DSA puts the brake on common sense

Car manufacturers may be embracing the latest technology but the DSA is not. Not only that but it cost DIA member Lawrence Harding a lot of money by giving out conflicting advice on the subject of automatic parking brakes. Driving Instructor received a copy of the following letter send by Mr Harding to DSA Chief Executive Gary Austin. The DSA has subsequently confirmed that test candidates in vehicles fitted with automatic parking brakes will not be allowed to take the test. The fact that such vehicles are legal on British roads and the driving test is designed to ensure a minimum legal standard of driving ability on British roads seems to be irrelevant. Another expensive and illogical piece of legislation from the people who brought you the Hazard Perception Test!

 The release mechanism for an automatic parking brake ­ unacceptable on test according to the DSA

 Dear Mr Austin

Unfortunately I have found it necessary to write to you regarding incorrect information provided by your technical office to myself on several occasions in the last few months.

Early this year I contacted the DSA Technical Department regarding the new electronic handbrake system being implemented by Renault in their new models. The direct question I asked was: "Will the new system be accepted for driving test purposes?" I was advised by the operator that although she had no details of the new system, she would make enquiries and ring back. Later she did phone and advised me that, having spoken to colleagues, they were going to investigate the matter and that I would be informed of a decision.

I was later advised that the system would be acceptable and it was suggested that it would be a good idea if I took the new vehicle to the test centres that I use to show examiners how the system worked. My final question was: "So, if I purchased a car with the new brake system, would it be accepted for test purposes?" Answer: "I am the person who makes the final decision and I am saying yes."

Several weeks later and on the basis of the advice I was given, I purchased a new Renault Scenic. I had dual controls fitted and started to use the car as a training vehicle. On then talking to John McDonald, Chief Examiner at Cheltenham, I was told he had received a memo stating that the new braking system would not be acceptable for test.

This was confirmed by the Chief Examiner at Swindon. Both he and area manager Terry Griffiths expressed an interest in the device and I was pleased to demonstrate it to them. Terry Griffiths couldn't see a problem, and he recommended that it could be used, but was later overruled by head office.

I do not need to tell you how angry I am at the way this situation has been handled. On contacting the technology department again and asking why I had been given the wrong information, I was told by Head of Department Barry Morris that he could not remember all the phone calls he received. I then asked him if records were made of enquiries. He said no.