A step-by-step guide by The Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective (DITC). Written for UK instructors, in plain English.
Summary table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Enhanced DBS for DVSA ADI/PDI licence renewal |
| Who needs it | All Approved and Potential Driving Instructors, every 4 years |
| Where to start | GOV.UK ADI criminal record disclosure |
| Contractor/portal | First Advantage (KnowYourPeople) |
| Identity verification | In person at a participating Post Office |
| Fee | £8.22 verification fee, paid online (correct at time of publication) |
| Typical processing time | Up to 3 months (can be quicker or longer) |
| Certificate validity (for DVSA use) | 6 months for renewal purposes |
| Legal reminder | You must notify DVSA of any change to your personal or licence status within 7 days |
Before you start
Have these to hand:
- Your passport and UK photocard driving licence.
- Your current address plus 5 years’ address history with no gaps.
- A payment card for the £8.22 Post Office verification fee (Correct at time of publishing)
- Your email address (check spam/junk during the process).
Watch out: Names and addresses must match across your ID. If something differs, update it first to avoid rejections at the Post Office.
Step 1. Read your DVSA renewal notice
DVSA emails a reminder about six months before expiry. It explains you must get a new Enhanced DBS via the DVSA contractor before you can renew your ADI registration. Keep the email.
- GOV.UK DBS page: https://www.gov.uk/adi-criminal-record-disclosure
- Renewal page: https://www.gov.uk/renew-approved-driving-instructor-adi-registration
Step 2. Go to GOV.UK and follow the DBS link
Open the GOV.UK page for Get a criminal record check to continue being a driving instructor and click Start now.
You’ll be guided to use DVSA’s contractor (First Advantage / KnowYourPeople). You’ll receive an activation email to start your online application.
Step 3. If the activation email doesn’t arrive, contact support
Use the First Advantage help portal and choose Speak to an expert. If the bot hangs on “Transferring” for too long, refresh and try again, or submit a request.
Support link used: https://help.fadv.com/s/dvsa#form
Step 4. In chat, verify your details
When a live agent joins, they will ask for your ADI number. Keep it handy.
Step 5. Open the activation email
Open the email from KnowYourPeople / First Advantage and click the registration link.
You’ll be sent to the KnowYourPeople self-registration page with DVSA’s organisation details pre-filled.
Step 6. Self-register on KnowYourPeople
Follow the self-registration page. The Organisation ID and Access Code are pre-filled. Enter your email, complete the captcha, and continue.
You may also receive an auto support email confirming your case details, which you can ignore unless you asked a question.
Create a secure password, confirm the organisation (DVSA), and choose Role: Driving Instructor. Check the DBS options shown on screen match DVSA’s settings (Enhanced, Child Workforce).
Step 7. Log in and start the DBS application
Log in, enter your email verification code if prompted, then select DBS Enhanced Criminal Record Check and choose Complete this Application.
Step 8. Read and give consent
Read the DBS privacy policy and eBulk electronic result consent. Tick both and continue.
Step 9. Complete your personal details
Enter your title, gender, and full legal name exactly as per your ID.
If you have historical names (maiden name or previous names), add them with dates. Use “01” for the day if unknown.
Step 10. Address history, birth details, and contact info
Work through the pages to add:
- Current address and 5 years’ address history with no gaps.
- Date of birth, town of birth, nationality.
- Contact details and National Insurance number.
- Convictions declaration (answer honestly).
Tip: Dates must cover five full years with no overlaps or gaps. If you were abroad, include those addresses too.
Step 11. Select your identity documents for Post Office verification
Choose your documents. Most instructors use:
- Passport
- UK photocard driving licence
- Birth certificate
You may be asked for proof of address if needed.
Follow the on-screen prompts confirming the documents you will take for in-branch verification.
Watch out: Originals only. No photocopies or screenshots.
Step 12. Review, declare, and submit
Check the summary page carefully. Tick the declaration to confirm everything is true and accurate, then submit.
Step 13. Pay the verification fee and get your Post Office instructions
Pay the £8.22 verification fee online. You will receive confirmation and instructions for your Post Office visit. Some emails include a barcode or QR code and an expiry date for in-branch verification.
Tip: Visit a Post Office that offers DBS identity verification. Take the exact documents you selected in Step 11.
Step 14. Visit the Post Office
Go in person, present your original documents, and show the barcode or QR code if provided. The clerk will verify your ID and submit confirmation electronically.
Timing: Your verification usually must be completed within a set window. If you miss it, you may need to restart the identity step.
Step 15. After verification: what happens next
- First Advantage sends your application to the DBS.
- Your DBS certificate is posted to your home address.
- DVSA receives the result electronically for renewal purposes.
- Keep your certificate safe. You may need the certificate number when you complete your renewal.
When you have the DBS result, go to the GOV.UK renew ADI registration page to continue your badge renewal:
https://www.gov.uk/renew-approved-driving-instructor-adi-registration
Important legal reminder: notify DVSA within 7 days
Renewal is a good time to check DVSA holds your correct details. If you:
- move house
- change your name
- receive penalty points or any conviction
you must inform the DVSA Registrar within 7 days. Updating DVLA and your V5C does not update DVSA. Failure to notify DVSA can put your badge and livelihood at risk.
Troubleshooting and support
Activation email not received
- Check spam and junk.
- Use the First Advantage help portal chat and ask an agent to trigger the email again.
- If the chat stalls on “Transferring,” refresh and try again.
Identity document mismatch
- Update your ID so names and address match, then retry. The Post Office will reject mismatches.
Escalations and contacts
- First Advantage support: https://help.fadv.com/s/dvsa#form
- DBS general enquiries: 03000 200 190, customerservices@dbs.gov.uk
- GOV.UK ADI DBS guidance: https://www.gov.uk/adi-criminal-record-disclosure
- GOV.UK renew ADI registration: https://www.gov.uk/renew-approved-driving-instructor-adi-registration
Quick recap
- You need an Enhanced DBS to renew your ADI badge every 4 years.
- Start from GOV.UK, register with KnowYourPeople, complete the online form, then pay £8.22 and verify at a Post Office.
- Keep your addresses and names consistent across documents.
- Notify DVSA of any changes to your status within 7 days.
- When your DBS arrives, complete your renewal on GOV.UK.
(Fees correct at time of publication.)
Posted by Chris Bensted
November 6, 2025
