ADINJC Chairman Responds to Secretary of State’s Announcement on Driving Test Booking Changes

This morning, the Secretary of State for Transport delivered significant updates on proposed changes to driving test bookings and the Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce waiting times. In response, the ADINJC Chairman has shared an immediate reaction to the announcement, addressing instructor concerns and highlighting the need for clearer guidance from the DVSA.

We understand that many instructors are already hearing reports about new restrictions on what they can and cannot do when supporting learners with their test bookings. At this stage, the full details of the plan have not yet been confirmed publicly, and several areas require further explanation.

The ADINJC is actively seeking clarification from the DVSA and will update members as soon as accurate, reliable information is available.

Watch the Stewart Lochrie Response

You can view Stewart’s live reaction in the video below, taken from this morning’s Transport Select Committee session.

The discussion provides important context for instructors, PDIs, and the wider driver training industry.

Today (12 November) the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, updated the Transport Select Committee (TSC) on the government’s ongoing response to driving test waiting times.

In the coming months, DVSA will:

• Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their tests
• Introduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice, and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked
• Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times

Outcome of the consultation

As part of her update to the TSC, the Secretary of State announced the outcome of the consultation to make the driving test booking service fairer.

Below is more detail about the options being taken forward:

Option 1A: only allowing learner drivers to book and manage their own test

70.7% of respondents agreed with this option. This change will stop unofficial businesses providing third-party services from reselling tests, preventing additional test costs and unfair practices for your pupils.

We understand that this change will affect your business as you book tests on behalf of your pupils. This decision was not taken lightly.

The level of support showed the strength of feeling of us being able to stop your pupils and all learner drivers from being exploited by the unofficial reselling of tests at greatly heightened prices.

You will still be able to use the system to set dates and times when you are available to take your pupils for driving tests.

Option 2B: limiting the number of times a test can be swapped or changed, this limit will be set at 2

50.8% of driving instructors that responded agreed with this option. Alongside limiting the number of times a test can be swapped or changed, we will also be limiting the area a test can be moved to once booked.

This will stop tests being booked in quieter areas to then move it to a test centre with higher demand. This will allow local learner drivers in quieter areas to have better access to tests at their preferred centre.

Making these changes together will give greater control to learner drivers, removing the ability for third parties to buy and sell on tests in higher demand locations – making booking a practical car driving test fairer for your pupils.

We have contacted your pupils with a car theory test or practical car test booking to let them know about the upcoming changes.

Next steps

We are finalising the official consultation response and will publish it on GOV.UK.

These changes will not be introduced straight away. The implementation of these options requires a combination of legislative and technical changes.

We expect both changes to be made in spring 2026.

Working in partnership with the MOD

We have agreed with the MOD that 36 defence driving examiners (DDE) will do driving tests for one day a week for 12 months. They will predominantly focus on car driving tests but will have the flexibility to do vocational testing as well if needed.

The DDEs will be based at the driving test centre with the highest demand nearest to either their MOD base location or where they live.

Before they start testing, all DDEs will do up to 10 days of training to support them to do non-military testing and so they can learn the test routes of the test centre they are based at.

Update on the Summer 2026 waiting times target

During the TSC session on 12 November, the Secretary of State confirmed that the latest DVSA modelling shows it is not possible to meet the aspiration of reaching a 7-week waiting time by summer 2026.

We recognise that you and your pupils will be dismayed by this. There are several factors driving higher demand for tests and it is not clear when or even if this will ease.

Even with all the measures we have put in place, we are still not able to keep up with the rise in demand.

Reducing the driving test waiting times continues to be the priority for DVSA and we will continue to do all we can to reduce them.

By Lynne Barrie, ADINJC President

You will probably know by now that the CEO at DVSA, Loveday Ryder stood down on Tuesday.  We at ADINJC are very aware that in the time she was in role the profession was presented with possibly its toughest of times and the role of CEO was a daunting and challenging one.

A Career Marked by Change and Leadership

Loveday Ryder was previously in the Ministry of Justice, where she successfully served in a number of senior roles in organisational design, change management and programme delivery. Prior to joining the Civil Service in 2006, Loveday worked within a specialist management consultancy delivering business change, performance improvement, and IT programmes in both the public and private sector. Before joining DVSA, she was Chief Executive of a company providing specialist digital technology services to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Leading DVSA Through Unprecedented Times

Shortly after becoming CEO the pandemic crisis began, no one could have forseen this and it led to a very demanding change for all of us within our industry, whether as PDIs, ADIs, examiners or learner drivers, and of course all those working at the DVSA. The recovery has been slow and we are now facing unprecedented waiting times for tests, increasing test fraud, discontent amongst examiners and huge challenges for those PDIs trying to gain entry to the profession. It has also meant that for many years there have been hardly any Standards Checks for ADIs so standards could be falling and new entrants are not receiving the support they need.

Engagement with the ADI Community

Loveday has spoken at a number of the ADINJC and Intelligent Instructor Expos, giving up her family weekend time to do so.  She met delegates on the DVSA stand, and in her presentations spoke frankly about the issues facing the industry and answered questions from the floor.  We very much appreciated the opportunities this gave to PDIs and ADIs to communicate with her directly.

A Challenging Chapter Comes to a Close

Whilst we have on many occasions criticised the DVSA at meetings we attend as ADINJC there is no doubt this period of time has been most demanding. Work can then also affect family and we fully appreciate that Loveday wants to now prioritise that. Family and health must always come first, we understand that and we wish her every success in the future.

Lynne Barrie
ADINJC President

We set out early and made the drive up early to help get set up at the venue.

We started setting up.

The rooms were ready and we remembered Lou.

Helpers were in-place and some were more mischievous than others!

Stalls were set up.

Some offered goodies.

The speakers arrived.

Talks were well-attended.

Before we knew it, the day was over and we were on our way home.

It was a good day, meeting old friends and making new ones.

© Liam Greaney
https://driving-pro.com/

Age UK attended the exhibition and shared valuable information from their campaign In the Driving Seat. This resource is all about helping older drivers stay safe and confident on the road

Driving is an important part of many people’s lives and often represents independence. As a driving instructor, you may sometimes be approached by an older driver or by one of their family members. The resources linked below can help you give the right guidance and support.

Local mobility centres can be very helpful and understanding of both your needs and those of your clients. Local councils may also be able to assist. In many cases, elderly clients may have other needs, so referring them to mobility centres or using other listed resources can be a good approach.

Ask plenty of questions, and always carry out a licence check. This is a sensible precaution. In some cases, the DVLA may have issued a Provisional Disability Assessment Licence (PDAL). This licence has a limited duration but can easily be renewed, so it is important to confirm that it is currently valid.

It is completely natural for people to want to keep driving for as long as possible. Age UK, Herts Ability and other leading organisations in this field are working to help people maintain their driving independence safely and for as long as possible. Older drivers are encouraged to take a driver assessment delivered by a qualified professional.

There is also a self-assessment form available at olderdrivers.org.uk/driver-assessment. If your score is low, you are unsure of the result, or feel that there is room for improvement, it is best to seek professional advice and book an in-car assessment.

Accidents do not have to happen. With the right support, we can prevent them.

© Charli Howe
https://drive-up-training.co.uk/

Watch: How Hidden Sugars Impact Driving Instructors’ Health

Introduction

You may have seen That Sugar Film (2014), starring Damon Gameau (if you haven’t, it is a must for your watch list) pop up in wellness circles and for good reason. It’s a captivating, colourful documentary that turns the notion of “healthy eating” upside down by showing how sugar hides in plain sight. Gameau, the film’s “human lab rat,” embarks on a 60‑day experiment: he consumes 40 teaspoons of sugar a day (≈160 g), but only from foods perceived as healthy (low‑fat yoghurt, cereals, smoothies), with zero chocolate, fizzy drinks or ice cream.

I watched this when it came out at the cinema whilst on a gap year in Australia. It made me change my mindset, change my eating habits and most importantly, taught me how to read nutritional information correctly which allowed me to make smarter choices when shopping.

What happens to Gameau in the movie?

In just two months, he gains around 8-9 kg, accumulates visceral fat (the dangerous organ‑hugging kind), develops early signs of fatty liver, and experiences mood swings, brain fog, and energy crashes. Once he returns to a cleaner, whole‑foods diet, many of those changes reverse.

The real sting of the film is not that sugar is evil in isolation but that it is so cleverly camouflaged. Labelled as “healthy,” “low fat,” “natural,” or “light,” many products still carry hidden sugars that tip us over safe thresholds without us noticing.

By the numbers: sugar in the UK and beyond

Here are some current facts and stats to anchor the narrative in real life:

Metric Statistic & Significance

Average free sugar intake (UK adults)
~ 55.5 g/day in men, ~ 44 g/day in women – about twice the government’s recommendation of ~ 5% of total energy from free sugars.
Source: British Nutrition Foundation

Top contributors
Soft drinks, fruit juices, cereals, “healthy” snacks, yoghurts – many “innocent” items we consume without suspicion.
Source :nhs.uk, British Nutrition Foundation

Sugar snacking habits
84% of UK people report eating at least one sugary snack per day; 79% up to 3 sugary snacks daily.
Source: Dental Health

Sugar tax effect
After the UK’s soft‑drinks sugar levy (2018), adults reduced sugar intake by ~11 g/day (≈2½ tsp), and children by ~5 g/day.
Source: Diabetes.co.uk

Risk of diabetes (UK adults)
One in five UK adults now live with diabetes or prediabetes (≈ 12.2 million people).
Source: Diabetes UK

Diabetes prevalence (England)
~7.0% of adults (17+) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, rising year‑on‑year.
Source: GOV.UK

Sugar’s Stealth Modes: How It Sneaks In

Gameau’s film shows us that sugar is a master of disguise. Here are some of its stealth tactics:

The Trojan Yoghurt
Low‑fat yoghurts may seem virtuous, but the fat may be stripped and replaced by sweeteners or sugars to maintain taste.

The Cereals That Speak in Cartoons
That “superfood” granola? 20 teaspoons’ worth of sugar in your morning bowl. Gameau literally pours raw sugar onto his food to dramatise how much is in there.

Juice Ambush
A “healthy” fruit smoothie may contain as much sugar as a dessert, minus the fibre buffer.

Label Legerdemain
Sugar has many aliases (glucose, dextrose, maltose, syrups) the packaging distracts you with whimsical logos, “natural” buzzwords, and flowery imagery.

The ‘Bliss Point’ Trap
The food industry studies how much sugar is enough to keep us coming back — that perfect ‘just‑sweet’ level — all while hiding it in processed food.

In That Sugar Film, Gameau even animates himself climbing inside his own brain and liver, a playful visual metaphor for the internal struggle sugar instigates.

Interpretation & Implications for Health & Wellbeing

Calories are not always equal
Gameau maintained his usual calorie intake, the shift in source (towards sugar) drove the negative changes. This suggests that the quality of calories matters, not just the quantity.

Sugar affects mood, cognition and satiety
Energy crashes, “vague” thinking, hunger pangs, sugar’s blood‑glucose rollercoaster plays havoc with mood and appetite. Gameau describes that 45 minutes post-sugar, he’d feel vague and lethargic.

Reversibility is possible
One hopeful takeaway: when Gameau reverted to a whole‑food, low added sugar diet, many of the physiological changes abated. We are not irrevocably bound.

Systems matter, not just self-control
It’s overly simplistic to blame individuals for “willpower failure.” Consider food environments, marketing, access, pricing, regulation. The success of the sugar tax in nudging down consumption is evidence that policy, regulation, and societal design play key roles.
Source: University College London, GOV.UK

Caution: sugar is not a monster, moderation matters
Gameau himself cautions that the film should not be misinterpreted to demonise all sugar. There is room for small enjoyment, the key is being aware, deliberate, and informed.

Tips & ‘Sugar Sleuthing’ Strategies

Here are some practical ideas. Reduce, and transform your relationship with sugar:

• Check the labels: Reading the ‘of which sugars’ line on nutrition panels is your best clue to spotting hidden added sugars.
• Use the teaspoon test: See how many grams of sugar (divide by ~4) are in your portion, does it feel like having dessert for breakfast?
• Choose whole foods as a base: Use healthier alternatives such as fruit, vegetables, plain oats, nuts and add flavour (e.g. cinnamon, extracts, citrus) instead of sugar.
• Swap smoothies for whole fruit + fibre: Fibre slows absorption and reduces the “spike.”
• Cook sauces and dressings from scratch: Many supermarket brands hide sugar for taste and preservation.
• Reset your tastebuds: Gradually reduce sweetness; over weeks your palate adapts.
• Use sweeteners cautiously: Sweeteners can help in transition but they aren’t a free pass.

Conclusion: More Than Just Sweet Talk

That Sugar Film is more than a quirky documentary, it’s a wake-up call. It forces us to confront how sugar, packaged in ‘healthy’ guises, may be undermining metabolism, mood, liver health, and long-term disease risk. By pairing data, lived experience, and visual metaphor, it invites us to rethink not just what we eat, but how our food systems and choices interplay.

For the ADINJC audience, people who care about body, mind, spirit – the message is: reclaim awareness. Use curiosity instead of fear; reduce sugar not by deprivation, but by design. And remember: real sweetness often lies in genuine nourishment, not sneaky additives.

© Charli Howe

https://drive-up-training.co.uk/

Watch: What Does “Healthy” Really Mean for Driving Instructors?

Introduction

When we think of “healthy food,” many of us picture meals focused solely on weight loss. But as you’ll see in this video, healthy eating is about more than just calories; it’s about how food makes you feel.

Key Insights

Healthy eating isn’t just about slimming down; it’s about how food impacts your energy, alertness, and ability to teach effectively. Driving instructors need to stay sharp throughout the day, and the right snacks can make all the difference.

As driving instructors, we spend long hours on the road, needing sharp focus and consistent energy to support our learners safely. If the foods we choose leave us feeling sluggish or groggy, they’re not doing us any favours, and could even put us at risk.

The video shares a simple but exciting idea: instead of just grabbing a banana or an apple, why not make something more enjoyable with those same ingredients? Enter: Chocolate banana bread with a twist.

Practical Tips for Instructors

• Keep energising snacks handy instead of relying on convenience food during breaks.
• Choose foods that nourish rather than just fill.
• Treat yourself, make small changes that make snacks enjoyable and beneficial.

Watch: How to Upgrade Your Snacks the Healthy Way

Introduction

Grabbing a supermarket meal deal between lessons is easy, but it often leaves us feeling heavy and tired. In this video, we explore how to make a quick, nutritious snack that feels indulgent but is packed with benefits.
The star of the show?

Chocolate banana bread, reinvented. By swapping just a few ingredients, you get something that tastes great and supports your wellbeing:

Key Insights

• Cacao powder instead of cocoa, more nutrients, more antioxidants.
• Coconut flour instead of regular flour, gluten-free, with a lovely coconut flavour.
• Greek yoghurt instead of milk, a boost for gut health.

Practical Tips for Instructors

When you see how easy this is to make, you’ll think twice before picking up that meal deal. Take a moment, enjoy a slice with your coffee, and know you’re fuelling your body the right way.

The Secret Recipe

Save this one. It’s banana bread, reimagined.

1/2 cup Greek or natural yoghurt
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 ripe bananas
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 egg
1/3 cup oats or coconut flour
1/4 cup cacao powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

• Preheat oven to 175°c.
• Grease a loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, mix until smooth the wet ingredients: egg, mashed bananas, honey, peanut butter and Greek yoghurt.
• In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, chocolate chips and cacao powder.
• Combine both mixtures gradually, stirring until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the loaf tin.
• Bake for 40 minutes.

Watch: Quick Stretches to Ease Neck Pain

Introduction

Neck pain is one of the most common challenges driving instructors face. Long hours of sitting, combined with constantly glancing at learners, put strain on the muscles, especially on one side of the neck.

Key Insights

In this short video, we share a few simple stretches you can do between lessons to release that tension and protect your posture:

• Gently lower your chin to your chest.
• Look up towards the ceiling — only as far as feels good.
• Tilt side to side to ease stiffness in both directions.

Practical Tips for Instructors

The key is comfort. Stretching should feel relieving, never painful. With regular practice, these micro-movements can reduce stiffness, help you sit taller, and make those long teaching days more manageable.

By Julie Hughes, BACP Accredited Counsellor & Co-Director, Mind Matters Counselling LLP

Introduction

As driving instructors, we are responsible not only for teaching essential technical skills but also for supporting the emotional confidence of our learners. Mental health, our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influences how we think, feel, and act. It affects how we handle stress, how we relate to others, and the decisions we make both inside and outside the vehicle.

When it comes to driver training, mental health awareness is vital. Learners often bring anxiety, low confidence, or fear of failure to lessons. Instructors themselves face unique pressures too: irregular schedules, performance expectations, financial uncertainty, and the ongoing emotional demands of supporting a wide range of students.

Why Mental Health Matters in Driving Instruction

• Learner Anxiety
• Many learners experience heightened stress, particularly around test preparation. Recognising this helps instructors create calmer, more reassuring environments.
• Instructor Pressures
• From fluctuating income and rising fuel costs to unpredictable seasonal demand, instructors face stressors that can directly affect well-being. These challenges, if left unaddressed, may impact both teaching quality and personal resilience.
• Shared Emotional Load
• Instructors are not only teachers, but also guides through what can be an emotional journey. The balance of professionalism and empathy is key to keeping both learners and instructors healthy.

Practical Approaches to Support Wellbeing

Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience of promoting wellbeing in the workplace, I have seen how small but consistent actions can make a real difference. For instructors, this might include:

• Listening Actively – Being present and attentive to learners’ concerns helps reduce anxiety and builds trust.
• Exploring Coping Strategies – Encouraging learners to breathe, pause, or reframe situations can reduce fear and improve confidence.
• Self-Awareness for Instructors – Recognising when you are under pressure allows you to take proactive steps, such as scheduling breaks or seeking peer support.
• Encouraging Open Conversation – Normalising discussions around mental health reduces stigma and creates a supportive learning atmosphere.

A Balanced Perspective

The well-being of both instructors and learners is central to safe, effective driver education. When instructors are aware of mental health challenges, their own and their learners’, it creates a more compassionate, understanding, and ultimately more productive environment.

ADINJC Comment

“Mental health is a cornerstone of effective driver training. Supporting instructors and learners alike ensures a safer, more confident driving experience for everyone.”