Acclaim Driving Blog

The proposal that driving test candidates should be required to take an observer with them on their practical car driving test from October 2010 has generated a great deal of debate. DSA has received comments from a variety of stakeholders and has met with the ADI Consultative Groups and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). The DSA state that they have listened carefully to all the views expressed. The DSA remain convinced that an observer sitting in on the driving test would enhance the learning process, which, in turn, will provide road safety benefits. The DSA  recognise, however, that there are valid reasons why an approach based on education and incentivisation might be preferable to mandating through regulation at this stage.

  

So this is the approach the DSA suggest: at the start of the driving test, driving examiners will ask all candidates if they would like their driving instructor (or another observer, such as a parent, guardian or friend who has taught the candidate to drive) to sit in on their test. The examiner will then ask the candidate if they would like their driving  instructor to be present for the test result and de-brief. This will allow candidates to take advantage of the opportunities available to support their ongoing learning and development, but will leave the final decision with them.

  

From the feedback received on this issue the DSA also recognise that a full review of the minimum test vehicle (MTV) for Cat B tests should be carried out. However, a mandatory change to the MTV would be a long process and the DSA want the industry to work with them on this. In the meantime, the DSA will seek to develop a set of guidelines to help to deal with the health and safety issues raised by some of the vehicles now in use. This will ensure that the DSA can continue to maintain the integrity of the driving test through quality assurance and check testing.

  

The DSA want to work in partnership with the driver training profession to help candidates get the most from their training and from their practical test experience. The DSA want candidates to understand that driving instructors and driving examiners are professional experts working together to help them to be safe and responsible drivers with the overall aim of improving road safety. 

The DSA hope that industry will work with them to support and promote this approach by, encouraging driving instructors to always:

 

·         observe their pupils’ tests

 

·         listen to the examiner’s debrief, to help inform their pupils’ ongoing learning and development

 

·         display their ADI badge on test.