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Latest update on new Part 3 test launch

Sadly we aren’t able to give you an update with a firm new date for the introduction of the new Part 3 assessment, as DVSA are still awaiting parliamentary approval to introduce the change. However, DVSA have been in touch with DIA to update us that all PDIs with tests booked up to the 13th October should have now been contacted to advise them of the issue, and the agency will now also contact all those with tests booked up to the 27th October. Candidates affected will be offered the options of postponing their test to a later date or keeping their current test date and taking the test in the current format. They’ll also be advised to speak to their instructor trainer to discuss the best option for them. All instructor trainers on ORDIT have been contacted using the email address DVSA holds for them on Find your Nearest (if you’re an ORDIT…Read More

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DVSA releases new videos to help learners prepare for driving test changes

With less than 3 months to go to until the driving test changes, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has today (13 September 2017) published new videos about the updated ‘show me, tell me’ driving test questions. You can: watch the ‘tell me’ questions video watch the ‘show me’ questions video During the test, examiners ask candidates two vehicle safety questions – these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. Currently, both questions are asked at the start of the test, but from 4 December 2017, candidates will have to carry out the ‘show me’ question while they are driving. DVSA Chief Driving Examiner, Lesley Young, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.” “Asking a ‘show me’ question while driving will be valuable preparation for real life driving. “With less than 3 months to go until the driving test changes, it’s…Read More

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DVSA warn of examiner strike

PCS operational members at the DVSA, including driving examiners and vehicle testing staff, are due to be balloted from 4th September until the 4th of October for industrial action in a protracted dispute over travel time arrangements, health and safety and other changes to terms and conditions. DVSA plans to impose a ‘flexible working’ regime giving managers the ability to deploy all Ops staff anywhere they choose without notice, the reason for the dispute. Staff would be expected to travel on these deployments entirely in their own time. The employers proposals effectively mean workers could be required to work the equivalent of an extra day per week for free. The issue stems from 2015 where talks involving PCS and the employer still persist, with PCS claiming that the DVSA and the Department for Transport still refuses to resolve the outstanding issues. A full report on the PCS website is available.

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DVSA announce delay to Part 3 changes

DVSA has announced that the implementation of the new assessment has been delayed and the promised deadline will be missed. Late last week the Government Legal Department confirmed it was unlikely that the final deadline would be met to lay the changes in Parliament to meet the implementation date of 2 October. DVSA has now taken the decision to delay the implementation date. The agency is hoping that the change will still happen later in October. PDIs who have a part 3 test booked in the first 2 weeks of October will be contacted by DVSA. They will be given the option of postponing their test to a later date or keeping their test date and taking the test in current format. The DVSA official blog states the following: “Since Mark Magee updated you in April on the changes to the ADI part 3 test, we’ve been busy preparing for…Read More

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DVSA publishes the new Part 3 marking form

DVSA has also published today the new marking scheme and form for the proposed new Part 3 assessment. Click here to see the new Part 3 test report Trainers will note that the form is very similar to the Standards Check form as the new Part 3 – as expected, given the new assessment is based on the Standards Check in order to bring the final stage of the ADI qualifying process more into line with how fully licenced ADIs are competency assessed.

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Driving test changes: who it affects

As you know, the driving test in England, Scotland and Wales will change later this year. From 4 December, all car driving tests will follow the new format. This includes if: Your pupil fails a test before then, and retakes their test from 4 December 2017 Your pupil’s test is cancelled or moved for any reason, and their new test date is from 4 December 2017 DVSA have allowed you to share information about how the changes will work with your pupils, by making it accessible by clicking the link. You can also read all about the changes on the agency’s blog posts. Impact of the changes to the test Today, DVSA have published the Transport Research Laboratory’s evaluation of how the changes impact learning to drive, test performance and post-test driving, based on the trials held in 2015 and 2016. Read the full report on GOV.UK

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Working Lunch – New date announced

We’ve just added an extra date to our Autumn Working Lunch series. Working Lunch, Gloucester: 21 November @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm On 21 November we’re heading to Gloucester to deliver the session, which will cover safeguarding and the role and responsibilities for driver and rider trainers. As we have has recently highlighted in a series of articles in Driving Instructor magazine, Safeguarding is an increasingly important part of a trainer’s role and responsibility. Despite this, there is a distinct lack of dedicated training available to Driving Instructors on this crucial subject. Until now. In this important workshop we’ll look at the key responsibilities trainers have in creating a safe learning environment for young and vulnerable adult learners. We’ll give you practical tips and advice on Safeguarding, as well as guidance on the legal and regulatory requirements for those working with at risk groups (including how the subject of Safeguarding relates to the National…Read More

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Be part of a Theory Test group in partnership with the DVSA

Teaming with the DVSA, Kainos are hoping to speak to a number of ADIs about proposed changes to the Theory Test. The technology company was appointed by the DVSA to build a new online service to define, test and enforce driver and vehicle standards. Kainos are hoping to run a focus group of about 4-8 ADIs on 12 or 13 September. Within the focus group you will be discussing how the format and delivery of the test influence the candidates’ behaviour. The focus group will last for an 1.5hrs, and will take place at: Kainos, 111 Charterhouse St, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 6AW If you are interested in taking part please contact Stephen Walker by emailing s.walker@kainos.com  

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Dates for your diary – Important industry developments over the next 6 months

You’ll be aware of lots of chat about changes happening in the industry – but what’s happening and when? Here’s a quick run down on what’s in the pipeline: New Part 3 Assessment – 2nd October 2017 New L Test launches – 4th December ADI Part 2 is scheduled to change in December, bringing it into line with the new L test First quarter of 2018 – expected deregulation to allow Learners and ADIs to start training on the motorway network