client to cease tuition with such other instructor.

3.13 Ensure that any instructor ceasing instruction on behalf of a driving school:-

        * gives the appropriate notice, honours all contracts and agreements, and pays all monies duly owing to said school;

        * is paid all monies that are duly owing to such instructor;

        * ceases all contact with pupils associated with such school and returns to such school all records documents and material relating to the school and/or its clients.

3.14  Use the recognised administration channels available in all dealings with the Association and report any corrupt conduct, unauthorised use of official resources, or passage of restricted official information to those not entitled to receive such.

3.15 Be aware that any instance of misconduct may be reported to the Department of Transport and/or the police and that appropriate action may be pursued.

3.16  Not permit any instruction or inducement from any client or other person to relieve him/her of any responsibility of strictly observing this Code of Ethics.

4. TRIBUNAL

4.1    A tribunal will be set up by random selection of two industry members and an independent person to hear any complaints from:-

        (a) Members - driving school owners and instructors

        (b) Public.

4.2    A fee will be set for each complaint lodged.

4.3    Such fee will be returned if the complainant is successful.

4.4    When charged with unethical practice, place all pertinent facts before the Association tribunal for investigation and judgement.

4.5    Where the Complaints Tribunal recommends suspension or cancellation of a person's operations within the Driving School Industry, such recommendation shall be forwarded to the Director (Road Transport and Traffic), Department of Transport, for issue of the appropriate notices.  Upon full adoption of Industry self-regulation, the Tribunal becomes the sole authority.

5. CONDUCT STANDARDS

All members who conduct or manage driving instruction schools shall:-

5.1    Follow up all pupil or public complaints on driving instruction or conduct, and to the best of their ability rectify any faults that become apparent.

        All members shall:-

5.2    Ensure all appropriate licence and insurance responsibilities are met.

5.3    In all aspects of business follow the principle of Care, Courtesy, and Consideration for others.

5.4    To the best of their ability ensure that all their students are taught more than the basic arts and skills of driving a motor vehicle.  They will also do their utmost to instil in their students driving attitudes which demonstrate regard for the road laws and other road users and ensure maximum safety for all concerned.

5.5    Ensure that all driving methods and techniques used are beyond reproach and set an example for the community.

5.6    Do their utmost to be well informed and up to date regarding information applicable to driving instruction, driving technique and road rules.

5.7    Maintain appropriate standards of dress and personal hygiene.

5.8    Maintain all vehicles in good mechanical order, condition and appearance, both internally and externally.

5.9    Ensure all contact with pupils is restricted to matters directly related to driving instruction.

5.10  Endeavour to maintain the highest standards of punctuality and reliability.