MSA Newslink January 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
Issue 259
The ADI’s Voice
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Government sacrifices road safety for politics
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‘Goodwill’s statement effectively killed off any hope of reforming the laws on young drivers for the foreseeable future... this flies in the face of both common sense and the enormous support for reform from within the driver training and testing industry...’
A
dis received an unwanted early Christmas present on December 18 when Robert Goodwill MP, the Road Safety Minister, effectively scrapped plans to issue a substantive Green Paper on reforming the regulations covering new drivers. In reply to a question in the House of Commons from Richard Burden, the Shadow Transport Minister, on when he expected to publish the much-anticipated Green Paper, Mr Goodwill said: “The safety of young people on our roads is very important to us. Too many young people die, too often. But we are wrestling with how to make things safer, while not unduly restricting the freedom of our young people. We want young people to be able to get to work and training, to education and to leisure activities, and we want them to do so safely. We are finding this a difficult balance, with passionate voices on both sides. We will issue a paper when we have considered this further.” That response is an admission of total failure on the part of the Department for Transport in making a strong case to even discuss reform, let alone implement it. It creates a timeframe so vague that it leaves little chance for a substantive Green Paper to be published in 2014, meaning that primary legislation is highly unlikely – if not impossible – before the General Election in 2015. Goodwill’s statement has effectively killed off any hope of reforming the laws on young drivers in the foreseeable future. This decision flies in the face of both common sense and the enormous groundswell of support for reform from within the driver training and testing industry and
further afield. The MSA spent much of 2013 optimistic that the Government would be looking at a programme of wide-ranging reforms. All the signs were positive. Ministers were open about their plans: from late 2012, each month seemed to feature a new speech talking up the introduction of ideas such as motorway training, post-test restrictions, graduated licences and further testing and qualifications, all of which would generate real road safety benefits for new drivers. These weren’t secret briefings, either: ministers were openly leading the debate, and their comments were seized on enthusiastically by the ADI industry and others such as the insurers and road safety groups. It was not a case of whether to reform the current system of testing and licensing or not – just which changes would reap the most benefits. Given that level of support, the decision to scrap the entire project for the foreseeable future has left the MSA and others dismayed, angry and disillusioned. MSA chairman Peter Harvey MBE said: “This is an extremely sad development. The road safety community have been discussing these matters for a number of years. We really thought this Government was going to produce a Green (consultation) Paper on this subject in 2013. “This is disappointing, demotivating and disgraceful from the point of view of driver trainers. All ADIs are committed to trying to improve the standards of new drivers, particularly young new drivers, and we all hoped that this would be a starting point for us to be able to contribute more.” Continued on page 6
“It looks like a clear case of putting politics before the safety of young people, giving the general election priority over saving lives...”
Time called on reform: The industry has reacted with surprise, anger and dismay at the decision to postpone indefinitely the Green Paper on young drivers
A New Years resolution worth keeping!
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Contents Editor: John Lepine MBE t: 0161 429 9669 e: john.lepine@msagb.co.uk mail@msagb.co.uk f: 0161 429 9779 Motor Schools Association of Great Britain Ltd (MSA), 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP Production editor: Rob Beswick t: 0161 426 7957 e: rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk beswick@cssystems.net Advertising contacts: Joanne Cantwell t: 0161 432 9717 e: joanne.cantwell@hotmail.com Colin Regan t: 01925 468403 e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk Newslink is published monthly on behalf of the MSA and distributed to MSA members throughout Great Britain by Chamber Media Services, 4 West Park Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3JX Views expressed in Newslink are not necessarily those of the MSA. 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. ©2014 The Motor Schools Association of Great Britain Ltd. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden without express permission of the editor. The paper for this magazine has been sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. See www.pefc.org
This issue: ADI groups respond to DVSA on grades
The new Standards Check will be with us from April – but what grading system will be used? The ADI Consultative Groups write to the DVSA.
News, page 4
Twitter to help beat winter blues
DVSA introduces ‘an early bird’ warning system for bad weather cancellations in Scotland and the north of England
News, page 8
Letters: who’s a dinosaur?
Getting started: Our first issue from 2013, in which we discussed the Government’s suggestion that a private sector group could take over the deliverer of L-tests
MSA MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
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DSA’s chief executive to deliver keynote address at MSA Training Day Your chance to question Rosemary Thew on the future of driver training and testing.
Newslink Review of the Year, 2013
The highlights, the low points, the hopes and fears
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 The MSA has teamed up with PartnerSave to provide members with exclusive access to the EeziBuy procurement solution, especially designed to deliver real cash savings on key products and services to trade association members.
See pg 4
Newslink January 2013
Issue 247
The ADI’s Voice
Government hints at private sector future for the driving test ‘We will not be constrained by thinking of the Government as the only provider of L-tests’ A MAJOR CONSULTATION exercise into how motoring services such as driving tests and vehicle licensing 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. 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 are asked to come in and provide services on behalf of the state.” We even provided a man to hold the smoking gun in the form of Francis Maude, the Cabinet Secretary and Minister responsible for public sector efficiency and reform and a long-standing advocate of a smaller state and a greater involvement of private companies in public services. At the time our suggestions
The consultation document suggests Government is planning for a future of private sector-run driving tests
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. It contains a number of pointers to the future, all of which suggest privatisation is a very real possibility – even, perhaps, more of a probability. In the consultation the
Government says: “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 collaboratively 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.” Continued on page 8 » »
A New Years resolution worth keeping!
As part of our look back at the major events of 2013, starting on page 26, we asked some MSA members for their recollections and reflections of the past year, and their hopes for 2014. You’ll find them throughout this issue. Isn’t it time to try an insurer with over 35 years experience who provides an affordable, quality driving tuition insurance.
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From a driving instruction industry point of view, what is your biggest hope for 2014? No repercussions from DVSA introducing the Standards Check without their examiners KNOWING what is the same and what is different. Fat chance! John Lomas, North West To get a bit more work and to up my fees. Dave Pepperdine, East Midlands
Members offer their views on the new Standards Check, client-centred learning and the end for interpreters on theory and L-tests
Hope, somehow, that our public perception improves to allow us to command the same rate of pay as my chimney sweep, who just charged me £45 per hour to clean my two chimneys. Karl Satloka, North East
Towards your CPD
I hope that the planned changes for driving instructor training and testing will result in a profession clearly focussed on the current needs of new drivers rather than preparing for the driving test. Colin Lilly, Western
Comment, page 12-13
Training tips, advice and membership offers
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News The Standards Check : The ADI consultative group’s response
DVSA urged to listen to pleas from ADIs on the new Standards Check One of the unfinished bits of business from the recent DSA consultation with the industry on reforming the regulatory framework for ADIs covers changes to the grading structure to be used on the new Standards Check. For many years ADIs have complained
about the current ‘6 to 1’ scoring system and have wanted to change it. At the recent meeting between the new DVSA chief executive Alastair Peoples and the national ADI associations the matter was discussed, and the associations held a telephone conference in December to
continue those discussions further. It seems that this is not an easy matter to resolve: a number of possibilities were discussed, and options reviewed. However, after long and in-depth negotiations, the response below was formulated and sent to the ADI Registrar Mark Magee,
Dear Mark We have met as the National Associations Steering Group (NASG) this week and have the following formal feedback (and proposals) to make on key aspects of the new Standards Check.
On reflection... ADI Registrar Mark Magee has been asked by the ADI groups to maintain the option of role play until at least such a time when an online booking option is introduced to the Standards Check
Introduction of a new grading system Following on from your request for the National Associations to consider options for a new grading system, as part of the new Standards Check, the steering group has held discussions and proposes the following: Research among ADIs suggest that there is support for a form of grading system to differentiate performance, other than just a pure pass/fail assessment, and although we should note that some associations have a number of members who would still prefer a pass/fail scenario and no grade descriptors, the steering group has consensually agreed to support the proposal to have some form of grading system (the opinions of members via several surveys within the groups were taken in formulating our response). The preference for grades awarded is yet to be wholly agreed, however: at the moment it seems that pass, merit and distinction may be favoured. The view of NASG is that continuing with descriptors would allow ADIs to self-reflect and strive to achieve enhanced performance, and would also allow for the higher performing ADIs to differentiate themselves to pupils in their marketing. To reiterate however, the disclosure of the grade and/or numerical score achieved would be strictly at the ADI’s discretion and the DSA would be restricted to simply confirming a pass or fail to any third party. We are aware of the short timescales to implement such a system, given that the publication of the guidelines for ADIs is due in January, however, we would like more time to gain further feedback from our memberships before our group makes any final decisions on the descriptors in early January. By adopting a system which is not entirely dissimilar to the current one, this could be easily designed and put in operation and we would welcome further discussion with DVSA on this matter, and place ourselves at your disposal for a consultation on actual implementation, decisions on any final system, etc.
Until such a system is implemented, we would propose that ADIs have the option of presenting with a live pupil or requesting role play.
The removal of Role Play within the Standards Check The Steering Group would strongly urge DVSA to reconsider the decision to completely disallow role play in the new check. As a transitional measure (and to further enhance initial acceptance and engagement with the process) we would recommend that role play is
permissible up until such a time as online booking is introduced for Standards Checks. There is the likelihood that in the early adoption phase of the new check considerable costs will be incurred, both by the DVSA and the instructor, on checks booked manually that cannot be moved (because an instructor cannot present a live pupil on the issued date) or if a slot is cancelled when pupils notify they will not be able to attend (at short notice) or do not present on the day. A manual, postal-based system makes little allowance on either side for last-minute changes, notification and rebooking, and little allowance for ADIs who simply cannot find a live pupil for the narrow time slots allocated. Having an online booking system for a Standards Check, where the ADI can view real-time availability online, will help them to organise live pupils in a timely manner, resulting in a greater chance of presenting a live pupil, avoiding last-minute cancellations and reducing the risk of no-shows on the day. This will save ongoing costs and create greater long-term efficiency, as well as enhanced customer service, and will allow ADIs and the DSA to be slightly more client-centred about Standards Checks. Though we acknowledge that there is a system build and implementation cost we assume in a organisation that is digital by default, this is already in train or included in any forward planning for the DSA’s ICT needs.
Compensation of ADIs for no-show examiners We would request that the Registrar considers issuing compensatory fees to ADIs who attend for a Standards Check yet their examiner does not present, and where no reasonable notice is given for non-attendance/availability of an examiner. This system is already in place for driving test candidates and we would recommend that ADIs are treated similarly in this respect. We would recommend that somewhere in the region of an average two-hour lesson cost be the rate at which this compensation is paid. The vast majority of ADIs do not charge their customer for this time in view of the additional non-training time they incur while the instructor meets the examiner and is debriefed afterwards, and then subsequently is not able to charge the pupil simply because the examiner didn’t turn up. There are several other areas of the Standards Check that we will send feedback to you on for consideration. However, we considered the above three items to be the immediate priorities, given that they will impact on implementation and communications from January onwards. We would be grateful for your consideration of the above and your feedback.
What’s your view? How would you like to see ADIs graded after their Standards Check? Do you think it is reasonable to bar the use of role-play on a Standards Check? Let us know your views on these or any other matters arising from the new measure of ADIs’ performance. This is coming into force from April and it’s vital we know all members’ views so we can press your case to the DVSA. Write to the Editor, Newslink, at mail@msagb.com
“The view of NASG is that continuing with [grade] descriptors would allow ADIs to self-reflect and strive to achieve enhanced performance, and would also allow for the higher performing ADIs to differentiate themselves to pupils in their marketing...” 04 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
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DSA News
DVSA taking stock over response to ‘ad hoc’ test centres THE DVSA is currently reviewing ADI feedback from a survey conducted up to December 20 on the use of third party sites for the practical car driving test. In a statement, the survey “would help us to understand whether using these sites has been successful, and whether we should continue to use them.” The locations used for these trials were scattered across Great Britain. They included: n ASDA stores in Arbroath and Forfar
n Fire and rescue stations in Cheadle and Salford n Halfords stores in Ashton-under-Lyne, Bromsgrove, East Kilbride, Hemel Hempstead, Rutherglen and Wellingborough n Local authority buildings in: Barry (Business Support Centre); Cumnock (Town Hall); Dumbarton (Burgh Hall); Girvan (Carrick Learning Centre); Louth (Meridian Leisure Centre); Trowbridge (Longfield Community Centre);
Warrington (Orford Day Centre); Westbury (Leighton Recreation Centre); Middleton (Mantra Learning); and Southend. The new chief executive of the DSA (DVSA), Alastair Peoples, has commented previously that he was interested in extending this programme, so it would be surprising if the agency were to roll back these ad hoc centres completely. Newslink will carry a full report on the survey results when they become available.
Glasgow Anniesland closes for refurbishment Between Monday, 27 January and Friday, 28 February 2014, driving tests usually taken from Glasgow (Anniesland) will take place from Knightswood Community Centre. This is to allow refurbishment works to take place at Glasgow (Anniesland). If your pupils need to book a driving test between 27 January and 28 February 2014, they’ll need to book it at Glasgow (Anniesland) as usual and they should get a note on their booking confirmation about the new location details: Knightswood Community Centre, 201 Alderman Road, Glasgow, G13 3DD. The date and time of the tests that have already been booked between Monday, 27 January and Friday, 28 February 2014 will stay the same.
If your pupil hasn’t received details about the location change in their booking confirmation, they should get an email from DSA to let them know. When you and your pupil arrive at Knightswood Community Centre, please: n park in an available parking bay n wait for the examiner in the reception area n Please note customer toilets are available on the ground floor by following the signs. Driving tests are due to restart from Glasgow (Anniesland) test centre from Wednesday, 5 March 2014. DSA is sorry for the inconvenience this may cause and will keep you updated.
Online book options for B+E tests You can go online to book B+E (car plus trailer) tests at Wick, Taunton and Gloucester test centres. This follows a successful trial to deliver B+E tests at the sites on the motorcycle manoeuvring area. During the trial these tests could only be booked by telephoning the customer support centre. However, now the trial has been concluded you can book them online, giving you the benefit of being able to book tests up to ten weeks in advance. They can be booked through either the: n internet booking system n online business service.
Update to DSA’s online business service It’s now quicker and easier to ‘add candidate details’ to bookings on the DSA online business service. These changes aim to make it quicker, easier to read and more intuitive. It remains the best way to book and manage practical tests.
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News
A timeline of failure: How the Government U-turn developed 25 March 2013
The Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McGoughlin MP, announces that “a Green Paper looking at a range of options for improving the safety of newly-qualified drivers will be published later in the spring.” https://www.gov.uk/government/ news/government-to-overhaulyoung-driver-rules-in-bid-to-improvesafety-and-cut-insurance-costs
10 July 2013
In July Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond stated that the proposed publication date [of the Green Paper] had slipped to “later in the year.” http://www.publications.parliament. uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/ cm130710/text/130710w0001.htm
September 2013
The Department for Transport updated its Strategic Framework for Road Safety to state “we will publish a Green Paper on these issues before the end of December 2013”. https://www.gov.uk/government/ uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/246071/2013roads-strategic-framework-progress. pdf
‘A decision that is disappointing, demotivating and disgraceful from the point of view of driver trainers...’ Peter Harvey OBE
Continued from page 1 Peter’s views were echoed by the Parliamentary Advisory Committee of Transport Safety (PACTS), whose executive director David Davies was forthright in his condemnation of this news: “Ministers have admitted that they are reneging on their repeated commitments to publish a consultation paper on young driver safety this year. “It looks like a clear case of putting politics before the safety of young people, giving the General Election priority over saving lives. PACTS is dismayed that the Government is not prepared even to consult on such a vital issue.” David told the MSA that “this decision was making the DfT look foolish”. “As recently as October I was informed that the Green Paper would go ahead, as its release had been added to the DfT’s business plan for the Parliamentary year. There are a lot of people within DfT looking very embarrassed by this decision.” He added: “This issue has been left in the ‘too difficult’ pile by successive Governments for too long. The general public, parents of teenagers and most young people themselves believe the current testing and licensing does not prepare young people to drive safely. The
system needs courageous leadership and overhaul, as countries such as Australia and Canada have already shown. “Successive governments have not managed to resolve the risks for young drivers and their passengers in the period immediately after passing the test. As well as the disproportionate safety risks, many young people are now excluded from driving because of high insurance premiums which reflect the level of catastrophic crashes. “Disappointingly, this Government appears to have the same weak resolve. “The Transport Select Committee has called for action to improve young driver safety and PACTS will be inviting the Committee to question the Government over its lack of progress.” Shadow transport minister Richard Burden MP was equally bemused by the Government’s decision. In a statement to the MSA, Mr Burden believed the Government had got its priorities wrong: “Road collisions are the biggest killer of young people today but the Government have once again delayed the Green Paper on young driver safety. Ministers first promised a Green Paper in the spring, then by end the end of year, but now it’s Christmas and we still don’t have it.
The problem of the novice driver... n Almost a quarter of the road crashes resulting in
death or serious injury in 2012 involved a driver under 24. TRL research, commissioned by the Government, found that a graduated approach to young driver licensing could prevent 230 deaths and save £224 million a year. n Young, newly-qualified drivers are disproportionately involved in crashes, particularly catastrophic ones involving multiple passengers. This has driven up insurance premiums for young drivers. n Young drivers themselves know that they engage in risky and even illegal behaviours, with more than average reporting that they drive too fast for the conditions or text while driving – and see this behaviour among their peers. n New drivers know that they need to improve their skills, with 95% acknowledging the need for at least some improvement. This is more commonly reported by females.
06 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
19 December 2013
“ ... We will issue a paper when we have considered this further.” Roert Goodwill MP, Under Secretary of State for Transport, in a statement to the House of Commons http://www.publications.parliament. uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/ cm131218/text/131218w0001. htm#131218w0001.htm_wqn15
Robert Goodwill, Road Safety Minister
“Let’s not forget that this Green Paper will only set out initial proposals for discussion. That’s why I share road safety campaigners’ concerns that the Government won’t take action within this Parliament, and is just kicking a decision on this major public health and safety problem into the long grass.” In many ways the decision was not unexpected, the MSA general manager John Lepine. “While this is disappointing it is not surprising. This Government has failed to do anything to help driver trainers make sure new drivers do better. I believe that this is a political decision motivated by not wanting to upset young voters by increasing the cost and difficulty of learning to drive. Short-term political gain has been put ahead of road safety.” What is alarming about Goodwill’s decision to shelve this idea is to go back through the Hansard archives and media reports to see how long Government has been making a case for reform (see panel above). As early as autumn 2011 ministers were hinting at comprehensive reform, with rumours of a Green Paper strengthening throughout 2012. By Spring 2013 the publication of a paper was ‘imminent’ – a word used repeatedly by both DfT and DVSA officials throughout the year. The most recent example for the msa of this came at the end of October, when we were told off the record that the Green Paper would be with us “within days”. But for some time rumours have reached the MSA of fierce rows behind the scenes between the DfT and the Cabinet Office, with officials unable to agree over placing restrictions on young drivers post-test and the potential costs of any changes. The discussions continued into autumn. It appears that despite the pressing case for reform, the principle of better road safety has been sacrificed on the altar of political necessity. For a governing party elected on a manifesto that swore to slash red tape, and increasingly concerned by the increasing cost of living, introducing legislation that could worsen both positions appears to be unpalatable, whatever the positive benefits that such legislation would generate.
The insurers’ view...
James Dalton, Head of Motor at ABI said: “This delay in publishing the Green Paper on young driver safety is disappointing news. The insurance industry has long-campaigned for meaningful reform to the way young people learn to drive. We remain fully committed to improving the road safety of young drivers and we will continue to make the case for our reforms. “We look forward to meeting with Government early in the new year to talk about next steps. Action is urgently needed to ensure young driver motor insurance becomes affordable and more importantly to ensure fewer young people are killed and injured on our roads.”
‘I share road safety campaigners’ concerns that the Government won’t take action within this Parliament, and is just kicking a decision on this major public health and safety problem into the long grass.’ Richard Burden MP, Shadow Minister for Transport (above)
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News
DVSA turns to twitter to beat bad weather cancellations Over the past month, DVSA’s customer support team have trialled a bad weather alert service on Twitter to cover some driving test centres in northern England and Scotland. If you’re on Twitter but haven’t yet seen this service, you can follow the customer support team’s account to get news about test slots cancelled due to snow and ice at the following test centres: When driving test slots are cancelled, DVSA’s customer support team will send out a tweet to let you know. Each tweet will include a hashtag of the test centre concerned – please see the list below for the hashtag for your particular test centre. If you have a Twitter account, you can follow the DVSA customer support team’s account, @DSA_HelpMe and search for tweets using your test centre hashtag. If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can still view these updates – go to www.twitter.com/dsa_helpme and follow the tweets from there. You can also search for your test centre hashtag without having to sign in. If you have any queries, please speak to your local test centre manager. The driving test centres using his service in Scotland are (with the Twitter account
in brackets) Aberfeldy (#AberfeldyDTC) Airdrie (#AirdrieDTC) Arbroath (#ArbroathDTC) Aberdeen LGV (#AberdeenLGV) Aberdeen North (#AberdeenNorth) Aberdeen South (#AberdeenSouth) Ayr (#AyrDTC) Banff (#BanffDTC) Bathgate (#BathgateDTC) Berwick (#BerwickDTC) Buckie (#BuckieDTC) Callander (#CallanderDTC) Castle Douglas (#CastleDouglasDTC) Crieff (#CrieffDTC) Dumbarton (#DumbartonDTC) Dumfries (#DumfriesDTC) Dumfries LGV (#DumfriesLGV) Dundee (#DundeeDTC) Dunfermline (#DunfermlineDTC) East Kilbride (#EastKilbrideDTC) Edinburgh (Currie)(#CurrieDTC) Edinburgh (Mussleburgh) (#MussleburghDTC) Elgin (#ElginDTC) Elgin LGV (#ElginLGV) Forfar (#ForfarDTC) Fraserburgh (#FraserburghDTC) Galashiels (#GalashielsDTC) Girvan (#GirvanDTC) Glasgow (Anniesland) (#AnnieslandDTC)
Direct Debit takes place of tax disc As suggested in the December issue of Newslink, the Government announced the end of the paper tax disc in the Chancellor’s Autumn statement – but stopped short of getting rid of vehicle excise duty altogether. The change will reduce tax administration costs and burdens associated with vehicle tax, the Chancellor said. In addition, DVLA will offer motorists the ability to spread their vehicle tax payments should they wish to do so. From 1 October 2014 motorists will be able to pay vehicle tax by direct debit annually, biannually or monthly. Also from 1 October 2014, the paper tax disc, first issued on 1 January 1921, will no longer be issued and required to be displayed on a vehicle windscreen. Vehicle tax will still need to be paid but with DVLA having a digital record of who has and has not paid, a paper tax disc is no longer necessary as proof that vehicle tax has been paid.
08 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
Glasgow LGV (#Glasgow LGV) Glasgow (Bailleston) (#BaillestonDTC) Glasgow (Springburn Park) (#SpringburnPark) Glasgow (Shieldhall)(#ShieldhallDTC) Grangemouth (#GrangemouthDTC) Greenock (#GreenockDTC) Haddington (#HaddingtonDTC) Hamilton (#HamiltonDTC) Inverness (Cradlehall) (#CradlehallDTC) Inverness LGV (#InvernessLGV) Inverness (Longman)(#LongmanDTC) Irvine (#IrvineDTC) Kilmarnock LGV(#KilmarnockLGV) Kinguisse (#KinguisseDTC) Kirkcaldy (#KirkcaldyDTC) Lanark (#LanarkDTC) Livingston LGV (#LivingstonLGV) Montrose (#MontroseDTC) Paisley (#PaisleyDTC) Perth (#PerthDTC) Perth LGV (#PerthLGV) Peterhead (#PeterheadDTC) Pitlochry (#PitlochryDTC)
Rutherglen (#RutherglenDTC) Stirling (#StirlingDTC) Wick (#WickDTC) Driving test centres covered by this service in northern England Alnwick (#AlnwickDTC) Blyth (#BlythDTC) Carlisle (#CarlisleDTC) Carlisle LGV (#CarlisleLGV) Elswick (#ElswickDTC) Gateshead (#GatesheadDTC) Gosforth LGV (#GosforthLGV) Hexham (#HexhamDTC) Longbenton (#LongbentonDTC) South Shields (#SouthShieldsDTC) Workington (#WorkingtonDTC) So far the DVSA has not told the MSA of any plans to extend this service to Wales or other parts of northern England which often see heavy snowfalls or very low temperatures during winter. Keep an eye on www.msagb.com for any developments.
DPF test added to MoT
Garages and testing stations will be required to check for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the MOT test from February, Roads Minister Robert Goodwill has announced. The vehicle will automatically fail the MOT test if the filter had been fitted as standard but is found to be no longer present. The filter works by trapping solid particulate matter from exhaust gases. However, as has been widely reported, including in Newslink on many occasions, some motorists are having problems with DPFs, as they are becoming clogged up with soot, affecting performance and resulting in costly gargae bills to replace the filter. As a result garages are offering to remove the filter, claiming it will boost consumption. But the Government has made it clear that it is an offence to drive a vehicle that has been modified in this way, as it will no longer meet the emissions standards the car achieved when it was approved for sale in the UK. Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: “I am very concerned that vehicles are being modified in a way that is clearly detrimental to people’s health and undoes the hard work car manufacturers have taken to improve emissions standards. “It has become apparent the Government had to intervene to clarify the position on particulate filter removal given the unacceptable negative impact on air quality.
“This change to the MOT tests makes it clear – if you have this filter removed from your car it will fail the test.” DPFs have come in for a great deal of criticism in recent years, with many failing because they have not been ‘regenerated’ regularly through burning the soot collected on the filter to gas at a very high temperature, leaving behind a residue. If not carried out properly, regeneration can lead to a build up of soot, which can affect performance.
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News
Motorists ignorant of morning after drink-driving risks A survey by the AA has revealed that the majority of drivers (56%) do not know when it is safe to drive the morning after drinking. Moreover, ACPO police figures show that in 2011 more people failed breath tests between the hours of 6am and 11am than during the hour before or after midnight. This illustrates the big danger of ‘morning after’ drink drivers. Commenting, Edmund King, AA president, said: “Too many drivers are caught out by being over the limit the morning after the night before. We don’t want the morning after to end in mourning disasters so are advising drivers to think carefully before driving after a night out. “It is difficult to work out whether there is still alcohol in the system the following day. One unit of alcohol takes about one hour to get out of the system. “However this is not a precise science as it depends on size, gender, whether you have eaten, state of your liver,
metabolism and even mood. The best advice is if you are going to drink, don’t drive and if you are going to drive, don’t drink.” In the AA Populus poll drivers were asked, if they started drinking at 9pm and drank a total of 12 units of alcohol over three hours, when they thought they would legally be allowed to drive again. Generally it takes an hour for the body to get rid of one unit of alcohol but it is also advisable to add an extra hour. Of the 21,000 people who took part, 56% either didn’t know or selected a time when they might still be over the limit, and 11% of 25-34-year-olds thought they would be okay at 9am the next day. Drivers in the North East and North West were least likely to know when it would be safe to drive (59%). Drivers in Scotland, London and Eastern area were most likely to know when it might be safe (46%).
Poll shows support for cyclist headphone ban The public wants to see cyclists banned from wearing headphones. A poll, carried out by vehicle tracking comparison site, TrackCompare.co.uk, was organised after the death of a sixth cyclist in London within just two weeks. Kjell Anderton, a director of TrackCompare, said: “Many motorists have been deeply disturbed by the
deaths and are taking the situation extremely seriously. “The safety of all who use our crowded roads is now a major consideration and no longer simply a talking point.” The TrackCompare Cyclists Wearing Headphones poll asked respondents whether they believed a ban on headphones should be put in place: 69% said yes, the remainder said no.
Young drivers chalking up penalty points
The current way we train new drivers is clearly failing to produce safe and law-abiding motorists, particularly men, according to road safety charity the IAM. 33,850 male drivers aged 20 or under have up to six points on their licence, according to data released by the DVLA. This compares with only 9, 758 similarly aged female drivers with up to six points on their licence. The breakdown by age is: 3 pts 4 pts 5 pts 6 pts Male, 17 837 8 7 358 Female, 17 36 0 0 0 Male, 18 3,280 78 130 986 Female, 18 705 15 25 70 Male, 19 7,717 176 296 1,904 Female, 19 2,542 47 73 230 Male, 20 12,236 166 558 3,113 Female, 20 5,229 82 117 587 During 2012, young drivers were involved in a fifth of all collisions where someone was killed or seriously injured, yet younger drivers only account for eight per cent of all full driving licence holders in Great Britain, and drive, on average, about half the distance of older drivers. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Such high numbers committing a wide range of offences demonstrates the inability of our current system to deal with the attitudes and lack of experience among new drivers.”
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Comment
A time for If it won’t act, shouldn’t we reflection just scrap Government? VIEWPOINT
A personal view, by Rob Beswick
JOHN LEPINE MBE General Manager, MSA
First up, a big thank you to all those who sent seasonal greeting to the MSA head office. Your kind thoughts are very much appreciated. The news that the promised Green Paper on young driver safety has been cancelled, postponed or simply kicked into the long grass – depending on your choice of terminology – meant it was a somewhat disheartening end to 2013 for many of us. The ministerial statement stated: “We will issue a paper when we have considered this further.” Put frankly, that is a disgrace but what has happened has happened and the MSA will continue, with others, to try and build on the acknowledged consensus for change among road safety professionals and continue to press all politicians for changes to help us help new young drivers to be safer. January is, of course, a time for resolutions and I have a couple of suggestions. Resolution: I will learn about the new DVSA Standards Check, embrace the new ideas it puts forward and attend my next Standards Check with confidence. Make it happen: Book now for the MSA National Conference (see page 21) and further resolve to come up with a sensible and searching question for Lesley Young, the Chief Driving Examiner, who will be speaking at the event. Resolution: I will improve my internet presence this year so that I can increase my number of enquiries, grow my business and increase my lesson price before Easter. According to the article on page 25 of this issue, “Google has already hinted that it expects smartphone searches to overtake standard desktop searches within the next two years.” Take advantage of the very special deal the MSA have brokered and sign up for an effective low cost mobile optimised website for your business. Resolution: I will start to keep a Reflective Log for my work and what I learn Make it happen: Reflective practice involves the thoughtful consideration of an experience, situation or topic, both positive and negative, which results in an outcome of a changed perspective (Spalding 2004). Reflective thinking is a CPD tool in itself, which it is said can improve the quality of the way we perform our jobs and the tasks within. It is often said that it is worth taking a few minutes to think about what you’ve learned on any given day, not just the days you attend formal training events, and record any experiences or events that you believe, after reflecting upon it, will change your approach in the future. I am resolving to keep a regular Reflective Log as my New Year’s resolution. Finally, whatever you resolve for 2014, good luck and have a great year.
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C
ynics are fond of rolling out the old quote, ‘If voting ever changed anything, they’d abolish it’. In many ways, you could tweak that slightly and say ‘If Governments ever achieved anything, they’d abolish them’ to reflect the growing feeling that Governments don’t actually control events, merely stand impotently with their hand on the tiller as the ship hits the rocks. During the financial and banking crisis of 2008 it was interesting, amid the panic, to notice that no Government could actually control events – except for the Chinese, whose quasi-capitalist/Marxist state-controlled economy managed to navigate the debris with considerable aplomb. Governments are just as much a bystander in the big economic cycle as the ordinary man in the street: pretty much incapable of controlling events or making a difference. They have little or no control over inflation, interest rates are forced upon them either by the Bank of England or the buying and selling patterns of City currency speculators, unemployment is left in the hands of global corporates or small, independent business employing fewer than 50 staff and much of our primary legislation stems from an unelected chamber sitting in Brussels (or Strasbourg, depending on which week it is). So why have Government? You may recall that between 2010-11, that icon of stability, Belgium, went an incredible 589 days WTHOUT a proper Government. The demise of a single figure to act as political leader came about through a fractured voting system and the inability of the two ‘halves’ of the country – the Dutch/Flemish-speaking north and the French-speaking south – to come to an agreement as to who should form a Government. Did Belgium collapse during this impasse? Did offices of state cease to function? No. Children were educated, hospitals cared for the sick, social services looked after the old, businesses made things, farmers grew things and, most importantly, brewers brewed things. Particularly monks. Indeed, as Herman Matthijs, a professor of politics at the Free University of Brussels, commented, the situation in many ways improved for the average Belgian: “A Government without power can’t introduce new taxes. On the other hand, a Government without full powers can’t take new measures concerning the outlays. The political crisis relating to the public finance saved money.” In other words, not having a Government saved Belgium money, and as unemployment fell during the interregnum, foreign investment into the country doubled and inflation fell, it could be argued that not only did a lack of a political Government save cash, it helped the economy, too. But you can’t get rid of Governments really. They are needed to do important things... like change the way our children are educated (again), alter how the NHS operates (again), mess about with the armed forces and, every now and again, start bombing people far, far away. And we need them to make new laws when the evidence suggests the current ones aren’t fit for purpose and need changing. And here we get to the nub of this article. This is, after all, a magazine focused on driver training, testing and road safety. Its raison d’etre is to improve the standard of driving. So why hold a philosophical debate on the merits of political Government over a purely Civil Service-led technocratic one (which was what held Belgium together so successfully)? Because the Government’s recent decision to shy away from publishing a Green Paper on new drivers is as good an example of a Government that has ceased to function effectively as I’ve seen in recent years. In the grand scheme of things, the issue is small beer. As ADIs we may love road safety, and debate long into the night the best way to train new drivers, but in our heart of hearts
we know that it is unimportant compared to, say, Michael Gove reforming education or what is happening to the NHS or pensions. It’s sideline stuff, tucked away on the margins of political society. No focus group will identify it as a key issue come the next Election. Which is why it is all the more surprising – and worrying, to lovers of democracy – that the Government feels unable to act on this issue. Caught in the crossbeams of three spotlights – one held by a public increasingly concerned about the ever-rising cost of living, another by the anti red-tape brigade, who view any intervention by Government on the freedom of citizens to do what they like, when they like, as an affront, and the third held by a younger electorate who might just punish the Government at the ballot box if it sees its chances of learning to drive made less likely through more expense/ need for more qualifications or curbs on its freedom to drive – the Government has done the cowardly thing in reneging on its promises and kicked the whole idea into the long grass. We’ll have no reforms, thank you, it’s a bit hard, we might be unpopular in the short-term, and we’d rather not, if it’s all the same with you. But as David Davies of PACTS rightly says on page 6, the issue of new drivers “has been dumped in the ‘too-difficultto-fix’ tray for too long.” It is clear action is needed: almost a quarter of road crashes resulting in deaths or serious injury in 2012 involved a driver who was under 24, meaning younger drivers are disproportionately associated with any kind of traffic collision. Indeed, the new drivers themselves want help: they admit to risky behaviour such as speeding or being distracted, and 95% – yes, 95% – say they feel that once they have passed their driving test they don’t feel ready to drive alone. That they don’t go on to Pass Plus – take-up down to around 6% at the last count – highlights that sometimes, the wallet won’t pay for what the head is demanding. So what would you do, if you were the Government? Look at the facts: we have an industry trying to do its best, but one that has no control over its ‘customers’ once they leave its care. We have an executive agency that sets what many believe to be the best driving test in the world, certainly overseen by the most professional band of examiners, yet people who successfully pass through its doors seem incapable of not putting themselves at risk within the first 12 months of a full licence. The Government has to act. You can’t just keep on making the test harder and harder. It defeats the point. What you need is to create a complete attitudinal change in opinion, starting from school, in a way that cements the right responses in young people from an early age about what constitutes good/safe/risk-free driving. You need to force the ADI body to be professional, by ensuring it maintains its standards on a day-to-day, week-by-week basis, not just having a quick look once every four years to make sure their standards are being maintained. You need a driving test that is rigorous but is just the first step in the journey. It needs to be backed up by post-test tuition, possibly further testing, and a period of grace to be given to all new drivers during which they can develop independent road sense without being placed in a pressured situation where they may be encouraged to take risks. And if that fails, you need a system that removes licences from those whose behaviour has proven they cannot be trusted to have one, just yet. And they need all this forcing through by a Government committed to long-term improvements to road safety, not paranoid that someone in the Daily Mail is going to start screaming because the cost of learning to drive has risen by 10 per cent, or that little Johnny’s ‘right’ to drive like a lunatic at 2am has been curbed by a Government that now suggests it would be a really good idea if he didn’t drive at night. But that would be the actions of a Government, governing, wouldn’t it. And that’s not what we have in the UK at the moment.
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Comment: Letters Newslink Postbag. We welcome contributions from our members. Would all contributors please remember that Newslink cannot publish letters anonymously. Pen names will be used to protect the identity of the author if necessary. Please address all correspondence to The Editor, Newslink, 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP. Letters can also be sent by email, to mail@msagb.co.uk
You’re no dinosaur, Mr Came – you’re right! Dear Sir, How refreshing that someone, namely Mr Rod Came (Newslink, December), is not coming down with the emperor’s new coat syndrome! The latest codswallop around the new Standards Check is incredulous and comes from people who have probably never run a driving school, let alone completed 30 to 40 hours a week of learner driver tuition. Pages and pages are wasted on gobbledygook rubbish when, as an instructor with a high pass rate, I just get on with the job. We’ve all, almost daily, heard the question, usually from parents, “how much?”, “how many lessons?” We never hear the question, “can you instruct my most cherished possession/offspring to drive safely in order not to kill or maim themselves or someone else?” Nothing will change until lessons are free, so that the pupil can complete the task of learning to drive properly and at the rate of learning that the pupil can achieve. They are all different. Of course, this will never happen, it would cost too much. The Government covers this via the DVSA’s ludicrous suggestion that pupils should have as much private tuition from a family member or friend, a person with no training, no instruction experience, probably not insured, possibly the wrong attitude and most probably, almost definitely without dual controls, for God’s sake. Does the DSA think so little of ADIs that they think any Tom, Dick or Harry can teach people to drive? Keep up the good work, Mr Came. Name and address withheld (for obvious reasons) Dear Sir, Can I just say, I totally agree with Rod’s viewpoint (as published in December, Newslink). First and foremost, know your student. Martin Wayman
... or is it a case of Tyrannosaurus Rod...? Dear Sir Of course, he is just stuck in his ways! Rod Came, that is. In the December issue of Newslink, in an article headlined ‘Don’t call me a dinosaur just because I don’t agree with what you’re doing’, Mr Came sets about castigating the DVSA and the new ADI Standards Check. At the end of the article it stated “Many would say that what Rod talks about is ‘client-centred learning’, and that under the new marking regime his expertise will be better recognised”. I think that is probably true and I agree with the points he makes about missed opportunities, particularly around legislation concerning CPD, and, of course, with the age-old adage ‘if it ain’t broke…’ But the truth is, it is, of course, broke. While DVSA is attempting to embrace the concepts of the GDE matrix through what it is calling client-centred learning, the problem for Mr Came and his like is not their ability to prepare students to pass the driving test, which I’m sure they are first rate at, but with their ability to impart the higher order skills contained in the matrix. The truth is that Mr Came and those inclined to follow his lead will continue to pass the new Standards Check and to get pupils through the driving test but with the same attitude they and the DVSA have had for years, one that is
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expressed by Mr Came in the sentence, “they learn to trust me to get them up to a standard to pass a driving test.” I appreciate that this attitude fulfils the client’s desire to acquire a licence but does nothing to address the attitude problems we all know exist with new young drivers. I would suggest another old adage “If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.” And that is, sadly, new young drivers involved in a disproportionate amount of collisions compared with the rest of the driving population. Please, Mr Came, don’t worry about change for changes sake, just move forward. Cars have changed; when you started years ago, few cars had heated rear windows, ABS or six gears. Roads have changed, there were no spiral roundabouts, no puffin crossing and no hard shoulder running. At least, that is what my Dad tells me. Training needs to change. Involving the client in taking more responsibility for their own learning and development is not some barmy idea dreamed up by crazed academics, it is a well-tested teaching practice. Come on Mr Came, time to get with the programme. Frank Daniels By Email
No support in south west for translations Dear Sir, As I live in the south west of England I wish to comment upon the letter published in the December issue from a member in ‘the South West’, (on the decision to end translations on driving tests), because I do not share his/her view, and I have no wish for anyone to think that I sent it! When the person concerned took his/her test it was done on home soil, in English. The principles of the Highway Code were easily understood, and the required knowledge gained. Thus driving abroad became a matter of common sense. Our Government extends exactly the same courtesy to many foreign nationals who, having gained a full licence in their own country, in their first language, are permitted to drive in the UK and, in the case of Europeans, even exchange their licence for a uk one if they live here. However, the change in the rules for our test is to ensure that those who have no licence from a country with whom we have an exchange agreement, learn all they need to know about driving, including the meaning of the signs in the language in which it is written. Once that is accomplished they will, no doubt, be able to drive in other places without difficulty. But it seems to me that they will find it hard to apply common sense to signs in other languages if they have not really mastered their meanings in the language of the country of their residency. It is not at all racist to insist that those living here and taking exams here use our national languages. Other people make the effort to do so and it is at best discourteous to them to permit others not to bother to do so. As a postscript, on a different subject, I would add that I have only been an ADI for half as long as Rod Came but I agree with his comments in the December issue. Meg PRIVETT DipDI Feniton, Devon Dear Sir, I was surprised to see a comment in the last issue of Newslink, rejecting the Government’s plan to scrap translations on the theory and driving tests. Around a year ago, when the Government opened the consultation on this proposal, I seem to recall Newslink printed a table of the countries of the EU, and what
language they translated their national tests into. A quick glance down the table suggested we were pretty much alone in translating our tests into every language under the sun – with the irony, of course, that if there is one country that could justify not translating its tests, it would be one that speaks English as its main tongue. After all, if a foreign driver is going to speak another language in addition to his or her own, it will probably be English, which is the most recognisable language on the planet. Yet we, the nation that has given the world a truly universal language, have decided to ignore that fact and offer our tests in everyone else’s tongues. If we were Sweden, you could understand it, or France, as no-one speaks Swedish or French any more, but not us. Simple facts: we cannot afford to keep on bending over backwards to people who come to this country and demand the right not to conform to our standards. Fact, if you can’t read the road signs, you are putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk. And finally, come here, fine. No problem. But if you don’t bother to learn the language, how are you going to integrate, make friends, meet local (indigenous) people, get a job, fit in? I think this is an excellent idea; the sooner the tests are taken in English and Welsh only, the better. Alan Verfield Newcastle Editor’s note: It has to be said that these were two of many letters we received agreeing wholeheartedly with this change to the driver testing regime. However, there were dissenting voices, including the response received from this member (below).
Test translation axe is unnecessary Dear Sir I am very disappointed that the Government has decided to axe voiceovers for the theory test. This will be extremely detrimental to my business. I mostly teach foreign people in a language other than English. Just because people cannot speak or read English does not mean that they cannot understand road signs or cannot understand the law of the road. When people do theory tests in their own language they perfectly understand everything about road traffic law, just as you and I do. I have been teaching driving for 15 years, mainly to foreign people, and have not found any misunderstanding in the law or road signs. The axing of voiceovers means that everybody has to learn a very high standard of English before they can sit a test. This is absolutely unnecessary, and possibly racist in my view. I hope they see the light and change their decision before this comes into force. I suppose the next thing that will come out is no interpreters on the driving test. Do we really need this? Do people need to be put under this much pressure? Mohammed Ahmed, Leeds Editor’s note: I think it unlikely that the Government will reverse its decision on this matter. Regarding practical tests, I should make it clear that driving test candidates will no longer be able to use foreign language voiceovers and interpreters on any of their tests, either theoretical or practical, from 7 April 2014. For further details see November’s Newslink or https://www.gov.uk/government/news/end-to-foreignlanguage-driving-tests
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In-car CCTV makes a positive contribution Dear Sir I would like to respond to a letter from an MSA reader Mr John Davies from Anglesey, which was published in the December 2013 issue of Newslink, commenting on an article about ‘Citizen cops’ in the October issue. I have to say that for my sins I didn’t read this original article, and so cannot comment on the points that Mr Davies was making about the original article. However, as an independent ADI with my own established business, I have CCTV cameras mounted in my tuition vehicle. One faces out the front, and one out the back. My car is clearly signed that CCTV is in operation. When I first purchased these cameras I had the dilemma as to how to use them. Should I report every offence that I see? I quickly came to the conclusion that I am not a police officer, and so it is not my job to report every minor indiscretion of fellow motorists; everyone makes mistakes occasionally. Plus, I did not want to get a reputation of being a ‘grass’. However, I do use the cameras as training aids, and also to report any incident in which my vehicle is in danger due to careless driving or deliberate aggression or harassment from other drivers. They have also been used to help with insurance claims on the occasion that I was hit in the rear while stationary at a T-junction, and also helped to provide evidence when I witnessed an RTA, including when, regrettably, I witnessed a man get run over by the vehicle ahead of me. On today’s roads, many drivers have a poor attitude towards learners. They do not seem to give any consideration to keeping a reasonable distance in case of
Comment: Letters the need to brake suddenly or simply to allow for the learner to make a mistake, or they cut in front of us sharply because they do not feel that we are travelling fast enough – often despite the fact that we are travelling at the correct and legal speed limit. Now I would not be prepared to do the job without the cameras. I have seen a growing number of driving schools starting to use them, as well as other transport companies such as buses, haulage firms and taxis using them routinely. If you think of the amount of time the average ADI is on the road, even with the best intentions and the best instruction, crashes will still happen. Hopefully, they will not be our fault as ADIs, but they still happen, and I think having cameras is the prudent and sensible thing to do to protect yourself from spurious claims from other motorists. There is a saying, and I am paraphrasing here, ‘all it takes for evil to flourish, is for good men to do nothing’. If you see someone deliberately driving in a careless or reckless manner, who could be endangering the safety of those around them, then yes, I think it is the sensible and responsible thing to do to report the offender to the police, in the hope that the offender may have a change of attitude. If Mr Davies believes that is not the case, then I think that is sad, and he should get a life. Lee Doyle, Maidstone Editor’s Note: 12 months ago this was not a subject the MSA had discussed but it is clear that increasingly ADIs are fitting such systems, not only to record lessons – as has been done in the past for some time – but to record the activities of other drivers. Have you got such a system fitted? We’d be interested to hear from any member who has used it successfully in the event of a crash or insurance claim, or just to report other drivers’ behaviour
The highlights, the low points, the hopes and fears
2013 ...
From a driving instruction industry point of view, what is your biggest hope for 2014? With the advent of the New Standards Check, that all ADIs see themselves as professional driver trainers and should keep themselves as up to date as possible within the driver training industry. Sadly, many instructors have been happy to get through their Check Test with a Grade 4 and have not seen the need to update their skills or even attend ADI meetings which are run up and down the country. Geoff Little, West Midlands A reduction in the number of ADIs achieved by a raising of standards of tuition and presentation Rod Came, South East That the Standards Check becomes the ‘new broom’ I would hope it to be. Tony Phillips, Greater London
... 2014
MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 13
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News New service will help your website to deliver maximum impact on latest mobile devices
Meet the ‘smart’ way to attract new pupils By Jamie Garside
Being a driving instructor, you will have seen the ‘rise of the smartphone’ first hand. It seems that almost all 17-25 year olds these days don’t go anywhere without one. This is causing a major shift in the way everyone uses the internet, and as a driving instructor, if you have a website, I am going to show you how you can take advantage of this shift and take one giant stride ahead of all local competitors. The mobile revolution is already here. It’s affecting all local driving instructors and schools right now, every single day. With the birth of the iPhone in 2007, year-onyear smartphone ownership and usage has more than doubled. Google have already hinted that they expect smartphone searches to overtake standard desktop searches within the next two years. This is already having a major impact on many businesses, especially driving instructors. What sort of impact is this having on driving instructors? Well, if you currently have a website, you can bet that you already have mobile visitors. After all, if the majority of your target market (17-25 year olds) are using smartphones every single day to search for things online, they will, of course, be visiting your website too. What is the major problem here? Well, if you already have a website for your driving school, the likelihood is that it has not been designed with mobile users in mind. Most websites are designed for desktop and laptop users, and have been created for a larger screen size. The result is that 90% of driving instructors’ websites will not display correctly on a smartphone screen. This means that every single time a smartphone user hits your website, they are met with the desktop version which hasn’t been designed for them. It is too big for the small screen, meaning it has to be zoomed out to display - but then users can’t read it at all. This forces users to continually zoom in and out, side to side, and all over the small screen just to read about your business. And this is only the beginning. Most driving instructor websites do not offer a way for potential students to actually contact you. If a potential student lands on your website now on a smartphone, how are they meant to contact you? Being on a phone, they have no way to enquire without typing your number into it, which they can’t do while staring at your website. Trying to remember your phone number, or having to scramble around for a piece of paper to write it down is something they won’t do; they will just move on to the next driving instructor website, meaning you lose out. Google ran a study last year that tracked smartphone users and here are some of the things they found: n 61% of smartphone users will LEAVE a unfriendly mobile website without taking action! n 79% of users who don’t like what they find on one site will go back and search for another site (your competitor). n 48% said that if a site didn’t work well on their smartphones, it made them feel like the company didn’t care about their business. As I am sure you will agree, this is quite alarming for any smaller business, especially driving instructors. There is something you can do about this, and those
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that do take action and provide what smartphone users want are the ones who will stride ahead of local competitors. What is the solution and how can you use this to your advantage? The solution is a mobile optimised website. What is a mobile optimised website? A mobile website is a website built just for smartphone users. Whereas your main desktop site is built for larger screens and precise mouse clicking, a mobile website is designed for small screens and imprecise finger tapping. You can see from the images on this page how much different a website appears on a mobile phone screen. A mobile website is designed and built to fit a smartphone screen perfectly without the need for users to zoom in and out, or all over the screen to read bits of information. Everything is available with one tap. All features and elements are designed for finger tapping including tap to call and email buttons. This means, with one tap of the finger, potential students can call or email your business direct from their smartphone. This doesn’t require you to get a new website, in fact it is the complete opposite and works alongside your current desktop site. A mobile website is only created for smartphone users and through a clever piece of redirect code, actually sits alongside your main website and only shows to smartphone users. This means that if a potential student lands on your website using a laptop, they get your normal website which has been designed for them. If, however, a potential student lands on your website using a smartphone, instead of being met with your desktop site, they land on your smartphone version that is
built just for them. This all happens automatically! By providing smartphone users with the best experience on your website, you give your business the best opportunity for enquiries. By not providing smartphone users with an experience they are now demanding, you will lose out to a competitor who does. How can you take advantage of this? Well, I am one of the founders of an exciting new mobile tech start-up here in UK called Mobelio. We have developed a very unique platform that enables local driving instructors and schools to take advantage of the smartphone revolution. With Mobelio and our platform you can create, build and manage your own mobile website with ease, without having to be a web design wizard or coding ninja.
Members’ offer
We are very excited to have teamed up with the MSA directly to help all members take advantage of this shift without the high costs usually associated with mobile website design. If you are yet to go mobile and provide smartphone users with the experience they need, we can help you do this.
Want to know more?
For more information on how we can help, and the great deal we have in place just for MSA members, please visit this link http://www.Mobelio.com/MSA
e h t h it w u o y g in id v o r P : MSA d e e n u o y s e ic v r e s d n a t s upp o r
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A FREE Guide to the New Standards Check
Register now to g your FREet E copy
Best wishes for a prosperous 2014 to all The ADI check test is being replaced by a new standards check in April 2014. Prepare for it with our FREE guide, available in January 2014.
To register now for your FREE copy
Email guide@reddrivingschool.com
Driving you Forward
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News: Europe
EU pledges to tackle urban transport - but omits road safety angle The European Commission’s latest ‘urban mobility package’, unveiled on December 18 to stimulate a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transport in urban areas, is a sound start but its measures for improving road safety will need strengthening if it is to have a measurable impact. That’s according to Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Commission (ETSC). He said: “With 11,000 deaths on the road in urban areas across the EU each year, it is right that the European Commission says improving road safety in our cities should be a political priority. We welcome the renewed push to share good practice and further encouragement for local governments to make road safety a key component of their mobility plans. But we should not be under the illusion that these kinds of soft measures will be enough.” He pointed out that across Europe, excessive speed is the number one road safety problem. In countries where data are available, up to 80% of drivers exceed speed limits in urban areas. ETSC is calling for intelligent speed assistance (ISA), which enables vehicles to receive and act on electronic speed limit data, to be mandatory for professional vehicles such as lorries, vans and buses. Currently lorries and buses only limit speed to the maximum allowed on main roads and motorways. What is concerning about this latest package of measures is that while the EC’s own research highlights that road safety is the third biggest concern among urban dwellers, with 73% citing it as a major concern, there are few, if any, obvious and direct road safety initiatives contained within it. For instance, while a recent European Commission study recommended the mandatory fitting of speed limiters to vans, which ETSC supports, there is no mention of such a
Congested lives: Traffic jams are a major concern for European citizens and this new package of measures contains ideas for improving it... but road safety – another major concern – appears overlooked
measure for cities. One area where the EU can have a big impact is on EU-wide safety standards for new vehicles. The latest ETSC research shows that 4,254 people lost their lives in the EU in collisions involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in 2011. ETSC supports the Commission’s recently proposed improvements to lorry cab design to reduce blind spots and help prevent pedestrians and cyclists from being run over. Other measures should include improved route planning to avoid urban areas at peak times when there are high numbers of pedestrians and cyclists, and schemes to insert HGV safety into public procurement contracts. ETSC says the increased popularity of walking and cycling in cities should be encouraged for the overall health benefits. But more needs to be done to ensure the safety of these vulnerable road users. ETSC welcomes the inclusion of safer road design for vulnerable road users in the urban mobility package but says this aspiration must be followed up with specific measures such as EU guidance on traffic calming measures. Europe’s city-dwelling citizens are clearly greatly concerned about transport. Cities are home to over 70% of the EU population and account for some 85% of the EU’s GDP. In many urban areas, however, increasing demand for urban mobility has created a situation that is not sustainable: severe congestion, poor air quality, noise emissions and high levels of CO2 emissions. Overall, it is accepted that
urban congestion jeopardises EU goals for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system. A recent Eurobarometer survey shows that many Europeans are pessimistic about the prospects for improving mobility in their cities. A large majority consider congestion (76%), air quality (81%) and traffic collisions (73%) to be serious problems. Less than a quarter believe that the situation will improve in the future (24%) and most believe it will stay the same (35%) or get worse (37%). Vice-President Siim Kallas, EU commissioner for mobility and transport, said: “Addressing the problems of urban mobility is one of the great challenges in transport today. With co-ordinated action we can be more successful. Local authorities are the key decision makers. They are best placed to take important local decisions, but they should benefit from support at national and EU level.” With the urban mobility package, the Commission reinforces its supporting measures in the following areas: n Sharing experience and show-casing best practices: The Commission will set up in 2014 a European platform for sustainable urban mobility plans. This platform will help cities, planning experts and stakeholders to plan for easier and greener urban mobility; n Providing targeted financial support:
Through the European structural and investment funds, the EU will continue to support urban transport projects, in particular in the less-developed regions of the EU; n Research and Innovation: The Civitas 2020 initiative in the framework of Horizon 2020 will allow cities, companies, academia and other partners to develop and test novel approaches for urban mobility. The estimated budget for 2014 and 2015 is €106.5 Million. Civitas 2020 is complemented by the smart cities and communities European innovation partnership (€200 million for 2014 and 2015) and activities within the European “green vehicles” initiative (€159 million for 2014 and 2015); n Involving the Member States: The Commission calls on Member States to create the right conditions for towns and cities to develop and implement their sustainable urban mobility plans; n Working together: The Commission puts forward specific recommendations for co-ordinated action between all levels of Government and between the public and the private sector in four areas: urban logistics; urban access regulation; deployment of intelligent transport system (ITS) solutions, and urban road safety. For more information: see http//:ec. europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/ump/ index_en.htm
The highlights, the low points, the hopes and fears
2013...
What was your biggest disappointment of 2013 - or hope for 2014? Yet another consultation with nearly the same name and aims as every other one they have issued over the years John Lomas, North West Hope: A reduction in the number of ADIs achieved by a raising of standards of tuition and presentation Rod Came, South East
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That the Standards Check becomes the ‘new broom’ I would hope it to be. Tony Phillips, Greater London Last year yet again we witnessed a government dragging its heels on road safety issues with no sign of the promised Green Paper on the future of how we teach young people to drive. Does that now mean we are unlikely to see any consultation at least until the next Government is formed in 2015, and possibly never? Having just celebrated 20 years in the
industry this comes as no surprise as I recall the first few years as a rookie back in the mid-90s being encouraged to meet with fellow colleagues on a regular basis as there is always something to learn, and soon it would be compulsory to keep record of any CPD done. Well, we know what happened there. The biggest disappointment now is that some ADIs feel there is no need to continue with their own professional development as there is no compulsion to do so.
That is not good for our industry in general Derek Brutnell, East Midlands Too many ADIs still charging uneconomic hourly rates. The public must be laughing at the price they are paying to learn a life skill. Colin Lilly, Western
... 2014
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News: Europe
No country has a monopoly on good ideas for improving road safety, and while the UK is acknowledged as a global leader in the field, there are still plenty of great ideas and educational initiatives overseas that we should look at importing into the UK. Here Peter Laub outlines the road safety education programme delivered by French schools, and asks whether something similar in the UK could help improve our young drivers’ attitudes towards risk and reduce their presence within the KSI statistics once driving on their own
Vive la France?
S
ince 1993, road safety certification has been compulsory in all French schools. This testing takes place in several stages in both primary schools and secondary schools for all pupils born after 1 January 1988, and in further education colleges (Greta) for immigrants to France older than 16 years of age or for those who have not passed these tests while at school. At primary school, pupils are taught a syllabus leading to the APER (l’Attestation de Première Éducation á la Route) test in their last year, aged 10 or 11. This test includes tests in road safety knowledge and competence as a pedestrian (cf. UK Blue Cross Code, ‘Hedgehog’ and ‘Tufty’ programmes), as a car passenger (eg, seat belt and booster seat rules), and as a cyclist (eg, cycling proficiency). There is also another similar test, the AER (l’Attestation d’ Éducation á la Route) taken by those primary school pupils who are unable to take the APER due to eyesight deficiencies or other disabilities and which does not therefore include cycling proficiency. At secondary school or collège, pupils in the 5th grade (aged 12-13) are taught the first stage of the ASSR (l’Attestation Scolaire de Sécurité Routière) syllabus leading to the ASSR stage 1 (premier niveau) test in the year they reach age 14. The syllabus is based on the ‘Code de la Route’ (French Highway Code) and includes knowledge of the rules, but significantly also an understanding of the risks applying to different types of road user – pedestrians, animal herders, horse riders, cyclists, moped riders, motorcyclists, car drivers, large vehicle drivers, passengers and future drivers. The emphasis is on encouraging an early understanding of the relationship between rules,
responsibilities, risks and accidents. The ASSR stage 1 test is a theory test, which all school pupils sit in March each year. The test consists of 20 short video clips, each followed by up to five multiple choice questions based on the clip. The pass mark to obtain the ASSR stage 1 certificate is 10 correct out of 20. Pupils who have obtained their ASSR stage 1 can then apply to a driving school for the five-hour practical course to obtain their BSR (le Brevet de Sécurité Routière) permit, which allows them to ride mopeds or small scooters up to 50cc on the road at speeds not in excess of 45kpm. The BSR test is both theory and practical and is taken at the conclusion of the five hours of practical riding training. At secondary school, pupils then continue their compulsory road safety syllabus up into 3rd grade (aged 14-15) and take their ASSR stage 2 test in the year they reach age 16. This again is a theory test taken by all schools each year in March. The test again consists of 20 short video clips, each followed by up to five multiple choice questions based on the clip. The pass mark to obtain the ASSR stage 2 certificate is again 10 correct out of 20. Pupils who have obtained their ASSR stage 2 can then apply to a driving school to start taking practical driving lessons from age 16 in the French AAC (Apprentissage Anticipé de Conduire) Accompanied Learner Driving scheme, or from age 17 not using this scheme, in order to obtain a category B (car) driving licence from age 18. No-one in France (or Monaco) can begin taking driving or motorcycle lessons without passing either the ASSR stage 2 or the equivalent ASR (l’Attestation de Sécurité Routière), taken after leaving school in a GRETA (Groupement d’Établissaments) further education college.
It is perhaps also useful to note that driving instructors in France are entitled to call themselves ‘Driving and Road Safety Teachers’ after passing the BEPECASER (Brevet pour l’Exercice de la Profession d’Enseignant de la Conduite Automobile et de la Sécurité Routière - literally ‘Certificate to Practise the Profession of Teaching Automobile Driving and Road Safety’) course and tests. If it is thought beneficial to include road safety in the National Curriculum in UK, then it will be absolutely essential for this to be thoroughly tested. Some pilot work has been done in Scotland on this, for example, the SQA Level 6 ‘Get into Gear’ programme, see here: http://www.getintogear.info/ share-and-learn/sqa-get-into-gear-module/ In France, as the above information shows, it is possible to incorporate both theory and practical road safety training and mandatory testing into the national curriculum. Perhaps such an approach would result in a more natural transition to the UK theory and hazard perception tests. In my view, the UK hazard perception test urgently needs to be revisited and revised to become a test of hazard anticipation, using the concept of ‘observation links’ from the Roadcraft manual.
What’s your view?
Would you like to see road safety education take a leaf out of France’s book? Have you had any experience of the French system? Write to the Editor, Newslink, at mail@msagb.com
But they don’t get everything right! France has been singled out for criticism by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) after the EU rejected regular mandatory technical checks on motorcycles and scooters. ETSC called the decision “a missed opportunity for reducing road deaths in Europe”. EU lawmakers have agreed a final deal on the ‘Roadworthiness package’ of legislation, originally proposed by the European Commission in October 2012. The agreement says ‘heavy’ motorcycles should be tested from 2022, but even after almost a decade has passed, member states will still not be forced to introduce the checks if they can show they have introduced alternative ‘road safety measures’. Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of ETSC said:“Today’s decision is bad news for
road safety. Regular technical checks for these vehicles would help prevent unnecessary deaths and life-changing injuries. “The European Parliament and member states have been very short-sighted with this decision, as motorcycles and scooters are a growing segment of the EU vehicle fleet. In a few years, these ageing bikes will be on the road in large numbers, without any mandatory requirement for safety checks in 11 countries. We strongly urge those countries to introduce safety checks for these vehicles as soon as possible.” Currently only 16 EU member states require motorcycle owners to get their vehicles checked for roadworthiness. France, along with the Netherlands and Portugal, has no testing requirements at all.
In 2009 powered two-wheeler (PTW) riders represented 17% of the total number of road deaths while accounting for only 2% of the total kilometres driven. Research has shown that technical failures of PTWs can have much more severe consequences than those for cars, and the condition of the vehicle can influence the consequences and the severity of an average occurrence. Out of all the crashes analysed between 2005 and 2009, the Danish Accident Investigation Board has attributed 12% of fatal crashes to technical defects (faulty lights, tyres or brakes). Data from the Finnish Transport Agency show that out of 35 fatal moped crashes (2006-2008), one third involved tampered vehicles.
MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 17
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Towards your CPD: Lesson planning
Steve Garrod highlights the benefits of creating an individual learning plan for each pupil
D
oes it really matter what our learners’ preferred learning style is? Some will argue that it does, while others will argue that what they have been doing for years works well, and their students all pass their driving tests. I have taught learners who tell me that they are ‘visual learners’ and must see pictures in order to learn effectively. My own feeling used to be that so long as we provide a balanced lesson, which caters for a range of learning styles, we are doing our job as well as could be expected. Often instructors will teach in a way that they prefer to learn, eg, plenty of driving practice, or by hi-tech wizardry via electronic devices sporting the latest colour graphics and animation. All of which has its place, so long as it is balanced with other forms of teaching. Many of us we could argue that we no longer plan lessons because we know what we need to do in order to get someone through the test. Some years ago, I was having a purple patch of passes, in fact I felt that I could have taken anyone off the street and taken them for test. Then I had a run of very talented young drivers fail, all with a low count of driving faults but with either one or two serious faults recorded. Initially I thought it was just one of those things but as the pattern was being repeated, I realised that it could be me at fault and not just bad luck. In hindsight it was probably one of the best things to happen to me. It was certainly a steep learning curve. It made me review how I was teaching, including the type of resources, activities and training areas being used. I even had someone sit with me to identify the blind spots I undoubtedly had. This was after being a driving examiner, too. It was while I was working for the DSA that I learnt the benefit of feedback from regular quality assurance checks. Self-assessment, or reflection, plays a big part in teaching, as does peer observation. Even when things are going well it is important to recognise why they are going well just as it is to understand why things are going wrong. The funny thing was that the person who sat in the car with me was not a driving instructor; she was my course tutor on my Certificate of Education. Although she had never watched a driving lesson before she understood education and how teachers should interact with their leaners. So what did I learn? I learnt that I was focusing on the syllabus and making sure I covered all learning styles to the detriment of what my learner actually needed. She recommended that I use an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and that it should be a constant point of reference throughout the learner’s training. An ILP means that you have a document to refer to each week and you can both agree targets and set dates for achievement; an example of this being learning the theory. This was back in 1999, and since then I have used an ILP in some form or another while teaching, regardless if it is a learner, qualified driver or driving instructor. Drawing up a plan doesn’t have to be an onerous task. It just requires a few lines after each session in the presence of the learner. It is more personal and meaningful than a tick sheet on a learner’s progress chart. Many learners are slow to learn their theory or persist in taking mock tests online, without really learning the subject. If, for example, your next lesson is going to be on dual carriageways, then you could agree with your learner that he/she needs to learn the road signs, speed limits and rules and regulations relating to such roads in time for the next lesson. For example: the ILP would contain the learner’s
18 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
This time it’s going to be personal! ‘The personal learning goal is something the learner feels they need to improve or wants to achieve during that session. This is where I was going wrong; I was setting my own targets without listening to what my learner really felt they needed to achieve...’ name and address and contact details, a person who can be contacted in case of an emergency and the course they are on. It will also collect other information such as language proficiency, any additional learning needs (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD) any concerns they may have (eg, driving in tunnels or motorways/faster roads), their short and long-term goals. Finding out their long-term goal is useful, because you can identify why they are learning to drive, or in the case of a qualified driver if they are attending of their own free will. All of the above can be taken into consideration before the first lesson and you will know their motivation to succeed. Below is an example of the Review section of an ILP. You will see it asks you to agree Initial Targets and Personal Learning Goals. An initial target could be to practise building up speed on a slip road and using fifth gear. The personal learning goal is something the learner feels they need to improve or wants to achieve during that session. This is where I was going wrong; I was setting my own targets without listening to what my learner really felt they needed to achieve, even though they could answer any recap lesson correctly. It can
sometimes be as simple as practising changing down from fifth to second gear or trying a couple of hill starts before the main part of the lesson. Looking back I was too focused on the lesson in hand and not allowing time for my learner to have their say. You will see that the next section is Targets (to be agreed with the learner) and learning and Achievement Date. The main thing to remember here is that it is an agreement between you both. You will see that there are also spaces for the start and finish times of the session and the total hour (which can be brought forward from previous lessons) and the student’s initials. All of this makes it easier for you to discuss progress towards a driving test or other forms of assessment. You will also have an up-to-date record of achievement readily available for parents, employers or DVSA inspectors. As April is looming with the new standards being introduced for ADIs, now just might be a good time to introduce an ILP with your learners and to reflect on how you are performing as an instructor. It will help you to identify your strengths and, more uncomfortably, your weaknesses.
An individual learning plan
The main part of an ILP is the review section
Bloggs SOM
Initial Targets To build up speed to 70 mph, to use 5th gear
ILP Review Personal Learning Goals To perfect my gear changing and not rolling backwards on hill starts
Date
Targets (to be agreed with the learner)
Learning and Start End Achievement Date
12/2/14
To deal with faster roads inc the A2
21/2/14
Total Hours
9.30am 12pm 1.5
Student’s initials GF
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Membership benefits
Save cash the Eezi way with the MSA Register now at www.MSA.eezibuy.co.uk and start saving money on key business products and services In the current economic climate, it is vital all businesses make sure they are getting the best value for money possible on the products and services they buy. To help ADIs maximise their spending power, the MSA has teamed up with EeziBuy to deliver real cash savings on your business expenses through its exclusive group discount scheme. 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 common business expenses saving you time and aggravation. You can save money on everything from printing, software, energy, hotels, legal services, mail, office supplies and telecommunications.
Plus many more!
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, go to 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 – click on the categories and start saving money! We hope you find it beneficial. Any questions please email PartnerSave at enquiries@partnersave.co.uk or call 01524 782830.
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Members have the advantage as Halfords offers major discounts on MoTs and servicing MoT prices slashed and 15% discount on servicing at Halfords MSA members are reaping the benefit of the association’s tie-up with Halfords Autocentres, which delivers major savings across a range of products and services. MSA members and their families are now able to access exclusive discounts on servicing and repairs at over 265 Halfords Autocentres nationwide. Members will receive • 33% off an MoT • Up to 15% off servicing • 5% off repairs Plus a FREE 15-point check! These translate into major savings, with over £35 off a major service and £18.10 off an MoT. MSA national chairman Peter Harvey commented: “I am delighted we have formed this partnership agreement with Halfords Autocentres. They are a trusted, well-known national brand, and with 265 centres around the country most members are within easy reach of one. “What is particularly pleasing is that this partnership delivers real value for money to our members at a time when I know many of them are struggling with the economic downturn. “By having your MoT and your major annual service at a Halfords Autocentre, members will save over £50 a year. When you consider that MSA membership is only £57 a year, this single deal virtually justifies paying for your annual membership on its own.” It is hoped that this deal will be extended in the future to include discounts off purchases from Halfords stores, too. Halfords Autocentres is the largest car service network in the UK. It currently has around a one per cent market share of the estimated £9bn car aftercare market. It is a well-known, well-liked and trusted brand, and its role at the heart of the motoring community has been acknowledged recently by the DSA, with the agreement for some of its larger store to host driving tests. As this deal is extended, ADIs in some parts of the country will find themselves visiting Halfords on a regular
basis. The company’s unique selling point is delivering a quality service that you would expect from a national organisation, but without the costs often associated with services at the main franchised dealerships. It also does not compromise manufacturers’ warranties and is carried out by staff who have had the latest training using the most up-to-date technology. This balance of franchise-quality service and competitive pricing is attractive to business customers such as ADIs, and the Autocentres are big enough to handle multi-car fleets, too. A spokesman for Halfords Autocentres commented: “We are delighted to enter into this agreement with the MSA, which we hope will really benefit its members. “With a growing and ageing car parc and cars lasting longer than ever, the need for car servicing is assured in the medium to long-term. “We have a long heritage of dealing with retail customers. Halfords Autocentres is the UK’s leading MoT, car service, repairs and tyres specialist, and we have an unrivalled team of experts dedicated to our customers and their cars. “We strive to provide a reliable garage that can do every job, provide good value, and we’re supported by a national network of wholly owned garages. Our staff are knowledgeable and approachable and they’ll advise you honestly about your car. We are the only chain of garages that have more ATA trained mechanics than any other independent garage group.” It’s a level of service that has clearly gone down well with the British public. 92 per cent of its customers either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that they were satisfied with their experience (at Halfords), with 91 per cent saying they would revisit a Halfords Autocentre again.
Home page: The special MSA page on the Halfords Autocentres website. More offers are available online
20 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
How to take advantage of this offer Just go to www.halfordsautocentres.com/msa for full details of the discounts available, to find your nearest Halfords Autocentres and see what other services the company offers.
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MSA Annual Conference
MSA Annual Conference 2014 heading to the Western region Got a new diary for 2014? Here’s some dates you must reserve: Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 23.
SAVE THE DATE! msa conference, MARCH 21-23, 2014
That’s when the MSA Annual Conference and Training Day And Awards 2014 takes place. Our hosts will be the MSA Western region, as we’ll be holding the event at the Holiday Inn, Bristol. It’s a great venue, well used to hosting high-profile conferences and with superb service standards from its team of dedicated staff. As in previous years we will open up proceedings on the Friday evening with a social ‘ice-breaker’ event, giving delegates the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Saturday, 22 March will be the main day of conference, with a full training day packed with interactive sessions and workshops that will educate and inform. Among our guest speakers already confirmed is the Chief Driving Examiner, Lesley Young, who will be delivering the keynote address. There‘s never been a more important time
to be at conference. It will take place just days before the introduction of the new Standards Check, while we will also know more about the decision to merge the DSA with VOSA to create the DVSA to regulate driver training and motor vehicle standards. How is that working? We’ll find out. So will you be there? It’s now time to make your booking – see below for details of prices, and how to book!
Chief Driving Examiner Lesley Young
Sounds good - how much will it cost? Day delegate rate
Full weekend rate
£38pp
*
On our early bird offer To book - call the MSA Head Office on 0161 429 9669 Save money - book NOW
* Early Bird offers are for bookings made before 31/01/14. After that date, non-discounted prices will apply
£175pp
includes two nights’ B&B, Friday night ‘ice-breaker’ buffet, Saturday Party Night and Conference ticket
Party night rate
£30pp
B&B rate
£55pp per night
MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 21
Towards your CPD: Teaching the disabled
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Disability matters ADI Haydn Jenkins finds that despite being active in the field of teaching drivers with disabilities for many years, there’s still plenty to learn after attending a QEF Mobility Services course
A
young man comes zooming into the room in a wheelchair. His hand grabs the leg of a table and he executes an impossibly tight turn. For just a second it looks like he’s going to fall backwards, then he balances on just the rear wheels, smiles – N is the first of the volunteers who we will meet during the course. This is the second morning of a three-day intensive course to help Haydn (left) with George Allen, the ADIs interested in teaching people lead tutor of the course with disability to drive. I’m at the Queen Elizabeth Foundation in This proved fortuitous, as the road Carshalton, Surrey and if I thought around the centre had changed from the yesterday was interesting, today’s about to one on my Sat-Nav. From the outside the get very interesting. centre looked to be a U-shaped building QEF Mobility Services is a member of with a private road at the rear, which the National Forum of Mobility Centres, included a set of traffic lights and several and has been working for over 30 years marked junctions. I later discovered the helping people with disability and special middle of the U was a covered area for needs to learn and return to driving. It has static vehicle and mobility equipment also been involved in education for people viewing and training. interested in working in the mobility/ After signing in on the first day and special needs sector. Originally called the meeting the other ADIs’ attending, we Barnstead Mobility Centre Instructor were introduced to the course tutors; Course, it runs this course over three days, George Allen, DSA ADI Senior Driving giving the attendee 21 hours of CPD and a Advisor, and Paul Graham, senior certificate stating that you have reached occupational therapist. Both have worked the QEF standard. at the QEF for years and have a wealth of knowledge on the subject of assessing So that sits the scene. Now are you those with disability who wish to learn or are sitting comfortably, I’ll start at return to driving. the beginning: I’m not intending to give you a blow-by -blow account of three intensive days, but Why had I not visited QEF before? The more a flavour so to speak and maybe main reason I had not visited until now whet your appetite. Day one covered was purely down to logistics: it’s a very medical conditions, as well as discussions long drive from Shropshire to Carshalton about the possible affect some conditions in Surrey, especially when driving with an have on driving. Paul had some fiendish adapted driving technique and dealing ways of showing how hard a simple task, with constant pain, which can be very such as picking up a paper clip or pencil, fatiguing, but in September I finally got all can be, when you have rubber bands or my ducks in a row. micro pore tightly holding your fingers One of the main differences between and thumb. Another task involved driving this course and some others I have a powered wheel chair with the controls attended is the opportunity to interact wired in the opposite configuration while with volunteers who have differing disabilities, although I have, over the years, wearing glasses which gave you the visual symptoms associated with stroke/TIA. met many clients with varying illness/ The second day involved meeting the disability, both acquired and congenital, volunteers, I will not use names for these some instructors new to this sector may most helpful individuals, and I have not have had many opportunities to do so, already mentioned N, the young man who making this part of the course very beneficial. Because the journey was going to be long and very tiring I decided to drive down the day before, planning several stops along the way. After four hours I joined the M25 and took another 30 minutes to go the last 10 miles. After a rest at the B&B I went for an evening meal, and took the opportunity for a bit of reconnaissance of the QEF site.
The assessment rig being used (near pic), and with hand controls (centre).
22 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
zooms around so quickly in his wheelchair. Then there’s M who moves into the room using sticks. By now we were directing our Q&A in a more focused way, on the individual not the disability, and the only condition I will mention in this section is that of C, who we meet on the last day of the course. An inspiring gentleman of 85, C has been profoundly deaf since the age of seven. He gave a very interesting presentation on communicating with clients who have limited or no hearing. After this session we were given an insight into what could happen on an assessment drive. George, a senior ADI/ assessor, managed to get one of the ADI/ trainees to use the dual controls. I must admit while going towards a tree doing an emergency stop my foot did twitch but I managed to resist actually dual-ing him. We were then given the opportunity to drive with adaptations including left foot accelerator, combined acc/brake hand controls and secondary controls on the steering aid. We followed that with some reaction tests in the static assessment rig, which is used to assess clients who cannot go out in a vehicle. As with any group of males it became a bit competitive, all I will say is I wasn’t last. The final day started with the session I mentioned earlier, on teaching people who are deaf. C explained some of the ways communication takes place with and within the deaf community, taking us through the basics of British sign language. This was going to be C’s last course as he’s not in the best of health. I have to say that his was one of the best training sessions I have seen, and he was totally deserving of the round of applause he received from trainees and the centre’s staff, who made a small presentation to him in recognition of his efforts over the years. The rest of the day was taken up by sessions on legal responsibilities and the DVLA, driving licence restrictions and codes. Just before finishing we were presented with our certificates, having reached the QEF Standard. Upon completion of the course, your name is entered on the QEF database of ADIs who have taken training and willing to teach those with disability. This database is
available for people looking for instructors in this sector and holds the ADI’s contact details and vehicle/adaptations. Because I had a long drive home I didn’t hang around long saying my goodbyes, but on the previous days we had a chance to network and discuss the day’s events, exchanging ideas and contact details. I will use Q&A for my reflections on the course. I made a significant investment to attend, with travel, course fees, accommodation, food, loss of earning and as always, any travel includes a significant physical effort, so was it worth it? I think so. I found it interesting and rewarding. before the course I did know a lot about this subject area of driver training but even so I learnt so many things, refreshed my knowledge, met some like-minded ADIs and made some useful contacts. Would I recommend the course? Yes, without hesitation. The only change I would personally make would be to stay another night instead of driving back after a full day in the class room. Should I go for future courses in other subjects, eg, advanced hi-tech controls, driving from wheelchair, teaching older drivers, neurological conditions, and visual impairment and more? Yes, I probably will after I’ve recovered from this one! I’m committed to CPD and teaching those with special needs, so get involved and enjoy yourself its very rewarding work.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions relating to teaching driving to people with disabilities or special needs, please feel free to contact me. If I don’t know the answer, I certainly know a man or woman who does. I can be contacted at alphaautomatic@ hotmail.co.uk or 01743 240283 The QEF can be contacted on Tel: 020 8770 1151 Fax: 020 8770 1211 Email: mobility@qef.org.uk
Get a quote for any car on any term for any miles. Call our team on 01162 986104
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Towards your CPD: Lesson planning Sue McCormack offers a personal view on how ADIs should respond to the challenges of the new Standards Check There are two main messages coming from the DVSA as its officials travel around the country delivering talks on the new Standards Check. I know this from other ADIs I have spoken to and also from an ADI Association meeting I spoke at in December in Rugby, where Catherine FosterWilson, DVSA Sector Manager, was also talking. The messages are: n Know the Goals for Driver Education (GDE) n Don’t change what you do In this article I am going to explore these two messages and consider the implications for our industry.
Know the GDE
The document that underpins the changes to the current Check Test is the ‘National Driver and Rider Training Standard’ (‘The Standard’), which sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to deliver a programme of driver / rider training. When you look at the new SC1 Form and compare it to ‘The Standard’ you will recognise the competences, against which you will be assessed in the new Standards Check from April 2014: n Lesson Planning n Risk Management n Teaching and Learning Strategies Implicit in ‘The Standard’ is the fact that the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to deliver a programme of driver training are based on the Goals for Driver Education (GDE). It is expected that driving instructors will deliver a training programme that equips their customers with safe driving skills for life and, in order to do this, they must address the higher levels of the GDE. Unit 6.3, Element 6.3.3 – Coach. This element is about engaging in a conversation with the learner to help them identify obstacles to learning and strategies for overcoming these obstacles. To do this you must know and understand how to use a range of learner-centred techniques to: n Help the learner identify and overcome barriers to achievement of learning goals n Encourage the learner to join-up their understanding of practice and theory n Support the transfer of ownership of the learning process to the learner The only way to address the above three points is through the use of essential coaching skills, such as active listening, effective questioning, clientcentred rapport and eliciting feedback. These skills enable you to address the higher levels of the GDE and also develop self-evaluation skills in your learner drivers. Through the use of these essential coaching skills you will have a client-centred / learner centred approach. ‘The Standard’ makes it overtly clear that skills-based training is not sufficient. It is not acceptable to simply get somebody ready for the driving test. Our responsibility as driving instructors is to equip the people we train with safe driving skills for life. We can only do this if we address the higher levels of the GDE framework and the right-hand column (self-evaluation) through the use of coaching techniques. All my articles focus on this. Here is an everyday example of how the levels of the GDE all come together (first produced in Issue 9 – August 2013 of the Tri-Coaching Partnership Trainers’ Club Magazine): n Level 4 – Goals for Life and Skills for Living Imagine you are going for a job interview. This is very important to you because landing this job will
24 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
Change what you do so you won’t have to change on the day take you one step further towards being able to realise your dreams. You are nervously excited about the interview, which will take place first thing tomorrow morning. You don’t sleep very well and find yourself up at 2am and again at 3am, pacing around the house exhausted. When the alarm eventually goes off you are fast asleep and barely register it. You wake with a start and discover you are already running 20 minutes later than intended. You charge around the house trying to get ready. At least you had sorted out your clothes the night before. Level 3 – Goals and Context of the Journey With no breakfast you jump in the car and start the engine. Irritably you get out of the car again to scrape the frost off the windscreen. You reverse out of the driveway and drive off down the road, frantically trying to remember which way to go. You are now feeling very flustered and are not focusing on the driving at all. You vaguely wonder whether a taxi would have been more sensible. Level 2 – Driving in Traffic You find yourself in the wrong lane at your pet-hate roundabout and feel angry when someone blasts their horn at you. Level 1 – Vehicle Manoeuvring At the next set of lights you stall as you try to pull away quickly – you haven’t stalled in a long time. By the time you get to your interview you have only one minute to spare and no time to compose yourself. Coaching is the most effective method to address the Goals for Driver Education. Traditional instruction was okay for the lower levels of the GDE – vehicle manoeuvring and driving in traffic. However, only client-centred learning raises awareness and builds responsibility. If it really had been you going for an interview what would you have done differently and how would you have taken your personality strengths and limitations into consideration when making decisions about how best to deal with an important event like this? Driving is a task that involves the whole person – body, mind and soul – or, put another way, behaviour, thoughts and feelings. Taking responsibility for the driving task means recognising how our thoughts and feelings motivate our behaviour and affect the choices and decisions we make. Learner drivers need a client-centred approach in order to best understand
About the author:
this for themselves. This is what is meant in Unit 6.3, Element 6.3.3 – Coaching of ‘The Standard’. Don’t change what you do Some people go for their check test and change everything they do usually when teaching. All of a sudden, having never done this in their normal driver training, they decide to teach pedestrian crossings and the use of signals because this was a pre-set test on their Part 3 qualifying exam. In a nutshell, this is what is meant by ‘Don’t change what you do’. You are presenting yourself for an assessment of the knowledge, skills and understanding that you use on a daily basis in your driving instruction so that you can benefit from the feedback and advice given to you by the examiner and, as a result, determine what you need to do to either maintain or improve and develop your standard. If you do something that is completely different from your everyday practice then you are wasting your licence fee! Nevertheless, you are being assessed for your skills, knowledge and understanding as they relate to the ‘National Driver and Rider Training Standard’. Unit 6.5 of ‘The Standard’ is all about the requirement to keep up to date with changes in the industry and develop continuously. This Unit 5 is about evaluating your own performance against the established and evolving requirements of your role, identifying where there are opportunities for improvement and taking action to respond to those opportunities. Among the performance standards for this unit you must be able to: n Keep up to date with training industry issues and recognise when changes in the industry mean that you need to update your knowledge, skills and understanding n Set out objectives for the ongoing development of your knowledge, skills and understanding n Identify training or development opportunities that will help you update or close any gaps in your knowledge, skills and understanding n Keep a reflective log so that you can evaluate the outcome of your professional development activities CPD will not be made mandatory in this industry. However, it will be clear to some of you reading this article that you must change what you do NOW, in order that you won’t change what you do when you come to take the Standards Check. Will you be ready?
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’. Visit the website for further information: www.tri-coachingpartnership.co.uk. Susan can be contacted on 07817 646970.
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News
RAC concern over rash of fuel-related breakdowns THE RAC has voiced its concern over the quality of diesel sold in some parts of the UK, after a sharp increase in fuel-related breakdowns this winter. Its research suggests the problem is particularly acute in eastern England and Scotland, with the North East of England a major worry. The RAC is working with the fuel industry and motor manufacturers to help find the root cause of the issue. Its engineers have found that cars which suddenly break down have a gel-like substance on their diesel fuel filters, which starves the engine of fuel and may result in the engine not starting or suffering a loss of power. While it has not reached any definitive conclusions as to the cause as yet, one area that is receiving close scrutiny is the legal requirement to add up to 7% biofuel content to diesel. Previously, owners of diesel vehicles have sometimes found that their diesel was “waxing” in the very coldest weather. This problem was solved by formulating diesel with additives to prevent this waxing taking place. The symptoms of the current problem are similar to those of waxing but the cause appears to be different. And, unlike waxing, when the weather warms up the gel does not dissolve back into the fuel, which means a new filter has to be fitted. RAC patrols reported that this issue affected a small number of motorists last winter, with the largest number in March. However, by summer the problem had largely stopped, until November, when the RAC attended almost 600 such incidents, the highest number of blocked fuel filters so far this winter. The number of RAC breakdowns would equate to around 2,500 vehicles across the whole UK car parc.
The highlights, the low points, the hopes and fears
2013...
What was your biggest disappointment of 2013? The speed limits not being raised on the motorways. Far too out of date. Karl Satloka, North East
The RAC’s technical director, David Bizley, was puzzled by the phenomena, and said his engineers were working hard to get to the cause of the breakdowns. “Motorists were often led to believe that there were differences in the quality of fuel sold at supermarkets compared to other retail outlets, which is just not the case as all diesel, wherever it is sold, is produced to the exact same standard specification. “Having diesel fuel filters changed at the right service intervals is clearly important because a failure to do so can lead to starving the engine of fuel; but from the number of breakdowns we have attended this cannot be the primary cause. “The industry is working extremely hard to find a solution which is good news for motorists. “Neither the fuel producers, nor retailers, nor the motor manufacturers saw this problem coming last year. “The current specifications for all fuel sold at the pump have been developed over many years and continue to evolve based on a combination of test programmes and field experience. “Specifications have been further tightened since the problem was first reported, but it’s clear that we still don’t fully understand all aspects of the underlying cause. Motorists will share the hope that progress is rapid so that the associated risk of inconvenience and expense is removed. “The fact these issues are far more prevalent in the east over the west of the country suggests that supplies to these areas have characteristics that are not common to the whole of the country.” “We urge the fuel industry to continue its efforts to identify the source of the problem and find a permanent solution to it.”
Quality • Professional • Value
Ideas4ADIs Something worth talking about
2014 marks our 10th Anniversary
To see lessons advertised at 10 hours for £50 (Groupon) – an absolute disgrace Rod Came, South East Being accused of trying to affect the outcome of a learner test by an examiner. Tony Phillips, Greater London Can’t think of any disappointments within the Industry, but in my personal life my biggest disappointment in 2013 was my football club Coventry City playing their home games at Northampton Town. Geoff Little, West Midlands Publisher’s note. Trust me, you’ve got it easy mate. Try supporting Stockport County...
... 2014
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MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 25 Newslink Jan14.indd 1
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26/06/2013 11:26
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Review of 2013
2013: A year of ‘what if...?’ 2013: A year of major change – but also the year of ‘what might have been’. If, on New Year’s Eve 2012, you heard an ADI predict that in the next 12 months the DSA would go, its chief executive leaving with it, that the Check Test would be scrapped, we’d be seeing the end of language interpreters and voiceovers on practical and theory tests and we’d be welcoming a completely modernised driver training syllabus, most ADIs would have
marked 2013 down as one of revolutionary change. And yet... it was more a case of ‘so near, and yet so far.’ As you will have read on our front page, this is also the year when the Government flunked its responsibilities towards new drivers, when it suggested the private sector could take over the L-test and then walked away from the idea. When we were dangled a tantalising carrot of a more professional ADI body through CPD, only for the mandatory
January: Hints at the private sector for L-tests “We will not be constrained by thinking of Government as the only provider of driving tests...” In 2012 the DSA had said there was no chance of the driving test being taken over by the private sector, yet rumours persisted throughout the year. So when, in late December, the Government said the following, it was easy to suggest the agency was wrong: 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 collaboratively 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...
MSA Newslink www.msagb.com
The ADI’s Voice
25/2/11 15:49:16
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Lakes Great venue: Hellidon Hotel, Northamptonshire
Ashford ADIs in major win over parking
DSA chief ready to face members at MSA Conference T
is HE MSA’s Annual Conference fast approaching – we’re just we finalising the details for what are sure will be a superb event. 15 to Running from Friday, March conference Sunday, March 17, this year’s better and promises to be even bigger heart of the than previous events. At the Training Day weekend we have the MSA full of – a full day event packed insights into information, advice and new training. and the world of driver testing chief We’re delighted that the DSA
March 15-17, Hellidon Lakes, Northampton Prices start from just £40
has agreed to executive, Rosemary Thew, – and will take act as our keynote speaker delegates that part in a Q&A session with air. we’re sure will be a lively aff the head of This is your chance to put those the DSA on the spot, to ask you questions that have been keeping your make and night at awake
talks AFTER TWO YEARS of between Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and Ashford Driving Instructors Association has (ADIA), the ADIs’ group after secured a major concession the council agreed to grant to instructors special permits conduct bay parking practice exercises on council premises.
See page 4
direction of the contribution to the future industry in the UK. on offer. The And there’s so much more of day will also feature a choice diverse as workshops with subjects as alternative alcohol and drug awareness, ADIs, and business opportunities for coaching. about box the thinking outside columnist Speakers will include Newslink owner Stanley, Tony and Sue McCormack with over 44 of AJS Training and a man training. driver of years’ experience 18 More on Conference - pg
e woe Servic stress ADIS HAVE been urged to the importance of regular servicing on their cars to after younger and novice drivers research by the SMMT revealed car that many fail to have their maintained correctly.
See page 20
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It was an idea that alarmed many instructors, and brought into question the impartiality of future driving tests being overseen by a private company whose profits would be enhanced by failures and adversely affected by a pass: could it deliver a test as impartial as those of the DVSA? But by the end of the year, the idea was being quietly shelved. Get used to that phrase. Elsewhere, the MSA announced a new partnership with EeziBuy, which allowed members to access key products and services at discounted rates, and the DVSA announced a new online business booking service – an innovation that has worked well throughout the year. We also continued with our debate over expired photocard licences: two million motorists were driving around with such licences, oblivious to the potential fines that could result. Now the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme had announced that participants would be refused access to the course with an expired licence if there was a practical element of the test.
Newslink
MSA
January 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
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DSA’s chief executive to deliver keynote address at MSA Training Day 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
The MSA has teamed up with PartnerSave to provide members with exclusive access to the EeziBuy procurement solution, especially designed to deliver real cash savings on key products and services to trade association members.
See pg 4
25/2/11 15:49:16
Issue 247
Government hints at private sector future for the driving test ‘We will not be constraine
The ADI’s Voice
d by thinking of the Government as the only provid er of L-tests’
A MAJOR CONSULTATION exercise into how motoring services such as driving tests and vehicle licensing 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. 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 DSA, are asked to come in and which said that there were provide services on behalf no of such plans. the state.” However, this latest We even provided a man to consultation exercise clearly hold the smoking gun in the opens the way for the form of Francis Maude, the Government to test the water Cabinet Secretary and Minister over passing the delivery responsible for public sector of L-tests into private hands. efficiency and reform and It a contains a number of pointers long-standing advocate of a to the future, all of which smaller state and a greater suggest privatisation is a very involvement of private real possibility – even, perhaps, companies in public services. more of a probability. At the time our suggestions In the consultation the
A New Years resolution
The consultation document suggests Government is planning for a future of private sector-run driving tests
Government says: “We want to thinking of government as deliver the vision set out in the the only provider...” Open Public Services and Civil In addition, the briefing Service Reform White Papers document that accompanies for improving public services the consultation paper says: by opening up their delivery to “We want to build on our a diverse range of providers existing joint ventures and and new and innovative partnerships and engage with delivery models... working a wider range of partners more closely and collaborin the public, private and third atively with a broader range of sectors to drive improvements partners to deliver services. to the quality of motoring “We want to explore new services.” options for delivering services. We will not be constrained by Continued on page 8 » »
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Issue 248
February 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
aspect to be rejected, for the positive idea of learners on motorways to be, apparently, shelved and for road safety to take its ‘rightful place’ in the political system: festering unloved in the tray marked ‘Too Difficult to Implement’. 2013: that was the year that was... so darned frustrating. Look through this archive of Newslink from January to December and see what we mean!
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February: ADI power as Ashford group forces bay parking concession out of local council Ashford instructors scored a notable victory when their council issued special permits to conduct bay parking practice on its premises. There was a New Year’s honour for Graham Shaw, Assistant Chief Driving Examiner, who received an MBE. ADIs were urged to submit applications to deliver new drink-driver rehabilitation schemes, and the first driving tests were conducted from branches of Halfords: Wellingborough had the honour of hosting the first test. The DVLA finally cottoned on to the number of drivers
using expired photocard licences – by sending out a threatening letter, reminding motorists of the potential £1,000 fine. Meanwhile, the then Transport Minister, Stephen Hammond, said he was getting tough on licence exchanges for foreign drivers. However, despite the strong rhetoric, the Government’s threat that people asking for a UK licence would ‘have to prove they have passed an appropriate test’ was difficult to see working in practice.
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MSA Newslin March 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
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Issue 249
The ADI’s Voice
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25/2/11 15:49:16
March: Consultation, consultation, consultation March saw the closure of the consultation periods on two key papers: the Motoring Services Strategy and a Review of Language Support Provided for Driving Test Candidates. Both were hugely important and so the MSA thought it appropriate to discuss these issues with Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond. Sadly, he was ‘too busy’ to meet us. However, he did send us a
letter, answering some of our questions. Unfortunately, the answers were vague and usually described projects and reforms as ‘still ongoing’. We were particularly interested in hearing about how far the Government had got with plans to reform the trainee licence scheme: ‘still on going’ was the Minister’s reply. Still, he did promise us a Green Paper ‘later in Spring’. Some good news came from the DSA Fraud and Integrity team which, in a joint operation with police, arrested six, including a L-test examiner and an ADI, in connection with driving test fraud. It led the lunchtime news on BBC and resulted in over 100 licences being revoked as a result.
ADIs stand on brink of major change: tell us what you think Sharp fall by John Lepine MSA General Manager
CONSULTATIONS ARE, it seems, like the proverbial buses: you wait for ages and then two come along one for together. In January we reported on the Department for Transport (DfT) Consultation on Motoring Services Strategy and now we also have the DSA consultation paper discussing a Review of Language Support Provided for Driving Test Candidates. How should the MSA respond to these consultations? What follows are some draft ideas about how the MSA might respond to the pair. If you have thoughts about our responses, please get in touch. The consultation period for the DfT’s Motoring Services Strategy has been open for a while and closes on 5 March, while the Review of Language Support Provided for Driving Test Candidates closes at the end of March. The Review of Language Support Provided for Driving Test Candidates sets out proposals to remove or reduce the language support given to non-Englishspeaking candidates taking theory and practical driving tests. It seeks views on whether foreign language voiceovers and interpreters should continue to be provided or whether the statutory driving tests should be conducted only national languages (English in the and, in Wales, English and Welsh).
Consultation paper opens debate on potential changes to the DSA
The paper puts forward four principal interpreters. reasons for change. It says its overarching Experience in the other EU goals are to: member states indicates that there Improve road safety – there is no clear is standard for provision of concern about the ability language of non-English support across the EU. In or Welsh speakers to understand addition to the road national language or languages signs and other advice to of that drivers. country 15 of the 27 EU member Enhance social cohesion – to countries also offer the theory test in encourage integration in society English. No other country learning the national language. by offers as many languages as the 21 we offer in Reduce fraud – to address the Britain; runners up are Sweden,Great problem of an interpreter attending for languages offered and Germany with 14 test with a learner driver and with 12. Interpreters are allowed on communicating advice beyond theory tests a strict in 19 countries translation of the theory test and in 18 countries questions or interpreters the instructions given by are allowed on practical tests. the examiner. The consultation paper off Reduce costs – there will ers four be options for change. saving to the DSA from not a small paying • Remove voiceovers and to the theory test service provider a fee interpreters for the • Remove voiceovers on the annual update of voiceovers. theory test but retain the use of interpreters DSA estimates of the number on all tests candidates likely to be effected of by • Remove removal of the opportunity interpreters on both tests for voiceovers but retain the use of voiceovers for the or the use of a translator is relatively theory test small. In the year to April 2012 • Do nothing were 1.5 million theory tests there and 1.57 From the small number of members million practical car driving tests. MSA has spoken to so far these 57,361 theory test candidatesOf on this subject, all have favoured requested voiceovers, 1,690 option one – the theory removal of voiceovers and candidates requested interpreters test interpreters. and 9,555 practical test candidates requested
Continued on page 8
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THE NUMBER OF young people taking driving tests has dropped almost a fifth in the past five years, according to figures released by the Department for Transport – and the fall could be the start of a “demographic change that will transform a generation’s relationship with cars.”
See page 6
Police arrest six in L-test fraud case
DSA’S FRAUD AND INTEGRITY team led a raid in Greater London on 20 February as part of a joint operation with the Metropolitan Police into ‘cash-for-pass’ allegations. The raid resulted in the arrest of a DSA driving examiner, an ADI and four driving test candidates suspected of conspiracy to commit fraud.
See page 4
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Issue 250
The ADI’s Voice
MSA questions first shoots of Green Paper on driver training logo final solo.indd 1
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25/2/11 15:49:16
We had the pleasure of welcoming DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew to our annual conference, at which former Greater London chairman Cos Antoniou was named our Member of the Year. To understand the MSA frustration with the recent announcement of the postponement of the Green Paper on new drivers, one has to refer back to this issue. Our front page story covered an emergency – yes, emergency – meeting between MSA chairman Peter Harvey and officials at the DfT in London. Organised at such short notice that MSA general manager John Lepine was unable to attend due to being on holiday, Peter flew down to London to brief senior DfT civil servants at Marsham Street on the MSA’s position on key issues to be included in the upcoming Green Paper, including minimum learning periods, learners on motorways and incentives for new drivers to take further training post-test. A Green Paper setting out changes to the new driver environment was clearly imminent...
2013...
INCREASING CONCERN OVER need learners to be following crash statistics and – in particular new driver a syllabus, which – the number ties in to the DSA’s own National of new drivers killed, coupled with Standard for Driver and Rider Training. over soaring insurance premiums, public anger Without that the learning could be of little factors influencing a soon-to-be-puare the key value.” blished In its official briefing on the Government Green Paper, which will set out contents of the Green reforms to the driver training and testing regime. drivers Paper, the DfT had said: “Young However, while any moves could benefit from improved that improve road training and lower insurance safety and reduce crashes are to be welcomed, premiums through this Green Paper, MSA national chairman Peter which Harvey MBE has focuses on improving the already pointed out to the safety and Department for reducing risks to young drivers. Transport that the MSA believes ” Interestingly, and perhaps and omissions in the proposals. there are flaws highlighting who has the At a meeting with the DfT lead in and Great Minster House, London DSA officials at briefing the Government’s at the on moment, the proposals were March 27, Peter briefed senior Wednesday, unveiled civil servants on at a summit for the motor the association’s position insurance on the suggested industry, hosted by the Department changes. While ideas such as a for Transport. The Government learning period of 12 months minimum is sounded good on expecting the changes to result paper, and had led to a positive in a response from reduction the media, “in practice, this will achieve little,” he insurance in the high cost of vehicle said. currently facing motorists – especially young drivers. “The DfT’s own research found that the average learning period of Continued on page 6 » new drivers was 14 months, so clearly the vast »» majority are passing their test well after the 12 months the Government is asking for. ” What concerned Peter more, belief that ‘training for training’showever, was the sake’ would achieve the desired results. Cos Antoniou, former chairman “There is little point of MSA learning to drive for a minimum Greater London, was named of 12 months if our Member the learning isn’t structured of the Year at the MSA and of quality. We Conference. Full coverage of the conference starts on pg 24
What one change would you like to see Alastair Peoples enforce in 2014? Efficiency and fitness for purpose. Unlikely! John Lomas, North West
Thanks, Cos
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No targets - so no progress on UK road safety 25/2/11 15:49:16
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process, whereby new part of the learning to drive specific syllabus, for a drivers are required to follow which they take ownership. ’ driving manoeuvres, • Allowing ADIs to ‘sign-off the practical driving test thereby freeing-up time on for ‘genuine’ driving. to take tuition on a • Allowing learner drivers an ADI. motorway, if supervised by process and the • Overhauling the ADI qualifying professional continuing introduction of compulsory report into he Transport Select Committee’s was the development. ago, frustrated by the Road Safety, published a year debate in John added: “The MSA is what is a very serious subject of a somewhat curtailedon Thursday, seeming lack of activity on Hall we saw a three per cent Parliament’s Westminster issue. The fact that in 2011 simply unacceptable. A increase in road deaths is 25 April. should picked up on have Parliament that While it was encouraging number of road safety ministersdone. We do not been a vital subject, it was these issues, but little has debate what we believe is we require is firm time devoted to it was require another review; what – particularly among disappointing to see that the for Road Safety, Jim rate action to stem this fatality reduced. As former Minister of us have lobbied new young drivers”. Fitzpatrick, pointed out: “Manyand it is a real Ellman MP, Chair of time, Speaking in the debate Louise for road safety debating against “We do not up said: run it, we the Transport Select Committee,male drivers in shame that when we get announced that the want young new drivers, young an attitude of bravado prorogation,” after the chair with particular, to start driving session had to be cut short. the debate the MSA a car can be a lethal In its submission ahead of and without realising that but was critical of its weapon.” supported the original report further review of had for a Jim Fitzpatrick, who as a ministerlast Labour conclusions, which called the that time the the at in driver training. We commented to show much more responsibility for road safety an opposition now administration and who is Government should be prepared up and smell the “wake “It is important to put on transport spokesman, said: leadership on the matter and driver training for consensus on road safety record that the cross-party coffee”. “We have been reviewing governments and the Secretary of State for was broken by the former years and despite successive for Runnymede and several recommendations, Transport, the Rt Hon. Member when he abolished select committee making John Lepine. Weybridge (Philip Hammond), little has been done”, said approach to road that education is the The MSA strongly believes targets as part of the Government’s ” several made has principle. in and safety. He opposed targets key to tackling this matter to the select committee. suggestions in its submission »» Continued on page 6 » These include: record of achievement as • Introducing a statutory
MSA’s submission to Parliament sets out an action plan to improve new driver standards
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The decision by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond to scrap road safety targets – setting the UK at odds with pretty much every country in the developed world – was attacked in a Road Safety debate in the House of Commons, as reported in our May issue. The debate, which was officially called to discuss the Transport Select Committee’s report into road safety, heard a number of speakers criticise the Government for a lack of leadership on road safety. However, Stephen Hammond, responded on behalf of the Government, defended its position, stating: “Our forthcoming young drivers’ Green Paper will consider a range of innovative proposals for reforming young driver training and thus improving road safety. “I expect the Green Paper to include temporary restrictions on young drivers after they pass their test... a minimum learning period before candidates sit their test... allowing learners to practise on motorways and incentives for young drivers to continue their training once they have passed their test.” Elsewhere in the issue, there was growing confusion over the trailers used for B + E testing, news that the DSA was reducing its phone contact centre opening hours was an unwelcome development, and our London editor picked up the cudgels over poor road signs in the capital.
June: leading the debate in Europe Our June issue marked the appointment of MSA general manager John Lepine as President of the European Driving Instructors Association (EFA). John described the appointment as “a huge honour, both for myself and the MSA’, and cemented the association’s position at the heart of the debate over improving driver training, testing and road safety across the EU. Regional editor John Lomas had picked up the debate on the new rules regarding laden trailers used on B+E tests, and his questions were put to the DSA by the MSA. We received a reply which tried to clarify the situation, and subsequently the rules have been changed. Our features on expired photocard licences were picked up by the national media when the Radio 5 Live programme, Adrian Goldberg Investigates, interviewed Rob Beswick from our publishers, Chamber Media Services, as they tried to get to the bottom of the problem.
I would like to see learners on motorways, compulsory driving lessons, the industry getting itself together and putting up fees without 10-for-£56 offers. Dave Pepperdine, East Midlands Push the Government to make CPD compulsory for ADIs. Geoff Little, West Midlands
May: MPs attack lack of road safety targets MSA Newslink
The highlights, the low points, the hopes and fears
MSA Newslin June 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
k
Issue 252
The ADI’s Voice
Clock ticking on major reforms to L-test industry logo final solo.indd 1
www.msagb.com
25/2/11 15:49:16
Sources claim unique ‘window of looks for non-partisan legislat opportunity’ as Government ion to fill Parliamentary time
As thIs IssuE of Newslink went to press, the MSA was eagerly awaiting news of two key reforms proposed for the driver testing and training industry. The Government has promised to release its Green Paper on driver training before the end of spring – officially, May 31. In a pre-release briefing it was considered included a minimum suggested that ideas being learning period before candidates could sit their driving test, enabling learner drivers to take lessons with ADIs on motorways and increasing the probationary period for new drivers from years to three – an extension two of the New Drivers Act. In addition, officials have suggested the Government is looking at making the L-test even more rigorous and creating new incentives to encourage new drivers to take further training post-test – the so-called Pass Plus II. However, this is not the only expected too is the next stage news on reform: in the Department for Transport’s the reform of executive agencies, covered by the Motoring Services Strategy, which has hinted at a major shake-up of the DSA, the DVLA and other bodies, as well as a decision on whether or not to remove the language support non-English-speaking candidates offered to in the driving tests. “As we reported in our March and April Busy workload? Stephen Hammond looks likely to be one of the few ministers kept as the Government winds busy down to the 2015 general election
issues, this industry is standing on the cusp of some momentous changes, potentially,” commented MSA general manager John Lepine. “But the key word is ‘potentially’. We have heard rhetoric such as we heard earlier this year before without it being carried through, but there have been a number of indicators that the Government wants to put down a marker in this area. ” However, the rumours coming out of both the DfT in London and the DSA in Nottingham are that major changes are highly possible – although a cynic might suggest that political logic, rather than an overwhelming desire to improve road safety, is the key driver behind the reforms. one Whitehall observer put As it, “The coalition government uneasy about pushing highly is politicised legislation through Parliament in 2014-15 as we run up to the next election. creates a unique window It of opportunity legislation on more non-partisan to bring forward matters that won’t threaten the coalition, such as road the L-test and executive agencies safety. Reforming would fit the bill nicely.” Whitehall observers believe that the Government is already winding down its legislative programme, despite the next election being It was interesting to note how nearly two years away. light caseload will be in 2013-2014 Parliament’s – a fact noted number of political commentatorsby a after the recent Queen’s Speech contained only 19 bills, some of which impact solely on the devolved assemblies or were carried over from the previous year’s parliamentary sesssion.
Continued on page 4 » »
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msA GEnErAl mAnAGEr John Lepine mbe has been elected as President of Driving Schools Association The European (EFA). The post is a huge honour for both John and the MSA, and places the association at the heart of the debate on road safety and driver training and testing across Europe. John was elected at an EFA delegates meeting in Sopron, Hungary last month to lead the driving instructors’ group for a three-year term. He will be supported by two vice-presidents during his period in office: Cathy Bacon, chair of IDIA, the association for driver trainers in Ireland and previously EFA’s 2nd vice-president , who st vice-president, and Manuel becomes 1 Picardi, CEO of UNEASCA, the national union of driving schools in Italy, who will be 2nd vice president.
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“Our forthcoming young drivers’ Green Paper will consider a range of innovative proposals for reforming young driver training and thus improving road safety. I expect the Green Paper to include temporary restrictions on young drivers after they pass their test... a minimum learning period before candidates sit their test... allowing learners to practise on motorways and incentives for young drivers to continue their training once they have passed their test.” Stephen Hammond MP, addressing the House of Commons, April 25, 2013
Leaners should be allowed to learn on automatics and still receive a full licence. We keep saying the test should not be skillbased. If they don’t have to worry about gears and clutches then more emphasis could be placed on hazard perception and forward planning. Karl Satloka, North East Introduce membership of registers for LGV, PCV, Fleet and motorcycle instructors as a prerequisite for training others in those categories. Rod Came, South East Crack down on illegal paid tuition – and L-drivers on motorways Tony Phillips, Greater London Among the items for discussion in the promised Green Paper had been curfews on young drivers, having a minimum learning period and not being allowed to carry passengers. These proposals are being suggested mainly by the insurance industry. I think over the next few years we will see an increase in the use of ‘black box’ type technology being offered by insurance companies in an effort to change the habits of young drivers to reduce their insurance risk. There is no doubt, however, that the extremely high insurance premiums for young drivers are not doing our industry any good at all. I meet so many 18-20 year olds now that have not started to learn to drive, with the reason being not the cost of lessons generally but running a car after passing their test being too expensive. Derek Brutnell, East Midlands I would like to see some progress made towards a graduated licence system for new and novice drivers. David James, South Wales I would like him to bring about sufficient organisational changes that when a consultation is promised it is actually delivered on time and allow adequate time for the profession to comment. Colin Lilly, Western
... 2014 MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 27
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Review of 2013
MSA Newslin July 2013
July: The end of an era
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
k
Issue 253
The ADI’s Voice
Get involved and raise standards logo final solo.indd 1
www.msagb.com
25/2/11 15:49:16
The DSA was to axed, replaced by a merged agency which we now know will be called the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The other half of the new agency was VOSA. This decision came as something of a surprise, and was made under the guise of the Government’s review of motoring services agencies. The chief executive of the new agency would be the former boss at VOSA, Alastair Peoples, and the DSA chief executive, Rosemary Thew, announced her retirement.
The MSA wished her well. We marked the start of the summer silly season with an amusing dig at the DfT for the delays in producing the fabled Green Paper. It was late – ‘due in Spring’ – and as we were now in the heart of a baking summer, we decided it was all down to climate change switching the seasons around. The old Spring was the new Autumn. Watch this space. It would be with us in autumn, How wrong we were...
The DSA hAS finally released modernising of driver training details of its proposals for the enormous impact on our industry, and we would urge of a comprehensive consultationin Great Britain, in the form all members to read our overview document. carefully and let us know The paper offers a number views. your of options to reform the industry. Key issues covered Mark Magee, ADI Registrar, include was keen to stress that ADIs’ Ofqual, the English qualifications the role of PDIs, using views would be taken seriously.“The DSA is very grateful to of new instructors to the Register body, to oversee the entry MSA and our other industry rather than a DfT agency, partners who have worked how the standards check is us on the best way to raise with administered and paid for, standards of driver training and other matters. and therefore improve road safety. We believe our proposals There is little new information. enhance customer confidence will Many of the proposals in the industry and establish covered have been discussed modern regulatory framework a previously, and the MDT paper simply brings the different ADIs. As Registrar, I would that reduces the burden on strands urge all affected by our proposals That doesn’t mean that ADIs together in one document. to make their views known before the deadline should ignore it. The contents of the consultation paper of 8 August.” could, potentially, have an
Full report: See page 14
n Chief executive to retire n Former driving examiner
transitional body
In her place steps Alastair Peoples, currently Chief Executive of VOSA, who will head-up a transitional board which has already started work to determine the structure the new organisation. of
to head
n Privatisation ‘not on cards’
T
he Driving Standards Agency, which was launched amid much fanfare on April 2, 1990 as a body separate from the Department of Transport in order that it could provide a stronger focus is to be merged with its sister on driver testing and training, motoring agency, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), in April 2014 as of a rationalisation of Government part departments. The move comes as part of a with the intention of reducing wider reform of departments, back office and non-core costs and cut public spending. The merger heralded the almost immediate end to the career of Rosemary Thew, DSA chief executive, who announced her decision to retire at the end of June on the same day the merger was confirmed.
Rosemary was quick to stress to the MSA that the merger would have no immediate impact remain the same on the surface on ADIs. “Everything will usual’, ” she said. “Lesley Young – it really is ‘business as remains in post as chief driving examiner and Mark Magee as ADI registrar. The booking helplines, examiners and check tests all remain place; instructors and pupils in should see no changes as a result of this merger in the immediate future.” She was keen to stress that this move in no way heralded privatisation of driver testing and training, either. “The work of the agency stays within Government.” Changes will come into effect from 2014, when ADIs will answer to a new body – with a new name, which is yet to finalised. be
Continued on page 8 » »
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August: MDT proposals launched; RAC backs graduated licences
MSA Newslin August 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
k
Issue 254
The ADI’s Voice
DSA picks up the pace over driver The RAC Foundation comes out strongly in favour of graduated training reforms ADI groups comp licences for new drivers while the ADI consultative groups were up in arms after being given a limited time to respond to arguably the most important document the industry had seen for some time, the Modernising Driver Training Reform of the Regulatory Framework. This suggested a host of changes to the way the sector is governed, with sanctions against ADIs who fail to comply with regulations, an end to Ordit, the introduction to the sector of Ofqual to oversee new ADI qualifications, and new grading on the check test replacement, the Standards Check. All that, and a mysterious case of disappearing white lines in Stockport... but we had the Riddler on the case.
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The recession may officially be over but ADIs’ bank balances are not reflecting that fact, as research highlighted a sharp drop in incomes. Research showed the difficulties many instructors face in charging much over £20 an hour, while the hours spent teaching was falling, with few able to guarantee 40+ hours a week. Average lesson MSA prices dropped to around £22, down EU looks again at from £22.50 in the way 2008. Special discounts and deals we teach were blighting the driving industry, making it A hard to raise prices further. The report concluded that “the rates charged today are between five and 10 per cent lower than five years ago”.
The modernising driver training consultation affects every ADI, so it’s important that you have your say on it. Give your views on the proposals to: • introduce fines that the ADI Registrar could charge you if you don’t follow a condition of your approval • let you book your standards check online at a time that suits you • split the registration fee so you pay a lower registration fee, but then pay for your standards check when • change the grading structureyou book it for ADIs • decide what information about ADIs it would be useful and fair for the DSA to make available to the public
How to have your say
Read the proposals in the consultation and see the webchat with Mark Magee (see pg12) for more information. Fill in the online reply form by Thursday, 8 August.
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* Clarification notice Why does the increase apply only to members who have joined since 2010? The following extract from MSA Newslink, August 2010, Page 18, explains: “On June 2, 2010, MSA received a letter from HMRC confirming that the subscription fees to the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain Ltd are exempt under the VAT Act 1994 Group 9 Schedule 9 item 1(b), as driving tuition is a profession. The board of management decided at their recent meeting to reward loyal members with a subscription price freeze for five years. Subscriptions will be held at today’s price for all members who joined before June 1, 2010. ”
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At an MSA Board of Management meeting on Monday, 25 June 2013, a motion was passed increasing the annual membership subscription by £8 to £65 for cheque and credit card payers and to £60 for direct debit payers. Half-yearly cheque, credit card and direct subscriptions and quarterly debit direct debit subscriptions will be £34 and respectively. This is the first £18 increase in membership fees for five years. If you pay your subscription debit we will simply request by direct the new amount from your bank when subscription is due for renewal.your You do not need to do anything. If you pay your subscription by cheque or credit card we will request the new amount from when we send out your renewal you reminder. At this point you may choose to complete a direct debit mandate in order to save you money. Whichever way you choose to pay your MSA membership subscription, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support.
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lain to DfT over limited time given to respond to MDT framework
PARLIAMENT MAY BE in recess but the debate over the future of the driver training As this issue of Newslink went industry and reforming the to press, the MSA was rules governing new drivers drawing up its own response shows no sign of letting up. on MDT. We would urge Throughout this issue you you to keep an eye on the MSA will see articles on what website (www.msagb.com) changes various bodies with as we will reveal our response on an interest in road safety believe there. should to be brought in to In light of the major ideas improve the standard of new outlined within the MDT, drivers. But what’s your view? it is no surprise that MSA head offi ce has On new drivers, the RAC correspondence from members. received a great deal of Foundation says they must We will consider their views be controlled by graduated licences carefully as we draw up our (pg own 6)... Brake wants all response. We have been new drivers to have a zero particularly struck by the limit number of ORDIT trainers Association of British Drivers for alcohol... while the who have got in touch. The DSA is concerned about an states starkly that its plans over-reliance on technology sound the death knell for in cars and believes raising ORDIT: it would close in driving standards can be addressed 2016 at which point all new trainee only by post-test driving instructors would be working courses – and not by fitting with recognised training centres hi-tech approved by Ofqual. Meanwhile, as the Government black boxes (pg 10). While nothing would prevent dithers over whether to an ORDIT-registered introduce some, all or none training body from being of these, approved by Ofqual and more decisively on the regulations it has acted quicker and continuing to work, many that control those ORDIT trainers are solo charged with driver training: enterprises: one man/woman ADIs. The proposals outlined bands, not schools or large in the Modernising Driver organisations. Any enterprise Training Reform of the Regulatory wanting to continue as a Framework for ADIs (or MDT) registered training body would the keys to improving driver include, the DSA believes, least two persons: an assessor need the involvement of at trainers in such a way that and an internal verifier. Th they will in turn produce a better news has been met by understandabl is standard of new drivers. e consternation from Indeed, it has been argued those who have invested heavily that proposals are being progressed the pace with which these business training future ADIs. in building up a successful snail’s pace of the much-discusseis in stark contrast to the However, this concern should d new driver reforms. Aft discussions between all the er Modernising Driver Training not cloud the fact that the senior ADI consultative groups document contains many it was agreed that the time good ideas. For instance, given to consult and respond while plans to create a list of the MDT was too limited, to sanctions against ADIs who particularly as the DSA itself do not comply with regulations has acknowledged that some sounds onerous, they make of the information published sense. in it is ambiguous or contradictory For example, under the current in system, an ADI who As you’ll read on page 9, this parts. repeatedly fails to display concern culminated in a his/her unified message from the receive a letter from the registrar ADI badge will either ADI consultative groups, informing them that they asking for more time to discuss, must do so... OR be expelled consider and refine their views from MDT. Unfortunately, this on lose his/her livelihood. Where’s the register entirely and request was rejected by Ministers. the middle ground?
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‘Cuts axe’ falls on DSA
Members’ notice:
This notice applies to all members who joined the MSA after 1 June, 2010*
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
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Registered in England No. 5988054.
Issue 256
The ADI’s Voice
www.msagb.com
25/2/11 15:49:16
Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport and one of five vice-presidents, will be the man CIECA will have to convince over its proposed reforms
MSA Newslink
September - and it’s no, minister
Issue 255
September 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
www.msagb.com
The ADI’s Voice
s No, minister: MSA reject al pos pro T MD in ma DSA’s
s Newslink has reported throughout the year, the UK Government is considering making major changes to both the world of driver testing and training and the framework in which novice drivers operate – though deadlines for firm details on these reforms have slipped, frustratingly. Yet any plans – major or minor – that The DSA is a member of CIECA and the Westminster may have could be swept away MSA holds associate membership through by possible changes that are brewing in the EFA, the European Driving Schools corridors of the European Union. CIECA, Association. the international commission for driver The purpose of these four recommendtesting authorities, is proposing a project that will make a whole series of recommendations ations will be to assist the European Commission in drafting new legislation. to the European Commission for Minimum By making this effort, the project hopes to European Requirements for Road User contribute to reaching the 50 per cent Education. reduction target of road fatalities that the In particular, it wants to look again at: European Commission has set. • minimum driver competency standards It should be stressed that at first glance, • minimum standards for persons many of the ideas currently being discussed performing paid driver instruction by CIECA would find favour with British • minimum requirements for persons ADIs. Indeed, there is a chance that our performing unpaid driver instruction recently introduced National Standard (so-called layman instruction) for Driver and Rider Training and National • and a minimum requirement for driving Standard for Driving Cars and Light Vans schools. could form the basis of any new future
CIECA proposal for ‘minimum standards’ could revolutionise driving tuition
25/2/11 15:49:16
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Key points on MSA response to the MDT:
al qualification Introduction of a vocation ers no links to entry to the profession off ds improving new driver’s standar the DSA’s modernising THE MSA HAS heavily criticised option in particular its preferred driver training framework, the by which new ADIs enter for reforming the process
• No to the introduction of vocational qualifications overseen by external body
training and testing in Britain. Sadly, we believe a chance has been badly missed. We publish here our official response. It has been drawn up after a lengthy internal consultation process, with submissions drawn from the MSA’S 10 regional committees. In addition we have taken into account responses from individual ADIs and ADI groups with links to the MSA. ere are document out of hand. Th We do not reject the entire which, suport, and there are others to meaaures within it that we can make positive contributions with minor amendments, You can read our official response driver testing and training. from here:
industry. MSA’s board of management In our official response, the replace the current qualifying rejected the DSA’s plans to vocational qualification overseen process by introducing a new the idea was badly flawed. “We saying by an independent body, would separate testing and are concerned that this option benefit road safety.” not there training in a way that would which most disappoints us: Indeed, it is this final point have any the DSA’s proposals would is no reason to believe that an on driving standards. It is direct effect, direct or otherwise, a major one, which has no administrative change, albeit quality of young drivers or relevance to road safety, the risk management post-test. of improves their attitude and a little extreme, as the plight While the analogy may seem is surely a case of as dire, it driver training isn’t quite on the Titanic. rearranging the deckchairs is one the association does Our rejection of this proposal anticipating this latest eagerly reluctantly. We have been We believe that only by attempt to reform the profession. up can industry from the bottom teach creating a truly professional have the skills they need to we ensure driving instructors drivers. learner of generation next body the highly skilled and committed If we have a professional, driving training syllabus and of ADIs, working to a stringent test, all backed by post-test controlled by a rigorous driving for new drivers, we believe learning and testing opportunities we can and its successor agencies, that, together with the DSA reducing the current situation in make considerable progress a disproportionate percentage in which new drivers constitute of the country’s road casualties. DSA to make its mark on the This was a real chance for conjunction with some decisive in taken if training: driving on its long-overdue Green Paper action by Government in driver been a landmark year for new drivers, this could have
• Use of external verifiers for assessments after research suggested DSA staff could ‘significantly increase costs’ • No confidence that the DSA properly understands the costs proposals could impose on ADI trainers • Yes to civil sanctions being used to improve compliance within the ADI registration process
Our response
we have been critical of Along with other ADI associations of consultation [over short period the decision to have a very that this was because it was this framework]. We understand to be a full length period of there considered unnecessary for had been closely consultation as the ADI representatives from the start. involved with the MDT agenda this project has been ongoing While our involvement with in the ten years, the options shown for a period approaching fully the options we had been consultation paper are not discussing previously, however. that we were being told that It was only a short time ago with ministers, and consultation this DSA officials had cleared formal finalised in preparation for those proposals were being
• Yes to making ADI qualification last a lifetime, if ending need to requalify you leave the register for 12 months or more
Continued on page 4 » »
consultation.
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As the summer faded from our thoughts, the MSA picked up the cudgels against some of the MDT reforms. While the document contained some positives, we rejected its ideas for how new entrants to the profession were to be governed. Pink licences might have had flaws, but replacing the “current qualifying process by introducing a new vocational qualification overseen by an independent body was badly flawed, and we are concerned that this would separate testing and training in a way that would not benefit road safety.” Elsewhere in the document, which promised great reforms, the MSA had a feeling that “this proposes administrative changes that will have no direct relevance on improving young driver standards or road safety.” Throughout the year Newslink had carried a series of excellent training articles from renowned experts in the driver training field such as Philip Burman, Sue McCormack and Steve Garrod. This issue was no exception as we set out how to construct a ‘client-centred’ lesson – with much controversy ensuing!
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MSA Newslink
November: TRL questions DSA’s TRL report holes DSA flagship syllabus Issue 257
November 2013
MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
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The ADI’s Voice
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flagship syllabus
safety benefits Researchers find no road out new and question wisdom of rolling in current form learning to drive syllabus
the findings to ADIs and to learner drivers, study a justification A MAJOR twO-yeAR evaluation reported here do not provide Research benefit for conducted by the Transport Learning to in terms of a likely road safety process new and Laboratory into the DSA’s rolling out the new syllabus that it has no Drive syllabus has concluded road safety. further in its current form. on discernible positive impacts “Any further research or development learning and process The report investigated the work with the new syllabus statistics of two within an a priori* patterns, attitudes and test proceed should who by ADIs for the groups of learners, one taught materials evaluation framework appropriate the basis of the had been given access to trainingthe other assessment of its goals. On to based around the new syllabus, wider evidence base relating novice driver with no access. interventions to increase more While the ADIs were generally there safety, we also make the following and that alternative supportive of the new syllabus, strategic recommendation, in driver attitude training and were some improvements approaches (ie, other than of to improving young novice – including an increased understanding education) for ‘safe driving the need to learn under the driver safety should be considered.the DSA’s did not with life’ philosophy – the research “This would be in keeping for the d practice, provide the ringing endorsement for. commitment to evidence-base from hoping syllabus that the DSA was continue monitoring evidence to to and that seek In their conclusions the researchersof other countries on approaches challenge post-test highlighted the continuing increase regulation and use to pass their are “the expectations of learners restrictions. Some such approaches possible and as being practical test as quickly as supported by evidence as is at odds with the widely in improving the safety of young cheaply as possible... this effective and process. ” philosophy of the syllabus drivers. novice want not do manager, was “ADIs believe that learners John Lepine, MSA general perceived as findings. “The to spend time on things they not surprised by the report’s critic of this to passing the not being directly related MSA has been a long-standing is hard to it practical test.” evaluation process – indeed, told you so’ overall ‘we Most damning is the report’s resist the temptation to say new learning to conclusion: “Although the on reading its findings. seems generally »» drive syllabus and process Continued on page 12 » and in practice acceptable both in principle or knowledge which proceeds
New man, new plan: MSA chairman Peter Harvey and the DSA chief executive, Alistair Peoples. Peter joined to other ADI representatives the discuss Alistair’s plans for agency. For a full report, see page 4-5
to or denoting reasoning a * A priori: [adjective] relating or experience: [adverb] in rather than from observation from theoretical deduction rather than empirical observation: way based on theoretical deduction
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The TRL didn’t mean to say that the DSA’s driver training syllabus was no good... it just needed to point out that it couldn’t see how it would directly affect road safety... “Although the new learning to drive syllabus and process seems generally acceptable both in principle and in practice to ADIs and to learner drivers, the findings reported here do not provide a justification in terms of a likely road safety benefit for rolling out the new syllabus and process further in its current form. Elsewhere in the same issue, a second TRL report had strongly supported graduated licences – GDL is effective at reducing collisions in countries where it has been implemented and the quality of the evidence is high. The evidence is consistent and the potential public health benefits of a GDL system for new drivers are indisputable.
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ADIs hit by big drop in income, says report
A major report into ADIs’ income has revealed worrying rates of pay across the country. The research, carried out as part of a wider survey, found that the lesson rates charged by ADIs are now between 10 and 20 per cent lower than they were five years ago; and that trading conditions in the learner driver market over the last five years have steadily declined and are at their lowest point so far. Lesson prices are now as low as £15 for an hour in some parts of the country - while the report also finds fault with DSA claims on average earnings. • To read the full report, see page 24
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December: So long DSA, welcome, DVSA! And so we get to the end of the year, with the news that we had an official new title for the agency overseeing ADIs and driver testing and training – the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Newslink carried an interview with Alastair Peoples, the newly installed permanent chief S executive of the new agency, and DVSA steps in we published the s placeand DSA’s official to DSA’with large remit New agency to start guide to pipeline the in ADIs for title new a there is examiners conducting the new Standards Check – coming in April.
M A Newslink December 2013
Issue 258
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The ADI’s Voice
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merged range of services the new April 2014.” cial the DVSA take shape from agency will provide. The offi announced the that the THE GOVERNMENT has MSA members should note release listed them as thus: oversee driver obsolete new name for the body to name ‘DSA’ will not be made “The merger of the two Britain: the gradual range of testing and training in Great overnight: there will be a agencies gives DVSA a broad Agency name Driver and Vehicle Standards introduction of the new agency responsibilities, including processinglorries operate to formal launch in April 2014. (DVSA). the of licences for ahead applications the previous schemes for all The new body will replace DSA and VOSA will be incorporated and buses, operating testing Agency, law on vehicles the agency, the Driving Standards with, the the new agency and the new enforcing within and vehicles, their with legal (DSA) and the body it merged Agency branding will reflect this until to ensure that they comply are brought The agency will Vehicle and Operator Services regulations. services and trading funds and standards year. To and licensing (VOSA). together over the next financial a also enforce drivers’ hours on 28 to and advice The new name was announced keep the costs of the merger requirements, provide training Minister, could November by the Transport minimum, items such as stationery as the for commercial operators, investigate time, recalls, and Robert Goodwill MP. carry the DSA name for some branding vehicle accidents, defects and goods 4,600 new large The new agency, which employs intention is to bring in the run tests for instructors of will have down. ” people throughout the UK, setting, as existing stocks are run vehicles, as well as driver trainers. for was at over-arching responsibility The Department for Transport no It is to be hoped that improving and vehicle will be an efficiently testing and enforcing driver through pains to stress that: “there standards driving of services driving test standards in Great Britain. change to the level or quality administered and relevant said: ” the work of In a statement Robert Goodwill during the transition period. regime, while supervising for Transport agencies to that “In June the Department The chief executive of both ADIs, would also be added VOSA would Peoples, as expected. point. announced that DSA and Alastair some be at will list extensive This executive of a merge to form a new agency. Alastair was the former chief The new agency has issued the was charged to what ADIs decision was made following VOSA, which previously consultation document as consultation, testing and For the motoring services strategy with a range of licensing, will be known as in the future. the the aim of of ADIs is still and is a demonstration of enforcement services with time being, the official title to put s standards Approved Government’s commitment improving the roadworthines ‘Driving Standards Agency of at the heart of will change customers and businesses of vehicles, ensuring the compliance Driving Instructor’’ but this road traffic its services. operators and drivers with at some point. a history “The two organisations have and supporting the legislation, and the the new Traffic Commissioners. of working closely together ■ What do you think about for the DVSA to independentannounced the merger of the of the merger is an opportunity details Ministers other and name... efficient 2013 to the provide even better and more DSA and VOSA on 20 June merger? Let us know. Write and on page 2) customer service to motorists following a three-month consultation. Editor, Newslink (address support the extensive commercial operators. I fully seeing It is interesting the note the to new agency and look forward
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Are you competent ... half-competent ... or a third...? competent as an instructor new How will you score on the Standards Check? We publish cial the key points from the offi guidance to examiners on on check new assessing the ADIs’ abilities See pg 4
MSA at Christmas to all
Compliments of the season to our readers and best wishes and everyone for a prosperous healthy 2014. head Please note that the MSA office will close for the Christmas holidays at 4.30pm on Friday, re-open and 20 December at 9am on Monday, 6th January 2014.
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European standards, particularly on minimum competency standards for drivers and for persons performing paid driver instruction.
However, there may be serious challenges over other proposals. For instance, do ADIs want a minimum requirement for persons performing unpaid driver instruction, which CIECA is referring to as layman instruction? We need to know what is meant by the term ‘qualified layman instructor’. Does that simply mean someone who has held a full licence for more than three years and is over 21 – which would, on paper, seem reasonable – or does it mean a whole lot more? While most British ADIs are happy for learners to practise with parents and friends, by creating a new class of “qualified layman instructors”, might they want to do the ADI’s job for them? There is a danger that by creating a halfway house between the total amateur and the driver training professional we may raise the standards of lay instruction but at the same time reduce the number of hours learners are prepared to spend with professionals. Continued on page 6
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Advertorial: New products
Novus camera boosts lessons – and keeps your car safe, too Professional ADIs are always on the look-out for new ways to bring their lessons up-to-date and improve the pupil’s learning experience. For some time now many instructors have been using in-car camera systems to record lessons, in order to help pupils remember key points, as a marketing aid – or just a way of recording what’s happened in the event of a crash. A new product on the market is the Novus View-I HD Ruby camera, which provides a really professional video from a small and unobtrusive camera. In this advertorial, ADI Blaine Walsh takes up the story I have been using the Novus View-I HD Ruby cameras supplied by Novus to record lessons for new footage on my website, and have been really pleased with the results. The camera is small and pretty unnoticeable, and very easy to install. The adhesive pad gives an excellent grip and gives you the ability to test it in a number of positions before you decide which one suits you best. Personally, I found the best place for the camera is behind the review mirror on the passenger’s side. This may mean that you will need to slightly reposition your second mirror. Alternatively, positioning the camera in the middle of the windscreen, down towards the dashboard, works well too. Once a
lesson is completed the camera is very easy to remove from the car and small enough to fit into your pocket. The camera has a wide-angled lens to capture both the instructor and the pupil and if positioned correctly the gear stick can be included during filming. The second lens records outside, in front of the car, with a wide enough angle to take in both pavements without distorting the picture. I highly recommend removing the tiny plastic cover on this lens or your video will be very blurred – not that I did that! The picture quality is sufficient enough to easily see what is happening both inside and outside the car and with the option of a plug-in monitor you can playback your recording while your pupil is still on the lesson. I have not tried this yet but it is clearly a very interesting option, particularly if you need to demonstrate immediately an error made by your pupil.
You can take the SD card out the camera and give it to your pupil or download it to your own computer for your records using the software provided on the card. A Novus camera can provide your insurance company with the exact series of events if you are involved in an accident and can also represent you in court if required. Your Novus camera instantly creates a file for you to send to your insurance provider, along with the video footage and telematics data such as date, time, speed, GPS data, and G-force impact which is collected and stored. I have to say this product has been a pleasure to use and one of my top recommended cameras. I am making some more videos and will include a demo video of how I have used the camera on my lessons in future. Blaine Walsh, Driving-Instructor.tv
MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 29
Regional view:
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A radical change is needed ROD CAME Editor, South East
Thank you for your good wishes and a Happy New Year to you, too. No doubt you’ve made your resolutions, possibly broken one or two of them already, or have you been really good and kept to them – up to now? We are repeatedly told that the national economy is on the way up, that things are getting better, that business is expanding and that the general public are starting to spend again. It must be true, I saw it on the television. The Government says growth has improved by 1.4% hardly noticeable from where I am sitting. In Hastings ADIs are charging a lot less than I was for learner lessons more than 10 years ago. It will take a darned sight more than 1.4% of growth to get this industry back on its feet. So what can be done about the problems that all ADIs face? Radical thinking is needed otherwise life will grind along as it has for the last few years with no discernible improvement. It may be that the new chief executive of the proposed Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency, Alastair Peoples, has already identified one of the problems, this being that the learner car driver test pass rate has stubbornly remained more or less static over the past several decades, in spite of the apparent improvement in the standard of ADI now coming into the industry. So what is not working to plan? Why is there no discernible improvement? Well, there are only three factors involved: the candidate, the ADI and the examiner. I have lost count of the number of times I have heard ADIs of the older generation lamenting the fact that pupils are not as easy to teach as they were years ago. This may indicate an underlying problem. It is reasonable to assume that the average pupil has not dramatically changed their outlook on life to such a degree that their learning ability has been reduced to that of a Neanderthal. However, it is entirely possible that the pupil’s way of learning may have changed, in that by the time they come to learn to drive they have undergone 12 years of school education which no longer is provided by a teacher standing in front of a class, spouting facts and figures and drawing on a board with chalk. Consequently any ADI who still teaches by rote is not going to achieve the same results now as they might have 20 or 30 years ago. The pupils may have changed for the better, time marches on and the approach to teaching has changed and left a number of ADIs behind. Having covered the candidate and the ADI, that only leaves the examiner to be considered. I admit that here I have a problem. Having sat in the back
30 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
of my car on numerous driving tests, I have rarely disagreed with the examiner’s decision at the end of the test, and on those occasions when I have, I have considered that the examiner was being somewhat generous in giving a pass. That is not to say that their judgement was fundamentally wrong because the people I took for their tests were well up to the standard for a pass but drove badly (in my opinion) on the day. But this still leaves the problem of no improvement in the test pass rate over the years. It is well known that each individual test centre has a pass/fail rate percentage and that examiners at the centre are expected, over a period of time, to return figures which reflect that percentage. That being the case there is no way that the overall national pass rate can improve. So we need a couple of New Year resolutions to be made and kept.
1st Resolution
The first being that all ADIs will resolve to take periodic training to update their skills, not only their teaching skills but also those in ancillary subjects which should be part of their brief as road safety professionals. Skills such as keeping abreast of changes to road traffic law, being able to provide practical instruction about regular vehicle checks, also being able to explain the function and use of the new electronic gadgets now fitted as routine to many vehicles, along with identification and rectification
of common faults which might occur to a motor vehicle. An up-to-date ability to instruct and provide first aid should also be a pre-requisite. Being on the road all day means that an ADI and pupil could well be the first to arrive at the scene of a vehicle crash. That is not the time to wonder what to do when some basic first aid could make all the difference between life and death. This scheme could be called Compulsory Professional Development (CPD). How about that for an idea? The interesting fact is that an ADI who gains a reputation for good teaching and first-time test passes will be able to charge top dollar for their services, and will never be short of customers. Even in these straitened times there are many parents who want good driver training for their offspring, being both willing and able to pay for it. Quality sells.
2nd Resolution
The second resolution must be implemented by the DSA, that being to improve the pass rate. Having a set rate for each test centre just perpetuates a myth. It is inconceivable that test centre A has a rate of 35 per cent, while test centre B, which is 20 miles away, has a rate of 50 per cent. I know the argument will be that the social and demographic circumstances of area A are different to those of area B, therefore that accounts for the difference in pass rates.
Bartletts Seat hosts another great evening for the region Bartletts Seat in St Leonards hosted a successful MSA South East Training Seminar on 5 December. Bartletts regularly hosts our regional events, for which we are very grateful, and such occasions benefit both the dealership and the MSA. ADIs came from far and wide – Ashford, Sevenoaks, Eastbourne and several new members were signed up on the night, having enjoyed an informative meeting. There were two speakers, the first being Paul Masterson from Sussex Police, who presented an overview of efforts being made by the police to influence young driver behaviour. In November at Ravenside, Bexhill they arranged an evening event along with the other emergency services, some local ADIs and East Sussex County Council Road Safety Unit. Having distributed information in areas
where young new drivers were known to congregate they sat back to see how many would turn up, not knowing whether it would be a handful or several thousand. In the event about 3-400 attended, making it a most successful enterprise. It is intended that there will be future similar events. He also introduced us to Operation Crackdown, which is a reporting system used by Sussex Police whereby anybody can report instances of bad driving or apparently abandoned vehicles. See www.operationcrackdown.org Jo Chapman, MSA(SE) Chairman, gave a presentation based on the new Standards Check, which is being introduced in April. She went though the Form SC1 that will be used by examiners and combined that with the
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Bus lane confusion Terry Pearce p 32
New messages on distracted drivers Colin Lilly p34
– and right now! But does it? Is that the only reason? Probably not: it may be a factor which combined with the established pass rate for the area ensures that the rate will stay the same, year in and year out. However, other factors will also have a bearing. All ADIs know that on certain test routes there are places where a driver – even an experienced one – can be caught out by awkward traffic situations. The candidate may be ‘lucky’ and not be taken to that particular hazard, or at the time the other traffic does not conspire to make it tricky to deal with, or the candidate might actually keep their cool and deal with a tricky situation correctly. If test centre A has such a problem area and test centre B doesn’t that will also affect the local pass rate. No two test centre areas are the same. There must also be a change by DSA to the minimum standard required of ADIs. Examiners based at a test centre know the ADIs who regularly present candidates whose driving is obviously not up to a standard to take and pass a driving test. To me it appears morally wrong that the DSA should allow an ADI to continue to take money from an unsuspecting public while knowing that the ADI’s standard of instruction is not of merchantable quality, this being demonstrated by the fact that an unusually high percentage of their pupils fail their driving test(s). I know there will be ADIs who say that they specialise in teaching learners who fall into the ‘difficult to teach’ category, but that is irrelevant. All candidates going for a driving test need their
driving ability to be of a standard to pass, whether they have been problematic to teach or not. The only real difference is the amount of training taken to reach the required standard. If a pupil will not take sufficient lessons the ADI must be strong enough to refuse the use of their car for a test until such time as they are good enough to pass, not hope that they might ‘wing’ it, which unfortunately is often the case. It may be that a Check Test or the new Standards Check is not the best way to assess the performance of an ADI. It is inconceivable that a DSA examiner can, in the period of a one-hour snapshot, accurately assess the teaching ability and knowledge of an ADI over the various areas a good instructor needs to be familiar with. A more thorough assessment, including that of theoretical knowledge, is required to ensure that new drivers are receiving the best training available. So there we have it. ADIs must keep their knowledge and teaching skills up-to-date with CPD, and use their skills to present for a driving test only those candidates who are capable of passing. The DSA (soon to be the DVSA) needs to ensure that its systems are robust enough to check the ADI’s professionalism in a realistic manner, while also changing out-of-date methods of ensuring that examiners are passing the drivers who should pass. Final point: Resolutions must be resolute – as must be the people making them.
Dealer principal Richard Bartlett with regional chair, Jo Chapman
Action needed over cycling worries Tony Phillips p 36
Three-for-free makes no sense to anyone, pupils or instructors DAVID JAMES
Editor, South Wales
So the turkey is gone at last, all presents opened, a merry time had by all and now we can get back to work. No, I’m not being sarcastic; there are issues with availability; it is up to us individually to plod on and find new ways to attract business. I was a little perplexed last week when I was contacted by a lady interested in booking up lessons for her daughter. As usual, the talk turned to the lesson price. I told her that I am now giving the first lesson free of charge and she replied that “one school so far has offered the first three lessons for free”, and she was looking for a better offer. I could not match it and wished her luck. Times are tough and it is understandable that people are looking to get hold of products and services at the most affordable level. But we need to be as sensible as possible; driving prices down as low as possible is as bad, in my view, as escalating prices to the maximum possible. A few weeks ago we heard the terrible news about a fatal train derailment in New York. Apparently the train was travelling on the bend at 82 mph when it should have been limited to 30 mph! How amazing that there are not more safety systems to prevent such a hazardous speed. No doubt an enquiry will discover in time.
Merthyr Tydfil group
guidance notes which have been issued to examiners who will conduct the checks. Very informative and something we all need to know more about. Bartletts Seat did, as always, produce an excellent buffet, and we offer them our grateful thanks for accommodating us with their usual enthusiasm.
Standards Check training seminar
On Tuesday, 4 March 2014 MSA South East will be holding a training seminar in Ashford, Kent based on the new Standards Check. Mark Aston DVSA DTAM, who will be known to many in the region, will be giving a presentation on the
new Standards Check from the DVSA’s perspective. From him we will get more information about this new check system, which starts in April later this year. This is an evening not to be missed. The location will be the Holiday Inn, Canterbury Road, Ashford TN24 8QQ. Doors open 6.15pm for 7pm start. Places will be limited and it is essential that you book your place through the MSA website. Go to ‘Services’ then ‘MSA Sales’. Members £5, non-members £8. A CPD Certificate will be issued to each attendee.
I have been wondering if there is any interest among ADIs to have a meeting, on an informal basis, to compare news and views. I live in the Merthyr Tydfil area and would be interested in acting as a contact so if anyone may be interested, let me know. Best wishes for the year ahead.
Contact David James can be contacted via e: d.james869@btinternet.com t: 07733 070888
MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 31
www.msagb.com
Regional News: West Midlands
Where does the bus lane end? Let us know your view
Bus
n
t in gree
rked ou lane, ma
End of zigzags: note no end of bus lane sign, or a solid line to mark the continuation of bus lane
Solid line: this usually marks where a bus lane ends; it starts the zig zags
Confusing bus lane markings leave ADIs out of pocket car was hit by a hit-and-run driver when she was on holiday, but as she had to claim she is still deemed to be at fault. The facts of the accident made no difference and the insurer asked me for an extra whopping 50% loading. So not only has she had to pay more on her insurance I am also being penalised. So, after 22 years with them, I politely told them to cancel it and went to another insurer who was quite happy to take my business. Running businesses as we all do, we know that keeping our customers happy is essential as we rely on recommendations. I had always been happy to recommend my previous insurer but they have now lost my business for ever, and any future comments I make about them will be extremely detrimental.
TERRY PEARCE
Editor, West Midlands
Do you ever read the terms and conditions, which we generally refer to as the small print? I didn’t used to but I do now. I had happily insured my car with the same company for 22 years; my error was to assume that their terms and conditions remained the same. Occasionally the annual quote had increased but after shopping around for a lower quote my existing insurer would always match it. One reason why I would not have changed years ago was that other insurers would not cover my children, who were then under 25, to drive on their own. After reinsuring recently I was looking through the documents and I noticed that my company has changed its conditions and will not now cover anyone under 25 years old to drive on their own. That doesn’t bother me now as my children are over 25. However, on looking further into the conditions I found that any drivers of my vehicle (other than pupils) who have had accidents/claims or convictions in the past five years must be disclosed and accepted by them prior to being allowed to drive my vehicle. This condition may have been there in previous years, if so I missed it, which shows the importance of checking the conditions. My daughter often shares the driving with me so as she had a fault accident recently I duly informed my insurer. Although classed as a fault, realistically my daughter was not at fault because her stationary
32 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
Bus lane conundrum
Contact e: terrysom@ aol.com t: 02476 335270 a: 20 Brownshill Green Road, Coventry CV6 2DT
One of our local association members asked for my opinion on a bus lane because he had received a penalty notice for driving into it and he thinks it is not correctly marked. Discussing it at our meeting another instructor also said he had received a penalty notice from the same camera. Driving instructors must be the most diligent and conscientious drivers on the road so it stands to reason something is wrong! Where does the bus lane end, is the controversial question. As you can see in the picture (above), the solid white line ends before the zig zags on the pedestrian crossing, which is correct. The instructor decided that the end of the solid white line was the end of the bus lane and was pictured driving over the zig zag markings onto the left lane, which is where I was told the offence was committed. Where does the bus lane finish? If, as I was told, the crossing is still part of the bus lane, then there are two options. First option is the bus lane finishes at the end of the zig zag lines and is marked by an end of bus lane sign. There isn’t one!
The second option is the bus lane continues past the zig zag markings and is continued by a solid white line. There isn’t one! Instead, when you continue past the end of the zig zag markings there are hazard lines painted, which do eventually lead to an end of bus lane sign, but that cannot be considered an official end! Talking to my contact at the council they said that as the green road surfacing continued through the zig zags on the pedestrian crossing then this also showed that it was still a bus lane. But the green surfacing (which has no legal meaning) ends when the zig zags finish and does not continue to the end of bus lane sign, so that is also faulty. Our argument is that when the solid white line finishes the lane markings are incorrect and cannot be considered to be a bus lane. What do you think? Please let me know. To date I have sent the council an email with our concerns and have suggested that all the penalty fines should be returned, but apart from an acknowledgment I am still waiting for an answer. Incidentally, the day I sent the email my local newspaper carried a story about another bus lane camera in the city which had earned a minimum of £436,770 in 14 months. This lane is correctly marked so there is no excuse.
So what’s your view?
Can anyone among the MSA membership answer this bus lane conundrum? We know that some of our members are pretty hot on road traffic law, but is this a case of a council just splashing out with its paint and signs and not taking into account any of the road traffic laws, or is the local authority’s interpretation of the bus lane correct? Let us know. Write to the Editor, Newslink, 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP
www.msagb.com
Regional News: East Midlands
‘New’ way of thinking may not match the needs of my pupils DAVE pepperdine Editor, East Midlands
Try smiling: Even if you have right of way, does it hurt to say thanks to another driver who lets you take the priority?
Happy New Year – another year begins, and with it comes ‘new’ ways to do our work? ‘New’ ways to mark our work? And all to what end? I must admit I am right behind Rod Came in what he said last month (Members’ Viewpoint, December Newslink). I was under the impression that we were in the business of teaching people how to become safe, responsible drivers, which according to most people I have taught over the past 35 years, is what I have been doing. The words Rod said I echo: “If it ain’t broke, don’t mend it”. I have spoken to numerous people who wish to be ‘taught’ to drive. Yes, I do ask questions and do listen to what my clients want, so I could say I have been client-centred for years. It would appear from the December issue of Newslink that, whichever way we do it, we are subject to one person’s OPINION formulated during the 45 minutes of the Standards Check. An example of this is, and I quote from page 5 of the last issue, “ADIs should be working to understand where the pupil is having difficulties and how they can help them develop sound basic skills. If the ADI is not making the effort to understand, they are not demonstrating competence. By asking questions or staying silent and listening and watching they are clearly making the effort to understand and demonstrate competence. It doesn’t matter if they don’t achieve full understanding by the end of the lesson”. Well, that leaves the door wide open for a low grade marking if, in the opinion of the examiner, you are being silent too long; to avoid this, you do more interacting and you are likely to be marked down for doing too much intervention. It has been the same in schools. If you look on social media sites you will notice that because one
is not allowed to say someone has got it wrong, the softly-softly approach has given us a nation of non-spellers, and common sense has been relegated to the history books. My work is to train new drivers to be safe, considerate and able to handle a vehicle correctly at all times; hopefully this as done as near as I can to advanced standards. There are some who will never reach that standard but I try my best and, as Rod Came put it, the wording that is used is total gobbledegook. This morning I had a client who said he would rather be told he was wrong than go through umpteen questions to reach the end result. His preference is ‘I am wrong; you have told me I’m wrong. I now know what to do next time. To get it right has taken two minutes of my time; under the ‘new’ way, it takes 10 minutes of ‘discussion’ to reach the same end. I am paying for that 10 minutes of time. I don’t want to.’ For that type of learner it is a no brainer how you teach them and how they will learn best. I have no doubt this will cause a storm but then, it is all about being responsible and if my clients feel that is what they want, then that is what I am being. Rant over, for now. I think it is time for rant number 2. Question, I would like to ask what our members feel about being courteous to other road users? I have come across ADIs who do not teach their clients to be courteous and it shows later on in life when they are qualified drivers. I have had personal experience of it. I won’t go into detail but I feel that it is a very important part of our remit to make sure we instil this quality into our clients. For instance, if you are approaching a chicane
where you have priority and a vehicle has waited at the other end for you to proceed, is it not right and proper to acknowledge that person for waiting even though you had priority? After all, it costs naught to raise a hand and smile but I have seen instructors whose opinion is that because they have priority they do not need to acknowledge the opposing driver should wait. Maybe I am wrong and I should do the same but there is no way that will happen. It seems to be the selfish attitude of most road users these days. In the last couple of days I have had at least three occasions where I have stopped in a car park to let someone out of a space and not one could even be bothered to raise a hand in thanks. There is no wonder that we are becoming a nation of lazy, selfish drivers and riders. I think even people who are normally considerate are becoming less so. I know it is not always done deliberately, as sometimes other things can be foremost in one’s mind, but generally the attitude is getting worse. Is it me? Well, it is getting near Christmas as I write and I am getting all excited about having some time off. Think about it, there was just a hint of cynicism in my last remark, so I will wish everyone a happy, prosperous and safe New Year. Until the next time; and remember, keep well to the left.
Phil Arnold
MSA East Midlands chairman Derek Brutnell writes: Sadly, at the end of November, local DSA examiner Phil Arnold was killed in an RTC on his motorcycle on his way to work at Loughborough Driving Test Centre. Phil was a familiar face as an examiner around the East Midlands, including Grantham where he was also resident before Loughborough. MSA Regional Chairman Derek Brutnell attended the Service of Remembrance for Phil at St Mary’s Church, Radcliffe On Trent, Nottinghamshire on Monday, 2nd December on behalf of MSA East Midlands Region. Our Deputy Chairman Steve Sentance attended on behalf of the Loughborough Association of ADIs.
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Regional News: Western
Distracted driver message needs to be moved beyond drink and drugs COLIN LILLY
Chairman & Editor, Western
Distraction while driving has been stated as a cause of collisions and infringements for some time. Drivers will often list ‘children’ – or perhaps more accurately, the activities of children – as being the main distraction they face. In order to quantify this Monash University has carried out some research. The end result being that they found children to be 12 times more distracting than a mobile phone. Researchers installed cameras in the cars of 12 families with children under eight years old, over a three-week period, assessing a number of trips. They found that on an average 16-minute trip the drivers had their eyes off the road for 3 minutes 22 seconds. This amounts to more than 20 per cent of the time. Out of 92 trips evaluated in the study the driver was distracted on 90. The most frequent type of distraction was interacting with the children by turning around or looking at them in the rear-view mirror; this occurred on 76 trips. Having a conversation with the child took place 16 per cent of the time, while passing food or drink was seen in seven per cent of journeys. There was even one per cent of journeys where playing with the child took place. The distraction level was not reduced by having a front seat passenger to assist with the child or children. Distraction is regarded as having eyes off the road ahead for more than two seconds. The conclusion was that children were 12 times more distracting than a mobile phone. These figures are quite alarming when compared with research that has previously shown that
dialling a mobile phone increases the chance of a crash by 2.8 times, while talking or listening by 1.3 times. Other studies have shown that using a mobile phone while driving, even hands-free, is more risky than driving while just over the drink-drive alcohol limit. Parents are less able to make choices about travelling with children than deciding about using a mobile phone or drinking alcohol. Surely, more advice needs to be made available to parents and carers regarding transporting children. n n n n n n As we enter 2014 I would like to say how much the MSA Western Committee is looking forward to welcoming delegates to the MSA National Annual
Recommend a colleague to join the MSA – and receive a £10 M&S voucher Many new MSA members join on the recommendation of a colleague – and we want to make sure that if that colleague is you, you know that your work in spreading the good news about the MSA is appreciated. So if you do recommend a colleague, we’ll send you a £10 Marks & Spencer’s voucher as a thank you. If you recommend a colleague ask them to put your membership number in the “How did you hear about the MSA?” box if they join online, or if they join over the phone, they can quote it when they submit their details to our membership team.
34 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
Conference in Bristol. The event is being held for the first time in the region. If you are planning to bring your partners or family there is a wealth of attractions in and around Bristol for them to visit while you attend the conference. Better still make a weekend of it and sample some of the region yourself. Full booking information is available on page 21. n n n n n n
SS Great Britain - one of Bristol’s many superb tourist attractions
Finally, if you have any comments or news please contacts me at 7 Bampton, Tamar Road, Worle, Weston-super-Mare BS22 6LD, on 01934-514336, Mobile: 07768367056 or e-mail: cglilly@btinternet.com
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MSA MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
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Then join the MSA today! Just £65* per year –
that’s around 17p a day Call us now on 0800 0265986 and join immediately with a credit/debit card
Or go online to www.msagb.com and click on the ‘Join’ drop down menu along the top of the opening page
MSA Application Form
Available only to MSA members A quartet of good advice – just £6.50 each THE MSA has recently updated its four popular ADI guides to bring them bang up-to-date with the latest changes to the driver training and testing sector. The MSA Part 2 Guide; the MSA Check Test Guide; the MSA Driving Test Guide and the MSA PDI Guide provide help for instructors at different stages of the career ladder. They are all written by experienced ADIs and provide insight and advice for all instructors, no matter what stage of their careers they are at. 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 other literature, 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 the way the safety check questions will be conducted. The MSA Check Test Guide gives you full details of what is required on your check test. It is written for ADIs by ADIs and will demystify the whole business of the check test and help you to prepare properly. The guide gives details of the list of pre-set lesson plans that are used and advises what happens on the day; the type of pupil to take; the questions your examiner will ask you and the sort of answers s/he is looking for. It also explains the core competencies of fault identification, fault analysis and remedial action. The MSA Driving Test Guide is designed to explain how the driving test works, what examiners are looking for and what the markings on the DL25 marking sheet actually mean. It details the duties of a professional driving instructor who presents pupils for test and goes on to explain the driving test assessment guidelines, and gives full details of the differences between driving faults/serious faults and dangerous faults. The guide goes on to give details of how errors are categorised in order to assist ADIs in interpreting the DL25, the Driving Test Report form. The MSA PDI Guide provides help for those who want to become ADIs. It gives details of all three sections of the ADI examinations and explains the qualification system.
Just £6.50 each
These invaluable tools for all ADIs are available to purchase from MSA head office at a cost of just £6.50 each. Telephone 0161 429 9669 now with a credit or debit card, or send a cheque made payable to the MSA to MSA Head Office, 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP. Order all four at a discounted price of £24.00.
Complete the simple application form – and you’re a member and can start benefitting from membership right away * Initial application £90, includes one-off joining fee of £25 MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 35
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Regional News: Greater London
London’s cycling problems set to get worse unless attitudes change TONY PHILLIPS
Editor, Greater London
Happy New Year everybody! I hope that everyone had a good time over the festive period and is looking forward to 2014. With all the changes coming through in our industry for this year, it looks like it’s going to be to be pretty interesting. From a personal point of view, I’d dearly love to retire, or at least slow down (workwise, of course!) a little, but personal circumstances dictate other-wise so although I’m approaching my mid-60s, soldiering on is the only way forward for me. There seems to be some opposing forces going on as I look back at 2013. On the one hand, there has been some definite steps forward to try to improve the standards of ADIs with the DSA’s new proposals (agree with them or not) – and yet I see at least one major national driving school, a relatively ‘new kid on the block’, offering lessons at 5 for £56. Obviously they’re the first five; however, the remaining lessons would have to be at quite a high price to recoup lost earnings from such a low starter price, at least in my opinion. I don’t know what their standard lesson prices are but gut feeling tells me that they’re not that high. Perhaps it’s the lure of a nice car that brings unsuspecting ADIs to take up this franchise, who knows? So on the one hand, hopefully improvement of standards will help in producing higher lesson prices and on the other, prices are being depressed by big businesses. Cycle safety Meantime, on the day that BBC London (10th December) showed a report that TFL (Transport For London) are looking at how other cities around the world manage road cycling safety, I witnessed at first hand a cyclist overtaking my car at speed to go straight ahead while I was waiting to turn right at a busy traffic light-controlled yellow box junction. Within 300 metres and approximately 20 seconds after this first event, a cyclist crossed my path to turn into a side road completely on the wrong side of the side road into a junction that has a blind bend for approaching vehicles, again at speed. Finally, about a minute later, a cyclist rode across the road in front of me onto the pavement towards pedestrians, again at speed. This all happened during the evening rush hour (about 7 pm) and, of course, in the dark. They (TFL) are proposing a ‘Golden Rule’ whereby vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians always have right of way (sic) over motorists on the roads. It seems to me that currently most cyclists see it that way anyway. Bearing in mind that that DSA and the Government say they won’t go down the path of all driving lessons being conducted by an ADI ‘because in excess of 90% of learner drivers
36 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
take professional tuition at some time during their learning’, then as far as I’m concerned the same logic should apply to their ‘Golden Rule’! My opinion again, but I think that about 90% of the motorists on the road shouldn’t be there as they’re mostly driving, at least, without due care and attention and generally with a bad, aggressive and selfish attitude. (I’m sure it isn’t only London drivers that behave like this, is it?) However, that doesn’t give cyclists the right to behave badly as well and furthermore, as far as I’m aware, at least the majority of motorists carry some kind of insurance whereas, again as far as I’m aware, cyclists don’t. In part I believe that this is due to the rushed and not very well thought-out ‘Cycling Super Highway’ system in London which is, in effect, just a system of blue painted cycle lanes on the road following various arterial routes into the central hub of the City, West End and Holborn. They have no basis in road traffic law, as stated by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan Howe while being interviewed by the Transport for London Transport Committee on the issue of cycling road deaths. He was quoted as saying “they’re just blue paint”, but they’ve led cyclists into a false sense of security and as most of us will know, there have been a number of tragic
deaths in part due to these highways. I must say, however, that riding alongside a 30-40 e: tony@tonys ton truck doesn’t seem sensible to me. Even in my trainees.co.uk car I feel intimidated, especially at junctions and Please ensure many cyclists don’t seem to understand the concept all emails of restraint. As suggested in my previous articles, contain MSA they want to use the momentum they’ve built up Greater and not have to pedal so much, therefore slowing London in down or stopping becomes a very unattractive the subject option once through the best part of a hard slog in or out of work. To be honest, I despair for 2014 and beyond because I can see things getting worse, especially as cyclists decide that they’re going to blockade the centre of London whenever they wish and we don’t seem able to do anything about it. On a separate note, BBC has reported that car insurance premiums may be too high due to various factors including the cost of repairs plus replacement vehicles (courtesy cars) etc. Cycling’s super highway...? London’s All in all, am I optimistic about 2014? Not really. controversial scheme The new Standards Check will come and go and I has no place in suspect we’ll find that examiners are lenient with law according to ADIs who haven’t done anything to improve and/or Metropolitan Police change their teaching methods to progress road Commissioner Bernard Hogan Howe safety. ‘Do as you’ve always done and you’ll get what - “they are just blue you always got’ eh? paint on the road”
Contact
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Regional news: North West
New trailer rules don’t add up - again! JOHN LOMAS
Editor, North West
Recently seen on ebay was this cutaway model of a motor car, with viewing panels to enable students to see the inner workings of the engine, gearbox, rear axle crown wheel and pinion and brakes, etc. These models used to be seen in some of the larger driving school’s premises and also at colleges offering automotive training courses. The item didn’t sell at that time so here is a link to the listing. The seller’s ID can be accessed if you look at the original listing via http://bit.ly/ItUK3b. If he/she still has it, maybe you would like to make contact and acquire it if you are into collecting driving school memorabilia.
As seen on ebay: The cutaway shows how the car works and its parts interact
B+E Marked Weights
Last month Rod Came, South East Editor, was talking about problems with providing a suitable combination for D1+E tests. There is another problem which seems to have arisen with providing suitable combinations for B+E and the other lighter weight +E tests since the loaded trailer has become necessary. The DSA minimum test vehicle requirement states, among the choices: Rules about the load The load requirement is: n bagged aggregates like sand, stone chippings, gravel or any other recycled material packages (but not toxic materials) in sealed transparent bags – the bags must: - all weigh the same - be at least 10 kg - have the weight clearly stamped on them Apparently the bagged sand, aggregate or chippings available from builders’ merchants around the country does NOT have the weight marked on the sealed bags. Now I suppose it is possible to mark the bags yourself, but surely that defeats the object of clarity and verification of loads? Did the DSA even do the necessary research before they decided on how they were going to implement the rules they are imposing? Does the phrase ‘not fit for purpose’ ring any bells? The other option of a suitably sized IBC filled with water has its own problems as the weight is
carried on a relatively small footprint in the middle off the trailer, meaning that the weight will reach a height which could possibly cause instability. This is a particular concern as they are not baffled to prevent the water sloshing around, thus will change the centre of gravity position when cornering, accelerating or braking, and most of the single and twin-axle box trailers which are of a size to match the car and also meet the test requirements DO NOT have suitable tie down points in the floor to secure an IBC. Again I ask, what research was done? n n n n n n n n n
Multiple choice failure rates
I have been reading on ADI forums recently of an increase in the failure rates for the Theory Test on the multiple choice section rather than the hazard perception part. This has been confirmed by: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s … 01314.pdf “From July to September 2013 there were 411,473 car theory tests conducted. This is 25% more than in the same quarter a year earlier. In January 2012 the theory test question bank was withdrawn from publication, leading to a small surge in conducted tests in the run up to the change. The pass rate for July to September 2013 was
53%, this is 1% higher than the preceding quarter (a usual seasonal pattern), but 9% lower than July to September 2012. This drop was due to the introduction of the first new, previously unpublished, questions into the theory papers in January 2013. This reduction in the pass rate will be contributing to the increase in theory tests conducted, as more candidates re-take the test.” Have you found this even among those pupils who do make use of the mock papers and/or discs and websites, etc, which you may provide or suggest they use? It seems this increase in failures has gathered momentum since the removal of the actual question bank from public access and introduction of new questions. I would stress here that I have NO problem with withdrawing the question bank from public access, however I do have a sceptical point of view about the wording of questions and answers when there is no industry oversight. There were definitely a number of questions in the previously published books which had highly ambiguous question and answer combinations which were subsequently removed. DSA could, of course, say that if a question is answered incorrectly by a disproportionate number of candidates then it will be removed as it has been shown to be wrong, but that is no consolation for those who have been failed due to those questions. I expressed my concern over this possibility when the DSA first announced their intentions and I wonder if the reports from other instructors are an indication that I was right to be concerned. n n n n n n n n n
VED disc to disappear
Remember, you read it here FIRST! From my column, March 2013 Newslink Tax Disc Bombshell In a shock announcement, just before Easter, the Minister for Transport (Roads) announced that the DVLA would no longer be sending out Road Fund licences. Admittedly at the time I was “reporting” that we would in future have to print our own discs whereas in fact they are going to remove the requirement to display altogether and it is going to happen later this year rather than my projected date of 01/04/2013. I have to wonder if the senior civil servants at the Dept for Transport saw my article and failed to realise it was an April Fool’s-inspired spoof, and that started the ball rolling. Am I actually responsible for putting the idea in the Minister’s head and starting the whole thing off?
The highlights, the low points, the hopes and fears
2013...
Away from the ADI world, what was your highlight of 2013? And what do you hope for in 2014? My daughter, Megan, was married to Tim, but for 2014 I would hope that I can find the business opportunity(ies) to really take advantage of the many skills and great experience I’ve developed over the years. Tony Phillips, Greater London
My wife Karen and I became grandparents for the first time. However, Charlie was born with some major health complications and had to have surgery quite soon which puts things into prospective if you are not blessed with good health. Derek Brutnell, East Midlands A surprise ticket to Goodwood Festival of Speed. Brilliant day. For 2014 – a ticket to the Goodwood Revival What more could a petrol head ask for? David Pepperdine
To see 2015 , FGR survive and Burnley get automatic promotion. John Lomas, North West I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary in December, and to continue in good health and working in 2014. Geoff Little, West Midlands I hope the ADI numbers keep going down so that there is more work to go around Karl Satloka, North East
Achieving some small progress as a parish councillor and hoping for greater things in the coming year. For 2014, UK leaving the EU following an overwhelming majority vote by the people. A greater harvest from my apple, plum and damson trees than I had this last year. Scotland gaining independence and thereby allowing the English to benefit from reduced taxes which are currently providing services to Scotland that we can only dream of. Rod Came, South East
MSA NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2014 n 37
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News Extra
TTC Group clinches Scotland’s driver alertness course
The highlights, the low points, the hopes and fears
2013 ...
UK road safety leader the TTC Group has won the contract to run diversion courses for motorists in Scotland who commit offences of careless and inconsiderate driving and who are referred to the course by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. ADIs will now deliver the National Driver Alertness Course (NDAC), which aims to improve road safety by educating drivers instead of prosecuting them, to motorists referred for committing careless and inconsiderate driving offences. Motorcyclists whose riding behaviour causes concern will attend the RIDE course, successful in the rest of the UK and now being newly introduced into Scotland. “We are very pleased to have won the contract and aim to continue the good work to help improve road safety in Scotland and reduce road casualties by educating drivers and riders who commit traffic offences,” said Alan Prosser, TTC Group’s NDORS director.
Do you think the industry is in a better place today than it was 12 months ago? Work levels are improving and there are more opportunities to diversify. An ADI willing to develop and apply sound business sense can, once again, make a good living. Colin Lilly, Western I don’t really know where the industry is at the moment. All that seems to happen is talk about what the governing bodies may do. There is a risk that more good talent will be lost from this industry if ADIs become so frustrated that they seek work elsewhere. David James, South Wales I think the industry is in a slightly better position than it was 12 months ago. I think PDIs are starting to do some research on the feasibility of some of the claims made by instructor training companies to achieve the earnings stated. Geoff Little, West Midlands Would like to see maximum hours for on-road trainers. Karl Satloka No. Costs are escalating, fewer people are learning to drive. There are too many ADIs chasing a diminishing market. Rod Came, South East I don’t think that it’s in a better position, however changes for (hopefully) the better are in the pipeline. Tony Phillips, Greater London
... 2014
Pleased with the deal: Alan Prosser of TTC
MP’s work on graduated licences wins him Brake road safety award Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, has been given a national road safety award by the charity Brake and Direct Line Group for his work campaigning to reform the way young people learn to drive to prevent devastating road crashes. Justin launched his campaign in June 2013 after two horrendous crashes in May 2013 killed three teenagers in Swindon within the space of a week. The fatalities brought home to him the dangers faced by young and newly qualified drivers and their passengers. Young drivers are involved in one-in-four fatal and serious crashes, despite making up just one-in-eight driver licence holders. Working to highlight the issue in Parliament, Justin introduced the Graduated Driving Licence Scheme Bill on 19 June 2013. The Bill proposed that for 12 months
immediately after passing their tests, drivers would have licence restrictions to limit the risks they are exposed to. This would include a zero-tolerance drink drive limit and only being allowed to carry one passenger. These restrictions would be supported by graduated learning, with key skills signed off by an accredited instructor before being allowed to book a test. ‘Graduated driver licensing’ already exists in a number of countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is predicted that it would save 200 lives and prevent 14,000 injuries a year in the UK. Justin consulted widely, with emergency services, the insurance industry, ADI groups and with Brake. He also repeatedly met with transport ministers Stephen Hammond and Robert Goodwill, raised questions about
young road deaths in Parliament, and wrote about the issue in local press and the Conservative Home blog. Justin secured cross-party support for the Bill from a number of MPs, and it was due to have its second reading on 25 October. Unfortunately there was not enough time to debate the Bill, and a new date has not yet been announced. Although Justin’s Bill may not become law directly, he has submitted his research to the DfT and will continue to press for graduated licensing. Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: “Brake fully endorses Justin’s campaign for graduated driver licensing, an approach we believe is critical to reducing the appalling numbers of young lives cut short and changed forever on our roads.”
Older motorists on road set to reach five million The number of older motorists on our roads is going to reach new heights in the future, according to a recent survey. The RAC Foundation has found that the number of people over 70 who hold valid driving licences passed four million for the first time in the last quarter of 2013. At present, drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licences every three years, and the number of them is set to continue to soar, as the Government predicts that of the UK citizens alive today, around ten million will reach the age of 100. Research from the AA revealed that by 2030, more than 90 per cent of men over 70 will be behind the wheel. To stay safe behind the wheel, older drivers are advised to re-read the Highway Code to keep abreast of the latest developments, book
38 n JANUARY 2014 n MSA NEWSLINK
regular eye tests to check that they are able to read a car number plate from 20m away, and declare deteriorations in health to the DVLA. The Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (Rica) has launched a guide for older motorists, containing information about accessories and adaptations which can make driving easier. Drivers can also contact their nearest Mobility Centre for advice. The centres assess physical ability, eyesight and reactions, and will tell drivers if they need to make any changes. MSA members are being encouraged to contact local groups catering for senior citizens, as they could play an important role in ensuring older drivers’ skills are up-to-date and they remain confident behind the wheel.
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