Subject: A Call for Clarity, Action and Reform on ORDIT

Dear DVSA,

We are writing on behalf of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective (DITC) to publicly raise a serious and growing concern regarding the state of the ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers) scheme and the damage its current limbo status is doing to the industry, to PDIs, and to the wellbeing of the very trainers who have dedicated themselves to improving standards.

As respected ORDIT trainers ourselves, we speak from a place of deep commitment to instructor development and high standards. But we cannot remain silent while the DVSA continues to promote a system that is neither open nor accountable.

The ORDIT Illusion: Let’s be honest: ORDIT is broken. And worse – it’s hurting people.

The DVSA continues to advise PDIs, including unsuccessful Part 3 candidates, to seek ORDIT trainers. This advice is given even in the presence of non-ORDIT trainers who have poured years of experience and passion into developing the next generation – many of whom are more current, more engaged, and more effective than some who still carry the ORDIT badge.

We do not say this to undermine the value of ORDIT. We say it because the playing field is no longer fair.

– The ORDIT register has been closed to new applicants for years.
– Trainers who applied and paid in good faith have been left in limbo since 2020.
– Existing ORDIT trainers continue to operate with expired certificates under a DVSA-agreed extension.
– DVSA has yet to confirm whether ORDIT will even continue to exist.

And yet – PDIs are told they should only trust ORDIT trainers. That is not just misleading; it is damaging to Trainees as well as to both ORDIT and non-ORDIT.

The Human Cost: This isn’t just about bureaucracy or bad policy. This is about people.

We have recently seen infighting between some of the industry’s most innovative and impactful trainers – not because of differing opinion or lack of skill, but due to persistent, toxic criticism from others citing a presence or lack of ORDIT status. The non-ORDIT trainers have completed ORDIT training, applied, paid, and waited patiently – only to be left exposed by a system that had closed its gates. And the ‘highly regarded by the DVSA’ ORDIT trainers have expired badges and have been left unchecked, unguided and unsupported.

They are not the only ones. We know of dozens of trainers-in-waiting who show incredible promise and are hungry to raise standards – yet are blocked by a broken register. ORDIT is now being used as a gatekeeping weapon, not a standard to aspire to.

This is a failure of process. But it is also a failure of duty.

The Choice: We believe that ORDIT could be something great. A true beacon of excellence. A recognised badge of quality. But only if the DVSA is willing to do one of two things:

1. Reform it – Reopen the register. Set meaningful, modern standards. Support and develop trainers. Make it something that earns respect, not just demands it. Make it a mandatory requirement to deliver training.

2. Retire it – Stop promoting something that no longer functions. Support trainers based on performance, outcomes and development – not a badge that is currently unobtainable and untested.

Until a decision is made, we ask the DVSA to immediately cease advising PDIs to seek ORDIT-only trainers and to publicly close the register. It’s current state creates division, disillusionment, and a false sense of value. Let’s not punish those who are stepping up to fill the DVSA’s own training shortfalls caused in part by an inability to deliver testing.

Our Request: We call on the DVSA to
– Clarify the future of ORDIT publicly and urgently.
– Stop promoting ORDIT trainers as the only route, or even a route, while the scheme remains inaccessible.
– Commit to meaningful reform or closure with a fixed timeline – no more holding patterns.
– Engage with the training community in open consultation to rebuild trust and structure –  Not just ORDIT trainers which has happened in the past.

This industry is filled with people doing incredible work. We cannot let an outdated, voluntary system be used to undermine their efforts and mental health.

It’s time for leadership. It’s time for clarity. It’s time to stop letting silence speak louder than action.

Yours Sincerely,

Chris Bensted & Ian Brett
On behalf of
The Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective (DITC)
https://theditc.co.uk