The voting deadline for the Intelligent Instructor Awards 2026, in association with Dash Instructor Cover, is fast approaching – 23rd February.

Recognised as the leading awards programme in the sector, the Intelligent Instructor Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and professionalism across driver education.

Is your name on the shortlist? Have you cast your vote for those who you think deserve to be celebrated?

More than five thousand ADIs have had their say, so why not add your vote to the ballot box?

Recognising you

Widely regarded as the benchmark for achievement in driver training, the awards recognise the instructors, driving schools, trainers and suppliers who consistently go above and beyond to raise standards, inspire learners and contribute to safer roads.

This year, the number of nominations for Driving Instructor of the Year hit record levels, with a 139% increase in ADI nominations.

But the record-breaking doesn’t end there; entries for all other categories were up 74%!

On the one hand, it can be seen as recognition of the importance of these awards to the industry, and on the other, an increasing number of notable contributors of excellence across our profession.

Bigger and better

Over the years, the Intelligent Instructor Awards have grown in stature and influence, becoming a key platform for showcasing best practice and highlighting the individuals and organisations shaping the future of the profession.

The 2026 awards feature 20 categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the modern driver training industry.

To fairly reflect the multiple aspects of the driver training world, this year’s programme also introduces four new categories:

Road Safety Initiative of the Year

Social Media Influencer of the Year

Training Provider of the Year -Independent

Training Provider of the Year – Driving School.

The additions aim to reflect the growing importance of digital engagement, professional development and proactive road safety work within the sector.

 

 

Your industry needs you!

Voting is already underway.

An expert, independent judging panel, including celebrated names from across the driver training industry and road safety profession, has already begun assessing all shortlisted entries.

Meanwhile, you – members of the driver training community – are also invited to have your say through a public vote.

Winners in most categories will be decided by a combined ranking, with equal weighting given to the judges’ scores and the public vote, ensuring both professional scrutiny and peer recognition play a role.

One of the most prestigious categories of the awards is the Driving Instructor of the Year.

This features 11 regional awards, each recognising Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, before one instructor is crowned National Driving Instructor of the Year 2026.

Alongside the PDI of the Year award, these categories are judged exclusively by the expert panel due to their depth and complexity.

Shortlisted instructors can check whether they have secured a place in the coveted Top 100, a respected indicator of excellence within the profession.

It could be you

The awards are proudly supported by headline sponsor Dash Instructor Cover, a business built by driving school owners for the industry, providing bespoke insurance policies for ADIs, PDIs and driving schools.

Co-founder Sandy Hillan said the company’s involvement reflects a commitment to supporting instructors and celebrating those making a difference, while co-founder Doogie Ainslee said sponsoring the awards was about recognising professionals shaping a safer driving future.

Supporting sponsors for 2026 include ADINJC and MSA GB, alongside Duncan’s Driving School, Knowledgeablee Instructor Training, Derin Driving School & Driving Test Success.

All winners will be announced and presented with their trophies at the Intelligent Instructor Gala Dinner, a glitzy celebration held in association with ADI Network, on Saturday 21 March 2026 at Kents Hill Park Conference & Events Centre in Milton Keynes.

This black-tie event takes place the night before the Driving Instructor Convention, giving attendees the chance to combine celebration with learning, networking and professional development.

With voting now open, organisers are encouraging all of you, our industry, to get involved and help choose the winners of one of the most respected awards programmes in driver training.

Go on, with the deadline on 23rd February, get your vote in now!