Short Notice Driving Tests

Introduction

This article was triggered by receiving one of these inquiries that only wanted a mock test, and then the use of my car to take their driving test in.

Saying No

Ok, let’s start with the obvious reason why we shouldn’t be offering the use of your car for test purposes only.

Reason 1

If your vehicle gets involved in a collision whilst on the test, your vehicle will be off the road for a period of time.

You will lose income and probably some of your pupils as well if they miss lessons or tests, because your car will be off the road until you source a dual-controlled replacement, of course.

Reason 2

The result of the test will be recorded against your PRN number.

If you are an ADI and you have your ADI badge in the windscreen, it will affect your TIP parameters and increase the chances of you being called up for a Standard Check.

Even if you are a PDI, the result will be recorded but not recognised until you qualify as an ADI.

Again, increasing the chance of getting a Standards Check earlier than expected.

Reason 3

Examiners do notice the standard of the people you are presenting to for driving tests.

Yes, it shouldn’t influence the outcome of the result of a practical driving test, but if you made a habit of presenting people of a poor standard to test, don’t be surprised if these examiners report this to the test centre manager.

They, in turn, can report it to the ADI enforcement team, again triggering a Standards Check earlier than expected.

Reason 4

Reputation. Getting lots of people through the driving test improves your reputation, and people will tell other people about your successes.

And of course, you can post your pupils’ happy and joyful faces on social media, and they can write good reviews about your success.

People do look at reviews when selecting who they want to teach them to drive.

Saying Yes

Ok, a bit conversational, let’s look at some of the reasons why you might take them to test, but under certain terms and conditions, of course.

I have done this myself in a few instances, but I wouldn’t normally apply these measures.

Reason 1

The pupil has a genuine reason why they don’t have a car or a driving instructor to take them to the driving test.

We shouldn’t always believe that the reason they don’t have a car or a driving instructor is that the instructor doesn’t think they are ready to take it, or that they haven’t taken lessons.

We can always find out this when you talk on the phone with them.

Genuine reasons could be many, like instructor illness, a change of career, the instructor not being available at that time to take them or family issues that affect their availability.

Reason 2

Your diary might have availability that you need to fill.

Especially if you’ve had a number of recent passes or pupils leave for various reasons.

How to Choose

Ok, finally, let’s cover the conditions that you should have in place to protect your reputation and your business.

1. Should you not think the pupil is at a suitable enough standard to pass, then you shouldn’t be taking them to a practical test in your vehicle.

You should make it quite clear to your potential new customer that they need to take an assessment with you before attempting a driving test.

If they are suitable, great; if they aren’t, you will have to explain why.

Be firm but fair, as they may want to postpone their appointment and take lessons with you if you act with integrity.

I have had pupils who have postponed their practical test because both they and I didn’t think they were ready.

However, on the other side of the coin, I have assessed people who are clearly nowhere near the required standard of driving and still deluded enough to think they will get lucky on the day.

Remember, you are the professional, not them. Just remember the four reasons I gave earlier as to why not to take them!

2. Have these terms and conditions in writing and get your pupil to agree to them, or even better, get them to sign them, so there are no consequences to your reputation.

Final notes

In summary, do what is best for our business in the long term, not the short term.

Your reputation is critical in developing good customer relationships, and if most of your pupils are successful in passing, then they start recommending you to their friends and family!

© David Allen
ADINJC Committee Member
‘A’ Grade Driver Training