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Instructors are some of the most sensible drivers out on the roads, but sometimes mistakes can happen. Here we look at some of the most common pitfalls, so that you can avoid them.
While teaching in an AA franchise vehicle, you're just as likely to commit traffic offences or civil infringements as any other driver. The difference is that the notices, charges or fines are sent straight to the vehicle owner – in this case Lex Autolease – rather than to you.
The fine will be paid by Lex Autolease, and then the cost will be charged back to you with the addition of an administration fee, as outlined in your AA Driving School Tuition Vehicle Handbook.
So you know what to look out for, here are some of the most common reasons instructors receive fines – and how to avoid them.
Using private car parks for manoeuvres
One of the most common reasons for driving instructors picking up fines is through parking on private land. This is typically because a pupil has been taken there for practising manoeuvres, or because they’re beginners getting used to the car in a quiet spot.
Although these kinds of tickets aren’t issued by the police or local authorities, they’re still enforceable if they meet certain conditions. These include:
- Clear signs that you’re entering private land
- Clear signs showing parking rules and charges
- Signs that are visible from all parking spots
- Signs that are clear and straightforward
Essentially, you’re entering into a contract with the landowner (or contractors they’ve outsourced to) when you come onto their land. Breaching this contract is a civil rather than criminal matter, and is usually actionable through the small claims court.
And while big supermarket car parks often give you two or three hours to use the car park before issuing charges, some car parks or similar areas may be much more restrictive. This is why it’s always important to familiarise yourself with the signage before you start using the area for lessons.
Penalty charge notices (PCNs)
Penalty charge notices (PCNs) are issued for infringements on public roads and land. These are usually for parking incorrectly or parking for too long. You can also get these notices for certain traffic violations, such as stopping in a yellow box junction when you’re not allowed to.
If you’re caught on camera, the vehicle owner (Lex Autolease) can be sent a PCN. If a fine is issued, it will be settled immediately by Lex Autolease, as there is often a 50% discount for early settlement in the first 14 days. The cost will then be charged back to you with the addition of an administration fee. However, regardless of the fine being paid, this does not prevent you from appealing the fine directly with the PCN.
Our research shows these PCNs are often worth contesting – because they may rely on out-of-date Traffic Management Orders (TMOs). But it’s always preferable to simply avoid getting them in the first place.
It’s often the case that driving instructors who receive these notices do so in areas they’re not familiar with. For this reason, if you have a new pupil who lives in an unfamiliar area, it’s a good idea to do a bit of homework ahead of time.
Use Google Maps and Street View to see whether you can easily park where they live. They might live on a street with residents-only parking, for example, or private land with parking notices (see above). And before taking them out on a lesson, check out your new route, taking into account the locations of yellow box junctions, ‘no right turn’ signs and so on.
Congestion and Low Emission Zone charges
Exactly the same applies if you drive in Congestion, Low Emission Zone or Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge areas while they’re in operation. The vehicle owner (Lex Autolease) could be sent a fine, which will immediately be settled. You’ll then be responsible for paying these if your car falls foul of the rules, along with the addition of an administration fee. For this reason, familiarise yourself with the area before taking pupils out on new routes, taking into account any chargeable zones.
Using a mobile
Even though you’re not driving, it’s still against the law to handle a mobile phone when supervising a learner driver. That’s for any reason – whether it’s messaging, making calls, taking photos or even using it as a learning aid. The only time you can handle your phone while supervising a learner is when you’re safely parked with the engine off.