Neil Baldock v The Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors

Facts

The appellant, Neil Baldock, was an approved driving instructor and former police officer who had received commendations for public service. Following complaints, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency interviewed a young woman, referred to as Tia, who gave a statement alleging that the appellant had told her she could pay for her lessons in "other ways", had taken pictures of her while she was driving, and had asked to meet her outside lessons. On 18 February 2026 the Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors removed the appellant's name from the Register on the basis that he was no longer a fit and proper person to be on it, taking the view that the inappropriate communication was serious and that allowing him to remain would undermine confidence in the Register. The appellant appealed to the First-tier Tribunal, contending that removal was too severe a sanction: he had no complaints, cautions or convictions, had learnt that his messaging could give rise to misunderstandings, and would undertake training; a formal warning would be the appropriate outcome. He disputed parts of the complainant's account, denying that he had hugged her or photographed her or behaved inappropriately, and was permitted to put in further pages of messages and personal information. The appeal was determined at an oral hearing held by CVP on 13 August 2026, at which he appeared unrepresented and the Registrar was represented by Mr Raja of the DVSA Appeals team.