By Lynne Barrie, ADINJC President

Introduction

Recently, we have been asked by members whether it is true that Standards Checks are returning in the New Year, as some invites had been sent to ADIs in one area of the country particularly.

In fact, Standards Checks have not ceased altogether at any point, and I have actually helped train ADIs who have taken one in 2025. Some ADIs have still received them, but it is true they have been few and far between whilst the examiners have been concentrating on trying to get the waiting times down for driving tests and Part 2 and 3 tests.

DVSA Comments

ADINJC have asked the DVSA what is happening with Standards Checks, and this is their reply:

“From the new year, DVSA will be increasing the number of standard checks carried out, and letters are now being issued to those ADI’s invited.

We take a varied approach to selecting ADI’s for standards checks, and the performance indicators are not the only thing we look at. There is no fixed timeframe for when an instructor can be called for a standards check.

No one who qualified in 2025 has been contacted.”

Summary

So, it does appear that there will be more Standards Checks, and I have to say that whilst very few ADIs actually welcome one (I know a few ADIs who look forward to them!), we should all be maintaining our standards of teaching. If we continue to undertake CPD (continuing professional development), it shouldn’t be a cause for alarm or panic, it simply means we are returning more to what normally used to happen, when we knew we probably had one coming up.

I firmly believe we need them to maintain the standard of instruction and coaching in this profession, and without Standards Checks, the general standard could be falling. I have always viewed them as a time to ask the examiner questions, reflect on my results and learn from them. It is a normal lesson, albeit an important one.

So please don’t view my message as a time to panic; it is just better to be aware that more checks will be taking place. The ADINJC and NASP will continue to monitor the situation and bring you any updates.

Lynne Barrie
ADINJC President

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