Consultation on new driving test measures

 

 

Today (25 January) DVSA has launched a consultation on measures to encourage learner car drivers to be properly prepared before taking their driving test. We believe these measures will help reduce the driving car test waiting time and give us greater flexibility to provide more tests.

You can find out more, and give your views on the consultation, on GOV.UK.

Test-ready learners

We know you’re doing all you can to get your pupils ready for their driving test. And you’re encouraging your pupils to only book a test when they’re ready.

However, we want to do more to prevent learners from booking their test too early. And we want them to listen to your advice about when they’re ready to take their test.This will help more learners pass their test and reduce the number who fail and need to book another test.

Our proposed changes

The measures we’re consulting on are:

• extending the period that unsuccessful car candidates must wait before applying for another car test, from 10 to 28 days. This will give learners more time to practise before resitting a car test. It will also discourage learners from booking and taking their car test before they are ready, as they know they will have to wait longer to re-sit.• extending the period in which a cancelled car test will result in a lost test fee, from 3 to 10 days. This will encourage those learners who need more practice to give DVSA more notice when cancelling. This gives better prepared learners drivers have more chance to take advantage of short-notice test appointments.• changing the eyesight test so it is carried out in any light conditions or check it by reading from a tablet. Changing the eyesight test will help more tests go ahead in the darker winter days. This will mean more driving tests can be taken during darker, winter days.• introducing digital pass certificates for all theory and practical tests and asking your candidates what they use their theory and practical certificates for• requiring approved and trainee driving instructors to display their registration certificate during all tests to help us improve our ability to identify and prioritise the instructors that most need support and ensure greater fairness for all instructors. Read our latest blog for more information on this proposal.• finding out what information learner drivers and their families would find useful when choosing a driving instructor, and whether they would benefit from having better information about driving instructors and their performance in preparing people to be safe drivers.

Meeting the demand for tests

These proposed changes are just one of many ways DVSA is working to reduce car waiting times. Other measures include:

• offering overtime and annual leave buy back to our driving examiners• asking all those qualified to conduct tests, but who do not do so as part of their current day job, to return to testing• inviting retired examiners to conduct tests• conducting out of hours testing, such as at weekends and on public holidays• recruiting additional examiners• DVSA will also be running a campaign to help your pupils and their parents better understand how long it takes to learn to drive with the aim of encouraging your pupils to only book and take a driving test only once they are properly prepared.

 

Have your say

The consultation will last for 6 weeks and end on 8 March at 11:59pm.

We know you’re very busy now, but we value your views and hope you will take the time to respond. Also, please feel free to share this consultation with your friends and family.

Our latest survey and results

In addition to the consultation, we are also rerunning our ADI survey. It seeks to learn more about the challenges faced by instructors, and if they are changing over time. We really appreciate your responses to this.  The survey also includes questions relating to some of the consultation proposals and will help us to finalise the supporting impact assessment.

The results of our last survey have now been published on GOV.UK, so you can see the results from last year and understand how your feedback has helped shape our plans.

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Comment from NASP

 

 

NASP welcomes the opportunity for an open consultation on proposals designed to ensure pupils are better prepared for their test and those which will could be useful in ensuring the best use of DVSA resources, particularly Examiner resources.

However, we have concerns surrounding suggestions that additional performance metrics could be developed and applied to ADIs, and that those performance indicators could be published and used by customers in their selection of trainers.

NASP has previously raised misgivings about the veracity of the data already being used in DVSA’a new approach to managing ADI performance and prioritising Standards Checks. And as these performance management measures have only just been introduced, and are still to be reviewed in terms of their effectiveness, we’d like to see that evaluation take place before the agency considers developing further performance management indicators – and encouraging the public to use those to help determine their choice of trainer.

 

Join the team behind the National Associations Strategic Partnership (the recognised consultative stakeholder and steering group for the driver and rider training industry, made of the three main national associations – ADINJC, DIA and MSA) for the first of a new series of webinars where we’ll update you on NASP activity and the key issues we’re currently lobbying and campaigning on.

Register for the webinar using this link.

 

The AGM of the ADINJC will be held on Saturday 5 March by zoom.  We had hoped this would be a physical meeting but have decided in view of the current situation to play it safe and hope that we may be able to meet up in June.

The Notice of the Annual General Meeting can be accessed here.  If you wish to propose a Motion for consideration at the AGM, or to nominate somone to serve on the Governing Committee you can do so on the forms attached to the Notice.

The AGM will be followed by the Association Meeting.

Agendas for these meetings will be sent out shortly, along with the minutes of the last meetings.  If you wish to attend please email secretary@adinjc.org.uk as numbers may be limited.

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Changes to the Highway Code

Many thanks to member Ian Hornal for sending in a pyramid of the hierarchy alongside the Introduction Text before Parliament.  He says he is happy for anyone to use it, change and improve on it.  You can access it here.

We’ve come across this video on the changes which also looks interesting, and may be useful,  access it here.

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Energy Saving Trust are offering one-to-one EV training sessions for instructors in Scotland who are considering making the switch to electric vehicles.  You can find out more information here.

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Tax bills will be due shortly, many people who haven’t ‘bounced back’ are worried about paying the tax owed on the SEISS grants.  Although on the face of it ADIs are very busy, we are aware they are experiencing a lot of cancellations for Covid related issues.

You may be interested in signing this petition to demand that the tax on the SEISS grants for 20/21 be postponed until economic normality is closer within reach.

 

 

 

We have this morning been informed by DVSA about the following Test Centre closures.  Please check if it is one you currently use, we understand DVSA have written to ADIs in these areas as well. We will pass on any questions to DVSA and we do understand the impact this will have and the concerns of ADIs trying to run a business.

 

 

You may well have seen publicity about the changes to the Highway Code that will be introduced later this month and have written to share your concerns, in particular over the rule about giving way to pedestrians waiting to cross the road when you turn left.  We share your concerns, it certainly looks like a disaster waiting to happen.

Currently we have not heard from DVSA on how they intend to treat this situation but we will of course keep you informed on any guidance that comes through.

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You can read What DVSA are doing to answer more of your calls here.

 

 
 

We’re delighted to announce our next batch of speakers for the ADINJC & Intelligent Instructor Conference & Expo South ’22, which is being held on 8th May 2022 at Kempton Park racecourse, Middlesex. This event is a must for any instructor, so save the date in your diary now and register for free here.

All of our speakers will be running free seminars sessions aimed specifically for the instructor audience right throughout the day. A wide variety of expert speakers, delivering insightful presentations and workshops will help you develop, build and enhance your businesses.

 

Check out our latest batch of speakers

Book your FREE ticket here.

 

Book your FREE ticket here.

A Happy New Year to ADIs and PDIs everywhere.  We sincerely hope that 2022 proves to be a good one.  We are here for all our members, do get in touch if there’s anything we can help you with.

To start the year off, there are a couple of things from DVSA –

You can check with driving test centre waiting rooms are open and find out what the rules are for using them because of Covid-19 here.

Update: Welsh social distancing measures

From 26 December, the Welsh Government introduced 2m social distancing measures in public spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Read more about the restrictions

These measures remain in place.

Should regulations and guidance change, we will update you on any impact to services provided by DVSA.

Driving and riding tests lessons

All practical driving and riding tests and lessons with a professional instructor will continue.

Learner drivers can continue practicing driving, but should be mindful of limiting their social contact with people outside of their household.

Theory tests

Theory tests in Wales can continue to take place with 1m plus distancing accompanied by robust COVID-safe measures to protect customers and theory test centre colleagues.

Some theory tests at Bala, Carmarthen, Cardigan and Dolgellau mobile theory test centres will need to be cancelled as DVSA is unable to test customers safely within the mobile test vehicle due to ventilation constraints.

If your or your pupil’s test booking is affected, we will send you an email to explain the impact on your test and what you need to do to rearrange the test.

Candidates will need to maintain a 2m distance within the test centre before taking their test.

Other safety measures that will be in place include:

• protective transparent screens at reception desks• barriers between each of the work station which means all candidates are social distanced by 1m plus during their test• providing hand sanitiser to use on arrival, during the tests and when candidates leave the test centre• cleaning workstations (including computers and headphones) before every test• colleagues will wear a face covering (unless there’s a medical reason that it’s not recommended for them) and gloves• candidates will have to wear a face covering too, unless they have notified us in advance that they cannot• candidates must come into the test centre alone to help with social distancing

Driving test centre waiting rooms

The new social distancing measures mean we are currently limiting the number of people who can use our driving test waiting rooms in Wales.

The maximum number of people who can use the waiting room will be displayed inside and outside of the test centre waiting room.

People using these rooms will need to keep a 2m distance from others and use the hand sanitiser as provided.

Other waiting room rules.

Examiners will meet candidates at their vehicle before their test.

Some waiting rooms will need to close where social distancing is not possible or our examiners need to use these areas to allow them tosocially distance whilst at work.

This includes:

• Brecon• Carmarthen (when the driving test centre manager is testing)• Monmouth

Candidates, driving instructors and accompanying drivers will still be able to access the toilet at these sites on request.If you are accompanying your pupils to test at any of these sites you can wait on site if you need to in thecar park, as long as it is in a safe location.

We are sorry for any inconvenience that this might cause.

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Get your votes  in for the Intelligent Instructor awards 2022.  You can see the shortlists and vote here.

We will be fully operational after the Bank Holidays, from 4 January 2022.


2020 – when the Big Learner Relay stayed at home!

Sadly no Relay this year, but here are some pictures from past years.  Please consider supporting Children In Need through the Big Learner Relay!

 

Please make a donation by clicking here.

 

 

 

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

 

 

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

DVSA update on driver CPC training

We wrote to you on 3 November 2020 to give you an update on how the national restrictions in England would affect DVSA services.

We want to clarify how driver CPC training is affected by the restrictions.

Where possible driver CPC training should be done remotely. But where this is not possible, classroom-based teaching in a suitable COVID-secure location environment is allowed.

You should not carry out in-vehicle training.

We will continue to keep this situation under review in line with government guidance.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444

The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

 

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

 

NASP have produced 2 useful resources for you to use:

A  handy walkthrough presentation detailing the main changes to the Standard Operating Procedures for ADI and PDI assessments, during COVID-19, click here.

Also together with the DVSA, NASP have produced a video demonstrating what the changes may look like in practice, click here.

We hope you will find them useful and ADINJC would like to thank all the participants for helping with the production.

There are a variety of useful resources on the NASP website –

www.n-a-s-p.co.uk.

 

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Our Talk Line is still available for anybody feeling the need for someone to talk to as we continue in these troubling times.  This is a completely free and confidential service so please get in touch if you need to talk.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.

 

 

Latest Lockdown FAQs

November 10th 2020

After the advice issued by DVSA on Friday 6th November regarding the suspension of testing services and government advice on driver and rider training, NASP raised a number of questions and challenges directly with DVSA.

Below you will find responses to those questions and challenges, where we have received them from DVSA (NASP has also attempted to give advice on some points in lieu of a direct response from the agency). However, as you will see below, there are some questions we are still awaiting advice on.

It is NASP’s current position that we advise that members who choose to continue to deliver training do so at this moment do so under their own advisement and at their own risk.

We would strongly urge members to check with their insurers as to whether any policies related to their training business are impacted by this latest lockdown.

Clearly NASP must also highlight the need to help mitigate the spread of infection and protect the NHS that is the basis for the guidance to halt lessons, whilst acutely of the continuing impact of lockdowns on the industry.

Is key worker training and testing allowed to continue as they were in the last lockdown?

DVSA issued further guidance on Friday 6th November that there will be no priority provision of critical worker tests during this period. This means key worker lessons should also not be taking place. However, DVSA will keep under review.

Are ADI tests and training able to continue i.e. Standards Checks, P2 and P3?

All testing services in England have been suspended from 5th November to 2nd December, including ADI assessments. In Scotland these assessments are continuing and additionally Standards Checks, Parts 2 and 3 tests will resume in Wales from Monday 9th November.

If you have an upcoming assessment it will be helpful to appraise yourself of the changes to the Standard Operating Procedures in the context of COVID-19. On the NASP website you will find some useful guidance as to what you can expect.

https://www.n-a-s-p.co.uk/coronavirus-advice

What impact is this going to have on practical tests that were booked during the lockdown? Will they be given priority to rebook?

DVSA are emailing everyone with a test booked between Thursday 5 November and Tuesday 1 December to let them know it will be rescheduled to a new time and date.

What about motorcycle training and testing – can that carry on?

It is Government advice that during the lockdown period, driving lessons and practical rider training should not take place in England

As with the previous lockdown, we advise that members who choose to continue to deliver training in any lockdown do so under their own advisement and risk, and we would strongly urge members to check with their insurer in terms of any policies related to their training activity, as even advice to suspend training from a regulatory authority can impact a policy.

We have asked DVSA for clarification as to whether there would be any action taken by the Registrar to remove trainers who ignore this advice under Fit and Proper guidelines. Their response below –

Enforcement of Covid rules is a police matter. The position remains, if an ADI or a motorcycle instructor is convicted of an offence the ADI or CBT Registrar will take all the circumstances into consideration when deciding whether or not they are a fit and proper person to remain on the register of instructors.

Can vocational training and testing still take place?

We are seeking clarification on the subject of vocational training as it has been noted the advice issued by DVSA on Friday 6th November did only refer to ADI and ATBs.

Will I be breaking the law if I carry on training my pupils? What enforcement will there be?

It is Government advice that during the lockdown period, driving lessons and practical rider training as well as testing should not take place in England.

We have asked DVSA for clarification as to whether there would be any action taken by the Registrar to remove trainers who ignore this advice under Fit and Proper guidelines. The advice we have received is below –

Enforcement of Covid rules is a police matter. The position remains, if an ADI or a motorcycle instructor is convicted of an offence the ADI or CBT Registrar will take all the circumstances into consideration when deciding whether or not they are a fit and proper person to remain on the register of instructors.

As with the previous lockdown, we advise that members who choose to continue to deliver training in any lockdown do so under their own advisement and risk, and we would strongly urge members to check with their insurer in terms of any policies related to their training activity, as even advice to suspend training from a regulatory authority can impact a policy.

I deliver classroom-based training – can it continue under the lockdown conditions or not?

The latest guidance issued by DVSA covers training in or on vehicle. Provided social distancing and COVID safe measures are in place, some classroom training can be delivered. You could also consider switching to virtual classrooms.

Current position of DVSA was issued by DVSA Direct on Tuesday 3rd November and states  “Driver CPC courses can continue during these dates if they are delivered online.  All face to face CPC courses will be suspended until Wednesday 2 December.

As ADIs are an educator, can we not continue to work as schools and colleges do?

It is Government advice that during the lockdown period, driving lessons and practical rider training should not take place in England

As with the previous lockdown, we advise that members who choose to continue to deliver training in any lockdown do so under their own advisement and risk, and we would strongly urge members to check with their insurer in terms of any policies related to their training activity, as even advice to suspend training from a regulatory authority can impact a policy.

We have asked DVSA for clarification as to whether there would be any action taken by the Registrar to remove trainers who ignore this advice under Fit and Proper guidelines. Their response below –

Enforcement of Covid rules is a police matter. The position remains, if an ADI or a motorcycle instructor is convicted of an offence the ADI or CBT Registrar will take all the circumstances into consideration when deciding whether or not they are a fit and proper person to remain on the register of instructors.

I live just inside the English border. I have lots of pupils in Scotland. Can I travel to Scotland and continue training them?

If you live in England but your pupil does not, you will need to follow the government guidance on travelling and work.  At present (09/11/2020) “Where people cannot [work from home] they should continue to travel to their workplace”.  In the case of Scotland and Wales you may cross the border to continue training them in those areas.  We advise you to closely monitor changes in guidance and that of local areas.

I live in Cheshire, which is just inside the English border. I have lots of pupils in Wales. Can I travel to Wales and continue training them?

If you live in England but your pupil does not, you will need to follow the government guidance on travelling and work.  At present (09/11/2020) “Where people cannot [work from home] they should continue to travel to their workplace”.  In the case of Scotland and Wales you may cross the border to continue training them in those areas.  We advise you to closely monitor changes in guidance and that of local areas.

My franchisor says it is up to me whether I continue to work or not. Is this right and should they still be charging me a franchise fee if I can’t work?

If the franchisor is not withdrawing their service, they may still have grounds to charge a fee. We are aware that the larger franchises are offering deferred payments for this period to help manage the financial impact of this latest lockdown.

Check the terms and conditions of your franchise contract to see whether there are any terms regarding what happens when you are unable to deliver training

Why can delivery drivers still do in vehicle work when I can’t?

Delivery drivers are judged to be less at risk, and less of a risk, as there is only one occupant in the vehicle.

Can I train someone in my household or support bubble?

Pupils can still have private practice using their own car as long as they and the supervising driver are from the same household and it is travel for work, education or for other legally permitted exemptions

Can we start delivering lessons again on 2nd December?

In England lessons can resume on 2nd December, in Wales from Monday 9th November. In Scotland lessons are currently permitted.

Theory tests are resuming on 2nd December but can you confirm this for practical tests and training?

See answer to previous question.

I have a pupil’s test on 3rd December. Can I continue to train them during the lockdown?

Not according to government guidelines.

I am an ADI. Am I eligible for any financial help?

There are a number of financial support measures in place, for general advice and specific guidance suited to your individual needs you can contact your ADI association, the Money Advice Service or Citizens Advice Bureau who can sign post you to further assistance.

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Another highly useful source of advice is Money Savings Expert: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/04/self-employed-help-coronavirus/

Please confirm if delivering driver training / assessment is permitted in the following settings; Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Mines Rescue, RNLI, Blood Service and so on), Ministry of Defence, Key worker / workforces (supermarkets, home delivery operations etc), Local authority run licensing (Taxi testing and assessing), School transport companies and authorities, Local healthcare teams and companies, Please also confirm if delegated examiners will be permitted to provide tests during this lockdown, when DVSA test centres are closed.

We have recommended that the police and fire carry on as normal under delegated examiner arrangements.  We are working with the ambulance service as we did previously to provide priority tests specifically from frontline ambulance drivers (C1/D1).  Given the short period of time the new restrictions will be in place, we will not be offering a critical workers priority service. We will keep this under review.

Will pupils that have a test booked in this lockdown have any availability to get an early test after lockdown instead of waiting until March?

We are emailing everyone with a test booked between Thursday 5 November and Tuesday 1 December to let them know it will be rescheduled to a new time and date.  Candidates will of course be able to login and choose a different date, but this is likely to be later than that offered.    We are utilising all vacant slots and opening up additional capacity beyond the 18 week booking window to accommodate the circa 120,000 tests that need rescheduling.

Can the police be made aware in England to conduct random stop checks on ADI cars out on lessons and ensure the non compliant ones are penalised

Enforcement of Covid rules is a police matter. The position remains, if an ADI or a motorcycle instructor is convicted of an offence the ADI or CBT Registrar will take all the circumstances into consideration when deciding whether or not they are a fit and proper person to remain on the register of instructors.

Can the police be made aware in England to conduct random stop checks on ADI cars out on lessons and ensure the non compliant ones are penalised

Enforcement of Covid rules is a police matter. The position remains, if an ADI or a motorcycle instructor is convicted of an offence the ADI or CBT Registrar will take all the circumstances into consideration when deciding whether or not they are a fit and proper person to remain on the register of instructors.

Why can’t examiners, move to other test centres to reduce waiting times. Example I use Chester, (England) why can’t they go to Wrexham or Rhyl( both in Wales) ?And why can’t Wrexham and Rhyl go to Chester to reduce waiting times?

In keeping with the principle of national restrictions and we are not redeploying Driving Examiners during the England lockdown.

What’s happening with DBS checks, reminders to renew badge for early next year?

DBS checks are conducted by DVSA’s contractor, GB Group, whose service is continuing as normal. A small number of the ADI team volunteer to attend the office and have been since early June.  They will continue to do so for this shorter restrictive period.  Renewal reminder letters are sent out on or around the 4th of the month 7 months prior to ADIs’ registration lapsing.   These are sent to the postal address held.

I have read the Health Protection Regulations 2020 which is being put before parliament. I cannot find specific reference to driving lessons or driving tests. Have I missed something or is the requirement to stop giving lessons not official? Can you clarify please.

The Government has announced new national restrictions will be in place in England from Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December to help stop the spread of coronavirus.  We will continue to keep the situation under review in line with Government advice.

The Government has announced that during these dates, driving lessons should not take place in England

I have a (2nd) Standards Check on 7th December. I have already been granted a later appointment to enable me to get some training (A one day seminar), but will have no chance to get any practice with a pupil before my next attempt, because of the Lockdown. Might/should this be grounds to request another delay?

Every decision is on its own merits, however we will move a standards checks for training with an ORDIT trainer if evidence is provided as we want to encourage ADIs to improve their skills. This question should, as always, be put to the booking team, with appropriate evidence, to the address on the invitation – standardscheck@dvsa.gov.uk so that the individuals’ circumstances can be taken into account

Will pupils with suspended tests be put to the back of the queue when rescheduling OR will pupils with tests booked post 3rd December have their tests delayed to allow for the suspended tests?

We understand this may be disappointing but to minimise disruption to the majority of driving test candidates we are only moving tests of candidates affected by the new national restrictions in England.  We are emailing everyone with a test booked between Thursday 5 November and Tuesday 1 December to let them know it will be rescheduled to a new time and date.

Candidates will have the opportunity to stick with the test they have been given or move to another available date and may be able to find an earlier date by checking DVSA’s booking service regularly.

Will the test booking system remain open to book tests after 2 December or will it be closed to all as in previous lockdown

The public booking system will not be closed, of course it will only display bookable test slots.

If the test has been booked through ADI business services, will I receive the email?

Yes

What will happen to lost time on trainee licence

There are no powers to extend the validity period of a trainee licence, which is set out in regulation.

Should I move my Car Driving Tests now to available slots or should I wait for the email, will moving them cause more delay.

You can of course reschedule your test anytime, online, free of charge. It could take up to a week for us to reschedule all tests so please ask your pupils to be patient.

Can I train a nurse during lockdown she has a test in December

No.  Given the short period of time the new restrictions will be in place, we will not be offering a critical worker priority service. We will keep this under review.  This means that you should not offer lessons to critical workers in England during the new national restrictions period.  Critical workers will need to follow the Government’s travel guidance.

Are you saying all driver CPC training has to be stopped as well?

As communicated on 3rd November via DVSA Direct, “Driver CPC courses can continue during these dates if they are delivered online.  All face to face CPC courses will be suspended until Wednesday 2 December.”

When will the booking system open for pupils booking their tests for the first time?

The public booking system will not be closed, of course it will only display bookable test slots.

The email from the DVSA today regarding cancelling theory tests, it said that pupils would be responsible for rebooking their own tests. this is different to what has just been reported. Could you please clarify that the DVSA will be rebooking theory tests and not students.

There are different systems for practical and theory test services.  PRACTICAL tests will be rescheduled by DVSA and the candidate will receive an email with a new test slot, which they can change online if inconvenient.  THEORY tests are managed by our contractor Pearson Vue who will email everyone with a test booked in England to let them know their test has been put on hold and they will need to login to reschedule it.

Will the DVSA make the wearing of masks compulsory when giving training as I see a number of people in my area who do not. I find that very frustrating.

This is not a matter for DVSA, it is for central government and has wider implications than driving lessons.  Also, please note, this is a devolved matter.  The Scottish government introduced a new law mandating that candidates and instructors wear face coverings during driving lessons and on tests from 2 November.

Will the OBS be staying open? And can we continue to use it? (For Cat B testing)

Yes, OBS will remain open.

Since we’ve lost almost 5 months of the registration would we get an extension

There are no powers to extend the registration period beyond 4 years.  This period is set out section 126 of the Road Traffic Act 1988

Some pupils are trying to rebook, there are no tests available at some centres, how do you propose to rectify that.

We continue to release test slots on a rolling basis.  We suggest the candidate checks availability each Monday.

Will vocational trainers lose their test quotas again? Or if they cancel any tests before lockdown starts, will this affect their booking capabilities when bookings open again, i.e. someone has built up their allowance to 10 a week but after last lockdown we’re pushed back to only 1 per week.

Quotas will carry forward and remain as was prior to England restrictions.

When will the lack of theory tests across Scotland be addressed – some remote test centres are still not open, when will Machrihanish & other Argyll test centres open?

As a result of the lockdown, 2m physical distancing and the Scottish Government’s apprenticeship scheme for the logistics industry, DVSA is facing unprecedented demand for theory tests in Scotland.

We continue to work with our supplier Pearson to monitor demand and review capacity on an ongoing basis and have increased the number of tests we carry out in Clydebank and Greenock. We are also working to set up a temporary site in the Glasgow area.   As a result of the Scottish Governments physical distancing restrictions we are unable to increase the number of tests we provide. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause but we ask that you are patient as we continue to protect our customers and staff from COVID-19 whilst continuing to carry out tests.

DVSA have been able to hire space at Machrihanish LGV since 14th Sept.  Other ‘casual’ sites still affected by the initial lockdown, there are only a handful of these where stat compliance still has not been confirmed by the venue. As they are casual sites, where we have no security of tenure, DVSA have no leverage in terms of pushing this. It will be when the venue/s re-open and confirm statutory compliance.

Do you have any feedback from the nine test centres on the waiting room trial?

We are reviewing and will provide further updates on waiting rooms as soon as we are able.

In this lockdown what exactly do PDIs on a pink licence do now – i.e PDIs who have applied but yet to be granted a licence, so will the DVSA delay their badges being issued?

The trainee should contact the ADI team at PADI@dvsa.gov.uk and either request a new start date or that we hold the application until restrictions are lifted.

a. What then happens re the 40hrs being out of date?
The minimum training prior to the issue of a trainee licence is 40 hours within the 6 months prior to the application being made.  There are no powers to extend this period and we cannot issue a licence if the training does not meet the legislative requirements.   Trainers and trainees should be mindful of the length of time passed since the earliest training and can seek advice from the ADI team at  PADI@dvsa.gov.uk
b. PDIs whose badges arrived in the last few days/hours?
Any trainee who requested a start date for their licence a week prior to, or after the start of, the restrictions should contact the ADI team at PADI@dvsa.gov.uk to arrange for a later start date.   This includes first and replacement licences
c. PDIs who have a current badge they have had for a while and can’t use… and how they prove it’s not in use.?
Current advice is that no driver training should be taking place in England.  The Registrar will take that into account if the trainee is in a position to apply for a further licence.
d. Where do PDIs stand with applying for second/thirds please?
The Registrar will take into account the effect of previous and current restriction periods when making a decision whether or not to issue a further licence.
6. Do pink licences need to be cut up?
Trainees should seek individual advice from the ADI team at PADI@dvsa.gov.uk

In the past week I have had enquiries from Aberdeeen, Glasgow, Manchester, and Cheshire from people wanting to book lessons in Inveraray, presumably as they have a test booked here. Travel restrictions did not seem to be a concern to them. I was wondering what would be the examiner’s response if the candidate’s address is in a more restricted tier than Argyll and Bute -would the test still proceed?

Your pupils should not travel out of England to take a driving test. If they travel out of England to come to their driving test our examiners will not be able to test them.  This was also the case for Welsh candidates with a test booked in England.

Regards taking tests in other parts of the country, it is perfectly legal for a candidate to book a test at any DTC.  Indeed DVSA actively encouraged this when there was limited availability.  Provided travel restrictions have not been imposed in either the candidates home area or the DTC area, the test will go ahead.

What specific sanctions are DVSA currently threatening ATBs with in terms of those who decide to operate training? And what basis is there for these sanctions?

Enforcement of Covid rules is a police matter. The position remains, if an ADI or a motorcycle instructor is convicted of an offence the ADI or CBT Registrar will take all the circumstances into consideration when deciding whether or not they are a fit and proper person to remain on the register of instructors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Our Talk Line is still available for anybody feeling the need for someone to talk to as we continue in these troubling times.  This is a completely free and confidential service so please get in touch if you need to talk.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.