Why you need to become SAF Approved
To continue working with lenders who are members of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) when offering finance to your customers, you’ll need to become SAF Approved by 1 January 2025.
Under the FLA’s Lending Code, FLA members can only arrange finance through SAF Approved dealers and brokers. Most of the UK's vehicle finance providers are FLA members.
All your customer-facing staff will need to pass the SAF Expert test for your dealership to become accredited.
The SAF Expert test is free and anyone in your dealership can take it. The SAF Expert test needs to be taken every year to maintain your approved status.
Becoming SAF Approved will:
- Improve your team’s understanding of vehicle finance products.
- Help to answer customer queries with confidence.
- Improve your team’s knowledge of industry compliance and regulation. This will help to keep you and your dealership safe.
- Show customers that they’re dealing with a reputable dealership.
- Allow you to continue offering vehicle finance through FLA members.
Find out more
Visit the Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) website to learn more and register your business to take the free SAF Expert test.
Our resources
SAF Expert guide
SAF what to expect factsheet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SAF?
Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) provides knowledge-based motor finance learning to boost professionalism and increase consumer confidence in motor finance. The FLA launched SAF in 2007.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Unless you have an equivalent accreditation, you’ll no longer be able to offer vehicle finance through any lenders who are FLA members, which includes us.
Who in my dealership needs to take the test?
Anyone who is customer-facing, and may discuss the possibility of finance with a customer, needs to take and pass the test annually. For example, anyone involved in the sale of vehicles.
How long does my accreditation last?
Your accreditation lasts for one year, so you and your staff will need to re-take the test annually to maintain your SAF Approved status.
What if I need extra support when taking the test?
If needed, your SAF account administrator can request an additional 30 minutes to be added to your test time.
The FLA have also confirmed that users can use read aloud tools in their browser if they need support reading the test.
What happens if I fail the test?
You’ll have three attempts in taking the test. If you fail three times, your SAF administrator will be able to reset your test attempt.
How long does the test take?
You’ll have one hour to answer 60 multiple choice questions. However, you’ll also need to allow time to review the training material before taking the test.
How do I register to take the test?
You can register to take the test with the FLA via their SAF website here.
Who do I get in touch with if I need support?
If you need any support, you can contact the FLA here.