MSA Intuition by Rob Beswick

InTuition

MSA

Spring 2013

MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

A guide to the MSA for Potential Driving Instructors

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Welcome to this special magazine for PDIs... Inside you’ll find out about the MSA and how we can help you as you start your new career as an ADI Special features on tackling the Part 3 test and why coaching is the industry’s new favourite phrase A flavour of Newslink: a snapshot of stories from our monthly members’ magazine How membership can save you money on key products and services – and how we can help protect you with free professional indemnity insurance and third party liability cover

More offers, advice and news inside

25/2/11 15:49:16

Join the MSA today: We’re here for you Membership is just £57... for this special promotion, we are waiving the additional joining fee – saving you £15 – and we’ll send you three essential ADI guides that are exclusive to MSA members FREE of charge

eing an ADI can be a lonely and challenging job. It often feels like there’s no-one to turn to for advice and help if you have a practical teaching query or a problem with a pupil, and you can feel isolated and vulnerable if you come into conflict with the DSA. But you don’t have to struggle on alone – help is out there. ADIs who want to make a real career out of this exciting profession make sure they join a membership body that really works for them – the Motor Schools Association (MSA). Membership is just £57 a year – and you will receive a host of benefits, including our monthly magazine Newslink to keep you up-to-date with the latest industry news and changes to the L-test regime, free professional indemnity insurance, advice on tuition matters and the MSA’s exclusive Terms of Business contracts for instructors. You’ll also know that you are a member of an organisation that’s owned by ADIs for ADIs, one that’s constantly working on your behalf, whether it’s offering you support as you build your new career, representing the ADI

industry in meetings with the DSA and ministers – or fighting your corner if circumstances dictate that your position on the Register is threatened by the DSA. Sounds good? To make the decision to join the association even easier, if you join before March 31 we will waive our usual additional £15 joining fee with this special promotion, and there’s a superb offer that could make a real difference to your career: you’ll receive three of our expertly-written ADI guides – covering the Check Test, the Driving Test and our PDI guide – free of charge. The advice they offer will be the foundation stones for what we hope will be a long and successful career. There’s full details on these guides inside, plus lots more information on the MSA and how it works, as well as some snapshots of recent articles published in Newslink to give you a flavour of what membership offers. See inside for more details, news on the MSA and some great articles from Newslink we’re sure you’ll find interesting.

Free gift...

...you’ll receive these three great guides when you join

Your free guides: See pg 14 for detailed information on the guides you’ll receive free if you join the MSA through this publication

Join by March 31 to take advantage of our offer of three free guides and no additional joining fee. Call us on 0800 0265986 (free on a land line) or 0161 429 9669. Online www.msagb.com - Quote discount code: Spring

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Why join...?

MSA MEMBERSHIP IS JUST

That’s all it costs to join Britain’s most experienced ADI organisation

Benefits of membership...

Support: Tuition

queries, technical help, problems with the DSA – our officials are available to help

Free professional indemnity and third party liability insurance – it’s a ‘must-have’ benefit that offers legal protection

PER YEAR

Representing you at

meetings with Department for Transport and the DSA

Information: Keeping you in touch with all the latest news and changes to your profession

Regional news –

Responding to local issues

PLUS three free guides as a

special offer for new members through this publication

Join now: Want the low-down on the check test? Then just ask us – we’ve got the answers!

* and remember, it’s tax deductible, so membership actually costs less than £1 a week! Before I read the MSA Check test Guide I was really worried about my check test; after I had read it I felt confident and that was obviously reflected in my performance because I was given a grade 6.” MSA member

Welcome from the MSA National Chairman

We are here to provide you with the support you need The MSA wanted to make sure all newcomers to the driver training industry knew that help was out there for them, says Peter Harvey MBE, MSA national chairman... ... and that’s why I’m delighted to welcome you to this special edition of the MSA’s InTuition magazine, which is produced exclusively for Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs). The MSA is there ready to provide the advice, guidance and support you need to make your new career a success. At the MSA we have three key pillars on which we have built the association: representation - information - services. We represent your views at the highest levels, from the Minister for Road Safety Stephen Hammond and the chief executive of the DSA down. Through our website and the pages of Newslink, our monthly membership magazine, we provide you with the information you need on changes to the industry; and we offer a number of key services that deliver real benefits and savings to you. To newcomers to this association, I am sure that you will find the MSA is a useful, knowledgeable and friendly organisation, one that is perfectly placed to give you real support and superb value for a modest annual subscription. The staff at our head office are always on hand to help you on a wide range of matters right across the whole spectrum of the driver training industry. Your calls will be answered not by a computerised system ending in an answer machine but by a person; if we can’t answer your question there and then we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible. The knowledge that the MSA has when it comes to driver training and the best practices for running a driving school, whether on a one-to-one basis or as part of a larger organisation, is possibly unrivalled throughout Great Britain. If we don’t know the answer to your question

then we will certainly know who to ask and get back to you. The MSA’s board of management is made up of ordinary working driver trainers just like you, elected by the membership throughout the regions. Between them they have probably experienced most of the ups and downs of the driver training profession. We have franchisees, franchisors, ORDIT trainers, one-man businesses and multi-car partnerships represented, as well as instructors who work on National Driver Awareness schemes. Some carry out fleet training, while others help their fellow ADIs to get back on track when they run into problems with the check test. All are happy to make themselves available to help fellow members, no matter what the question. You can see from the varied nature of our senior figures that we cover all the bases as far as driving instruction is concerned. We have the people on board who can help you make a success of your driving instruction career. Much of this knowledge has been condensed into our ADI Help Guides – giving you the information you need to tackle items such as your check test with confidence. See page 14 for more details. You’ll receive copies of three of these guides free if you join us through this special promotion. In addition, membership brings a host of other services and discounts. Included in your membership fee is professional indemnity

Join now: Expert advice on developing your business. Ask us... we have the answers

“The MSA’s board of management is made up of ordinary working driver trainers just like you, elected by the membership throughout the regions. Between them they have probably experienced most of the ups and downs of the driver training profession...”

insurance, reduced rate cover for personal health and sickness policies and special offers on other ADI products and services. We’ve teamed up with EeziBuy to give members access to a host of great savings on business products and services. I very much hope that you will decide to join the MSA today. To make the decision easier, we have waived our joining fee for PDIs so all this advice, information and support is available to you for around £1 a week – unbeatable value! To join is simple: complete the application form on page 15 of this publication, or go online at www.msagb.com or call with your payment card details on 0800 026 5986 (free from a landline) or our standard number, 0161 429 9669. There’s no good being on the outside complaining about what’s going on in the industry; the MSA gets you on the inside and helps you start to take control of your industry and your career. One final point: one of our key strengths is our strong regional network of meetings and events. Elsewhere in this special publication you will find details of our forthcoming MSA National Training Day and Conference. This will be a superb day: a great opportunity to get to grips with the MSA, learn more about the driver testing and training industry and tackle the big issues that are going to impact on ADIs in the future. You’ll be able to meet many other ADIs, all of whom face the same challenges as you do every day, and who are more than happy to share their views on issues affecting this industry. It’s a peer group like no other, a readymade network from which you can cherrypick the best teaching ideas and the best business practices to make sure you are the very best instructor you can be. Come along if you can. The day delegate rate is just £40, with lunch included. We try to make our events as informal as possible, and delegates have the chance to question speakers and mingle with fellow ADIs and presenters. I will be there and if you do come along, make sure you come over and say hello. I would be delighted to meet you.

Membership brings advantages... MSA Newslin February 2013

Why join the MSA? InTuition gives you details about the MSA and some of the services we have been offering to working ADIs for nearly 80 years. If you have any questions or require any help, the MSA is here to assist you.

» What are the advantages of joining the MSA? Here we answer some frequently asked questions, and outline the advantages of membership, which is open to instructors at any stage of the qualifying process The Motor Schools Association of Great Britain is the senior national association for ADIs, first established in 1935.

Potential driving instructors (PDIs) are welcomed into MSA membership and on qualification are upgraded to full members at no extra charge.

MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

Issue 248

The ADI’s Voice

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www.msagb.com

25/2/11 15:49:16

Great venue: Hellidon Lakes Hotel, Northamptonshire

DSA chief ready to face members at MSA Conference

News briefing: Members receive Newslink every month, full of the T latest news and views from the industry

We will also provide you with another useful free gift when you qualify.

HE MSA’s Annual Conference fast approaching – we’re just is finalising the details for what we are sure will be a superb event. Running from Friday, March Sunday, March 17, this year’s 15 to conference promises to be even bigger and than previous events. At the better heart of the weekend we have the MSA Training Day – a full day event packed full of information, advice and new insights into the world of driver testing and training. We’re delighted that the DSA chief

March 15-17, Hellidon Lakes, Northampton Prices start from just £40

executive, Rosemary Thew, has agreed to act as our keynote speaker – and will take part in a Q&A session with delegates that we’re sure will be a lively aff air. This is your chance to put the head of the DSA on the spot, to ask those questions that have been keeping you awake at night and make your

A New Years resolutio

Ashford ADIs in major win over parking AFTER TWO YEARS of talks between Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and Ashford Driving Instructors Association (ADIA), the ADIs’ group has secured a major concession after the council agreed to grant instructors special permits to conduct bay parking practice exercises on council premises.

See page 4

contribution to the future direction of the industry in the UK.

And there’s so much more on offer. The day will also feature a choice of workshops with subjects as diverse as alcohol and drug awareness, alternative business opportunities for ADIs, thinking outside the box about and Speakers will include Newslink coaching. columnist Sue McCormack and Tony Stanley, owner of AJS Training and a man with over 44 years’ experience of driver training. More on Conference - pg 18

Service woe

ADIS HAVE been urged to stress the importance of regular servicing on their cars to younger and novice drivers after research by the SMMT revealed that many fail to have their car maintained correctly.

See page 20

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» What will the MSA do for me?

» INFORMATION

Most of what the MSA does can be divided up into the three headings: information, representation and services. You can find out more about these in the panels on these pages and on pages 8-12.

Information is provided to all MSA members every month through the association’s own newspaper, Newslink (above) and the MSA Annual Report.

» Who owns the MSA? The MSA is a non-profit-making association, without shareholders, owned by and run for the benefit of its membership. With ten regional centres of activity throughout the country, it is perfectly placed to give you real support and superb value for a modest annual subscription. All these benefits are available to members – but at what cost?

» How much does it cost? Membership is very affordable – just £57 for a full year. And if you join through this special publication we will waive our usual £15 joining fee. That’s just over £1 per week, for which you will be kept fully informed on all the very latest developments within your industry, belong to the senior association for ADIs and make your opinion count.

» representation The MSA represents driver training interests to all relevant Government departments and agencies. The association is also a member of PACTS (the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Transport Safety) and RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). European involvement is as the UK representative to EFA (the European Driving Schools Association).

» SERVICES

Join the MSA and take advantage of: • MSA Insurance Services • Free public liability insurance for £5 million We’ve negotiated great discounts with a host of major brands • Free professional indemnity cover for £3 and retail outlets for our members. Just by being a member million you can save £££££s off car servicing, MoTs, life insurance, • CPD seminars employment protection plans, and business services • Personal taxation service such as printing, computers and office supplies. See pg • Free legal and technical advice 16 for more details. • Local seminars and meetings with DSA And immediately be staff and other officials in attendance... eligible for £3million of and many more » Want to join?

» Save money!

Join now:

Join the MSA today – it’s simple. Just fill in the membership form on page 17 or call the special PDI new member hotline on 0800 0265986 or join online at www.msagb.com, using the discount code Spring.

professional indemnity insurance – FREE

SPECIAL OFFER for our 50th year anniversary

£77.00 on signs Up to

three colours

... Information, representation and services, Man in charge: The new Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond is planning major changes to the driver testing and training industry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; through Newslink weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make sure you are kept up-to-date, and the MSA will make sure your views are voiced to the minister

Joining is so simple: just call 0800 0265986 or go to www.msagb.com, quoting discount code Spring

REPRESENTATION The MSA is consulted by numerous Government departments, national and international bodies, including the Driving Standards Agency, Department for Transport, the DVLA and the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Transport Safety. From time to time we have meetings with senior Department for Transport officials, including the Road Safety Minister, and take up major issues affecting the driver training and testing regime with the minister both face-to-face and in writing. In Europe, the MSA represents members through European Driving Schools Association (EFA).

the

The MSA - run and owned by ADIs, for ADIs

Who runs the association? THE MSA is justifiably proud of its democratic structure. The association has a strong maxim – run by ADIs, on behalf of ADIs, for ADIs – and this philosophy is applied to everything the association does. The management of the MSA is through its Board of Directors, which consists of the regional chairs of its 10 regions. All are voted for by the local members at an AGM held in autumn.

The Board is led by the national chairman – at the current time, MSA Scotland’s Peter Harvey MBE – and assisted by two members of the MSA’s full-time staff, general manager John Lepine MBE and the membership secretary, Carol Lepine. Finally, remember that the MSA is a strictly not-for-profit organisation, with every penny raised spent on improving services to members.

Regional voices From left:

Bob Baker MSA Scotland Karl Satloka MSA North East Graham Clayton MSA North West

Regional voices From left:

Geoff Little MSA West Midlands and National Deputy Chairman Derek Brutnell MSA East Midlands Rod Tipple MSA Eastern

Paddy Tyler MSA South Wales

Colin Lilly MSA Western

Tom Kwok MSA Greater London

Jo Chapman MSA South East

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Membership brings advantages...

Join now: Need another reason to join...? Why not try...

Professional indemnity insurance...

£3 million of cover against legal costs and damages – free of charge to members IT IS NOT UNCOMMON for non-members to ask, why should I join the MSA? We think there are lots of reasons but sometimes they are difficult to sum up neatly. We could highlight the many CPD seminars and training opportunities we offer; the superb membership magazine and the news on our up-to-date website; the advice you can receive from head office when you have a query or need help with pupils, lessons or check test; the way we fight for the industry’s best interests in our discussions with the DSA and the Department for Transport; and the lengths we’ll go to to protect your livelihood if you are in dispute with the Registrar. However, we often feel that the best reason to join the MSA can be summed up in just three words, and it’s not Representation, Information, Services. It’s Professional. Indemnity. Insurance.

Why is this so important?

You would never – we hope – contemplate getting into your car without the correct insurance being in place on it, whether you’re teaching a lesson or just driving yourself. If you had inadvertently let your insurance lapse you’d stop and think: you’d think of the consequences of being stopped by the police or, even worse, having an accident. A criminal prosecution; the end of your career as an ADI; the public shame; and potential financial ruin as a result of any liability claims. But while criminal charges won’t be brought against you, many of those same consequences lie in wait for those ADIs who get into their car for the start of a lesson without adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance being in place. Imagine a scene: you are taking a lesson with a pupil who is well within sight of taking her driving test. She is a confident driver, one you look forward to teaching as she is receptive, listens and practises regularly. You think she may pass in a couple of weeks as long as nerves don’t get the better of her on the big day.

Continued on facing page » » »

Protection for you, free of charge

During the lessons you are sat at a junction with a busy A-road and tell her to pull out when she thinks it is safe to do so. A small van is fast approaching in the overtaking lane but the nearside lane is clear. Your pupil hesitates and relaxes as if to wait for the van to clear, then decides that as the approaching car is in the far lane, and is a way off yet, it is safe to pull out. But it isn’t safe. She has misjudged the speed of the van and failed to notice that it is indicating to pull in to the nearside lane as the driver plans to turn left further down the A-road. You were so sure of your pupil’s commonsense and driving ability that you didn’t think for one second that she would pull out and her initial reaction at the Give Way line had confirmed your thoughts. But it’s too late: the van has switched lanes and as your pupil pulls out onto the A-road it hits you, hard. Big impact. All the airbags go off; a small fire breaks out as the petrol tank ruptures. Amazingly you and the van driver walk away, shaken but mainly injury-free, but the pupil isn’t quite so lucky: she suffers severe burns on her arms from the fire.

“The pupil decides that she wants compensating. Your standard of tuition in this incident wasn’t up to scratch, she claims and she is going to sue you for damages in a civil case... what do you do next?” end of the matter. The pupil decides that she wants compensating. Your standard of tuition in this incident wasn’t up to scratch, she claims, and you should have made sure she didn’t turn on to the A-road. As a result she is going to sue you for damages in a civil case. Even worse, she has a solicitor on hand who is happy to work on a no-win, no-fee basis.

What do you do next?

If you are a member of the MSA, you enact your professional indemnity cover. It protects you for up to £3 million of legal costs and damages. It could be a trying experience for you but at least you are financially covered. If you are not a member of the MSA and don’t have professional indemnity cover, your options are far more limited – and worrying. Either you prepare to admit liability and write a sizeable

So what happens next?

You can claim on your insurance for the damage to your car and cover for the van but that’s not the

cheque out for damages, or fight the claim. That means paying for a solicitor to take the case on your behalf, possibly by counter-suing the pupil for negligence. This will be very costly, stressful, time-consuming and, obviously, comes with no guarantee of success. At the end of the fight you either win but lose thousands in fees, or lose, pay the fees and write a sizeable cheque for damages.

This isn’t a made-up case. It’s a real situation. Would you rather be a member and have the peace of mind that that gives you – or not? That’s the peace of mind and protection that Adri professional indemnity insurance can bring. Professional indemnity insurance can be costlyfantastic – but if you’re a member of the MSA it’s included in instructors. your membership for free. So next time someone asks you why did you your join insura the MSA, just remember three words. Professional you pro - Indemnity - Insurance. your stu Oh, and you can throw in the word ‘free’, too.

Quality • Professional • Value

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Membership brings advantages...

Why join the MSA? MSA members receive a copy of our excellent membership magazine, Newslink. Every issue is packed full of the key information that matters if you are serious about making a career as a driving instructor. Inside you’ll find: • The latest driving testing and training news: which test centres are closing, which routes are changing, how the DSA is conducting L-tests... and what changes are coming, and what you need to do to accommodate them • Reports on Government proposals and new legislation affecting ADIs • Road safety updates • Tuition and teaching advice • In-depth features on related topics that can form part of your continuing professional development (CPD) – something the DSA has urged all ADIs to embrace • News on European Union proposals that could impact on the UK • Regional news: our team of editors bring you the latest from your area

MSA New

• Halfords deal delivers real savings to MSA members • Update on motorbikes for L-tests • Criticism for insurer as it drops support for NDORS scheme • CoP that: new Code puts ADIs in a strop • DSA unveils future of online booking service

The ADI’s Voice

25/2/11 15:49:16

Great venue: Hellidon Lakes Hotel, Northamp tonshire

New

MSA MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

25/2/11 15:49:16 logo final solo.indd

being Admiral accused of blind to NdOrS’ benefits

ADIs, police and insurers queue up to criticise Admiral over a change in policy over NDORS p6

again dSA asked to think on new code of Practice into We won’t be rushed accepting hastily drafted MSA proposals, says the

p16

ADI groups given first sight of the DSA’s proposed online business booking system p22

Making India’s roads safer – a special report the

to How India is rising a challenge of creating culture, better road safety by Trevor Wedge, former chief driving examiner p28

MSA at Christmas

season Compliments of the best to all our readers and for a wishes to everyone 2013. prosperous and healthy MSA Please note that the for the head office will close at Christmas holidays , 4.30pm on Wednesday 19 December and re-open 3rd at 9am on Thursday, January 2013.

www.msagb.co m

Ashford ADIs in major win over parking AFTER TWO YEARS of talks between Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and Driving Instructors Ashford (ADIA), the ADIs’ Association secured a major group has concession after the council agreed instructors special to grant permits to conduct bay parking exercises on council practice premises.

Issue 246

HE MSA’s Annual Conference is fast approachin g– March 15-17 finalising the detailswe’re just for what we Voice , Hellidon contribution to the future direction are sure will be Lakes ADI’s The , North industry in the of the ampton Running from Friday,a superb event. UK. March 15 to Prices start from And Sunday, March so much more 17, this year’s conference just £40 day willthere’s also feature a choice on offer. The promises to be executive, Rosemary even of workshops with than previous events.bigger and better subjects as diverse act as our keynote Thew, has agreed to At the heart of alcohol and drug as speaker – and will weekend we have awareness, alternative part in a Q&A session take the MSA Training the business opportunit – a full day event with delegates that Day we’re sure will be packed full of thinking outside ies for ADIs, and a lively information, advice the This is your chance affair. Speakers will includebox about coaching. the world of driver and new insights into to put the head the DSA on the Newslink columnist of testing and training. Sue McCormac spot, to ask those We’re delighted k and questions Tony Stanley, owner that the DSA chief that have of AJS Training and awake at night and been keeping you years’ experience a man with over 44 make your of driver training. More on Conferenc e - pg 18

Members to save as MSA signs discounts deal on car service

exciting plans for improved online access

Issue 248

DSA chief ready face members atto MSA Co slinknference T

december 2012

A New Years

See page 4

Service woe

ADIS HAVE been the importance urged to stress of servicing on their regular cars younger and novice to drivers after research by the SMMT revealed that many fail to have maintained correctly. their car

See page 20

resolution wor

th keeping!

Isn’t it time to try an insurer with over 35 who provides years experien an affordable, ce quality driving tuition insuranc e.

MoT prices slashed and 15% cut from s servicing at Halford

Call Free Phone

a major The MSA hAS Secured after entering into a membership benefit with Halfords partnership agreement the deal, MSA of Autocentres. As part to families will be able members and their on servicing and access exclusive discounts Autocentres Halfords repairs at over 265 nationwide. receive will Members • 33% off an MoT • Up to 15% off servicing • 5% off repairs check! Plus a FREE 15-point major savings, with into translate These off service and £18.10 over £35 off a major

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MSA MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

logo final solo.indd

Then this is the event for you! See pg 14-15

MSA launches an ‘Eezi’ way to boost your business

The MSA has teamed up with PartnerSave to provide members with exclusive access to the EeziBuy procuremen t solution, especially designed to deliver real cash savings on key products and services to trade association members.

See pg 4

the Financial Services

Authority. Registered

in England No. 5988054.

Newslink January 2013

backing of a major

national chain It also does not compromise an MoT. is carried andDSA’s Peter Harvey single deal virtually chief manufacturers’ warranties the latest only £57 a year, this MSA national chairman we have had your annual memberdelighted executive to out by staff who have up-to-date justifies paying for commented: “I am agreement with training using the most ship on its own.” formed this partnership deliver keynote deal will be They are a trusted, technology. It is hoped that this Halfords Autocentres. lity service to include discounts brand, and with 265 This balance of franchise-qua address extended in the future to at MSA well-known national is attractive Halfords stores, too. country most members and competitive pricing as ADIs, and the off purchases from centres around the such Training Day is the largest car of one. business customers Halfords Autocentres It currently has are within easy reach pleasing is that this big enough to handle the UK. are in network particularly Autocentres is service Your chance to question “What market share of the real value for money multi-car fleets, too. around a one per cent partnership delivers Rosemary Autocentres aftercare market. a time when I know A spokesman for Halfords to enter Thew on the estimated £9bn car a to our members at future the delivering delighted is with of driver training commented: “We are Its unique selling point which many of them are struggling MSA, and with the testing. you would expect from into this agreement quality service that economic downturn. but without the benefit its members. and your major we hope will really »» a national organisation, services at the 2 »about “By having your MoT Concerned with continued on page being Halfords Autocentre, costs often associated annual service at a eaten up by the changes over £50 a year. When main franchised dealerships. members will save in driver training? membership is you consider that MSA • New check test • Code of Practice • National Driver and Rider Training Standard?

What was inside? December 2012

slink

February 2013

MOTOR SCHOOL ASSOCIATION S

logo final solo.indd

Issue 247

Government hints private sector futurat for the driving test e ‘We will not be const rained by

25/2/11 15:49:16

The ADI’s Voice

Government as the

A MAJOR CONSULTATI ON exercise into how motoring services such as driving and vehicle licensing tests are delivered has been launched by the Department for Transport – and it has reignited rumours which began last summer that the delivery of driving tests will be handed over to the private sector.

thinking of the only provider of L-tes ts’

In May Newslink reported that this was possible after the DSA’s Business Plan for 2012-13 made a number of references to the Government’s Open Public Services White Paper, calls for “public services to be open to a range of providers.” This is Whitehallspeak for “private contractors were dismissed by the are asked to come in DSA, and which said that there provide services on were no behalf of such plans. the state.” However, this latest We even provided a man to consultation exercise hold the smoking gun clearly in opens the way for the form of Francis Maude, the Government Cabinet Secretary and the Minister over passing to test the water responsible for public the delivery of sector L-tests into private efficiency and reform hands. It and contains a number long-standing advocate a of pointers of a to the future, all of smaller state and a which greater suggest privatisation involvement of private is real possibility – even, a very companies in public perhaps, services. more of a probability. At the time our suggestions In the consultation the

A New Years resol

The consultation document suggests Government planning for a future is of private sector-run driving tests

Government says: “We thinking of government deliver the vision set want to as the out only provider...” Open Public Services in the and Civil In addition, the briefi Service Reform White ng Papers document that accompanies for improving public services the consultation paper by opening up their delivery “We want to build on says: a diverse range of providers to our existing joint ventures and new and innovative and partnerships and engage delivery models... working wider range of partners with a more closely and collaborin the public, private and atively with a broader third range of sectors partners to deliver to drive improvements services. to the quality of motoring “We want to explore services.” options for delivering new services. We will not be constrained by Continued on page 8»»

ution worth keep

January 2013

• Government hints at private sector takeover of driving test • Concern over expired photocard licences • New Year’s review questions commitment to road safety • Coaching advice: Putting the client’s needs first • ADIs fight back against council’s barmy tip idea

February 2013

• Ashford ADIs celebrate victory over bay parking practice • EU’s launches new licence but it won’t help road safety • Young drivers run risks by skipping car servicing • It’s all in the brand name, says RED chief executive • Making the case for branded fuels as we look to cut costs

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Want to read more? See pg 18 onwards for abridged versions of articles which have run in recent issues of Newslink – covering everything from tuition tips to the latest ADI news

Membership brings advantages...

Why join?

Members get exclusive access to our professionally drawn-up terms of business.

At the MSA we are really proud of our membership offer, which gives members access to a range of services for £1 a week. We believe they represent superb value for money. So what do you get for your money? In this article we highlight one of the key benefits of membership – the MSA’s superb recommended terms of business, which are available free to members.

Many ADIs see no need to provide their clients with terms of business, usually on the basis that they have never needed them because nothing ever goes wrong. Others state that they have the details for cancelling lessons printed on their appointment cards and that is all they need. Others think it’s enough to sign up to the industry code of practice on the DSA website. However, the purpose of the code of practice is to set guidelines for how the

Membership helps protect an ADI from bus lane fine ADI will behave towards the pupil. The MSA’s Terms of Business work the other way. They set out the contract between the trainer and client-pupil, placing a number of conditions on to the client. Of course, for the vast majority of business transactions between trainers and pupils, nothing goes wrong but like most business deals, it is only when something goes wrong that you need a written note of what the agreement was. The MSA Terms and Conditions of Business try to make sure that all bases are covered and your business is protected. The following case studies highlight how the Terms of Business can help an ADI fight for his rights in the face of a pupil complaint.

The situation: A pupil obtains an old motor bike and decides to ride it on private land with some friends for a laugh. The machine is not roadworthy, the tyres are bald, the MOT expired years ago. The bike has no road fund licence and no insurance. The client decides that in order to get from their home to the land they want to ride on they will ride the short distance on the public road, with no L plates and no helmet. A police officer spots them and they are prosecuted for numerous offences and the court decides to impose a short period disqualification (SPD). Because they still have their provisional driving licence and their driving lessons are in a car not on a

Terms of business advice

13 Driving in a bus lane - what are your rights as an ADI?

Clause 9 also includes the information that Clients may be accompanied on their test by a supervising examiner, whose job is to ensure that official standards of testing are observed by examiners. This is a legal requirement and is in the public interest.

The situation: You arrive to take a client for their lesson and the client states that they now have their own car and they want to take their lesson in that. The predicament: You are happy to take them in their car as their driving is of a good standard. However, you are unsure if their insurance will cover them and you properly for this situation. The resolution: Refer the client to clause 10 of your terms and conditions of business which refers to “Lessons in Own Car” and states that: Lessons may be given in a client’s own car if the instructor is willing to do so, on condition that it is clearly understood: The car is fully insured for teaching for reward – and this must be confirmed, in writing, by the vehicle underwriters. The instructor is covered by such insurance to drive the car – to be confirmed as above. It also includes a clause that states: The instructor can in no way be held liable for any damage or accident. While the instructor will make every effort to prevent the client having an accident, or damaging the car, it will be realised that their control is very limited. If clients wish to have lessons in their own car then a second rear view mirror must be provided for the instructor. In view of the extra responsibility entailed, there will normally be no reduction in lesson charges.

Join now: bike, the pupil decides it is not necessary to tell their ADI about the SPD and turns up for a lesson the next day. However, while on the lesson the same police officer who stopped them on the bike sees them driving your car and stops the lesson. The predicament: What offences is the driver trainer committing? MSA Terms of Business contain a series of clauses about driving licences that protect the trainer. In particular clause 2b) states: Clients MUST inform their driving instructor if they receive any endorsements on their licence during the time they are receiving tuition. The resolution: Even if they have not told you about the SPD they have signed an agreement to expressly state that they will do so and this will help to protect you if you were charged with an offence of allowing or assisting the pupil to drive while banned.

The situation: A client fails their test and wishes to re-book as soon as possible and promises to take regular lessons up to their next test. They have a few lessons and you have their test date in your diary but they cancel, in good time, many of their lessons. Their test is in one day’s time and they finally turn up for a lesson and their performance is not just poor it is dangerous. You reluctantly tell them that they cannot use

We’ll fight your corner and help if your position on the register is threatened

your car for test as you do not think it would be in the best interests of public safety. The predicament: Pupil’s parents go berserk – they say you have a contract to take their offspring for the test in your car, that you should pay for the next test because they don’t have time to postpone and will lose the test fee. The resolution: Refer the client and their parents to clause 9 section a)i) which states: The school/instructor reserves the right to withhold the use of the training vehicle for the test or a lesson, if in the opinion of the instructor the client is: Not at driving test pass standard. Clauses 9 contains a number of situations where you reserve the right to withhold the use of the training vehicle including if you consider the client is: Medically unfit (including eyesight); under the influence of drugs or alcohol; is not properly licensed to drive; consistently fails to keep, or is late for, appointments; falls into arrears over payment.

The situation: An envelope drops through your letter box stating that your car was photographed by CCTV in a bus lane during its period of operation and you are required to pay a fine. You don’t recall this incident and on checking your diary you realise the car was on test at the time of the incident. The predicament: As the owner, registered keeper, leaser or person responsible for the vehicle you are required to pay the fine. Unlike an offence like speeding, the law requires you to pay, not to provide details of the driver. The resolution: Clause 12 of the MSA recommended Terms of Business clearly state: During an official driving test the client is in charge of the vehicle and is liable for any fines or charges levied as a result of any motoring offence committed. You are therefore able to claim the fee from the client. All clients should be provided with a copy of your Terms of Business and should sign to state that they agree, in partnership with you to be bound by the terms contained in them. The MSA’s recommended Terms of Business are available for free download by members on the MSA web site. Log in as a member and you can find the terms of business under the Training menu. • All useful advice and practical solutions for driver trainers – not bad for a £1 a week. The MSA strap line The support is real – The value excellent is not just a slogan, it is a reality.

Membership brings advantages...

The MSA Guides: a priceless gift packed full of information JOIN THE MSA TODAY – and we’ll send you three of our best-selling adi guides free of charge as a thank you! Each of these simple, eight-page guides is packed with hints, good advice and pointers to make you a better ADI. The information they contain is priceless. Written in a clear, easy-to-understand style, many who have bought them have described them as being invaluable.

The three guides cover some of the most important aspects of driver testing and training: The Check Test Guide; the PDI Guide; and The Driving Test Guide. A fourth guide – The ADI Part 2 Guide – is also available to purchase. These guides usually retail at £6 each, making the gift worth £18. We’ve outlined the guides’ content below – we’re sure they’ll make a really telling contribution to your new career as an ADI.

Driving Test Guide

Check Test Guide Once you qualify as an ADI it will not be too long before you will be asked to attend for a Check Test or, to give it its more formal title, The Test of Continued Ability and Fitness to be included in the Register of Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructors. By giving you full details of what is required, this guide seeks to demystify the whole business of the check test and help you to prepare properly and with a full insight into what is expected of you. It is written for ADIs by ADIs and includes all the information needed to

PDI Guide The MSA PDI Guide provides help for those who want to become ADIs. It is not intended to be a substitute for instructor training or for the information contained in the DSA folder Your Road to Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI 14), which we recommend all PDIs read. The guide gives details of all three sections of the ADI examinations and explains the qualification system. It gives help and advice on the test of theoretical knowledge and hazard perception skills and suggests strategies to help candidates to prepare for the test and advice on how to work through the examinations in a tried and tested way, including the first simple rule for tackling any examination.

ADI Part 2 Guide

complete a successful check test assessment. Advice is given on which pupil you should select for a test. Instructors often ask: “Which pupil is it best for me to take for a check test?” They also say: “I thought the best one for me to take would be my best pupil, then the Examiner will be able to see what a good job I have done”. But is this right? The MSA Check Test Guide gives details of the list of pre-set lesson plans that are used. It also advises what happens on the day of the check test; the questions your examiner will ask before the test and advises you on the sort of answers s/he is looking for. The guide explains about the core competencies of fault identification, fault analysis and remedial action. It takes you through the requirements of Instructional Techniques. As one reader of the guide put it: “Before I read this guide I was really worried about my check test; after I had read it I felt confident and that was obviously reflected in my performance because I was given a grade 6.”

The guide includes helpful tips for preparing for the ADI Part 2 examination, Including pointing out some of the common errors candidates make. Advice on the Part 3 test of instructional ability includes briefings and highlights the difference between instructional and directional briefings. One new member told MSA head office: “This guide answered all the questions I had been dying to ask my ADI trainer but was frightened he would think I was an idiot if I did. ”

The MSA Part 2 Guide is designed to assist those studying to take the ADI Part 2 examination by bringing much of the theoretical information together in one place. It is not a substitute for training or for a thorough study of all the literature available, in particular the DSA manual Driving - The Essential Skills and The Highway Code. It explains the three sections of the ADI Part 2 examination and gives advice on what to do

when you arrive at the test centre, including the documentation you need to take with you and it explains the way the safety check questions will be conducted. All the combinations of safety check questions are listed in this booklet. Advice is given on the Part 2 Test of driving ability. It is explained that this is an advanced driving test and a very high standard of driving competence is required. Candidates must show that they have a

Includes Independent Driving Supplement The MSA Driving Test Guide is designed to explain how the driving test works, what examiners are looking for on a driving test and what the markings on the DL25 examiners’ marking sheet actually mean. This guide starts by detailing the duties of a professional driving instructor who presents pupils for test. It goes on to explain the driving test assessment guidelines and gives full details of the differences between driving faults/serious faults and dangerous faults and explains fully the basis on which the severity of a fault is judged and the basis of the cause not effect marking system. Examples are given of the examiners’ ‘script’. While in this day and age examiners are no longer required to learn this stuff parrot fashion and churn it out in exactly the same way on every test, it is useful in as much that it gives instructors an indication of the sense of the points examiners have to get across at each stage of the test. The guide details how errors are categorised in order to assist ADIs to interpret the DL25, the Driving Test Report form. It explains the difference between promptness and control on the controlled stop, differences between moving off safely and moving off under control, and the difference between an error marked under progress as driving at an appropriate speed and one marked as avoiding undue hesitancy. The information given in this guide is widely available from various sources, but this publication brings it all together in one simple, concise booklet.

thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety and are able to apply them. Extensive advice is also included on driving economically, including energy saving tips, a list of the effects of driving in different ways on fuel economy, eight advantages of driving gently and a number of useful answers to frequently asked questions about driving economically and the effect of speed on pollutant emissions and noise.

Membership brings advantages... save money!

Beat the downturn: members save money on key services with MSA EeziBuy Being a member of the MSA really saves you money on key products and services. We’ve teamed up with PartnerSave to give our members access to the EeziBuy procurement solution, especially designed to deliver real cash savings on key products and services to trade association members.

Special deal at Halfords

What is this partnership all about? More than 20,000 UK companies went to the wall last year, many the victims of soaring costs and tight credit conditions. This was a seven per cent increase over the previous year – which was already a very dark year for corporate insolvencies – and doesn’t include all those failed companies that have simply ‘ceased to trade’. Overhead costs in particular have increased enormously in recent years, with this class of business expense escalating by nearly 25 per cent over the past five years. In some specific operating expenditure categories, such as energy and transport, the percentage inflation rate has been well above this average figure and this has hit small businesses particularly hard. While there is nothing the MSA can do to govern global price trends we do know that the best way for companies to control soaring overhead costs is to buy smarter. This is why we have brought the MSA EeziBuy service to our members. The MSA EeziBuy service is your shortcut to saving you time, money and aggravation, leaving you to get on with running your business, satisfying your customers and generating income.

Benefits

• Your business convenience store - MSA EeziBuy provides you with a one-stop-shop for a wide range of business expenses, saving you time and aggravation. • Easy to use - designed for simplicity, MSA EeziBuy allows you to get on with managing your business. • Free of charge - as an MSA member it doesn’t cost you a penny to use MSA EeziBuy, so give it a try. You’ve nothing to lose and much to gain. • Special Offers - check out our Special Offers page where you can pick up some great deals and discounts. How to use MSA EeziBuy Register at www.MSA.eezibuy.co.uk/register/php. Your MSA membership will then be verified and you will receive access to the portal within 48 hours. Once you have received confirmation of your registration, simply go to the log-in page at www.eezibuy.co.uk/ MSA/log_in.php then simply click the ‘Offers’ button and choose the category(s) of interest from the black navigation bar. What categories of goods and services are available? There are dozens of categories of goods and services available, including printing, software, hotels and telecoms. See the panel for a fuller list. MSA EeziBuy suppliers offer an excellent combination of price, service and quality for your company, covering a wide range of business services. There is no commitment or charge, just a real opportunity to get the best value-formoney packages for your business. Any questions, please email PartnerSave at enquiries@partnersave.co.uk or call 01524 782830.

MSA members can save up to 15% on servicing at Halfords Autocentres – and there’s a third off MoTs, too, and five per cent off repairs.

How to take advantage of this offer Go to www.halfords autocentres.com/msa for full details of the discounts available, to find your nearest Halfords Autocentres and see what other services that company offers.

Categories of goods and services available • Business Compliancy • Business Print • Business Software • Distribution • Energy • Environmental • Financial Services • General Services • Hotels • HR Services • Industrial Supplies

• Computers/IT • Legal Services • Mail • Marketing Services • Office Supplies • Packaging • Telecoms • Travel • Vehicles Plus many more!

To see what’s on offer couldn’t be simpler: just go to www.MSA.eezibuy.co.uk – and register with the MSA/EeziBuy portal

Join today

Join the MSA today Call

0800 0265986, apply online at www.msagb.com or fill in this form. Use discount code Spring when applying for membership. THE MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN LTD membership application form

Head Office: 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP Tel: 0800 0265986 Web: www.msagb.com Title: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Surname First name Business name

Declaration: I, the undersigned, agree to be bound by the constitution by-laws and code of conduct of The MSA of Great Britain Ltd. I understand that, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, my membership details will be kept on computer and may be made available to third parties. Signature Date

Address Town County Post code DSA ref no. /ADI no. Your nearest L-test centre Tel no. home Office/mobile E-mail address

PAYMENT DETAILS by cheque: Please make cheques payable to the MSA by CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD: (please tick the box below) Card Number Expiry date

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Terms & Conditions New members who join on the offer will be entitled to three FREE MSA Guides – the MSA PDI Guide, the Check Test Guide and the Driving Test Guide. There is no cash equivalent

No joining fee – saving £15 – and three free MSA guides

The MSA on Twitter – news, instantly What we’ve been Tweeting recently Foreign drivers must prove they have passed an appropriate driving test before getting a British licence under... http://fb.me/FutBN8BX DSA is introducing a real total mass requirement for test vehicles and proposes to consult on automatic... http://fb.me/z798yqgu A consultation on the use of foreign language voiceovers and interpreters on theory and practical driving tests... http://fb.me/1tUnfbjo4 DSA is introducing a real total mass requirement for test vehicles and proposes to consult on automatic... http://fb.me/z798yqgu

Membership brings advantages...

MSA CONFERENCE AND TRAINING DAY 2013

Who is this woman... and why is she vital to your career? As a PDI, getting to grips with your exciting and challenging new career as a driving instructor can take all your time and attention.

It’s understandable that so far, the names and identities of those people who shape the industry haven’t received your full attention. Just passing the Part 3 and establishing yourself as an ADI will do for the time being. But now you’re approaching the end of your training journey it’s time to raise your horizons, and start to understand the huge number of changes that are being considered for the industry, including how ADIs operate, how they are assessed and how the driving test is structured. In the next five years we could see: • The check test radically altered, with new grades, new sanctions against ADIs and new ways to test you. • A completely new way of testing driving skills, with a new emphasis on coaching drivers to take independent decisions. • Learners allowed on motorways. • Graduated licences. • The DSA privatised and replaced with a private sector company running the register and testing. • An end to driving test centres, with their place taken by ad hoc centres based in civic buildings and places as diverse as hotels, schools and shops. Could all these changes take place? If they do, how will you prepare? Could everything you’ve just learnt have to be thrown away, to be replaced by a whole new training and testing regime?

And that’s where the lady to our right comes in.

Her name is Rosemary Thew, and her role as Chief Executive of the DSA means she is, in many ways, your boss. Did you think you were independent, either working for yourself, or as a franchisee? You may very well be, but what Rosemary says is crucial to what happens to you as an ADI in the coming years. So how can you find out what she’s thinking? How can you ask her the questions that are keeping you awake at night? What do you think about the changes proposed?

There’s only one way to solve those riddles: come to the MSA National Conference and Training Day, on March 16 at the Hellidon Lakes Hotel, Northamptonshire, where Rosemary is our keynote speaker. Not only will she deliver the latest on proposed changes but will answer questions from the floor on the current state of the industry – and its future. And there’s so much more on offer. The day will also feature a choice of workshops with subjects as diverse as alcohol and drug awareness, alternative business opportunities for ADIs, and thinking outside the box about coaching. Speakers will include Newslink columnist Sue McCormack and Tony Stanley, owner of AJS Training and a man with over 44 years’ experience of driver training.

“The industry is considering a huge number of changes... this is your chance to get involved at their initial planning stage...”

There will also be plenty of time for delegates to air their views about driver training and its future, including the opportunity to try out the new teaching and learning trend “flipping the classroom”. There will also be exhibition stands, we hope to have vehicles available for test drives, and we’ve built in plenty of breaks between sessions during which you can chew the fat with your fellow ADIs,

network and learn more about the industry from your peers. Of course, because it is an MSA event you can be sure of a few surprises along the way, some serious learning and a few laughs in between the serious bits. It should be a great value, informationpacked day - but you don’t just have to make a day of it. We run the training day as the centre-piece of our national conference. Why not treat yourself to a weekend in a quality, four-star hotel at a bargain price of just £170 for two nights on a bed, breakfast and dinner basis - or just £250 for two people sharing? There’s a couple of social events to enjoy, with a Friday night ‘ice breaker’ based around the hotel’s bowling alley and golf simulator. The event includes a hot buffet. Of course, you don’t have to bowl or swing a club, you can simply use the opportunity to chill out and network with friends old and new. Saturday night is Party Night. Delegates

will enjoy a wonderful four-course meal before being entertained by one of Northamptonshire’s finest cover bands, Hunsbury Central, a five-piece live act which prides itself on accurately reproducing songs from the 1950s right up to 2000s. It’s a great event, one that will inform, inspire and innovate your teaching. Why not come along and join us for the day or the weekend? As a professional driver trainer it is your responsibility to keep up-to-date on all matters concerning the profession and to keep a record of your personal development. That’s why you should attend our 2013 Conference and Training Day. All attendees will be issued with a CPD completion certificate at the end of the day. So what are you waiting for? It costs just £40 to attend the Training Day as an MSA member – book your place now and get yourself involved in the driver testing and training industry!

MSA CONFERENCE AND TRAINING DAY 2013

New to the industry and want the latest information from the Driving Standards Agency? Want to increase your driver training knowledge? Need to learn more about marketing your business, about training aids and new teaching techniques? Do you want to build a network of your fellow ADIs? Then can we ask....

...are you free on

March 16?

msa Annual Conference and Training Day 2013 Hellidon Lakes Hotel, Northamptonshire

This is the ADI Event of the Year. Not a stuffy room being lectured to – we make our events as interactive as possible, with short presentations followed by Q&A, breakout groups to focus on particular issues and plenty of down-time for networking. In just one day you’ll have access to information and knowledge that’s priceless. This is a great opportunity to hear the latest from the people who run the driver testing and training industry. So come along and gear teaching tips, business ideas and the inside track on what changes are coming to the industry If you are serious about building a career as an ADI, you must attend the MSA National Conference and Training Day. IN D – ON AN 40 I AT GL M OC EN AND L F NG O 6 NI ART 1, M N M U E ST E H E TO TH LOS C

MSA Conference and Training Day: Full day for just

£40

for members – saving £10 on the non-members’ rate Why should you attend? Changes are heading for the ADI industry from all directions. Keeping up to date has never been more important... Did you know about the following news... • The ABI is calling for learners to start at 16 1/2 · DfT has said learners will be allowed on motorways · DSA are talking about conducting driving tests without marking any faults – they have already started this with DVLA driver appraisals · What do you know about social media, and how your customers view it? · The EU are talking about a 4th directive on driver licensing, training and testing. What’s that about? If you want to stay ahead of the game, book your place at our national conference. It will be the best £40 you’ve ever spent. Learn something new, refresh your knowledge base and network with your ADI peers. Use this QR code to book.

BOOK NOW: Free from a landline on 0800 0265986 or call 0161 429 9669 from your mobile. Or book online - scan the QR code (right) or go to www.msagb.com MSA CONFERENCE AND TRAINING DAY 2013

JOHN LEPINE MBE General Manager, MSA

Check test change is on the way The DSA has confirmed its intention to make radical changes to the ADI check test. Officials want to better align the check test with the National Driver and Rider Training Standard and provide a more realistic assessment and rounded evaluation of the ADI’s ability to teach. What they are planning is a new assessment form, with the method moving from a bi-polar fault assessment process to a competency-based approach. It has also been announced that it is intended that the option for the examiner to role play the part of a learner on the check test will be removed – to ensure a more realistic scenario with a real pupil. The hope is that the new assessment form will help to reinforce the importance of risk management during lessons by the instructor, and provide ADIs with clear feedback about their strengths and areas for development. It is also stated that the term ‘check test’ will be dropped, to be replaced by ‘standards check’. This will better reflect the level of instruction required, based on defined national standards. What does all this mean for ADIs? Well, for those who are properly informed about the changes, I think it is a step in the right direction.

Come on down to the MSA Conference

This special issue of Intuition contains full details of the MSA National Conference and Training Day. I do hope that as many PDIs as possible will make the effort to come along and take part in the event. The main conference day is on Saturday, 16 March and I can promise you an interesting, entertaining and informative day which must be about the keenest priced one-day event in the industry. Priced at £40 for MSA members, this event really does represent fantastic value for money. The support of sponsors and conference partners enables us to keep the cost to delegates at an absolute minimum and there are no business interests or sponsors looking to make a profit from the event. Even if we do create a surplus it all goes back into the association’s coffers to support the MSA’s work and its members. If you fancy treating yourself to a night or two in a four-star hotel then book some accommodation too, and join us for the social events. The chances for ADIs to meet each other and socialise are few and far between these days. Enjoying some down-time with like-minded colleagues is valuable and informative. I hope to see you at Hellidon Lakes

Membership brings advantages... Newslink Our membership magazine: Newslink Each month members receive a free copy of our industry-leading publication, Newslink. It is packed full of local and national ADI news, with special sections covering tuition, comment from industry figures and regional news through our branch network. The following pages contain a selection of abridged articles taken from recent issues of Newslink, to give you an idea of what members receive – and what you’ve been missing!

October 2012

MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

The ADI’s Voice

Former economist is given politics’ top job in road safety as Mike Penning departs p2

Three little words

Why professional indemnity insurance is so important to ADIs p14

Accessible for all

Report on DSA working party looking into the challenges some pupils face with the theory test p26

Issue 244

DSA admits defe on mandatory CPat D

25/2/11 15:49:16

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Drive to cut red tape and concerns over enforcement and implementation costs force agency to drop proposals

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THE DSA HAS formally announced that it is dropping plans to make professional development continuing mandatory for ADIs. The proposal, which by the ADI industry has been debated for some time, has been axed after the agency could not force instructors admitted it to take CPD without increasing Man on a mission: the regulatory burden New Tory Party chairman on ADIs or raising commitment to cut registration fees. red tape, on this occasion Grant Shapps demonstrates the In her column in this Government’s slashing regulations month’s surrounding house Newslink Rosemary Thew, the ADIs who fail to take sales DSA chief executive, CPD: “Any attempt stresses that it was a to remove an ADI from to introduce new regulations proposal on business had been keen to introduce the agency because they had failed the register only as a last resort; but it had to in such a culture, back down in the face mandatory CPD would to undertake clearly the DSA feels of unsurmountforcing ADIs to take able obstacles. – and it is on that basis be hard to justify CPD was not in keeping “One of the main challenges proposing to keep the that we are Whitehall philosophy. with the current scheme voluntary to introducing a mandatory at this time.” “ADIs’ standards are scheme is the additional burden it The MSA has been through the check test, monitored would create when a keen ” commented advocate the Government’s commitment of MSA CPD for many years general manager John and Lepine. is to reduce the burden on members need to improvebelieves all “However, Issue 241 I believe it would small businesses,” their skills and have been she said, adding that make sure they very straightforwar July 2012 keep up-to-date with mandatory CPD d to the would also lead to an latest tuition and training regular CPD a conditionmake the taking of increase in the ADI techniques. registration fee. On the issue of red Register. After all, passingof being on the tape, a check test is In addition, with ADIs’ Conservative-led Coalition the not the only condition standards of for ADIs to remain instruction monitored great play on its ambition has made on the Register: they through the check have to remain fit to slash test, Rosemary admitted regulations from the and proper persons moment it entered that it would be and it could be difficult to create sanctions office. argued that failing to against those stay Government departments driver trainer is as bad up-to-date as a as exceeding the are expected MOTOR SCHOOLS » » » to page 3 ASSOCIATION

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Regional news:

When a right answer is wrong, a look into the of driving testing – future and a police double-act explains the mysteries of car crashes p34 - 43

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MSA DSA beats its 2011 targets says it

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Agency report has met 24 out of its 26 performance targets for last year

Hi-tech driving licences planned driving Fully chipped all licences containing your personal details look set for EU-wide implementation

The ADI’s Voice

Penning moves to close 45- day gap in ADI suspension law

25/2/11 15:49:16

S who DRIVING INSTRUCTORto public pose a significant threat safety will face immediate legislation suspension under new on put forward in Parliament Safety June 20 by the Roads Minister Mike Penning. Under the current legislation, of 45 days to it takes a minimum from prevent an instructor driving continuing to give paid instruction. the However, from 13 July, the have registrar of ADIs will suspend power to immediately licence the registration or trainee presents a of an instructor who the safety of significant danger to the public. the move Mr Penning hailed ective safety MSA backs new initiative as providing more eff “Driving to give pupils a personal for learner drivers: role in pack instructors play a vital driver information roads p6 helping to ensure Britain’sin the remain among the safest world. of “The vast majority can extremely Which motorbike you instructors meet the rules of use on test, eyesight up high standards we require cases rare them, but in the very and epilepsy... are you presents a where an instructor to date? the public, p8-9 significant danger to prompt it is right that we take to protect and effective action users.” learners and other road to lane The registrar is likely ... and what has bus power in being exercise the suspension have rules got to do with cases where instructors p12 violent or a member? been convicted of a

Former Plan completed: was the MP Willie Rennie legislation architect of the registrar to that allowed the from suspend instructors if found the ADI register offences guilty of serious

New folders for Scotland’s learners

Rules change

Why join the MSA?

sentencing does potentially year. a November of the same the put pupils at risk from delivering of sexual offence or are However, one part known offender. low troubled be tuition of a dangerously legislation that has This delay will now formal piece since day one is standard, while the remedied by this latest processes many people for removing removal or revocation that the process of legislation. is caused are being completed. an ADI from the register While the delay has The idea to immediately both cumbersome and concern for some time, the been an give suspend an ADI has time-consuming. Allowing changing the law to time. The some of serious a for of powers discussed ADI convicted registrar immediate very court current legislation was offence but whom the suspension has proved the introduced via a Private MP has released back into difficult. or 2»» Members’ Bill by Scottish 2009, community pending police Continued on page before Willie Rennie in February psychiatric reports in the receiving Royal Assent

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Halfords opens its doors to L-test candidates As reported in Newslink in November, the Government is pressing ahead with plans to offer practical driving tests from branches of Halfords. The first tests took place at the Halfords store in Wellingborough on Tuesday, 5 February, with other branches expected to start offering tests in coming months. The move is part of an initiative to offer a more local service for driving test candidates. As well as using conventional test centres, DSA is working with public and private sector partners to provide driving tests in areas that don’t have a local test centre. Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said: “We are very pleased to be working with Halfords to provide a more local service for driving test candidates. “This is a great example of working with private sector partners to provide an important local service that is convenient as well as being cost effective.” Halfords Commercial Director, Paul McClenaghan,

said: “Halfords is already a local destination for motorists, who come to us for a diverse range of automotive products and services. “We’re always seeking new ways in which to enhance our offer, so working with the DSA is a natural fit for the business and extends the help we are able to provide to motorists.” The Government is currently consulting on proposals to improve the way all motoring services are delivered. The Motoring Services Strategy consultation outlines long term proposals to put customers firmly at the heart of the way motoring services are delivered, so that they best serve the consumer while getting the best possible deal for the taxpayer.

Councils’ green light for more 20mph zones New guidance to help local authorities across England set speed limits has been published by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond. The updated guidance will help councils implement more consistent speed limits on local roads and incorporates recent changes that create more flexibility for authorities to implement 20mph limits and zones. Stephen Hammond said: “We want to see safe roads which meet the needs of everyone, so it is vital that councils have clear and consistent guidance to help them set appropriate speed limits on their roads. “Local councils should set speed limits based on their local knowledge and on the views of the community. That is why we have launched an online toolkit alongside our new

guidance to help councils make the best decisions for their local areas.” The new guidance has been published following an extensive consultation which was held last year, the results of which are on the DfT website. The online toolkit will enable local councils to calculate the potential costs and benefits of implementing new speed limits. The launch of this toolkit fulfils a commitment in the Department for Transport’s ‘Strategic Framework for Road Safety’ published in 2010.

Want to know more? See www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/consultation-of-revisionof-dfts-speed-limit-circular

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First published January 2013

New online booking service for business users goes live THE DSA has taken the wraps off its new practical test online business service, which it hopes will help ADIs search for driving test availability, make multiple bookings and manage their availability for tests in a more efficient manner. To use the online business service if you’ve already got a DSA business ID, you need to: • be registered as an organisation with Government Gateway – if you’re not registered, go to the Government Gateway and click on ‘Register as an organisation’ • email customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov. uk to get your unique activation code (DAT code) – you’ll need to give your business ID (if you’ve lost or forgotten it, send your business name and personal reference number (PRN)) • when you’ve got your DAT code by email, go to the Government Gateway and

click on ‘Enter the Government Gateway’ and log in with your Government Gateway user ID and password • select ‘practical test online business service’ from the list of services • enter your DAT code, business ID and postcode. Once these steps have been completed you can then use the online business service on GOV.UK. You’ll be taken to the home page where you can use the wizard to set up your account. If you don’t have a business ID You’ll need to register as a business with DSA if you don’t have a business ID. You’ll be sent your unique activation code (DAT code). You should then follow the steps above. When you want to use the service in the future visit www.gov.uk/dsa-onlinebusiness-service – you can add this page

to your favourites or bookmarks. Then click on ‘Start now’. You’ll then need to use your Government Gateway user ID and password to log in. The service was launched to motorcycle and vocational trainers on 22 October, and feedback has been really positive. Comments include: “The new trainer online booking system is truly excellent. Well done, it’s saving me time and money”. “It’s a fast and efficient way of booking and managing tests online and it’s saved a lot of time and stress.” Benefits for you include the ability to: • view all test slots available without entering candidate details • set up favourite test centres and quickly check availability at them • get alerts for cancellations

• make and manage multiple named bookings easily • manage your availability • view and download a business statement showing all business and financial transactions • set up payment cards • access the service without entering a Captcha code All of this is available from 6am to midnight, giving you greater flexibility to manage your business.

What do you think of the new service?

Have you used the test booking service? Let the MSA know your thoughts on this new service. Contact the head office details on pg 2.

NDORS to bar expired photocard holders from retraining courses The saga of expired photocard driving licences has continued over the past month, with the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) informing all service providers that if there is a practical element to the course, as is the case on the National Driver Alertness Course (NDAC) or Driving for Change, all clients must have both parts of the licence and the photograph in-date. If the photograph is out of date then the client will be barred from attending the course. A spokesman for NDORS admitted the situation was far from satisfactory, and that barring a participant from a course was the last resort. “We look at these

courses as a way of changing participants’ potentially dangerous driving habits. We would not like to see a person excluded for want of an up-to-date licence. But there is so much confusion surrounding this issue at the moment that it was deemed the best outcome.” It was pointed out that participants are given advance notice of what they need to bring on the course. “The police forces tell them they need to bring an up-to-date photocard licence, where appropriate. It is up to the motorist to attend with the correct documentation.” But he stressed that this in no way suggested that NDORS thought the licence was invalid. “It has clearly not expired, the

motorist has a licence to drive.” It appears the DVLA has finally woken up to the problem and is looking into a solution. “I believe the DVLA is working on this at the moment, as there has been a great deal of confusion about expired photocard licences. I think it has been a bit of a shock to know how many there are out on the roads, and to hear the way some bodies have reacted.” However, the licences do not impact on insurance. “No, in no way is insurance invalid unless it clearly states in your premium terms and conditions that you must keep the licence up to date, and to my knowledge the standard terms do not.”

If a participant on an NDORS course is refused entry would it impact on their eligibility to join a future course? “No; they may have to pay a small administration fee to attend a subsequent course but it is our intention to make things as easy as possible for people to attend the course and get the retraining they need. “That’s what is most important: not the paperwork.”

... keep up-to-date with Newslink

23 MSA

First published January 2013

DSA’s chief executive to deliver keynote address at MSA Training Day

Government hints at private sector future for driving test

Your chance to question Rosemary Thew on the future of driver training and testing. Concerned about being eaten up by the changes in driver training? • New check test • Code of Practice • National Driver and Rider Training Standard?

Then this is the event for you! See pg 14-15

MSA launches an ‘Eezi’ way to boost your business

See pg 4

Newslink January 2013

MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

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Issue 247

Government hints private sector futurat for the driving test e ‘We

25/2/11 15:49:16

The ADI’s Voice

will not be const Government as the rained by thinking of the only provider of L-tes ts’

A New Years resol

The consultation document suggests Government planning for a future is of private sector-run driving tests

ution worth keep

A major consultation exercise into how driving tests are delivered has been launched by the Department for Transport – and it has reignited rumours that the delivery of driving tests will be handed over to the private sector. In May, Newslink reported that this was possible after the DSA’s Business Plan for 2012-13 made a number of references to the Government’s Open Public Services White Paper, calls for “public services to be open to a range of providers.” This is Whitehall-speak for “private contractors are asked to come in and provide services on behalf of the state.” At the time our suggestions were dismissed by the DSA, which said that there were no such plans. However, this latest consultation exercise clearly opens the way for the Government to test the water over passing the delivery of L-tests into private hands: They said: “We want to deliver the vision set out in the Open Public Services and Civil Service Reform White Papers for

improving public services by opening up their delivery to a diverse range of providers and new and innovative delivery models... working more closely and collabor-atively with a broader range of partners to deliver services. “We want to explore new options for delivering services. We will not be constrained by thinking of government as the only provider...” In addition, the briefing document that accompanies the consultation paper says: “We want to build on our existing joint ventures and partnerships and engage with a wider range of partners in the public, private and third sectors to drive improvements to the quality of motoring services.” Finally, and in the most obvious signpost of the Government’s intent on this issue, it said: “We aim to move away from a position of direct provision to commissioning high-quality individual services from a diverse range of providers. “Opening up motoring services provision to a wider range of organisations

will allow service providers more freedom to innovate, improve the choices available to service users and deliver better value for money.” Could a private sector business – with one eye on the bottom line and its share price – maintain the scrupulous fairness that the British L-test is renowned for? Would it be unfair of the MSA to suggest that failing candidates who would have to pay a fresh fee for a re-test would be a more profitable ‘customer’ than one who passes at the first attempt? Could the integrity of the test be protected. Certainly this very question of the integrity of the L-test was key to the discussions in the 1990s, when John Major considered privatisation of driver testing. However, his plans were scrapped when the then Secretary of State for Transport, John MacGregor, said: “I am not satisfied that fair and uniform standards of testing could be secured if the work was contracted out, without disproportionate enforcement arrangements.”

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Thurrock to provide vocational tests after Purfleet closes Purfleet test centre is to close, but the DSA has announced that it will provide vocational tests from Thurrock, on the Roadtrain’s site. The last day of testing at Purfleet will be Tuesday, 26 March 2013. From Thursday, 4 April DSA will start testing from ‘Thurrock LGV’ which is based at Roadtrain’s premises. The relocation is in response to VOSA’s decision to stop operations at Purfleet and use authorised testing facilities instead. This has meant that DSA needs to move off the shared Purfleet site.

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Membership brings advantages... Newslink

First published February 2013

Ashford ADIs secure major deal over bay parking practice by Derek Goodwin After two years of talks between Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and Ashford Driving Instructors Association (ADIA), the ADIs’ group has secured a major concession after the council agreed to grant instructors permits to conduct bay parking practice exercises on council premises. ADIA chair Sally Simmons and secretary Derek Goodwin were invited for talks with the Council deputy leader Gerry Clarkson CBE and Mark Carty, the head of project services. The problems of teaching learners bay parking were discussed and Cllr Clarkson suggested the council could provide parking bays for the exclusive use of ADIA instructors free of charge to enable quality instruction in a safe environment. Various options were discussed in regard to their location and how best to ensure the process went ahead smoothly. It has taken six months of site meetings and talks with ABC officials, but in January a lease was signed on behalf of ADIA to ensure a five-year renewable tenancy agreement with ABC. Councillor Clarkson said: “Ashford Borough Council engages with all local business representatives to promote enterprise and new jobs. So we are delighted to have worked closely with the

Practising permitted: ADIs can apply to the local council for permission to use the designated parking bays

Ashford Driving Instructors Association to introduce a dedicated parking bay provision. “The scheme has provided six dedicated parking bays for learner drivers to practice within a large public car park and close to the driving test centre, which is located in the council’s Civic Centre. This helps our learners to prepare for their driving test in a realistic setting which will clearly be of benefit to learners as well as our local driving instructors. “I hope other progressive councils will consider introducing dedicated L-driver practice bays.” This agreement is legally binding between ABC and ADIA and both parties are keen to ensure that everyone involved works to make this unique opportunity provided by ABC worthwhile. Each member of ADIA was given the option of applying for a permit and council civil enforcement officers will be responsible for ensuring only those with permits are able to use the bays. The bays are just for bay parking practise with a short briefing session if necessary, but not for long-term parking. As a separate issue, prior to the move to the Civic Centre, Ashford Test Centre was set to close while another was found when their existing offices within the Inland Revenue were no longer able to be used. This was a very unpopular move with local instructors, who were faced with using other

centres. After several weeks of discussion a temporary site was set up in The Holiday Inn. Ashford was chosen as one of three sites exploring the use of private/council-owned facilities and as a result Ashford Test Centre is now housed within the council building and uses dedicated bays for the bay parking exercise. This move was not without its difficulties but now after initial teething and usage problems, the improved facilities within the council building, and access to the car park, are providing a much better environment for pupils, instructors and examiners. It is hoped that the good working relationship between ABC and ADIA will continue to be of benefit both to pupils and instructors; there is also the added bonus of pupils becoming used to negotiating busy car parks and paying respect to pedestrians who are constantly coming and going through the car park and Civic Centre complex.

Want to know more?

For more information on how the Ashford ADIs secured this major concession from their local council, contact Derek Goodwin via a.d.i.a@ntlworld.com

Hammond get tough on licence swaps Foreign drivers must prove they have passed an appropriate driving test before receiving a British licence under tough new rules announced by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond (left). Previously some non-EU drivers were able to exchange their licence without proving that the necessary standards to drive in this country had been met. This change in law means requests to exchange driving licences from outside the EU will only be accepted if the licence holder can prove they passed a

driving test in a country where the testing standards are comparable with those in Britain. It comes at a time when the numbers of drivers exchanging licences stands at an all-time high. As reported in December’s Newslink, over one million foreign drivers have exchanged their driving licences for a UK one since 1997, and 83,000 since 2011. One particular area of concern has been Hong Kong, whose licences are accepted for immediate exchange for a UK one. However, it appears obtaining a Hong Kong licence is

very easy from countries with which the UK does not have an exchange agreement, such as India, amid allegations of bribery. Stephen Hammond said: “By closing this loophole we will not only make Britain’s roads even safer, but will help tackle fraud. Drivers who have not been through a rigorous driving test will not be as safe as those who have. This change will mean we can be sure foreign drivers exchanging their licence here have already passed a test of a similar standard to ours.”

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Membership brings advantages...

At the heart of membership of the MSA is our regional network - 10 regions and nations that offer a network of local support, advice and events. Our regional editors provide coverage of local events and news, focusing on the issues affecting ADIs in their area. On the next few pages we reproduce a selection of articles from Newslink’s regional pages

What’s most important: cash or safety? TERRY PEARCE

Editor, West Midlands

Councils are responsible for signing various items such as bus lanes, yellow box junctions or parking restrictions but if, after signing them correctly, motorists continue to use them illegally, should the council go that extra mile and put up more signs, or simply sit back and let enforcement cameras make a lot of money for them? There have been various issues reported locally and nationally in the media recently where fining motorists appears to be the norm instead of sorting out the root problem. There was a programme on BBC recently called Parking Mad which highlighted a lot of these problems. One bus lane was catching out many motorists every day. It was correctly marked but motorists were still ignoring the signs. If the council really wanted to stop vehicles going into the bus lanes shouldn’t they put up more signs even if they are non-standard? On the other hand I didn’t get caught out by a new bus lane in Coventry even though 1,500 motorists in a single week were, costing them

Are you concerned about the changes taking place in driver training?

£90,000 in fines. The signs were clear enough and the council even warned residents about the camera and the first week of fines followed a four-week ‘amnesty’ period after the bus lane opened during which drivers received warning letters, rather than fines. As a councillor said: “We sent thousands of warning letters to drivers who encroached on the bus lane. That shows our intention is not to use this as a cash cow. The camera has been put in a place where it is not unsightly. Signs are up warning drivers about it.” CCTV is still relatively new and perhaps motorists are being caught because for years they have blatantly taken chances and got away with it. One good example I see occasionally is when a motorist goes the wrong way down a one-way street. You know they are doing it deliberately by the way they check it’s clear and then take a short dash to the next street which stops them having to go the long way around to get to their destination! Yellow box junctions also appear to be a big earner. How many of us can say that we have never been caught out when a vehicle ahead unexpectedly stops? I had an interesting experience a number of years ago in London when I correctly stopped outside a yellow box. The vehicle behind wanted me to go forward so he sounded his horn and waved telling me to go. As it was a marked police car I thought it best to oblige and he followed me in blocking the junction even more. Putting up more signs goes against those who wish to de-clutter our streets. Over the Christmas period I visited a seaside resort and was interested

“Yellow box junctions also appear to be a big earner. How many of us can say that we have never been caught out when a vehicle ahead stops suddenly...”

to see a sign on the seafront stating it was a ‘Shared space’ with a picture of a car, bicycle and a pedestrian. Immediately behind it was a Puffin crossing. If it is a shared space why is a Puffin crossing needed? Looking on the internet the councillors there seem to be doing what my local council is doing, ‘making it up as they go along’. One comment I saw was that signs should be considered a “short-lived measure” which can be removed once people became “familiar” with the shared space zone. If a stranger visits how will they know it is a shared space? According to the article I read crossings will be provided in the form of coloured paving, marking points at which pedestrians would be expected to cross, but drivers will not be obliged to stop for the crossings. However, under British law, motorists can be prosecuted if they hit pedestrians who are judged to have behaved responsibly when stepping into the road. I enjoy visiting different areas around country but the only way I know what is happening in this region is if you tell me. Please let me know anything you consider would be of interest, in particular any shared space ideas your local council may have.

Keep in touch e: t: a:

terrysom@ aol.com 02476 335270 20 Brownshill, Green Road, Coventry CV6 2DT

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Pressure mounts to bring in graduated licences Picture courtesy of Autonational Rescue

MIKE YEOMANS Deputy Editor, North East

An article from the BBC in October 2012 called for a restricted “graduated” licence for those driving within six months of passing the test. People should spend at least a year learning to drive, said insurers, who were calling for an overhaul of the system. The Association of British Insurers says drivers aged 17-24 are responsible for a disproportionately high number of crashes, deaths and claims. The ABI also wants new drivers to face restrictions on driving at night and a lower alcohol limit. But it says they should be allowed to start learning six months earlier - currently they must be at least 17. It said the need for more rigorous driver training had been side-stepped “for too long”. “Radical action is needed to reduce the tragic waste of young lives on our roads, especially among the 17 to 24 age group,” said ABI director general Otto Thoresen. The ABI’s Malcolm Tarling: “There are two key issues, we improve road safety and lower costs” “A car is potentially a lethal weapon, and we

must do more to help young drivers better deal with the dangers of driving. Improving the safety of young drivers will also mean that they will face lower motor insurance costs. “Northern Ireland is introducing reforms, and politicians in Westminster should follow their lead in introducing meaningful reform to help today’s young drivers become tomorrow’s safer motorists.” Among the reforms insurers want to see are: • A ban on learners being able to take an intensive driving course as their only method of passing • The introduction of a new “graduated” licence for the first six months after passing a test • During this time the number of young passengers that a newly-qualified driver could carry would be restricted • They would also be banned from driving between 11pm and 4am for the first six months, unless they were driving to and from work or college. • Finally, their blood/alcohol limit would be 0 during those first six months The ABI said all the evidence showed that newly passed young drivers were the riskiest on the road and that special care was needed to avoid them having accidents. It said an 18-year-old was more than three times as likely as a 48-year-old to be involved in a crash, and that a third of drivers killed in car accidents were under 25. That was despite the fact that the under 25s form only one in eight of all car drivers. More than a quarter of all personal injury motor claims for more than £500,000 are due to crashes involving 17 to 24-year-olds, it said. “Young drivers are far more likely to be involved

in crashes involving three to five high value bodily injury claims, reflecting the increased risk they face of having a serious crash while carrying passengers,” the ABI said. Road safety minister said the Government would consider the ideas. “We are already working with young people, the insurance industry and other key stakeholders to identify what else can be done to ensure that newly-qualified drivers are properly prepared and drive safely,” he said. The president of the AA, Edmund King, said there might be some practical difficulties with the proposals. “We should be looking to get people safer before they get on the road, rather than restricting them afterwards, because a lot of these proposals are very difficult to police,” he told the BBC. We have now moved into the New Year 2013 and there are changes to the look of driving licences, age restrictions are changing for vocational licences and once again we are led to believe the driving test itself is being re evaluated. In addition, we are certain the ADI qualifying process is changing and we are all becoming client-centred in our approach. So does this mean we could be looking at the return of a logbook system requiring 12 months or four seasons of driving to be logged before we can allow a person to become a qualified driver? Insurances are keen to use the ‘Black Box’ system for driver activity; I wonder if this technology could be used while learning? It would negate the 12 months minimum but would register driving conditions as proof of where you have been and for how long. Isn’t future technology good!

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Sue McCormack believes the best way to put the client’s needs first and improve the standard of your instruction is through coaching. In this article she explains how to take the first steps in changing the way you teach This is one of a series of articles in each issue of Newslink which gives members advice on how to improve their teaching technique – another great, free-of-charge service for members from the MSA

You must have noticed the current buzz in the industry around the words ‘coaching’ and ‘client-centred learning’. Some of you have probably spent quite some time looking into client-centred learning, and some may be unsure and unconvinced about what it is supposed to achieve. Some of you may even be questioning why you worked so hard to become an ADI if your badge alone no longer seems to be good enough. In this article – the first in a series on coaching – I would like to set out my reasons for believing that all driver-training should be ‘client-centred’.

People learn best if we adapt the way we teach to suit the way they learn Consider how you got on at school and which lesson or activity you enjoyed the most – was it maths, English, sport, science, cookery, woodwork, history, art, music or French? In your class you will not all have got the same amount of information from all of your lessons. Each of you will have taken something different from each of the lessons because each of us processes information through different channels. The majority of people are able to process information through several channels – visual (seeing), auditory (hearing) and kinaesthetic (feeling). However, a significant minority process information strongly through just one and possibly two channels, to the exclusion of the other channels of communication. In schools it is expected that most information will be learned through reading and writing and yet this does not meet with the learning needs of a large proportion of the population. The result is that lots of people go through school without feeling they learned very much at all and, possibly, blame themselves for this because they didn’t concentrate or pay enough attention. In actual fact, it wasn’t their fault but rather the fault of the teacher, the school or the system, which was incapable of taking into account different learning needs and styles. Similarly, in driver training, it is important to vary the means of communication to ensure that each customer is learning to the best of their ability. This means that the traditional form of ‘Explain, Demonstrate, Practice’ is not always the most effective way to learn.

Putting the client’s needs first Identifying how someone learns best (by asking them) and then choosing together what to do will ensure that learning takes place at a deep and long-lasting level because it has been specifically adapted to suit the individual learning needs of the client. Together, you could choose to let them have a go; get out of the car and look at the road layout; talk them through a situation; swap seats and encourage them to talk you through a situation; draw a mind map; draw Learn from your a diagram; use a pre-printed peers – build an diagram; or give ADI network of advice a demonstration; or experiment through your MSA with any other idea the customer might membership suggest.

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People learn best through experimentation and self-discovery Assuming that everyone needs a briefing before having a go at something new for the first time potentially slows down their learning from the outset. No one taught us how to walk or talk – we just acquired those skills through trial and error. As we grow we take on a whole load of different beliefs about ourselves that affect our ability to learn in the same accelerated fashion that we were used to as babies and toddlers. People tell us constantly what we can or cannot do and even if they avoid using words like ‘stupid’ or ‘thick’ we end up forming beliefs about ourselves that might have little or no basis in reality. Some clients will switch off the moment they see their instructor use their presenter because they cannot process information effectively in this way. They might not want to say anything about this because they assume there is something

... advice on becoming a better ADI – FREE

wrong with them – rather than recognising that their instructor has not bothered to find out how they learn best. Learning through experimentation and self-discovery means having a go at something and then working out what was good about it; what needs to be done to improve it next time; and deciding how this improvement is going to be measured. For this to happen safely the instructor needs to ensure that the route and the area used is suitable. The instructor also needs to accept that some of their customers may appear reluctant to learn in this way because they have been conditioned for so long to rely on being told how to do something. In this respect, learning is a two-fold process: learning all the information and knowledge; and learning how to learn. It is this process of learning how to learn that leaves the learner with a greater understanding of who they are and how the choices and decisions they make are influenced by their personality, values and opinions.

Learning is longer-lasting if it comes from within Traditional driver training looks at learning to drive in building blocks, where we start at the bottom with the controls lesson and steadily put each block in place, ensuring through repeated explanation and practice that it is firmly in place until the day of the driving test. Driving instructors might believe that their

About the author:

Susan McCormack has been in the driver training industry for over 25 years as an ADI, instructor trainer and producer of training materials, and has an MSc in Driver Behaviour and Education from Cranfield University. She is a director of Tri-Coaching Partnership Limited, which delivers driver training and coaching courses to all driver trainers. In particular, the company offers a BTEC Level 4 and Level 3 in Coaching for Driver Development, as well as a two-day course called ‘aCCeLerate’. See www.tri-coachingpartnership.co.uk for details. Susan can be contacted on 07817 646970. customers are learning safe driving for life because that is what they are teaching (or preaching) but, unless the learning has come from within, it will be lost as soon as the driving test is passed. Client-centred learning means that the driving instructor adapts to meet the client’s needs. This type of learning is not about building blocks and repetitive practice. It is led by the client, who knows best what they need in order to be able to learn safe driving for life. The instructor uses their skills to draw out from the client what are their strengths and development needs and how will their personality, views, values and opinions impact on the way they handle the vehicle every moment of every journey they make for the rest of their lives. Client-centred learning is necessary because it

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is all about recognising individual differences and adapting to suit those differences. There cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach, which is what traditional driver training has encouraged, because it doesn’t work.

31 “Learning is a two-fold process: learning all the information and knowledge; and learning how to learn. It is this process of learning how to learn that leaves the learner with a greater understanding”

One-in-five newly qualified drivers is involved in a serious crash within the first six months of driving. That may mean that 20 per cent of drivers did not receive training that was adapted to suit their individual learning style; that encouraged them to experiment and discover for themselves; and that was based on the understanding that learning is longer-lasting if it comes from within. In the next few articles I will be looking at essential coaching techniques we can use to ensure we are being client-centred with our customers.

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New report suggests traditional training is on the skids JOHN LOMAS

Editor, North West

I have recently been following a discussion on the internet on the subject of skid pan training. The person who started it had found that: Over at least the past 38 years the body of research has grown which indicates that teaching either skidrecovery or evasive-swerve manoeuvres is likely to lead to an increase rather than a decrease in post-training crashes and deaths – clearly an outrageously unacceptable situation. Research excerpts quoted include: • Advanced training aimed at increasing the vehicle control and handling skills of experienced drivers has not been shown to be effective in crash or violation reduction terms (Christie, 2001, p.23). • [Following] a debate in Sweden, ... the National Society for Road Safety (NTF) took the initiative for a research programme which was carried out by VTI. This research programme resulted in proposals that a course syllabus should be formulated with the emphasis on risk awareness, anticipation in driving and recognition of the driver’s own limitations, instead of teaching the pupil how to handle the vehicle in critical situations, as in the previous course syllabus (Gregersen et al 1994). • In a road safety context, skid-control and emergency braking are seldom required by drivers in everyday driving... under these circumstances, a driver trained in these skills is highly unlikely to retain them... drivers quickly forget those behaviours which they do not have to use regularly. Malaterre (1989), who tested the competency of experienced drivers immediately after advanced training, concluded there was little point in

training these drivers in such skills as they did not retain them (Christie, 2001, p.29). • A word of warning: taking a course in more advanced driving skills such as emergency braking, skid control, [or] collision avoidance maneuvers may create a new risk for you. If the extra skills make you overconfident, that cancels out the advantages of having the skills in the first place. • Traditional driver-training programs that aim to improve vehicle-handling skills, including manoeuvring exercises and skid training, have tended to be relatively ineffective in reducing crashes. In fact, the introduction of skid training into driver training programs has been found to increase certain crash types for young drivers. This has been attributed to associated increases in confidence that resulted in greater risk-taking... (Senserrick & Swinburne, 2001) If you wish to see more on this – and there is a lot more research to see (three separate entries in the one thread on Linkedin, running to three times more than I have quoted here), go to LinkedIn via the following tiny url: http://tinyurl.com/abtb33g You will need to be a member of LinkedIn to access the information. Now if we take such results too literally then we would probably not carry out any post-basic training; after all, it could be described as giving pupils an exaggerated

impression of their own abilities and that may well be the cause of their higher-than-average crash statistics. But should we not also be wary of the dangers of ‘throwing the baby out with the dishwater’? I remember that, when we used to have the skidpan facility in Blackburn, we made a point of not only demonstrating skid recovery but also skid avoidance, which was done in a safe environment by recognising the signs that signal skid likelihood and the driving faults which actually cause the skid. If someone is NEVER shown these things then they are surely just as likely to get into trouble as someone who is overconfident because of such knowledge. I would be supportive of the ‘Insight training’ which focuses on attitudinal-motivational skills but not to the exclusion of advanced types of practical skill training. The particular group is designated as a worldwide group of driver trainers but what is not made clear in the thread I have been following is where all the research emanated from. Indeed, the originator was from the USA and responses have come from USA, Australia, Ireland and the UK. I suppose the question has to be asked: Have those of us who have given any form of advanced/enhanced driver skills training actually unwittingly contributed to the crash statistics?

Good teaching takes social factors into account DAVID JAMES Editor, South Wales

Recently RoSPA produced a report called “Social Factors in Road Safety”. It shows how exposure to danger can vary significantly between socioeconomic groups and also how economic factors (we all know these) can have impact on road safety.

It is available for viewing on the RoSPA website. Although it isn’t always easy for individuals to influence the effects of these factors, there may one day be an opportunity and I think it is good for us all to be aware of studies being published and how it may in future change our profession. I saw some comments recently from an ADI who no longer trains learners, pointing out that his experience was that attitudes in the learners’ group were worsening, and also the fierce competition from other driver trainers was reducing the net value of one hour’s work by him to an unacceptably low level. He had therefore moved to another area of work in driver training.

It is a shame when well-qualified people leave this area of work, but what is the alternative? I personally find it difficult to compete with the very low prices being offered widely in our area and I try to continue to offer a good service at a reasonable price in the hope that it will improve eventually. It must be more difficult for those who are newer to the profession and they will gain from getting in touch with others through an organisation such as the MSA. Of course, many of you who are reading this are members but do you get involved as much as you could? You may be surprised how much it is possible to learn from going to a meeting to listen to informative talks on relevant subjects from those working in our field.

Finally, I find it strange that a Government Department takes the trouble to draw up a document and draft it quickly to get past the draft stages without apparently proof reading it. I recently saw a reference to meeting the rules set out by “HM Revenue and Customers”. (The DSA’s proposed new Code of Practice; December, Newslink, page 17). Your feedback is appreciated, please keep it coming.

Contact David James can be contacted via e: d.james869@btinternet.com or via 07733 070888

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ROD CAME Editor, South East

I would like to offer you some good news on the finance front, but this year promises to be no less difficult than the last trading year. There is no sign of fuel prices reducing any more than there is for that other staple for our trade, car prices coming down. Nevertheless, there are always steps that can be taken to reduce costs if you have not done so already. There is not really any way of substantially reducing the cost of fuel, although supermarket deals that give you 5p or 10p off a litre when you do the weekly shop can help, as could being fairly strict on eco-driving by your pupils, though not by much but as they say, ‘every little helps’. Also, don’t forget that several credit cards will provide a discount on fuel purchased, usually up to a maximum of £100 pa. Diesel over petrol? A few years ago there was a definite cost advantage when using diesel in that consumption was considerably less, and that is still the case. However, since then environmental restrictions on diesel engines have required the addition of particulate filters and other technical items to reduce pollution. The result is that some diesel cars are not really suitable for driving tuition. Some particulate filters require the use of high engines revs for 20 minutes or more to burn off the carbon deposits, some require the addition of a combustible liquid to aid this process, both of these operations mean an additional cost. Small petrol engines are really quite frugal these days and are more suited to hours of low speed running. They are usually the better bet. In the October 2012 issue of Newslink there was an interesting article extolling the virtues of running a tuition vehicle on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), which was followed-up by a more in-depth article by Rob Beswick in the January issue. I have no experience of using this fuel but the financial argument used in both articles was pretty convincing, provided you do the necessary mileage. You could make a substantial saving after the initial installation costs. Another practical way of substantially reducing fuel costs is to reduce unnecessary mileage. I do not mean sitting on the side of the

Think carefully about your costs road with a pupil as an alternative to the practical driving experience – maybe that is where the expression ‘talk is cheap’ comes from. It is more a case of organising your diary so that you don’t have a pupil at A the next at B, and then have to drive back to A for the next one and so on. I appreciate that organising pupils is a bit like herding cats but where it can be done it would assist in keeping costs down. Then we come to the thorny subject of which car to use, how to source it and the most financially efficient way of acquiring it. You want a comfortable, reliable, economical car. Your pupil wants a car which is easy to drive with good visibility and comfort. These two desires are not necessarily incompatible. Comfort for you is a personal choice and depends on your stature. When considering comfort for your pupils you cannot keep all of them happy all the time because they are going to vary between 4ft 6 and 6ft 6 and 8 to 18 stone, but what suits you will probably suit most of them. Reliability - most mainstream cars are reasonably reliable these days and in the first years of their life have a manufacturers’ guarantee which covers the cost of any warranty repairs, but does not cover lessons lost due to time off the

road. Sometimes a dealer will be able to provide a replacement dual controlled courtesy car, but they are unlikely to have more than one and if it is already hired out, then what? How to acquire a vehicle in the first place is a key question. There is no doubt that paying outright for a car is by far the cheapest way of doing it, especially with a negotiated discount. Any other way, be it leasing or hire purchase, may be more convenient for your circumstances but you will pay for that convenience. It is always nice to have a brand new car, but again you will pay for that comfortable feeling as soon as you drive out of the showroom. It pays dividends to purchase a low mileage used car which is still within the manufacturer’s warranty period (make sure the service history is up to date), you will save £000s and your pupils will hardly notice, especially if you have a personal registration plate. In fact, in my experience a lot of new drivers would prefer not to learn in a shiny new car in case they damage it. If you have read right through to here and either have, or have considered, taking some of these steps, at least it confirms that we are both thinking along the right lines.

Membership brings advantages... Advice

The $64m question for ADIs: What’s the best way to acquire a vehicle, being an owner-driver or contract hire? One of the biggest decisions any ADI will make is how they finance their tuition car, says Hitachi Capital Driving Instructor Centre Before starting out in business, any prospective driving instructor needs to have a careful think about the best funding method for their school vehicle. Traditionally, driving instructors will choose the owner-driver route, rather than contract hire. This either requires a significant outlay of cash up front to fund the acquisition, or the arrangement of a hire purchase deal before the vehicle is owned outright. However, before making any commitment with a deposit to the ownership route, it’s worth asking whether this is the most financially sound option on the market. Funding alternatives such as contract hire could offer driving instructors more flexibility, the ability to manage costs, and the promise of a significant reduction in business downtime when the car is off the road for repair. Ownership is commonly perceived as offering the best value relationship for a driving instructor and their car, but in reality this may be far from accurate. New instructors might take some comfort in the thought that when the time comes to sell their vehicle, they’ll get something back from their purchase – the car is seen as an asset that they own. However, from the moment it is acquired this asset starts to depreciate, and if the car is to be replaced on a typical three-year cycle, the likelihood is that more finance will be owed on the vehicle than is actually returned by the sale. Driving instructors will often negotiate a hire purchase agreement over a five-year term, which helps to spread the cost, but

also requires a significant upfront deposit in order to secure the deal over a longer period, potentially in the region of 20-25 per cent of the vehicle purchase price. It can be quite a challenge for a new business to fund cash sums of at least a couple of thousand pounds before it has even made its first sale. But there is an alternative The decision to become a driving instructor is often driven by a desire to completely change careers or to become your own boss. However, some people

are perhaps difficult to predict from the outset, with contract lengths of as little as seven months available for instructors in training. This represents far less of a risk to a new business than having to make a financial commitment of five years or more as required by an owner-driver. Ownership also brings with it a responsibility for maintenance and repair, which for a driving school vehicle not only represents a significant ongoing cost but also considerable potential for downtime to the business when the vehicle is off the road. Driving school

“From the moment it is acquired this ‘asset’ starts to depreciate ... if the car is replaced on a three-year cycle, the likelihood is more finance will be owed than is returned by the sale...” may try the life of an ADI for a few months and perhaps find it is just not for them. Others may commit to the training and qualification process and then fall foul of the ‘three strikes and you’re out’ rule. Contract hire offers the flexibility to adapt to a range of different outcomes that

vehicles take a hammering in terms of accumulated mileage and suffer more than average from vehicle wear and tear. Typical yearly mileage could equate to around 30k miles which, calculated over five years, would total at least 150k. This high mileage contributes to an

About this issue of Intuition... Production editor: Rob Beswick t: 0161 426 7957 e: rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk beswick@cssystems.net

Intuition is published on behalf of the MSA and distributed to eligible PDIs throughout Great Britain by Chamber Media Services, 4 West Park Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3JX

Motor Schools Association of Great Britain Ltd (MSA), 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP

Advertising contacts: Joanne Cantwell t: 0161 432 9717 e: joanne.cantwell@hotmail.com

The paper for this magazine has been sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. See www.pefc.org

Colin Regan t: 01925 468403 e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material contained within this publication, neither the MSA nor the publishers can accept any responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either advertising or editorial content.

Editor: John Lepine MBE t: 0161 429 9669 e: john.lepine@msagb.co.uk mail@msagb.co.uk f: 0161 429 9779

Views expressed in Intuition are not necessarily those of the MSA or the publishers.

accelerated parts replacement cycle on tuition vehicles, which means that at least once a year owner-drivers can expect to have to replace parts such as brake pads and discs, tyres, and recharge air conditioning, in addition to paying for the annual service. Factor in the ‘student effect’, which tends to increase the frequency of replacing parts (bumped wheels and tyres, riding the clutch, etc), and the cost of maintaining a driving school vehicle soon starts to significantly mount up. If you choose the owner-driver route, it’s certainly worth researching comprehensively the actual cost of replacement parts and ensuring you include the cost of labour into your calculations. Many people grossly underestimate the cost of replacing such items as a clutch or accelerator, so when they realise it is actually going to cost at least a couple of hundred pounds, rather than the £20-30 they were expecting, it can come as quite a shock. But driving schools running contract hire vehicles get the benefit of a new car at the start of each hire term, which rarely runs to any more than 18 months. This means that getting the vehicle through an MOT is not an issue, service costs are basic and many repairs will be covered under warranty. Most importantly, it provides the ADI with peace of mind from the ability to forward plan and anticipate expenditure. In addition to the cost of repair, owner-drivers need to think about what to do when their car is off the road. A specialist contract hire provider will be able to offer a replacement vehicle with dual controls, which will allow the instructor to carry on teaching, uninterrupted. Most garages will just offer a standard courtesy car, which will mean lessons are cancelled at your expense until the vehicle is repaired. Essentially, when taking such an important step to qualify and establish a new business as an ADI, it’s crucial to do your homework to see what funding plans are out there to best suit your approach. If your business is cash-rich from the outset or your lesson frequency level is likely to be low, being an owner-driver might be the most appropriate choice. But in these uncertain economic times, when the cost of running a business is high and cash flow needs to be tightly controlled, contract hire is definitely worth careful consideration.

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