Training events January to March 2023

Earlier in March NASP asked members for their views on the use of test data as a performance metric used in helping determine which trainers should be prioritised for Standards Checks. The key take-aways from this survey were as follows:

• The majority of respondents were aware performance data is used by DVSA, and state they understand how it is used, but still a substantial percentage of trainers do not fully understand how data is used

• Similarly with trigger points, whilst over 50% were aware and understood of the trigger points, more than a third of respondents did not fully understand how trigger points were used

• Whilst over half of respondents were aware they could access their performance data, there was still a large percentage who do not know how to do so

• A major concern of those accessing their test data was that it was inaccurate

• The majority of respondents felt DVSA should send trainers their data to check and reflect on at regular intervals, rather than relying on trainers to request it

• There was not a high number of respondents to this survey who had been prioritised for a Standards Check as yet and, of those who had, many had not received an engagement call. Of the small number who had received an engagement call, over 60% said they did not find it helpful

• In terms of how those surveyed felt about DVSA using test data to assess individual performance over half understood the rationale but had concerns about the accuracy of data used, over a third of respondents did not think it was acceptable at all.

• In terms of a view on the regulator mandating the display of badges on test the majority of respondents had no issue with that

• When asked whether they would be happy with DVSA publishing performance data (to help the public make more informed choices) the majority of respondents were not in favour.

You can access the whole survey here.

Some general comments from the survey:

“A pupils Driving Test report does not seem to differentiate between a Physical intervention Dangerous fault and a Verbal intervention Dangerous fault. A Physical Dangerous fault is a trigger, whereas a Verbal Dangerous fault isn’t. It therefore matters!”

“The reason i would not be happy with this ,is the fact that the DVSA and the general public have no idea about problems that pupils may have. This would lead to a misunderstanding and unbalanced decision. “

“There are concerns that many learners suffer anxiety and nerves which can seriously affect their performance during a test. Which may have very little to do with the trainer no matter how thoroughly and professionally they are taught.”

“A large proportion of the students that I teach suffer with either learning disabilities/mental health issues (anxiety). I don’t pick and choose my students – if I did perhaps my data would be better. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to drive. I’m already hearing of instructors telling students that they’ll never be able to learn to drive! They just need time, support and reassurance.”

” very unhappy with the way DVSA are treating driving instructors. I totally disagree with the standards check triggers based purely on data (5 driver faults average is a trigger!!!). I feel this all leads to instructors potentially putting more pressure on test candidates to avoid us triggers, this could / does lead to more fails. It could also effect which learner drivers an instructor will choose to teach, this is unacceptable. Publishing our data also has similar problems and is unacceptable. I used to be a civil servant (for many years) and I again now feel that the DVSA is my employer, they just don’t pay me. I am a Grade A instructor but I am seriously considering leaving the profession after over 24 years
instructing.”

“DVSA are trying to use the test data in a way which is inappropriate and should consider carefully the negative implications. A very unfair system will be created through well intentioned naivety to how real people will react to the threat to their livelihood of having pupils who fail. The testing system then fails the very people it is aimed at helping because slow learners, nervous/anxious drivers and those with specific additional needs will be unable to find an instructor who is willing to risk their pass rate to provide a service because of the discriminatory way they will be treated by DVSA. The latest proposal are at odds with DVSA’s own motto – Safe Driving for Life as the emphasis is very clearly shifted to passing the test first time at all costs. This is far from Client Centered Learning and shifts the focus instead onto the ADI who will be judged from all sides on a 40 minute snapshot in far from everyday circumstances on the performance of an individual who’s actions are beyond the control of anyone but themselves. The average person does not perform to their normal standard of behaviour under heightened pressure (neither students nor ADI). Perhaps if DVSA considered limiting the number of attempts that someone may have at passing their L test, as with the ADI part 3, this might have a more positive impact on people only taking a test when they are actually ready? Such a move would be more supportive of and less discriminatory towards ADIs than the current proposals.”

“What other fields if any are the public allowed access to the performance data of individual people without their express permission? Is the data that the DVSA use an accurate and tue reflection of an individual ADI’s ability. It is well known that test passes are effected by the DVSA’s policy to investigate examiners that have pass rates below or above the national average. Is this going to effect the examiners decision to pass or fail a candidate because they don’t want to put their heads above the parapet? Are
ADI’s going to pay the price for DVSA policy?”

“The industry needs to make sure that we remain accessible to learners with characteristics that increase their risk of test failure even though they are competent outside the test environment (Thinking about a pupil of mine who had a bad experience then was triggered by reversing manoeuvres in test circumstances failing 5 times on the same thing that she could do as routine during lessons).”

“I have been an ADI for 35 years and have always tried my best to teach pupils to the best of my ability. On the odd occasion you get a pupil who suffers so much from nerves on the day of the test that they
make an uncharacteristic mistake and on subsequent tests they do the same. Consequently the one or two pupils you have that suffer with high levels of anxiety on test day can really affect the instructors pass/ performance data.So in future i will stop teaching those pupils who suffer greatly from anxiety.”

From today (7 March), DVSA is adding the Smart Fortwo (2 door) to the list of cars that are not suitable to be used on a driving test.

It has been added as the car restricts the driving examiner’s view, especially over the right shoulder.

You can view the full list of cars that are not suitable for use on driving tests on GOV.UK

Introduction

The following is a summary of the quarterly meeting between the National Associations Strategic Partnership and DVSA which took place in February.

Key Points of Discussion

1. Highway Code changes 

• NASP communicated the frustration and concern of the industry due to the seemingly last minute issuance of communications surrounding changes to the Highway Code and feedback that there was still confusion around certain areas – specifically priorities around roundabouts, traffic lights and junctions
• NASP suggested FAQs would help, DVSA agreed and both will work to provide to the industry as soon as possible
• A THINK! Campaign has now been launched and the DVSA has no further plans to communicate unless on specific points, although they could do another blog if it were felt useful.  Links to the updated highway code on Gov.uk have been provided

2. Test Centre closures

• DVSA confirmed the 8 centres earmarked for closure would close in April. 
• No tests will be cancelled, they will all be moved to nearby test centres.
• Communications have gone out, and local meetings held. 
• No others are currently planned for closure. DVSA confirmed that they do keep their estate under constant review.

3. Standard Operating Procedures for Driving Tests, Standards Checks, Parts 2 & 3

• DVSA said these are being reviewed with a view to relaxing restrictions, though these can’t be disclosed by DVSA currently as awaiting clearance.   
• NASP asked if the changes would include reverting back to normal timing of tests and ADIs being able to sit in the back.  DVSA will issue further guidance on this shortly

4. ATB closures – rider removals

• NASP asked for clarification on rider trainer removals and ATB closures to be able to best advise members facing such issues
• DVSA pointed to information on Fit & Proper is on GOV.UK, and in ATB manual. 
• DVSA reiterated individuals are required to inform DVSA if points or convictions received, and should write to CBT section at Nottingham.

5. Driving Examiner recruitment & training

• This is ongoing, currently 168 have qualified and are now in test centres. 
• Training is ongoing, they are now doing 2 courses per month to get more through.
• Discussions are ongoing about a further campaign, yet to be finalised, but hope to launch at the end of month with a view to get more examiners in during next 12 months on a two year contract.

6. Examiner Standards & Performance

• NASP asked how are DEs monitored and what performance metrics and management is applied to Examiners. 
• DVSA responded that test data is constantly analysed and reviewed to ensure consistency in performance and to allow any issues to be addressed
• NASP requested that they be given an overview of Examiner and test centre performance in future meetings, given the overall focus of the agency on the use of performance metrics to help identify issues and to help raise standards in driver training and testing

7. Comms with stakeholders

NASP asked for an updated key contacts list and organogram due to movements in personnel over last few months, DVSA are finding the best way to supply this information.

8. DVSA latest consultation on driving test provision

•  9,500 responses have been received so far, information received would be analysed and shared after 8 March (https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/VDEQJB/) link for consultation
• NASP fed in they were currently conducting a survey with ADIs asking what they think of use of metrics and further performance management and the possibility of information sharing with the public in future. (same as above, should we add link to our survey)
• NASP also asked for clarification on the mention of the potential use of performance ‘bands’ in the Driving Test consultation.  DVSA said this was just a suggestion of what the public may like to see to enable them to make more informed choices of trainers
• NASP proposed a separate meeting to discuss the use of performance data and look at the both the results of DVSA’s consultation and NASP’s survey

9. Performance Management

• NASP asked for an update on TIP and asked how it was bedding in. 
• DVSA feedback on progress and adjustments they were making to produce better data. 
• NASP feedback concerns from the industry on the accuracy of individual trainer data  as well as echoing ongoing concerns with the overall approach and timing of its implementation
• The agency commented that are some outstanding ADI performances and they are also making engagement calls to high performing ADIs to give them positive feedback. 
• DVSA reinforced their key message that the TIP enables prioritisation of ADIs needing the most help and it is not about trying to remove people’s livelihood. The agency said there had been positive feedback from ADIs getting an engagement call.
• NASP asked if the SC will remain at 45 mins duration and the agency confirmed it has no intention to change it as there had been no detriment to the pass rate.
• NASP asked about a possible increase of driver faults because of the changes to the Highway Code and whether it would count towards prioritisation. DVSA stated they did not anticipate an increase in driver errors.
• A further meeting was suggested to discuss outstanding concerns, review NASP’s survey results and agree to any further communications that might be needed.

10. Support for candidates with special needs

NASP have positive feedback on the publication of a pack for deaf candidates and asked whether there was any progress on a meeting to update NASP on support for other special needs candidates.

11. ADI qualification process

• NASP asked whether there were any plans to develop and modernise the ADI qualification process, DVSA said it was a longer term strategic goal but not in their short term plans
• NASP argued that updating and modernising the qualification would be a good way of helping to raise standards of both trainers and pupils

12. ORDIT update

• NASP asked if there were any plans to develop ORDIT as part of a drive to increase trainer standards, i.e.  by improving the quality of ADI training. DVSA feedback it was an area they wanted to develop and would be discussing future plans with the industry at some point
• NASP  asked whether checks for ORDIT trainers have started and if there was a backlog.  Due to the Examiner shortage and COVID recovery the agency stated this  was progressing slower than they would like.  They are currently working on re-registrations.

13. Complaints against ADIs

• NASP asked if there was any change to the procedure,  DVSA said the process is the same. 
• NASP also raised concerns about the lack of access for ADIs to information about non contractual complaints that might be held on file about them, DVSA explained the process and procedures which governs complaints but stated they would open to suggestions of best practice from other regulated professions

14. Driving Test Data

NASP asked for updated statistics on driving tests, DVSA to supply.

A partnership of industry stakeholders has been set up to create and oversee the new voluntary trailer training accreditation scheme for motorists towing for business and leisure.

The government is committed to road safety and encouraging drivers to get professional training before towing for the first time or refresh their skills for regular or seasonal towing activities.

We held webinars with car and trailer trainers in November 2021 to gain their ideas and feedback on how the scheme should work, which has supported its development.

The National Council for Accredited Trailer Training

The partnership – known as The National Council for Accredited Trailer Training – will be made up of the accrediting bodies, trailer stakeholder groups, DVSA and the Department for Transport.

The council will be a forum which considers strategic issues around good practice amongst the industry, take up rates, how the syllabus is being delivered and whether overall standards are being met.

The accrediting bodies

The accrediting bodies will accredit the trainers and run the scheme.

A number of organisations have expressed interest in becoming recognised by DVSA as accrediting bodies for trailer training. DVSA will be making an announcement on this soon.

The accreditation scheme’s aims

The scheme aims to:

• make sure drivers who tow a trailer have the skills, knowledge and competencies to tow safely
• for those towing a trailer in connection with their work, help ensure an employer’s corporate responsibilities to make sure safe working practices are met

The scheme will provide a core module for all drivers, as well as sector specific modules for different towing activities.

Motorists can find out more about towing safely by visiting our safe towing guidance on GOV.UK

Keeping you updated

We will keep you updated on the scheme’s latest developments in advance of its launch, which is expected to be in March 2022.

This will include how trainers can become accredited to deliver the training and how their training will be audited.

Further to our successful NASP webinar last wewk we have put together a survey for your opinions, please click this link.

The survey closes at 5pm on Monday 21 February.