Newslink November

MSA MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

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European update Peter Harvey examines the differences that exist across Europe in driver training – and the similarities p8

ADIs warned over lazy SEN labels Just badging some pupils as having specific needs isn’t helping anyone learn to drive, says John Brown p16

Rally star in a training car Life at the Wheel meets an ADI who swapped learners for fleet training, rally cars and Porsches p28

Life’s an App Latest news on products and services for the ADI industry p30-31

Regional news A hoarse story... why Volvos lead the way... and shared steets on Blackpool’s front p34

MSA AGMs & training days Full details of who’s speaking and how to book on our regional training days and AGMs p24-25

Newslink November 2012

Issue 245

The ADI’s Voice

Don’t talk: Act A war of words has erupted between the Transport Select Committee and the Department for Transport over the future direction of road safety policy – and MSA general manager John Lepine says that their row is symptomatic of a political class that appears to want to talk about the issues but not act on them, and that neither side comes out of the affair with any credit.

“I understand fully the points the Select Committee made when it criticised the Department in the summer. In response, the DfT has offered what it claims to be a strong defence of its record,” he said.

“Yet when you examine what’s been said by both sides it is simply calls for more talks, more inquiries, more research and more consultation.

“Why? We know what the problems in road safety and driver training are. The MSA has been calling for change for decades.”

Instead of more reviews and talks, John called on Government to build on its own national standard for driver training.

“This syllabus sets out what is required for new drivers. It is a good model. Yet it sits on paper with few people enacting it.

“We believe that to improve driver training we need to have every learner

Calls for further reviews and consultations hide fact that it’s time for action

completing a compulsory record of achievement linked to the national standard.

“If this was done properly it would ensure all learners cover the key elements for safe driving in detail, signed off by an experienced, professional instructor.

“By expanding it to include elements of post-test learning such as driving at night, on motorways and in bad weather it would replace the current Pass Plus model.

“Finally, back this up with a course of compulsory theory training led by an experienced facilitator. I’m not talking chalk and talk with someone stood at the front lecturing from a text book but getting young people to discuss the key issues surrounding driving in a peer

group setting, allowing them to express their thoughts in an open environment and learning from each other.

“We know that the main problem with young drivers is not aptitude it’s attitude.

These sessions would allow us to mould novice drivers’ attitudes before they get behind the wheel.”

Instead, the Select Committee has called for Government to carry out an independent review of driver training to reduce the casualty rate for young drivers; explain in its annual report whether road safety is improving each year in line with its forecasts; and highlight best practice by local authorities, in particular noting innovative practices and multi-agency approaches.

Sounds great on paper but as John points out, “this isn’t real action: it’s a lame excuse for more committee-led myopic inertia that fails to get to grips with the real issues.”

The Select Committee’s call for a review was particularly hard to fathom, says John.

“Great idea: however, back in 2007, the then Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly, ordered what was possibly the most Continued on page 4 » » »

Expired photocard driving licences: Over 1.7 million in circulation The humble photocard driving licences has found itself in the centre of a gathering storm as the DVLA fought to explain the rules over the eligibility of drivers whose licences had expired.

A number of recent issues of Newslink have carried articles from members who had been challenged over expired licences by insurance companies and the police, with a number saying they had been told that holding an expired licence meant you were no longer eligible to drive.

That was not the case, said the DVLA – but as the number of expired licences approaches two million in just four years, and police and insurers appeared confused as to their legal status, the MSA has urged the agency to issue a definitive statement to put the situation beyond doubt.

Special report: see pages 18-20

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News

New standard set for all driver and rider training

Newslink The ADIs’ Voice

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

The DSA has published a revision to its standard for driving and riding instructors.

The new National Driver and Rider Training standard is, according to the agency, “written in a more user-friendly style” than the one it replaces. It describes the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to be a safe and responsible driving or riding instructor or instructor trainer.

It covers training for drivers or riders of all types of cars, light vans and machines covered by licence categories B, A and P. It also covers training for licence acquisition and post-test driving/riding programmes.

The Standard assumes that any person wishing to teach somebody to drive or ride has: • a current driving/riding licence • mastered all the competences set out in Roles 1-4 of the DSA National Driving Standard (Category B)™ or the DSA National Riding Standard (Category A/P)™ • demonstrated competence in Role 5 of the DSA Safe and Responsible Driving Standard (Category B)™ or the DSA Safe and Responsible Riding Standard (Category A/P)™

Advertising contacts: Joanne Cantwell t: 0161 432 9717 e: joanne.cantwell@hotmail.com Colin Regan t: 01925 468403 e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk

Production editor: Rob Beswick t: 0161 426 7957 e: rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk beswick@cssystems.net Newslink is published monthly for the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain Ltd, 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP and distributed free of charge 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 Motor Schools Association nor the publishers can accept any responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors in either advertising or editorial content. ©2012 The Motor Schools Association of Great Britain Ltd. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden without express permission of the editor.

In other words it assumes that they have maintained and improved their competence, at both the theoretical and practical levels, since they acquired their licence. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate at least level 3 competence.

This Standard sets out the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to deliver successful learning. It talks about instructors delivering agreed syllabuses using a ‘client-centred’ approach. The Standard talks mainly about the skills, knowledge and understanding required to work ‘in-car’ (or ‘on bike’) but also acknowledges that some driver/rider training organisations may opt to deliver part of any given syllabus to a classroom group.

The knowledge, skills and understanding that apply in the classroom have therefore been included, but not all instructors will choose to train in this way. For motorcycle instructors, however, group delivery in a classroom (or similar training environment) is a core skill.

The Standard includes some of the skills, knowledge and understanding needed by trainers of instructors (such as role play). It assumes higher level assessment skills will be covered by a

standard assessor unit. This unit on role-play is new, but the latest standard no longer includes a unit on the overall review of training programmes, because this is covered by other, existing standards.

The DSA added that this will not be the definitive standard. “The National driver and rider training standard is a ‘living’ document that sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding that ADIs and motorcycle riding instructors need so they can deliver effective training.”

We can take from that that further amendments and changes to structures may be introduced in the future. Indeed, the DSA itself goes on to say that that is highly likely: “As with all of DSA’s standards, this standard is expected to change in response to further evidence that may emerge and to peer comment. It is expected that the range of units will be extended to cover specialist areas such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the delivery of remedial programmes.”

• You can download the new standard at http://www.dft.gov.uk/ publications/dsa-national-driver-andrider-training-standard

Cardington assessments for CBT trainers

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

For more information see www.pefc.org

02 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

From 5 November, the Cardington assessment for CBT trainers will be supported by the published CBT and DAS guidance notes.

These guidance notes will also be used when giving feedback after standards checks.

The Safe and Responsible Riding (Category A/P) Standard™ sets out the knowledge, skills and understanding that DSA believes are required to be a safe and responsible rider.

The compulsory basic training (CBT) syllabus and guidance notes set out for trainers what must happen on a CBT course for motorcyclists. It also gives guidance on what a learner must know and understand and what they should be able to do to show they have reached the required standard.

The direct access scheme (DAS) guidance notes do the same

for trainers delivering DAS training.

The motorcyclist competence framework sets out the ‘building blocks’ on which the standard was constructed.

Through this framework it is possible to identify the original research, statistics, professional opinions, and so on, which underpin the standards.

If you need any further information on this, ask your local CBT management team for clarification.

To find contact details of your local CBT management team, email cbt@dsa.gsi.gov.uk.

See http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/dsa-saferesponsible-riding-category-ap-standard for downloadable copies of the CBT syllabus and guidance notes, the Direct access scheme (DAS) motorcycle training guidance and the motorcyclist competence framework.

www.msagb.com

News

DSA continues its current mantra for alternative L-test centres The DSA has added another ‘alternative’ L-test centre to its portfolio with the announcement that Mantra Learning Ltd will play host to L-tests from the end of November.

In a statement released at the end of October the DSA said: “Car practical driving tests will be available every Tuesday and Thursday from 27 November at Mantra Learning Ltd, Greengate, Middleton M24 1RU. Driving test candidates will have access to Mantra’s waiting area and off-road car park.”

“On arrival candidates should turn right immediately before the main entrance gates past the front of the main Mantra building and park in one of the two spaces furthest

Tyres lead road safety charge

thousands of people to achieve their potential in the logistics and automotive sectors, including more than 400 NVQs and Apprenticeships, over 200 Large Goods Vehicle licences and 1,100 Fork Lift Truck licences achieved each year.

At least with its portfolio of clients and services the arrival of learner drivers on to its site shouldn’t cause any qualms for its own staff.

Indeed, the company does have a good reputation for its training, having been granted Beacon status by the Government in recognition of its achievements in the adult education sector. Mantra is the only Beacon status provider specialising in the logistics and automotive sectors in the country.

from the reception. Candidates should then report to reception.

“All driving tests will continue to be conducted by Driving Standards Agency examiners.”

As with the deal which saw Halfords host tests, the new venue does have strong links with the motoring world. Mantra Learning has been offering courses in the logistics, automotive and business sectors for over 40 years. On its website it states that its philosophy “is to provide people from all walks of life with practical skills and knowledge, enabling them to impact on business. Hence our mission statement: ‘Enabling people to transform business.’

Over the years the company has helped

The use of high-friction surfaces and maintaining white lines and road safety markings are key to improving road safety, according to the Road Safety Markings Association and the Road Safety Surfacing Association.

The Road Safety Foundation’s 2012 Tracking Survey shows that improved roads lining, signing and safety surfaces reaped huge safety and economic rewards. Simple attention to safety engineering detail has resulted in cuts in road deaths and serious injuries, according to the survey.

Fatal and serious injury crashes on just 10 stretches of treated road fell by two-thirds from 541 to 209 – an economic benefit worth £35m.

DVLA announces red tape cut on insurance checks Motorists will benefit from no longer having to provide a motor insurance certificate when buying a tax disc under plans unveiled by Roads Minister Stephen Hammond.

The red tape cutting plans mean that around an extra 600,000 motorists a year will be able to tax their car online. It also

means millions of motorists will no longer have to provide an insurance certificate if they tax their car at the Post Office.

The consultation runs until the end of November and Roads Minster Stephen Hammond said: “We are committed to getting rid of unnecessary red tape.

There is absolutely no benefit in making motorists prove they have insurance when they buy a tax disc now that we regularly check existing databases for insurance under Continuous Insurance Enforcement rules.

“These proposals will make the whole process quicker, easier and cheaper.”

The proposal has been made possible by new checks of existing databases for insurance under Continuous Insurance Enforcement rules. The DVLA’s records are compared regularly with the Motor Insurance Database to identify registered keepers of vehicles that appear to have no insurance.

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News

Politicians clash over road safety Continued from page 1 comprehensive review of driver training and issues surrounding young drivers we’ve ever had. Why do we need to replicate that? What has changed in the past four years?”

In its call for action – or more reviews – the Select Committee had said: “Recent increases in road fatalities should be a wake-up call for Government to step up and provide stronger leadership on road safety.”

Louise Ellman, Chair of the Transport Committee added: “We are very concerned that 2011 saw the first increase in road fatalities since 2003, with 1,901 people killed on the roads.

“It is shocking that road accidents are the main cause of death among young adults aged 16-24 and that so many cyclists continue to be killed or injured. In 2010 there were 283 fatalities amongst car occupants aged 16-25. 27 per cent of young men aged 17-19 are involved in a road collision within the first year of passing their test.

“If the government is not willing to set targets, it should show more leadership.

The MSA says: We said back in August’s Newslink ‘Better late than never,’ when the Select Committee said something needs to be done to improve standards of novice drivers. But the calls for reviews and consultations from both the DfT and the Select Committee are just more talking when the answers are staring the politicians in the face.

Let’s use the National Standards, linked to a compulsory record of achievement signed off by ADIs to establish a benchmark for learning.

What’s changed? Former Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly ordered a majorreview of driver training in 2007: why do we need another?

Action is required to improve road safety for young drivers, including an independent review of driver training. We welcome the attention cycling, too, has received but there is much more to do.”

The Department for Transport’s defence was equally woolly and lacking in

conviction. When asked for greater leadership to be shown in driver training, it replied: “Government notes that we are seeing faster reductions in casualties in the 17–24 age group than for drivers as a whole. Following a further reduction in 2011, the number of young driver KSI’s is now 40% below 2007 levels.

“However, whilst our young drivers are amongst the safest in the world, we are not complacent and further improving the safety of young drivers remains a road safety priority. Using the underpinning new National Standards, we are looking to build upon the steps that have already been taken to improve both the learning to drive and testing process.

“The results of research evaluating some of the measures will be available shortly. This will be useful in our ongoing work with the insurance industry and other key stakeholders, including local authorities, to identify what further steps could be undertaken to ensure that newly–qualified drivers are properly prepared to be safe and responsible drivers so they are less of a road safety risk. Over the next few months, we will be speaking to young people to seek their

views on policy options and to improve our understanding of their attitudes to driving and experiences of the current learning to drive process. The Government intends to announce further proposals to improve the safety of young drivers before the end of this year. Whilst this work is ongoing, the Government does not believe that an independent review of driver training would be appropriate.

“The Government wants to see these improvements in young driver safety reflected in their insurance premiums.

Through telematics, or in–car technology, insurers now have a real time data feed, which allows them to see an individuals driving behaviour, something which simply has not been possible in the past.

Research so far, has shown that use of telematics can significantly reduce crash rates, and levels of risky driving behaviours. We welcome the increasing number of insurers who are making use of this technology.”

Lots of words: spot the actions? Where are the commitments to legislate to change the way we do things today in a positive manner?

RED looks to ease insurance burden with ingenie deal RED Driving School has teamed up with specialist young driver insurer ingenie to provide more affordable insurance for 17-25 year olds who pass with RED. As young drivers find it increasingly difficult to purchase affordable first-time insurance, the partnership aims to get newly-passed drivers on to the road by encouraging and rewarding better driving. ingenie fits a black box to collect data on how the car is being driven. The box assesses individual driving styles and driver feedback is available via the ingenie mobile app and online.

Key areas of driving are assessed including speed, cornering, braking and acceleration. The policy is then reviewed every three months and the best drivers could receive a discount of up to 10 per cent on their insurance in

04 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

the first year so, if they drive well, they pay less.

“At RED we recognise that the high cost of car insurance is one of the reasons why many young people postponing learning to drive,” said Ian McIntosh, CEO of RED Driving School.

“At RED our learners follow a structured training path which gives them the skills and confidence to pass their test and to drive safely beyond the test stage. This partnership with ingenie will make it easy for our new drivers to get a quote from a company that rewards a safer driving style.”

Richard King, founder and CEO at ingenie said: “Together with RED we are working to create a generation of better drivers combining high quality driving tuition and driver education with individual assessment and continuous feedback.”

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News

ABI plans for driver training misguided and unlikely to succeed, says MSA The MSA has questionned proposals put forward by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in its call last month for an overhaul of the way young people learn to drive.

The insurance industry has been under considerable pressure for some time over the high level of premiums, and it appears that the ABI has responded by trying to deflect blame for the cost of insurance on to novice drivers.

MSA general manager John Lepine agreed that more needed to be done to bring down the number of novice drivers involved in road crashes, but the ABI’s proposals were either unworkable or unenforcable.

“One-in-three people who die on our roads is aged under 25, and an 18-year-old driver is more than three times as likely to be involved in a crash than a 48-year-old driver, so we understand why the ABI wants action. However, these proposals are not the answer.”

ABI had called for: • A minimum 12-month learning period before taking the driving test to enable young learner drivers to gain more

supervised practice.

• A ban on taking an intensive driving course as the sole means of learning drive.

• The lowering of the age at which young people can start learning to drive to age 16 and a half.

• Graduated driver licensing. This would include restrictions on the number of passengers that can be carried by a young driver in the first six months after passing their driving test, reflecting the fact that the crash risk increases significantly when novice drivers are accompanied by friends.

It would also include, during the first six months, restrictions on young drivers driving between 11pm at night and 4am.

There would be an exemption, allowing young drivers to drive to their workplace or in connection with education.

During the graduated phase there would be a lower blood alcohol driving limit. This would, in effect, be a zero limit as it would only allow for the consumption of alcohol linked to products such as mouthwash.

The ideas are flawed, however. The MSA’s views on the ABI’s proposals are: How would a minimum learning period be policed? As there is no

minimum training period with a professional ADI laid down in law, couldn’t a learner simply pick up a provisional driving licence on their 17th birthday, do nothing for 12 months, then take a few lessons and pass their test?

Would you insist on learners proving they have taken a 12-month course of study before taking their driving test?

As ADIs we would decry such a practice as laid out above but it would keep the learner on the right side of the ABI’s new rules. How would this help improve road safety?

A ban on intensive driving courses.

The MSA is no fans of these but they do have a place - particularly within the Ministry of Defence, as it is how they teach all recruits to drive. Have you asked the Army for its views?

In addition, there is little or no evidence that links intensive driving courses with increased crash stats.

As the MSA has said many times, a better idea would be to introduce a certified course of learning, with each element of the driving syllabus assessed by the learner and the trainer prior to taking

the driving test.

Graduated driver licensing for drivers under the age of 25. In the ABI’s evidence it pointed out that America, Australia and Canada, among others, use a system similar to this.

However, if this is considered such a good idea around the world, why is it not utilised in Europe? As much of UK law is governed by EU law, has the ABI investigated how we would get the EU to endorse this radical plan?

Would new drivers from, say, France, with EU driving licences be able to drive on UK roads and ignore the new rulings for UK drivers?

And crucially, has the ABI asked the police whether it has the resources to enforce such a policy?

Finally, it has to be pointed out that in survey after survey, Britain’s roads always come out in the top three for safety across Europe, and more often than not we are top.

Given that our roads can be proclaimed as the safest in Europe, it has to be asked, why are our insurance premiums the highest?

MSA NEWSLINK : NOVEMBER 2012 : 05

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News

Newsinbrief Scotland looking to lower drink limit The Scottish Government is forging ahead with its plans to have a separate drink-drive limit to the rest of Britain after it opened consultations on lowering its limit from 0.8g/l to 0.5g/l.

The Scottish Government has the power to prescribe its own drink-driving limit and if this proposal was to be carried, its limit would bring it into line with the EC 2001 Recommendation.

This recommendation has led Austria, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Spain and the Republic of Ireland to reduce their drink-driving limits, while a zero tolerance approach is in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. Germany and Italy introduced a zero limit for novice and professional drivers, compared to 0.5g/l for all road users.

It will be interesting to see if this proposal is carried, and if so, if it will increase pressure on Westminster to legislate to lower the limit for England and Wales. Northern Ireland is currently looking at reducing its own alcohol limit to 50mg, too.

French postpone breathalyser fines

France has delayed plans to fine drivers who do not carry breathalyser kits until March 2013. The fines were due to be come in on November 1.

From March, all drivers must carry a single-use breathalyser kit and an €11 fine will be applicable to all road users, except mopeds.

The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, compared with the UK limit of 80mg.

They cost between £1 and £2 and they will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals.

Auto-steer is here

Volvo is looking to launch new technology that automatically steers and follows the vehicle in front when being driven on motorway in slowmoving queues up to 30mph by 2014.

The Swedish manufacturer believes the technology makes driving more relaxed in the kind of monotonous queuing that is a less attractive part of daily driving in urban areas.

Peter Mertens, senior vice president research and development of Volvo Car Corporation, said: “It offers you a safe, effortless drive in slow traffic.”

• More on hi-tech motoring - see pg 46

06 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Two meetings for the price of one

by John Lepine MBE MSA General Manager At the end of October a joint meeting of the ADI consultative groups was held with the DSA. Prior to meeting the agency the groups held a meeting among themselves, chaired by Cameron Smith of DIDU. The meeting with the DSA kicked off with a presentation on the Learning to Drive trial that the DSA has been conducting with TRL and RoSPA, which looks into the ways that client-centred learning (CCL) can best be used to help and influence the behaviour of new young drivers. Final results of this trial are not yet available but DSA promised to publish the report of the trial in full within the next few weeks.

While not wanting to pre-empt that report it can be noted that one of the ADI representatives present who had been part of the trial suggested that CCL can be used in a number of ways

by ADIs to help new drivers. However, the way this was done during the trial required a certain amount of paperwork in order to inform the report’s outcome, and as a result many lessons went over the allotted time,

sometimes by as much as 25 per cent.

Next on the agenda was an update from ADI Registrar Mark Magee.

Among a number of items he reported on were the ADI national statistics, which are now published regularly. The next round of statistics are due out on 15 November.

Mark said that the Transport Tribunal has upheld a number of his decisions on refusal/removal of entry to the ADI register for various offences, including taxi touting, drink-driving and a multitude of other motoring and non-motoring offences. They also upheld his decision regarding an applicant with two undisclosed SP30s in a 12-month period.

In another case the tribunal upheld his decision to remove an ADI who refused to undergo a CRB check because he maintained that it was an infringement of his human rights under EU law.

In their judgement dismissing the appeal the tribunal stated: “The Registrar is entitled, if not obliged, to be satisfied as to the criminal record and background of persons approved to provide unsupervised teaching, training and instruction to persons under the age of 18. Parents of children having driving lessons are also entitled

to expect that official approval will not be given to those whose past behaviour may reasonably suggest that they could pose a danger to their 17-year-old children”.

However, Mark stressed that cases were decided on an individual case-by-case basis. He also stressed the need for ADIs to report any offences to the DSA within seven days of conviction.

Regarding ADIs registered in GB but living and working overseas, of which there are around 50, he said he will require them to undergo a check test and CRB to renew their registration.

There were a number of updates on various other matters including an operational update, one on the “taking tests to the customer” policy (tests at Halfords and Asda) and a communications update which included the information that the DSA was still prepared to provide some speakers for local meetings.

There followed a discussion on a number of points previously discussed by the ADI groups in their earlier meeting.

• A full report of these meeting will be posted online and included in the December issue of Newslink.

Motorists in dark over lights New research shows that when it comes to car lights, many motorists are being kept in the dark. The study for Kwik Fit reveals that 12.5 million (35%) drivers have suffered at least one blown bulb in the last 12 months.

The research also shows that 35 per cent of drivers don’t check their lights from one year to the next, so rely on others to tell them when a lamp has blown. 23 per cent have been told by friends, eight per cent by other drivers but three per cent have faced the

ultimate sanction and been pulled over by the police.

The most common way drivers spot that one of their own lights has blown is when they see their car’s reflection (17 per cent). More people spot a blown bulb in this way than through a dashboard warning light or through reduced light when driving at night.

With the clocks having gone back, and more drivers likely to be journeying home in the dark, Kwik Fit is encouraging all motorists to check

their lights on a regular basis. Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit says: “Faulty lights are one of the most common reasons for cars failing their MOTs. But we would urge drivers not to leave it until the MOT to check all their lights are working, or rely on others to point it out to them.”

Women seem to be luckier in the bulb stakes as just a quarter (28%) of women have had a lamp blow on them in the past year versus two-in-five (41%) men.

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News Peter Harvey reports on the European Driving Schools Association (EFA) Conference in Madrid, where he found ADIs from across Europe wrestling with similar problems on how to improve driver standards and road safety

THE end of September saw John Lepine, MSA General Manager, and I travel to Madrid for the 2012 EFA Congress.

The MSA has long been a supporter of EFA as we believe it’s important that the UK driver training industry establishes links with our colleagues across the rest of Europe. It gives us an early heads-up on future European legislation affecting our industry, while at the same time offering us a series of benchmarks against which we can compare how we do things in the UK with our neighbours.

This is always the most interesting aspect of our meetings with EFA. For instance, it was fascinating to hear one speaker, Bernhard Reiter, compare the UK’s lack of compulsory theory test tuition with that of Latvia and Germany, where learners have to sit through 55 and 32 hours of compulsory theory tuition respectively.

In the UK, of course, it is zero. There was much debate about this glaring discrepancy yet as we were too polite to point out, which nation has the lower KSI statistics?

In the UK it is common to compare ourselves unfavourably with others but after listening to other speakers outlining recent ‘advancements’ in their own nations, it made me realise we should be slower to criticise how we do things.

For instance, Germany’s current stock of HPT clips for its learners is one. Compare that investment in hi-tech electronic learning with the DSA’s recent work to improve our own HPT clips. I think we can fairly confidently state we’re leading our German friends on this issue.

Additionally, in Spain, the ADI industry is hoping its current driving test will soon be extended to 25 minutes, with ‘show me/tell me’ testing introduced. Independent driving was also on the cards.

It really does show how, in some areas, we are light years ahead of our neighbours.

There were some interesting presentations, however, which may suggest our current lead in this area may soon be eroded. As an example Portugal has challenged its previously poor road safety record by introducing a tough new regime of compulsory tuition which sounds interesting.

30 hours of theory training is now mandatory, 16 hours in classroom and 14 hours through e-learning. Strict checks are in place to ensure the e-learning element is taken by the candidate, too. This is followed by a minimum of 32 hours practical training.

It seems a very efficient system and one which has delivered results, as the country has experienced a sharp fall in KSI statistics.

It proves that we cannot remain complacent in the UK and have to attend events such as this to learn from others. What was clear was there was a different emphasis placed on how many European ADIs teach driving: while we teach people, other European countries place their emphasis on traffic.

It was also clear that we fare badly when we

08 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Europe’s different voices share the same problems compare our early years provision into driver training and road safety. It may seem strange to talk about ‘early years’ for drivers yet in Spain nursery education introduces children to mini road layouts, allowing infants the chance to get used to the concepts of traffic at a far earlier age than in the UK. Our system clearly depends on people wanting to learn, while in Germany, for instance, the state has introduced new levels of compulsory education which many believe take state control of the learning process to a new level. Speaker Tino Friedel explained how learners now faced a minimum of two years of tuition before they can take their driving test.

That includes the 32 hours of compulsory theory training now bolstered by their landmark HPT clip. Examiners would also be using electronic testing systems on handheld devices, similar to those we use in the UK to test older licence holders when they reach 70. It sounds like an interesting development, and one we can evaluate to see how successful it is.

But let me stress that EFA is not a case of ‘them and us’; what ties us is greater than those

‘In the UK it is common to compare ourselves unfavourably with others but after listening to other speakers outlining recent ‘advancements’, it made me realise we should be slower to criticise how we do things...’

things that force us apart. Speaker after speaker outlined the same depressing litany of road casualty statistics that blight every country in Europe, whichever system you use for driver testing and training.

As Gerhard von Bressensdorf, the EFA president, and Julia Kremer, the European Commission’s Director-General, Mobility and Transport, whose brief includes road safety, pointed out in their opening address, we have a common problem of poor road safety which needs concerted action to address.

Europe’s three main killers across all countries are inappropriate use of speed, alcohol and the failure to use seat belts. 600 people are killed every year across Europe in collision in which mobile phone use was blamed for the cause – a dozen a week. Young people remain Europe’s biggest casualty group, representing 21 per cent of all road deaths across Europe.

There was also consensus on issues surrounding how better road infrastructure could contribute to to lowering crash statistics, EFA is backing the EU’s over-arching goal of reducing road casualties by 50 per cent by 2017.

To do this we need to tighten up our training regimes, said Ms Kremer, and improve compliance of the rules and regulations of the roads. There has to be a particular focus on vulnerable road users – across Europe, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are overrepresented in the casualty figures. Action is Continued on page 9 » »

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News

Continued from facing page needed to reduce this.

We also need to look for safer vehicles and improve our emergency and post-crash response mechanisms, added Ms Kremer, and ensure we embrace the latest technology to improve road safety.

Unfortunately, these lofty aims were not backed up by guidelines on how we will achieve them. The talk was of goals but with funding cut to road safety programmes across Europe, there was little in the way of a clear action plan to achieve them.

From a UK point of view, the types of measures discussed such as HPT, independent driving and the length of driving tests are areas where we are well ahead of the rest of Europe, with perhaps only our use of technology lagging behind.

The conference included some other interesting subject areas, particularly the growth of eco-driving. While part of the UK driving test for some time, ecodriving itself is stronger elsewhere across Europe. Kay Schulte and Johen Lau from the German Road Safety Council delivered a fascinating insight into the Ecowill driver training programme, and how they believe its promotion and growth will reduce European carbon emissions and cut fuel use in the future. It is in use in 15 countries and will be launched in the UK shortly.

The conference didn’t concentrate purely on Europe. Jan Genschow from the University of Potsdam considered what he believes is the best graduated

‘Montoro highlighted how poor driving was all about attitude. If parents showed an uncaring attitude when they drove, children will replicate it when they drive...’ licence scheme in use at the moment, from New South Wales in Australia. It demanded a great deal more practice, with up to 3,000km of driving accompanied by parents or supervising licence holders in addition to professional tuition. One interesting fact was that to supervise their children parents had to attend their own training course.

The role of parents in influencing driver behaviour was also discussed by Professor Luis Montoro from the University of Valencia. His research had highlighted how poor driving was all about attitude. If parents showed an uncaring attitude when they drove, children would pick up on this and replicate it when they became drivers themselves.

He stressed that too much of Europe’s driver training regime was about learning the rules of the road and technical ability, yet we need to focus on driver behaviour if we are to attain the goals of 50 per cent cuts in road casualties by 2017.

The professor’s comments would strike a chord with any ADI meeting anywhere across Britain, I’m sure.

Plan for managing at-work driving risk omits training A CALL BY TRL for a new national standard to manage work-related road risk has omitted what most ADIs would suggest is the most important element in road safety: the ability of the driver.

In its report it called for businesses to be given ‘back to basics’ advice about the processes they should be using to manage and lower risk, and gauged the opinions of trade associations, charities and road safety groups and fleet managers. However, it doesn’t appear to have spoken to ADI groups about how best to train at-work drivers to drive better.

As many as a third of injury road collisions in Great Britain involve someone who is driving for work at the time, so this is a key area for road safety. But TRL is concerned that as there is no standard approach to managing this risk: businesses are inundated with advice from different stakeholders, making it difficult to be sure what they should be doing.

A key point of TRL’s research is that the management of workrelated road risk lags behind that of health and safety risk in the

workplace. “The general perception is that despite a great deal of effort by some stakeholders and businesses over the last decade, in the majority of organisations work-related road risk is simply not being managed in the way it should be,” said Dr Helman of TRL. ‘Baseline’ features suggested for the national standard include a simple-to-follow risk management system based on the ‘plan, do, check, act’ model, licence checks for drivers, and the collection of data (for example incidents and near misses) to monitor performance. In addition, the report suggests businesses focus on reducing the extent to which employees are asked to drive when tired, when distracted, or under time pressure.

But not, you will note, driving ability, speed awareness, poor handling and mirror work or a lack of hazard perception.

Equally, it doesn’t ask whether companies should prevent staff from driving if they have a history of speeding convictions or minor accidents, or whether any drivers need professional instruction to eradicate their errors.

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Comment

Simpler, clearer and faster access to online Government services gradual, at no extra cost to the agency – or hopefully to business. There are strict rules about using the new branding. Advice on how to use the logos is available on http:// assets.dft.gov.uk/dsa/dsa-logoguidelines.pdf If you’re requesting a new DSA logo, contact the DSA intellectual property team at crowncopyright@dsa.gsi.gov.uk.

ROSEMARY THEW Chief Executive, DSA

Simpler, clearer, faster As mentioned in an earlier column in Newslink, DSA is getting new logos, in common with many other Government departments. This means the old DSA logo will be phased out.

All the new identities have 3 parts: • a colour line (representing the ‘parent’ Department) • a symbol (normally the Royal Coat of Arms) • the organisation’s name.

Transition to the new logos will be

GOV.UK will be the best place to find Government services and information from 17 October.

It will replace Directgov and Business Link, making it simpler, clearer and faster to find what you need from Government If you usually search using services like Google to get to Directgov or Business Link, you’ll simply find GOV.UK results instead. If someone has bookmarked a page on Directgov and Business Link then this link will redirect to a page on GOV. UK.

Quality • Professional • Value

Computer-generated HPT clip on YouTube Instructors and theory test candidates can now see an early working example of a hazard perception test (HPT) clip created using computer-generated image technology. Jelly, the company that won the contract to refresh HPT, has created the clip and it is now available on YouTube.

The first part of Jelly’s new contract involves updating the current clips, which were filmed ten years ago and now look dated.

The scenarios will remain the same but the computer-generated content will bring a more modern look to the vehicles, fashions and backdrops.

DSA will work closely with Jelly to quality assure the development of the clips, which will become part of the theory test next summer.

The second part of the contract will involve the creation of new scenarios not previously seen in the hazard perception test.

Revised National Driver/Rider Training Standard™

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The agency has also published a revision to its Standard for driving and riding instructors. The new National Driver/Rider Training Standard™ (NDRTS) is written in a more user-friendly style and includes a unit on role-play, as used by trainers of instructors.

It no longer includes a unit on the overall review of training programmes, because this can be covered by other, existing standards.

The NDRTS is a ‘living’ document that sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding that approved driving instructors and motorcycle riding instructors need to deliver effective training.

It is published here: www.dft.gov.uk/ publications/dsa-national-driver-andrider-training-standard In addition, new frameworks setting out the competences expected of lorry, bus and coach drivers have also been published by the agency defining the skills, knowledge and understanding required to drive these vehicles safely and responsibly.

The DSA worked with the haulage and passenger transport industries to develop these and they address specific issues such as the use of tachographs and the dangers of continuous driving.

DSA extends ISO accreditation I am delighted that the agency has achieved certification to the ISO 9001:2008 standard for the conduct of all licence acquisition practical driving tests.

DSA’s previous ISO accreditation covered the quality assurance of category B tests only; the new certification extends to the quality assurance and quality control of all practical tests across categories A/P, B, C and D.

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DSA is submitting a planning application to provide practical car tests from a temporary facility at the Steeton LGV test centre in Keighley.

The address is Station Road, Steeton, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD20 6RW Subject to getting planning consent, DSA hopes it will be able to offer car tests from Steeton by early next year.

The agency announced plans to refurbish the Steeton LGV test centre earlier this year, to offer car and motorbike tests from the site in addition to LGV tests. The temporary facility will allow DSA to start offering car tests while it completes this work.

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Comment

More prevarication as we await the next reforms to our industry JOHN LEPINE MBE General Manager, MSA

In the August issue of Newslink, under the headline “Thanks for your input, MPs, but you are really late to this party”, I wrote that I was somewhat incensed by the Transport Select Committee’s Road Safety Report, which had recently proclaimed that “action is required to improve road safety for young drivers, including an independent review of driver training.”

I thought that the suggestion was ludicrous.

There is no need for a further review. As our article on page 1 explains, we know what the problems are and – more importantly – what the answers are. All we need now is the energy and enthusiasm to act.

My reaction to the Committee was fairly

‘There is no need for a further review. As our article on page 1 explains, we know what the problems are and – more importantly – what the answers are...’

scornful. Responding in a slightly more polite tone, the Department for Transport has responded to the committee as follows: “Government notes that we are seeing faster reductions in casualties in the 17–24 age group than for drivers as a whole. Following a further reduction in 2011, the number of young driver KSI’s is now 40% below 2007 levels.

“However, whilst our young drivers are amongst the safest in the world, we are not complacent and further improving the safety of young drivers remains a road safety priority.

Using the underpinning new National Standards, we are looking to build upon the steps that have already been taken to improve both the learning to drive and testing process.

“The results of research evaluating some of the measures will be available shortly. This will be useful in our ongoing work with the insurance industry and other key stakeholders, including local authorities, to identify what further steps could be undertaken to ensure that newly–qualified drivers are properly prepared to be safe and responsible drivers so they are less of a road safety risk.

“Over the next few months we will be speaking to young people to seek their views on

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policy options and to improve our understanding of their attitudes to driving and experiences of the current learning to drive process. The Government intends to announce further proposals to improve the safety of young drivers before the end of this year. While this work is ongoing, the Government does not believe that an independent review of driver training would be appropriate.

“The Government wants to see these improvements in young driver safety reflected in their insurance premiums. Through telematics, or in-car technology, insurers now have a real-time data feed, which allows them to see an individual’s driving behaviour, something which simply has not been possible in the past.

Research so far has shown that the use of telematics can significantly reduce crash rates, and levels of risky driving behaviours.

“We welcome the increasing number of insurers who are making use of this technology.”

Is this a polite and measured response from Government or just mealy-mouthed words designed to delay further the reform of driver training that so many people from both the DSA and across the driver training world want to see?

I hope not.

D

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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

Let’s not make driving any more dangerous than it already can be Dear sir I am delighted my criticism of shared spaced schemes, published in the September issue, was so well read and provoked such response.

However, I find myself having to respond to the two letters published in the last issue, because there is a danger that if I do not then some of the nonsense being spouted may start to take on a life of its own.

Stanley McWhirter suggests that instead of observing road signs, we should take up mind-reading - a nice idea were we telepathic.

YES, awareness and anticipation are essential skills for a good driver - and something I teach all my pupils. It is that awareness that enabled my inexperienced pupil to bring the car to a rapid stop when a cyclist came out from behind another vehicle and straight through on a red light.

But having such skills should not mean that we CONDONE cyclists ignoring the rules of the road and placing themselves and others in danger. That was my point.

He also describes how driving at 2.65mph (that’s some speedometer he’s got there) through a group of meandering pedestrians is the answer. This leads me to ask why pedestrians should feel the need to meander around in the middle of a road in the first place when there are pavements and crossing points provided?

To suggest that to remove the rules somehow makes everything safer is rather like saying that safety barriers should be taken away from dangerous cliff tops. Not seen anyone voting for that.

Then we have David Pepperdine, who speaks against clear road markings, and suggests that the lack of such markings in an ice rink makes everyone take more care. Well for a start, at an ice rink everyone travels round in the same direction, unlike at Poynton when they are coming from every which way – and in any case, the last time I was at an ice rink I saw a large number of people bumping into one another and falling over.

Not a great advert for shared space!

He also says: “If someone comes out of a side road without stopping, the driver on the ‘main’ road assumes priority, in some cases to the point where a collision takes place.”

This infers that the driver on the main road would deliberately crash into an emerging vehicle in order to prove a point – nonsense of course. Nobody wants to crash. Would he prefer all junctions to be unmarked?

Would he like to see all drivers on a main road slowing down and coming to a virtual halt every time they saw someone trying to emerge from a side road?

And how he can say that believing cyclists should not ride through red traffic lights makes me “narrowminded on road safety” beggars all belief.

I have spoken to an instructor based in Poynton who tells me he has seen countless bumps and

12 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Poynton: Once a quiet, sleepy Cheshire village, now at the centre of a growing ADI debate over its shared space scheme.

We’re all in this together so stop creating ‘them and us’ with the cyclists

near-misses in that ill-conceived shared space scheme, which he too hates.

And I suspect that even if the MSA manage to get accident figures via the Freedom of Information Act, they will reveal little of the real truth – because most of the accidents there have been minor bumps where drivers have simply exchanged details without ever involving the authorities. So nothing is recorded Yes, teach pupils to read the road ahead, to anticipate the actions of others and to drive defensively – but don’t let’s go out of our way to make dangerous situations more likely to happen by allowing cyclists to ride through red lights and removing vital road markings and signs.

Robert Ridley Bramhall, Cheshire Editor’s note: Robert is correct in his suggestion that our FOI request proved fruitless, though for a slightly different reason than the one above. As the junction is reasonably new, and the collection of data takes some time to come through the system, there are no comparisons available as yet for the crash stats before and after the junction’s introduction.

However, he does make a valid point in that even the best information will only cover reported incidents, and the vast majority will go unreported as they will be dealt with by an exchange of drivers’ insurance details.

Dear Sir As an ADI and a cyclist I found the points raised in last month’s interesting letter (‘Red Light signals are for everyone, including cyclists’) worthy of response.

In my view making cyclists pay for insurance against third party risks would be impractical and unenforceable, particularly as we are informed that a million motorists feel safe to drive without any cover.

Who would pay anyway? What about children or if you had a bike in your garage used once a year?

I am a member of British Cycling and one of the benefits of the £24 per year cost is £10million of cover against third party risks. If the Government thought that the risk from cyclists was anything other than extremely low then they would have included them when they created the Motor Insurance Bureau.

However, if that risk is now perceived as being high the Government could change the MIB scheme, probably for less than 50p per week per cyclist.

As we know cyclists do not pay Vehicle Excise Duty, however, neither do the drivers of low emission cars, although strangely, no one seems to mention these vehicles, or indeed putting a tax disc on a horse.

But then, if making a payment infers some sort of additional road rights, then by this strange logic highly taxed Ferrari and Bentley drivers should gain some sort of on-road benefit. Perhaps the London Olympic Lanes idea could be used everywhere for these road users. Or have I missed the entire concept? Is it that the money doesn’t matter, it’s just that motorists are simply superior road users to cyclists. The gentry and the plebs, perhaps? Oh dear, how sad.

In respect of traffic flow through light controlled junctions; would that improve if there were more Toucan facilities or if cyclists (or everyone) was allowed, when safe, to filter left at some junctions, as they do abroad?

We all know that some cyclists risk being fined for riding on pavements, failing to comply with traffic signs, not displaying lights at night, etc, however, we also all know motorists who fail to signal at junctions, exceed speed limits, text while driving, etc.

In my view people break rules through personal choice and as individual members of society, not because of their mode of transport.

Cyclists are simply members of the public, as are the pedestrians, horse riders and motorcyclists – all of whom we also describe as Vulnerable Road Users. Let’s do what we can to keep everyone safe on the road.

Yours, an ADI with a bike

More letters – page 14 » »

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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

DSA has missed a great chance after bottling the mandatory CPD decision Dear sir I am very disappointed to hear that the DSA is not making CPD mandatory. As a conscientious ADI, I like to think that my students appreciate being taught by a professional instructor who takes his job very seriously and likes to keep up to date with the driver training industry. Surely the DSA, as part of the check test, could ask to see the ADI’s portfolio of CPD activities undertaken?

Another possibility is that MSA monitor their members at the meetings and issue a sticker/badge which can be displayed in the tuition vehicle and states that the ADI is committed to CPD. This could then also be added to the ADI’s website.

Hope this helps with my views on how important CPD is and that learners should be aware of those ADIs who are committed to provide a professional service.

Jim Bennett Crawley, West Sussex Editor’s note: I think Jim raises some interesting ideas.

Would other readers agree? Do you have any ideas about the best way forward with CPD? Please get in touch and let us know what you think.

Thanks, Hitachi, you took a weight off my mind

Dear Sir So the DSA has bottled compulsory CPD, has it? Big surprise. I’ve have made it my duty to keep up-to-date with the latest information, techniques and thinking about driver training since I qualified (back in 2005). It would have been nice to think that my efforts were appreciated but clearly not.

We’re now in a situation where those ADIs who spend time – and money – to make themselves better ADIs have no way to make a commercial advantage out of their superiority. In the public’s eyes we are separated only by price – and those ADIs who don’t invest their cash in further training should, logically, be able to offer cheaper lessons than the instructors who do. The irony: as an ADI, I’ve improved, but as a businessman, I’ve gone backwards.

What frustrates me is the reasons why they can’t introduce this. It would be easy to say that being a ‘fit and proper person’ includes taking 30 hours CPD a year - after all, minibus drivers will have to do 40 hours CPC, so what’s the difference?

Frustrated, Anonymous ADI, Liverpool

Dear sir I recently suffered a serious spell of ill health, which resulted in me not being able to work now for about three months.

This is the one thing all self-employed instructors fear, instant loss of ALL business and the ongoing lease vehicle payments.

I had just commenced a new 18-month contract on a leased tuition vehicle a few weeks earlier.

However, I think MSA members should know that Hitachi Capital, who the contract was with, and their representative Deborah in particular, have been fantastic in this situation, cancelling the contract and allowing me to return the vehicle early with no penalty.

This helpful and obliging attitude is an important safeguard, and any member considering a lease driving school vehicle should certainly consider Hitachi Capital.

David Scott Wilmslow, Cheshire Editor’s note: We were delighted to hear this story, which does restore your faith in human – and business – nature.

It does also remind all self-employed ADIs that they can be vulnerable if illness or accident strikes.

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Comment: ADIs and SEN training

ADIs running the risk of falling back on lazy SEN labelling John P Brown, ADI and adviser on learners with specific needs, wonders whether too many instructors are getting involved with teaching in this sector for the wrong reasons, and are falling back on simplistic stereotypes that dogged teaching many decades ago Have you ever exerted a great deal of effort to push-start a car, only to find that it begins to run away out of control and ploughs up your lawn, and although you have done what was intended, it is now causing destruction to much you valued?

That is how I am feeling currently about some parts of driving instruction and special educational needs (SEN).

When I became an ADI a couple of decades ago there was little formal understanding of anyone who did not learn by the set instructional methods. Of course, there were excellent ADIs who were skilled at teaching those who learnt in different ways, but sadly many of those clients were denigrated as ‘slow’ or incapable of driving.

At that time I was tutoring such students for university entrance so I knew that while they may have specific areas of difficulty, they had no generic problems and were just the same as the rest of their class mates. I did not put them into discriminatory boxes or give set diagnoses, or made them feel they were ‘special’, but supported them in an understanding and knowledgeable way according to their specific needs or learning styles. I was able to foster appropriate teaching

16 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

because I was a tutor rather than a class teacher, so they did not need to be classified into categories such as dyslexic, dyspraxic or autistic, even though they may have loosely fallen within those spectrums.

The tag did not matter because what was important was that we regarded them as people rather than conditions and we encouraged the teachers to develop their own skills to meet the student’s needs, whatever they may be.

As an ADI I aimed to raise the profile of those with specific needs by writing articles, books and advising learners how to take control of their condition and to guide their ADIs as to how best they learnt. This was client-centred learning coming from the learner rather than the instructor or the DSA. Except in special educational and medical environments, dyspraxia was largely unheard of, but I began to use such terms to help other instructors become more aware of these umbrella labels so they could research for themselves and understand their student’s behaviour more deeply.

Then the SEN bandwagon began rolling and the needs

Wrong way: Creating a one-size-fits-all training regime for SEN pupils is not the way to proceed

of the individuals began to be crushed under the wheels of making an unnecessary diagnosis.

If I look back to my own school days and to the 50 years since I became a teacher, there was usually only one system used. It involved the teacher imparting information from the blackboard, and the majority of those who did not learn in this way were sent to special schools. It was a time when children were forcibly adopted, mothers who had illegitimate children were stigmatised as being in need of moral welfare, poor children were sent to the colonies for their own good and coloured people were segregated.

If you did not meet the standard method provided then you were classified by the euphemism of being ‘special’.

The changes made during the 70s were exciting as we came a long way towards understanding people with differences and laying the foundation of their integration into society, particularly following Lady Warnock’s 1978 report into special education, and although for those on the extreme of the spectrum maybe it went too far, the 1981 Education Act turned many of those ‘special’ people into ‘normal’ ones who could cope perfectly well when their teaching was differentiated.

It seems that instead of building on what has gone before, driving instruction is regressing to classifications of special educational needs (SEN). If you had one specific problem would you want a generic term to be blazoned around for everyone to see? It would be like me carrying a banner saying ‘I have had cancer’ or ‘I am dyslexic’. So what! Does it matter to my driving? Do other people need to know I am ‘special’? Even more dismaying is that instructors are classifying their students into these diagnoses. Do they need, or want, a label? Of course not! They just want to be normal with a level playing field without the need for any ‘special’ provision to make them stand out. What has special education got to do with driving?

Now why do ADIs go on these courses?

Possibly because they feel they received inadequate training / check testing as ADIs; they or someone in their family has special educational needs and they want to understand the condition more; as an income generator because they see a niche market; or is it because they have been sold a course and believe it is the in-thing to do?

Is it really to help the very few with SEN who will be able to drive as opposed to the many with a specific need which all ADIs should be equipped to cater for through their initial training?

I am all for education, but the instructor’s motives must be clear and if the training skills they are studying are relevant for ALL learners, then they need to be provided at the grass roots level of PDI training and check tests, so that

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well-equipped ADIs come into and remain in our profession. Of course, all ADIs should be competent to teach all their students, so go on a course, study people and how different ones learn, and then build your experience by questioning your individual clients as to their own specific needs, but don’t pigeon hole them or approach their training with any pre-set diagnosis of how they will function, or you will become like the old instructors and teachers who TOLD their clients how they had to learn.

There can’t be any teaching template as all clients are different and any inflexible diagnosis is dangerous. Between professionals it may be applicable to use specialist terminology as umbrella terms to communicate ideas during ADI training, but to brand our clients and expect them to behave as we believe they may behave is totally unacceptable.

Most will not have had any diagnosis and while it may be helpful to discuss the manifestations of their condition and the way it affects their driving, we must avoid classifying them. It is many years since we left the cap behind with a ‘D’ (dunce) on it and we don’t now want to replace it with SEN or any other terminology on our cars. Awareness of need, yes, but diagnosis no.

Before I get attacked for the labels occasionally seen on my car, I admit I sometimes display a sign saying HAND CONTROLS IN USE – THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING. Invariably this is because I am retraining someone following a stroke, brain injury or a degenerative illness. It is like putting

Comment: ADIs and SEN training ‘There can’t be any teaching template as all clients are different and any inflexible diagnosis is dangerous ... to brand our clients and expect them to behave as we believe they may behave is totally unacceptable...’ on L-plates and saying to other drivers that this person is learning a different skill and so may be hesitant or make mistakes.

It is not saying they are special or have educational needs; it is stating what skill they are learning and as soon as they are competent and can integrate safely then I remove them, since the sign can become an insult to their normal driving ability on the roads.

We don’t need an SEN industry being artificially constructed around what every ADI should be offering to every client as part of their basic service. It is not the client who has learning difficulties, but the ADI who has not yet found the key to their learning.

By all means seek that key, but don’t try to change the locks or make them into a standardised model with a new label. We must not go back to the ‘good’ old days when we gave people classifications and terms so we could institutionally deal with them more easily. We want equal opportunities for all so they can all integrate on our roads – if they have the ability.

Give them normal independence and integration rather than shackle them with a

term. The vast majority of learners will not thank you for making them ‘special’, but will appreciate recognition and support for any specific difficulty they may have and the opportunity to jointly construct a personalised teaching programme.

As my web site states www.drivingincludesu. co.uk, we must be ‘inclusive’ rather than special and both the DSA and all ADIs must be there for ALL our clients and be able to provide for all, without segregation.

We ignore history at our peril and just because driving instruction has come decades late into an understanding of those with specific needs, they don’t have to start at the beginning but can build on what has gone before and what has been achieved by the efforts of many professionals who have worked together to understand and to make learning better for us all.

We must see the ‘normal’ person and adapt our teaching to raise them up – rather than dragging them down to perform to our ‘special’ diagnosis. We don’t have Paralympic Roads. We have to share them with everyone.

For more information on John’s work, see his website at www.driving includesu.co.uk.

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MSA NEWSLINK : NOVEMBER 2012 : 17

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Newslink special report

Photocard farce as industry stakeholders set own rules Newslink investigation into driving licences finds DVLA, insurers and the police all following different rules 1.7 million drivers now hold expired licences – but DVLA can’t say how many have been prosecuted Confusion over the legal status of driving with an out-of-date photocard licence appears to be rife within the motoring community, Newslink has discovered – despite the DVLA issuing a clear statement over the position.

And the situation is affecting far more drivers than previously thought, with over 1.7 million drivers currently holding an expired licence.

With insurers, the police and other agencies issuing conflicting messages to ADIs over recent weeks, Newslink stepped in to get to the bottom of the issue. MSA members had expressed their concern to us after a number of insurers had told them that driving when your licence had expired invalidated insurance policies, while the police had suggested vehicles could be impounded.

What was particularly concerning for members was their own legal position if supervising a learner or full licence holder with an expired licence. Did this mean ADIs were aiding and abetting an offence, were committing an offence themselves – and did this invalidate the instructor’s own insurance?

The DVLA was clear in its advice – but the message is not getting through to other stakeholders. In a statement to the MSA the DVLA said no driver would have their licence revoked for failing to update the photocard every 10 years, as required. “It is a technical breach of an administrative rule and not an endorsable one. Not updating your driving licence does not compromise your right to drive. Once you are granted a driving licence you are entitled to use it until you are 70, unless it is officially revoked for medical reasons or for committing motoring offences.

“There is a legal requirement for drivers to renew the photograph on their driving licence every ten years as renewal of the photograph is important to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the driver record. It also ensures that drivers are protected against fraud by having a licence with the latest security features.

Drivers risk facing prosecution if they do not comply with their legal requirement but they can still drive and it does not impact on their standing as a driver with a full licence.”

So why has this confusion arisen? According to solicitor Michael Pace, a partner at Andrew & Co, based in Lincoln and respected authority on traffic law and motoring-related legal cases, it stems from some parts of the motoring community mistakenly thinking that not updating the licence is an offence under Section

18 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

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Regional News: North East

MIKE YEOMANS Deputy Editor, North East

AS pArt of my daily work I assess drivers on behalf of the local council to enable them to acquire a permit to drive vehicles insured by the authority. In addition I examine the driving standards of drivers to qualify to be eligible to obtain a taxi driver licensing plate.

Included in my role is the visual checking of driver licences prior to the practical drive, issuing of permits or taxi licence acquisition.

We have taken the stance that all the licence details must be in date and a correct matching of paper counterpart and photocard prior to proceeding with any assessments/tests. If the driver has not as yet got a photocard licence then proof of identity must accompany the allpaper licence.

I was challenged the other day by a supervisor whose driver’s licence showed his photo on his photocard licence was 13 months out of date. I refused to conduct his assessment. He rang the DVLA and was allegedly told he was allowed to drive regardless of the out-of-date photograph.

My experience of ringing the DVLA is they answer only the question you ask but little or no other explanations. As a result I wrote to the DVLA for further clarification: My question was : “The wording on the current DVLA website states item 4b on the front of the plastic photocard is the licence expiry date, it used to refer to the picture it now states it as the licence expiry.

“How does this affect the licence holder?

Does this now mean the licence itself is out of date but the entitlement to drive remains, however the holder should refrain from driving until the licence document is renewed?”

The reply from the DVLA was as follows: Dear Mr Yeomans Thank you for your email received on 2/5/12.

Even if a photograph is due to expire on a driving licence, the driving entitlement remains valid until the date shown on the reverse of the licence.

Photo out of date or driving not allowed?

More questions than answers The validity date of driving entitlements can be found on the reverse of a photocard licence (Column 11). The date showing in section 4b on the front of the licence shows the date that the photograph needs to be renewed.

However, although the driving licence entitlements remain valid, driving in GB with an expired photograph is an offence, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000. Please note road traffic enforcement is a Police matter.

Customer Enquiries Group DVLA This now posed another question for me. If driving in GB with an expired photo on your licence is an offence (perhaps not a traffic offence) does that make me culpable knowing the driver with me is committing an offence of any form?

The honest answer is, I don’t know. Can an ADI be prosecuted for aiding and abetting in these circumstances? I spoke with senior members of the MSA and other organisations and the feeling was that if licence entitlement continues then no offence is committed regarding driving the vehicle. I would have thought that an ADI should spot an out-of-date photo and inform the client they needed to update their licence.

I think if they then made a contemporaneous note of that conversation they would be okay. It is, after all, the licence holder’s responsibility

and no driving offence is being committed.

If I made a Proforma for the driver to complete so we could agree they knew they were committing an offence as per our conversation, could I use this only once, or would my prior knowledge of committing an offence make me seem to condone the offence? Using the Proforma or contemporaneous note a second time surely would make it more premeditated. If I got the driver to admit in writing the first time, would that count against the driver in court (if we went to court)?

The council insurers told me as long as the entitlement to drive was in date they were satisfied but they had not really considered it being a problem, however they were prepared to see what would happen in a court case.

The CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) did feel the driver would be driving “not in accordance with their driver licence, but would only prosecute in favour of the DVLA administrative offence as a part of another traffic or driving offence when challenged in court”.

How does the DSA see this? I again asked would I be correct to assume the DSA would allow a candidate to take a test with the photo out of date, as long as they could recognise the candidate from the photo presented? How does the ADI stand in light of the email below knowing the driver is committing an offence,

“I was challenged the other day by a supervisor whose driver’s licence showed his photo on his photocard licence was 13 months out of date. I refused to conduct his assessment. He rang the DVLA and was allegedly told he was allowed to drive regardless of the out-ofdate photograph”

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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

Insurer takes lead on the fate of expired photocard licences Dear sir, I read with interest the article in your last issue regarding expired photocard licences. I have for many years had this problem of clients turning up for NDIS, NDAC and DASA courses run by Dorset Police. Their opinion has always followed the line given by the DVLA, which is, providing the entitlement to drive was valid, that they couldn’t refuse to accept a client for a course.

I approached Barry Grainger Insurance on this issue on Friday and got a decision from them yesterday that if a client attended a course with an expired photocard the instructor would NOT be covered under their tuition policy, even if their entitlement to drive was valid.

This would also be the case if using the client’s own car as the issues of aiding and abetting and public liability would arise as the instructor would be condoning an illegal act.

This information has been given to Dorset Police and they now accept that to be the case. This is also the situation with AA DriveTech as their instructors are told not to accept anybody on a course with an expired licence.

Brian Chidgey Bournemouth Dorset

Grammar matters 1:

Cap the Registrar (and the register) Dear Sir Regarding Rod Came’s letter in the July issue of Newslink, I fear I must disagree with the editor. The person described in section 125 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 is “the Registrar” and

informed, befitting a man with a deep interest, knowledge and passion for driver training and road safety.

He was a deserving winner of the MsA Editor of the Year award in 2011, which he shared with his deputy and friend Mike Yeomans.

The award reflected the interest his column generated each issue Phill will be sorely missed by the MsA and the wider road safety community.

A fuller tribute will be paid to Phill in the next issue. In the meantime, perhaps it is appropriate to finish with the line with which Phill ended each of his editorials: Be Professional - Be safe.

Editor, MSA Newslink

Grammar matters 2:

Sailing close to the wind Dear Sir Whoops! Shouldn’t the heading on page two of the July issue of Newslink read “DSA ‘SAILS’ Through its Performance Targets“? and not sales, as printed?

Alan Dewfall, Melksham, Wiltshire • Editor’s Note: Good spot, Alan. The headline writer has been duly chastised and will be spending future weekends lashed to a mast while simultaneously looking for bargains.

‘King Oil’ keeps lesson prices floating above average FACEbooK pRoduCEd a lively debate recently after John Lepine commented on the article pictured right, from Aberdeen’s Evening Express.

The article was about that old favourite of many instructors, lesson prices, but it took a different stance to many we hear discussed: that lesson prices were so high young people couldn’t afford them.

The Express said: Aberdeen drivers are having to fork out 30% more for lessons than learners in the rest of Scotland.

On average Aberdeen motoring schools charge £27.60 for an hour-long lesson, with learners in Edinburgh and Glasgow being charged about £6.30 less.

John Lapine (sic), general manager of the Motor School Association, said: “I find the cost of learning to drive in Aberdeen very surprising.”

As a result, John Lepine was asked, via Facebook: “When you’re quoted as saying you “find the cost of learning to drive in Aberdeen very surprising”, do you mean in a positive way, ie, “that’s great!”, or in a negative way, “it’s a shame”?

John replied: I meant I was surprised, as in astonished or amazed. I had no idea prices were so

high in that part of Great Britain. I have since spoken to a few MSA members in Aberdeen who confirm that prices are high there. The ones I have spoken to suggest that it is old-fashioned economics – the cost of living. They say that occasionally someone makes a very low offer – 10 lessons for £85, for example – but these instructors/schools do not last because the cost of living is so high.

One member, who charges over £27 per lesson, reckoned his disposable income after rent/council tax, etc, was lower than it would be if he was doing a similar number of lessons elsewhere in Scotland.

Other Facebook comments on this story included: “I know of instructors who have moved to Aberdeen for this reason and by the way, their books are always full. Not disconnected to oil.”

“Nice, shoudn’t we all start charging £27.60? That would be great.”

“Is this because Aberdeen is so far north away from instructor colleges that they haven’t had such an affect on the number of instructors in Aberdeen?”

• Is £27.60 the highest average lesson price in the UK? Let Newslink know what the average is in your area.

MSA comment: How we have covered this story as it developed over the phill Jones summer: Above left, Mike Yeomans, June; above right, Newslink Letters page, August; facing page, Colin Lilly, September

It Is with the deepest regret that we inform members of the sudden death of the MsA North East editor, Phill Jones. Phill died suddenly on May 29, the day this issue of Newslink went to press.

Phill had been an MsA regional editor for many years, and was an active and enthusiastic member of the North East committee. His editorial pieces were always highly thought-provoking and well

thus the DSA was incorrect to demote him to lower case.

Brian Austin, ADI Registrar (retired) • Editor’s note: While we wouldn’t dream of disagreeing with Mr Austin, can we take it from his correspondence that we have to believe everything that comes out of Parliament is absolutely correct?

As an aside, perhaps the only cap that’s likely to please the DSA is that on the Registrar, and not the one many ADIs want, which is a cap on the register.

How the Evening Express reported the issue

14 : AUGUST 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

38 : JUNE 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

‘It is clearly confusing for many people... but the legal position is clear: if you hold an outof-date licence you can still drive...’

87 of the Road Traffic Act, under which penalty points and endorsements can be issued to offenders.

However, not updating your photocard is covered by Section 99, which covers the granting of licences, their form and duration.

This is a non-endorsable act, and was originally drawn up principally to cover failing to inform the authorities of a change of address and other personal details.

“It is clearly very confusing for many people,” said Michael. “However, the legal position is clear: it is not illegal to drive with an out-of-date driving licence.”

There is no problem with insurance, either, said Michael. “Your insurance is granted on the strength of you holding a driving licence, and this position does not change even if the photograph licence has expired.”

Yet despite these very clear statements, insurers appear confused. When Newslink contacted Direct Line, a spokesman initially said its underwriters believed insurance was invalid if you had an expired driving licence.

The first response from the country’s biggest single motor insurer was that “if you don’t have an up-to-date licence, ie, it has expired, technically you do not have a driving licence, therefore you are not insured as it is one of the stipulations of your insurance (to hold a current driving licence).

However, when presented with the DVLA’s statement on the issue, the company changed its stance. Its technical motor underwriter softened the view, saying, “If the driver had simply forgotten to renew their photocard licence they would still be insured, and would be indemnified for a claim. As the DVLA states, they would still have a licence and our policy cover only excludes cover if they are disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence.”

The MSA’s approved insurers, BG Insurance, agreed that the issue was a concern. Paul Russell of BG commented: “We have been aware for some time that there is a great deal of confusion surrounding this issue, as we have been asked about it by a number of clients.

“Within an insurance policy wording there is

nothing that specifically refers to expired photo card licences. Only in the event of the driving licence itself becoming invalid would this then invalidate the insurance. If the DVLA has categorically stated that it has no impact, then in theory the insurance would still remain valid.”

Worryingly however, Paul sensed problems could arise in the future unless DVLA clarified the situation. “To our knowledge, an out-of-date photocard has not yet been challenged following a claim, however we feel it is just a matter of time before it is.”

He issued this warning to ADIs: “Arguably, and for the avoidance of any doubt, it would be deemed best practice that ADIs check all relevant driving licence documents prior to agreeing to any tuition.”

Failing that, Paul said, if the pupil does not have a valid photocard licence, you may want to consider the following: • Can you confirm that the licence holder’s details are accurate?

• Can you confirm that their entitlement to drive is still in place?

Paul added: “There should be more awareness around topics such as photocards, as not everyone is aware that these need to be updated every 10 years, despite the reminder the DVLA sends out prior to expiration. It should be the duty of the ADI to advise prospective pupils of their requirement to comply with keeping licence counterparts up to date as well as bringing to their attention the potential consequences of not doing so, such as the £1,000 fine.”

The DSA was also clear that it was happy to follow the DVLA’s lead on this issue.

“Supervising a driver whose photocard licence has expired is unlikely to lead to an ADI being removed from the Register – though we do remind ADIs that they are expected to check a driver’s entitlement to drive before giving them tuition on the road.”

On L-tests, examiners had been told to exercise judgement if the candidate’s photocard licence had expired. “As long as the likeness of the candidate is accurate, examiners will conduct the test. Problems may arise if the

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Regional News: Western

COLIN LILLY

Chairman & Editor, Western

I DECIDED To follow up on Mike Yeoman’s item on expired photocard licences in the June issue and the correspondence from Brian Chidgey in last month’s Newslink. The former pointed out the confusing situation regarding licences with out-of-date photographs and the latter dealt with the related insurance issues.

First, I think the confusion arising from the legality of a licence with an expired photograph stems from a lack of forethought when the system was introduced.

On enquiring with the DVLA about the situation I received a word-for-word identical reply to Mike’s. This suggests to me that it is such a common question that a pro-forma reply has been prepared.

Even if your photograph has expired, your driving entitlement remains valid until the date shown on the reverse of the licence.

The validity date of your driving entitlement(s) can be found on the reverse of your photo-card licence (Column 11). The date showing in section 4b on the front of the licence shows the date that the photograph needs to be renewed.

The renewal should be done as soon as possible as driving with an expired photograph is an offence, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000. Please note road traffic enforcement is a police matter.

The problem appears to be the lack of a clear definition of the difference between ‘entitlement to drive’ and being ‘licensed’. To my thinking if we go back many years to the time when licences had to be renewed periodically, then a driving test pass gave certain entitlements to drive categories of vehicle, subject age and health restrictions. However, if the licence was not renewed then the driver could not drive legally until it was.

I feel the last paragraph of the response suggests that the DVLA are unsure and pass the buck to the police. I venture to suggest that the police response may vary from force to force.

I sent the following request for information from the MSA’s approved brokers Barry Grainger Insurance to clarify the insurance situation regarding my own insurer. I wrote: I read in the latest edition of MSA Newslink that an instructor has discovered that if a client’s photo, on their licence, is out of date they are not covered to drive on Police Diversionary Courses such as NDAC. I would like to clarify the following points: Does this apply to Markerstudy?

Is this general throughout the insurance industry?

Would the same apply to a learner who had held the licence for 10 years before embarking on lessons?

This was Barry Grainger’s response: I can confirm that it is a legal requirement for all licences to be in date and as a result of this the answer to your questions is yes. It applies to ALL motor policy including Markerstudy and will also apply for a learner driver.

It would appear that the insurance industry has decided on the definition of being licensed.

I then contacted DSA to get their

Newslink special report

Insurers step in to make the rules as officials shy away from complex issue

Up to date? A licence showing a very old and out-of-date photograph of a driver.

This driver faces a potential £1,000 fine if he doesn’t get his act in gear and update his photo...

understanding. Again I received the same reply, word for word, that Mike received: The photograph on a photocard licence expires after 10 years, although in most circumstances the entitlement to drive remains (until age 70 years) even if the photograph has expired.

If a candidate presents a photocard licence with an expired photo for a test and the examiner is satisfied the picture is a true likeness, then they should take the candidate on test.

If the candidate fails then the candidate should be informed to update their licence.

If the candidate passes the test, their licence will be processed as normal.

If the candidate arrives for test with an expired licence and the examiner is not satisfied there is a true likeness then the test will not go ahead. The candidate should be advised to update their licence with the DVLA. Same principle applies for a theory test.

I find it difficult to believe that the DSA’s response would be the same if they were aware of the insurance issue. I am certain the DSA would not allow their examiners to conduct a test in an uninsured vehicle. Of course, this may not apply to the theory test.

In the beginning this discussion began with qualified drivers receiving further training but the same applies to learners. I have had situations where pupils have obtained a photocard licence at 17 but had not continued with lessons and the returned to driving in their late twenties. Fortunately they have all had the foresight to update their licence before coming for lessons.

I feel this is one of those situations where the law is unclear and the various Government agencies are unwilling to sort the problem out.

They are leaving it to the courts to interpret the law and thereby establish case law. This, of

course, will require a sacrificial lamb; let’s make sure that this is not an ADI. However unclear the law is, we must be guided by insurers’ rules whatever our layperson’s interpretation is. Further internet research leads me to believe that if a claim arose the insurers MAY make an ex-gratia payment to third parties but this would not include the repairs to the tuition car.

It is considered that if an application with a new photograph has been received at DVLA then the driver is considered licensed. If the driver has the new-style digital passport this can be done on-line using the same photograph.

My advice at present to members is do not provide training to a driver who does not have an up-to-date photocard. That includes teaching them in their own car. Signed terms of business may provide some protection from prosecution but I am not sure the same would apply to insurers’ rules.

MSA Western regional seminar and AGM Now is the time to book your place at the Annual Regional Seminar and AGM which is being held this year on Monday, 12 November at a new venue, The Clock Tower, East Brent, near Weston-super-Mare.

By changing venue we have been able to maintain the same ticket price as last year, £30.

All tickets must be booked in advance.

However if you book before 22 October an early bird discount applies and you can obtain your tickets at the reduced rate of £25, a saving of £5.

It is an all-day event and we can promise you a day that will assist your business in 2013.

Topics will include increasing your income, motor insurance pitfalls, and all the latest news from the MSA. The event runs from 10.00 am until 4.30 pm.

Lunch, refreshments and a CPD certificate are included.

Tickets can be obtained either on-line at the MSA website or by sending a cheque payable to MSA Western to me at the address below.

We look forward to seeing you there.

candidate’s appearance has changed a great deal from that on the licence, however.”

Unfortunately, the confusion doesn’t end there. Police involved in driver improvement and speed awareness courses have added their own interpretations on expired photocard licences. Mike Yeomans, deputy regional editor, MSA North East and one of the first ADIs to highlight this issue, told Newslink that his own experiences working with Humberside Police highlight the confusion.

“I was part of a speed awareness course in Hull last Saturday, and though there was no driving involved the police sergeant who led the course did a licence check. Three course members were found to be holding expired photo licences. The officer stated that they were committing an offence, that they were liable for a £30 fine and that if they were involved in a traffic incident, as a result of them holding an expired licence their car could be impounded, which would result in a further £180 cost to 40 : SEPTEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Contact

e: cglilly@bt internet.com t: 01934 514336 a: 7 Bampton, Tamar Rd, Worle, Weston-superMare BS22 6LD

• If you have any comments or news please contact me at 7 Bampton, Tamar Road, Worle, Weston-super-Mare BS22 6LD, on 01934514336, Mobile: 07768367056 or e-mail: cglilly@ btinternet.com

release it.

“Equally, Humberside Police’ driver improvement courses do not allow people to participate if their licences have expired. A recent course found three drivers with expired photocard licences. 12 ADIs who are booked to deliver Driver Alertness courses were asked to check their insurances to see if having a driver with an out of current photo card was an issue.

We contacted the insurers and 10 of the 12 said they would rather they didn’t take part.

Interestingly, they didn’t say no; rather, they said ‘rather not’, almost as if they were hedging their bets.

“We’ve now taken the view that to minimise the risk of finding ourselves on the wrong side of a prosecution, we will refuse to take drivers out with expired licences.”

Why does Mike believe there is this confusion? “I’m convinced it comes down to the fact that even now, not every motorist holds a photocard licence. Which may be the reason the DVLA is not being pedantic.

“On its website it uses the wording that infers the item 4b. (the picture) expiry is the licence expiry, but on the reverse is the entitlement expiry, interesting choice of words.

“They were introduced in 1998; there will be some drivers who have not had reason to contact DVLA since that date, and so will still be driving around with the old, paper-only licence.

“I think there is a reluctance to prosecute for an offence in holding an incorrect piece of paperwork that not every motorist has to hold.”

It isn’t just Humberside where this situation is being played out, either. Solicitor Michael Pace

‘We’ve now taken the view that to minimse the risk of finding ourselves on the wrong side of a prosecution, we will refuse to take drivers out with expired licences.’

had his own take on this matter.

The confusion has been especially keenly felt on post-test training programmes, particularly driver improvement and speed awareness courses. Indeed, Michael himself was moved to contact the MSA after he experienced the confusion at first hand.

“Despite being an ex-traffic officer and ADI, we all make mistakes from time to time when driving, and I had a small bump earlier this year.

I opted to take a driver improvement course in Barnsley and it was during the introductions that the trainers asked to see everyone’s driving licences, to check they were valid.

“One commented that if the photocard had expired, they would not be allowed to take part in the course as they would not be insured. I identified myself as a solicitor specialising in this area of the law and we had a long chat about whether this was correct. The course trainer showed me the article in Newslink (June 2012) and I had to disagree with the statement that holding an out-of-date photocard licence would make your insurance invalid. It will not.”

The ADI trainer on the course Michael spoke to was Phill Jones, the MSA North East regional editor who sadly died this summer.

Michael was happy to clear up the confusion but agreed that it wasn’t just affecting driver improvement courses. “I had a similar case brought to my attention recently, when an LGV was held at Dover docks by officials after a spot check unearthed the fact that the driver’s licence had expired. His employer contacted Andrew & Co and we spoke to the insurers, who were happy for the driver to continue his journey.”

Continued on page 20 » »

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Newslink special report

Photocard farce... « « Continued from page 19 This insurance threat also reared its head to MSA member Jenny Mowforth, who was told

by Aviva: “I can confirm Aviva will not cover you if you are teaching a pupil who is in possession of an expired/invalid card part of the licence, whether it would be for a provisional learner or for a full licence holder.”

The Insurance Ombudsman tried to clarify the position but was unwilling to be definitive.

“We appreciate that this is a grey area and we haven’t seen cases coming through as yet (which would clarify the position by establishing case law - editor). However, we think that if it were clearly stated in the Terms and Conditions that insurance policy holders had to hold an up-to-date photocard driving licence, then it would possibly hold water.

“However, we are here to judge whether a policy was conducted in a fair and reasonable way and it may be viewed that going against the DVLA’s stated position would not be viewed as ‘fair and reasonable’ even if it is in the T&Cs.” This holding position is interesting but it does appear to hinge on the policy T&Cs stating that the holder must have an up-to-date photocard licence; as far as Newslink can ascertain, policies do not state this quite as specifically. Depending on the policy, the phrases used tend to focus on the policyholder having the right to drive, or holding an appropriate licence.

In addition, as many drivers don’t have a photocard licence, it is very unlikely that T&Cs would be written in such a way that they insist on policyholders having one.

Confusion reigns… and it’s growing. The single shocking statistic emerging from this is the sheer number of people driving with expired photocard licences – 1.7 million and rising.

As the first photocard licences didn’t begin expiring until July 2008, that works out at over 400,000 breaches of this “administrative rule” a year. Oddly, despite their strong words about potential fines, the DVLA shows little enthusiasm to chase down offenders. Only one letter is sent out to licence holders prior to their licence expiring, and no effort is made to convince offenders to renew the licence once it has expired.

While the threat of an up to £1,000 fine sounds ominous, the DVLA’s response was interesting when we asked if any member of the public had been successfully prosecuted for failing to update their photocard. They replied: “Section 99 2A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires the holder of the licence to surrender the licence and provide a new photograph. We do not hold any figures on how many people have been prosecuted for this offence as the DVLA is not responsible for enforcement of this offence.”

We’ll guess that that means none, then. But as we’ve been asked to consider an FOI to extract the information, that’s exactly what we have done. Answers will be released in due course.

So where does that leave us? With clear, unequivocable advice from the DVLA that holding an out-of-date photocard licence does not impact on your right to drive. It is an administrative breach of the regulations and has no connection whatsoever to motoring offences, other than that the chances are you are committing the regulation breach at the same time as driving.

Yet insurers appear to be making their own rules up despite not being in full grasp of the facts. Direct Line was clear that insurance was no longer valid in these cases, changing its mind only after being emailed the DVLA’s statement, so that’s one small victory as common sense is prevailing in that company.

It seems that if ADIs ask their own insurer their view, they are likely to find them retreat behind a default position of ‘insurance invalid’, which appears nonsense when considering the view of the body which issues driving licences, the DVLA. Certainly an insurer who refused to honour a policy on the grounds that the driver had an expired photocard licence could be vigorously challenged in court. However, whether an ADI or anyone else has the courage to contest such a case would be a moot point; certainly a motoring law expert such as Michael Pace believes the insurer would be in the wrong, but the law can be an odd beast.

Still confused? Yes, you should be. We think, ultimately, that the DVLA needs to step in to the breach here. It is not acceptable to simply allow this confusion to continue. The agency is fully aware that various sections of the motoring community are applying their own interpretations to the position, creating ‘rules’ as they see fit.

We think the DVLA needs to grasp this issue and set out clearly, to police, insurers and other bodies, what the official position is, and clear up all the confusion.

• The solicitor who contributed to this article is Michael Pace, a partner and head of the Motor Law and PI Team at Andrew & Co, Lincoln.

A former policeman and ADI, as a solicitor he has developed a niche practice in Defendant Motor Law, building on his previous experiences.

He has represented both individuals and companies who find themselves in Court for criminal motoring offences. He is a regular speaker and lecturer for the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers on subjects including Liability in Road Traffic Accidents and Personal Injury Trusts.

?

What’s your view?

Have you had any experiences with expired photocard driving licences?

Newslink would be interested to hear your views.

Write to the Editor, Newslink, 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP

Ask the DVLA

We asked a number of questions to the DVLA over this issue. This is their response:

Q.

When my driving licence is 10 years old, DVLA writes to me to ask me to renew it. If I ignore the letter, do you contact me again to remind me/issue further warnings?

The DVLA writes to the driver at the address held on our records where the photograph on the licence is due to expire.

The letter makes clear that those who fail to surrender their driving licence to renew their photograph after ten years could face a fine of up to £1,000. We therefore strongly advise drivers renew their photo promptly to avoid the risk of being fined.

There is also a field on the front of the licence (4b) that gives the date that the photograph will need to be renewed.

20 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

We do not currently send any further reminder letters.

Q.

At what point does the DVLA revoke my licence if I continue to ignore your requests to update the photograph on the licence?

There is a legal requirement for drivers to renew the photograph on their driving licence every ten years as renewal of the photograph is important to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the driver record. It also ensures that drivers are protected against fraud by having a licence with the latest security features. As above, drivers risk facing prosecution if they do not comply with their legal requirement. The licence is not revoked, however.

DVLA in Swansea

Q.

Has any member of the public being successfully prosecuted for failing to update their licence? If so, under which part of the Road Traffic Act is that prosecution made?

Section 99 2A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires the holder of the licence to surrender the licence and provide a new photograph.

We do not hold any figures on how many people have been prosecuted for this offence as the DVLA is not

responsible for enforcement of this offence.

Q.

Does the DVLA have an idea of how many drivers are currently using out-of-date driving licences (i.e., with photos that are more than 10 years old).

Currently there are 1.7 million drivers who have failed to comply with their legal requirement to renew their photograph.

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News

Driving lessons start at college for Kent students ADIs working in the Kent area have a new rival to consider after a leading post-16 college began running its own driving school.

MidKent College is offering driving lessons in partnership with Medway-based TopClass driving school.

Lessons start from just £17 per hour and are already proving popular with staff and students alike.

Officially launched on 17 October, the college says the new venture aims to help learner motorists struggling to overcome rising fuel and insurance costs to get behind the wheel.

Two cars emblazoned with the MidKent College Driving School logo – a Ford Focus and Hyundai i10 – were parked outside the Medway Campus for the launch event while instructors handed out fliers to staff and students.

The college’s Maidstone Campus held a similar launch on 24 October.

Programme administrator Matt Brown said: “It’s very expensive to run a vehicle these days so it’s no surprise our super-value lessons are attracting such a great deal of interest.

“We handed out hundreds of fliers and have received lots of expressions of interest already, so we’re confident this new venture will be a great success.

“We want people to continue to enjoy coming to college, which is why it is such a high priority to find new ways to improve the student experience.”

Non-staff and students can also sign up to lessons

Ready for lessons: TopClass manager Tim Hunt with student Leyla Sasmaz, 18, from MidKent College Two-car school: The school runs two cars for lessons, a Ford Focus (left) and Hyundai i10 – both liveried up with the college’s logo

through MidKent College Driving School, albeit at the slightly higher price of £21 per hour.

The new business has been set up in partnership with Medway-based TopClass, whose experienced instructors will carry out the training.

TopClass manager Tim Hunt said: “We’re delighted to

be working with MidKent College on this exciting new venture. It’s fantastic that the students will benefit in this way and be taught the correct, safest way to drive on our roads.”

Visit www.midkent.ac.uk/driving for more information.

Telematics help to make young drivers safer Young drivers who insure themselves through schemes using in-car telematics are a third less likely to have an accident in their first year of driving than the national average.

Young Marmalade, which specialises in insuring young drivers, is predicting that fewer than six per cent of new drivers insured under their Intelligent Marmalade scheme (which is still in the

first year of its existence) will be involved in an accident whereas according to official statistics, 20 per cent of drivers nationally suffer some sort of crash within their first year of driving.

“We are now using sophisticated, modern in-car ‘telematics’ to monitor driver’s acceleration, braking, cornering and speed,” said Nigel Lacy -Young Marmalade’s Director of Marketing.

22 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

“The information we collect from our ‘Orange Box’ is reflected in the cost of the driver’s premium but it also gives young people the opportunity to prove exactly how safe they are as drivers.

“All the indications are that telematics significantly improves the way youngsters drive and, more importantly, their safety on the road,” said Mr Lacy.

Young Marmalade receives significant

discounts from car manufacturers through bulk purchasing and they pass on these discounts back to the young driver to help with overall affordability.

“Reducing premiums is about managing the insurance company’s exposure to risk,” said Mr Lacy. “The more information we can build up about the driver, the more we can reward safer driving with reduced premiums.”

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AGMs and seminars

MSA training seminar and AGM diary I am delighted to once again invite all MSA members to attend their regional AGM and training day.

The MSA is rightly proud of its democratic structure, which sees its Board of Management made up of elected representatives from each of the association’s 10 regions and nations. All members are entitled to stand for election to their local committee, and each member has a vote in the electoral process.

The meetings listed on these pages are not purely administrative. Each region has gone to considerable lengths to put together an event that will deliver real CPD to attendees. Looking through the details of each event myself I am always amazed at the breadth of subjects covered: driver training advice, marketing, finance, representatives from the police and DSA, speakers from other bodies connected with road safety, such as AIRSO, fleet trainers... the list goes on.

Please take a moment to see when and where your nearest event will be held, and make a date to attend. The investment you make in that day away from the car will pay for itself many times over in the information you receive, I assure you.

Peter Harvey MBE, National Chairman, MSA

NORTH WEST Event details:

Date: November 12 Venue: The Clock Tower, East Brent,

nr Western-super-Mare Time: 10am-4.30pm Cost: £25 if booked before October 22, saving £5

Date: November 12 Venue: Blackley Golf Club, Blackley, Manchester M9 7HW Time: 9am for 9.30am start - 3.30pm Cost: Early bird price of £20 if booked before Oct 1

After that, MSA members £25; non members £35

Speakers:

Sandra Dodson Deputy Chief Driving Examiner John Lepine MBE MSA General Manager

James Wilson – Drive Compare Mac McDade – Ideas4ADIs TWD Accountants – Tax advice

WESTERN

Speakers:

Graham Clayton, Chairman

A full list of speakers will be available soon through the MSA website and Newslink.

Day includes lunch, refreshments and CPD certificate Book your places with the MSA head office

SOUTH EAST Event details:

SOUTH WALES Date: November 19 Venue: Cadoxton Conservative Club,

31 Vere St, Barry CF63 2HU Time: 6.30 for 7pm start Cost: £10 members; £15 non-members

Date: November 18 Venue: Wellshurst Golf Club, Hellingley, Hailsham, West Sussex BN27 4EE Time: 9am for 9.30 - 4.30pm Cost: Early bird price £30* before 31st October

*saving £10 Speakers: Sandra Dodson - Deputy Chief Driving Examiner John Lepine MBE - MSA General Manager Di Everett-Skinner - on behalf of Tri-Coaching Partnership Other speakers yet to be confirmed.

Roast dinner lunch and

Speakers: Jo Chapman,Chairman

refreshments included.

Book now by logging on to www. msagb.com. Early bird price £30.

Contact Jo Chapman 07711 951540 or jo@lplates.net for more details.

to include Peter Harvey MBE MSA National Chairman; In addition, further speakers will be announced soon through the MSA website and Newslink.

Book your places with head office

Book your places now. Early bird discount prices apply to most Training events. Save money here >> 24 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Colin Lilly, Chairman

PaddyTyler, Chairman

www.msagb.com

AGMs and seminars

Gtr London

WEST MIDLANDS Event details:

Event details:

Speakers will include: Peter Harvey, MSA National Chairman Geoff Little, Chairman DSA Fraud and Integrity team The Highways Agency Midlands Air Ambulance To book your place, you can pay online or, if you prefer, telephone 0800 0265986 to pay by credit card over the phone.

A full list of speakers will be available soon through the MSA website and Newslink.

Book your places with the MSA head office

Date: Sunday, 18 November Venue: Park Inn Hotel, West Bromwich.

Time: 9.30am start Cost: £30 early bird price until Oct 31;

£40 after that date Speakers:

Date: November 25 Venue: Coulsdon Manor Hotel, Coulsdon,

nr Croydon, Surrey Time: 9.30 start Cost: tbc Speakers:

Cos Antoniou, Chairman

Already held: MSA East Midlands MSA Eastern MSA Scotland

To book on any of these events, go to www.msagb.com/services/msasales to book online or call the MSA Head Office AGM booking line on 0800 0265986 to pay by credit card over the phone.

Remember, these great events are your chance to contribute to the future shape of both the MSA and the driver training and testing industry.

EAST MIDLANDS Event details:

Date: November 25 Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Rd,

Derby DE24 8UX Please note this is a change in venue from that previously advertised Time: 9.45am start Cost: £35 if booked before

November 4; £44.95 after Speakers:

A full list of speakers will be available soon through the MSA website and Newslink. Book your places with the MSA head office Derek Brutnell, Chairman

Make sure you have your say!

Newslink

MSA

August 2012

MOTOR SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION

Why join the MSA? Because for just £57 a year, you get: Free professional indemnity and third party liability insurance Support if you have problems with the DSA Representation: we’re there, fighting for the industry, at meetings with the Department for Transport and the DSA

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

Regional network: Responding to local issues

logo final solo.indd 1

Halfords has a fix for the DSA

‘Local’ policy of taking tests to the public has a new partner – car parts and servicing company Halfords

25/2/11 15:49:16

p2

DSA backs down on mandatory CPD

Update on modernising driver training agenda suggests the DSA is accepting defeat on plans for compulsory CPD p4

Annual Report under review

Things look rosy for the DSA – or do they...?

Newslink takes a look at the agency’s Annual

Report – and asks some searching questions p16-18

The freedom to ask

What would you like to know about the DSA?

p20-22

The Part 3 exam: Advice for PDIs

All you need to know about how to tackle today’s Part 3 - even if you passed yours years ago p36-37

Issue 242

Better late than never, MPs told

The ADI’s Voice

MSA backs Select Comm ittee’s belated call for Gove rnment to get a grip on road safet y after more poor KSI statis tics

MSA GENERAL MANAGER John Lepine has backed a call by Late to the party: MPs the Transport Select Committee have decided to speak out strongly after for the Government to get several years a grip of inertia over road safety on road safety after a series of reports showed increases in the number of people killed on Britain’s roads – although he questioned why it had taken MPs so long to wake up to what is a growing concern.

In a report examining the Government’s Strategic Framework for Road Safety, the MPs said: “Recent increases in road fatalities should be a wake-up call for Governmen t to step up and provide stronger leadership on road safety,” while the committee’s chair, Louise Ellman, commented:“We are very concerned that 2011 saw the first increase in road fatalities willing to set targets, it should independent review of driver show more leadership. Action before taking the driving since 2003, with 1,901 people is training to reduce the test. required to improve road killed on the roads. safety rate for young drivers. casualty This is a great idea but has not for young drivers, including yet been introduced. Why “It is shocking that road an “We have been reviewing independent review of driver not?” accidents are the main cause driver training for years. of training. We welcome the “The current minister death among young adults Successive Governments and aged attention cycling has received (Mike 16-24 and that so many cyclists Penning) has talked the select committee have but there is much more to about a requirement for driver continue to be killed or injured. do.” made various recommend Yet while their views are trainers to undertake regular “In 2010 there were 283 welcome, John Lepine wondered ations, however, little has been developmen fatalities among car occupants t training to make done. why it had taken so long for sure that they are up to date aged 16-25. 27% of young the “The previous Governmen men MPs to wake up and t with the latest rules and aged 17-19 are involved in talked about the introductio a road coffee. “While we smell the n teaching techniques. welcome the collision within the first year of statutory records of of Select Committee’s report “Again, an excellent idea yet passing their test. and achievement for new drivers many of its recommendations, one that “If the Government is not has not been to ensure that they had we are amazed at their call introduced. Why? for an covered the entire syllabus Continued on page 3 » »

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News

A21 claims unwanted road award A survey by the Road Safety Foundation has named the A21 (A229 to Hastings) as the country’s most high-risk busy road, with the notorious A537 from Macclesfield to Buxton remains the UK’s most persistent, highest-risk road.

The report, ‘Engineering a Safer Future’, measured safety levels across 27,000 miles of motorway and A roads where the majority of UK road deaths occur. It highlighted the reductions in road incidents where road safety engineering measures were introduced.

It found that the “highest risk” and “persistently high risk” roads were rural, particularly those which were narrow, twisting and hilly.

Commenting on the report, Dr Joanne Marden, director of the Road Safety Foundation, called for investment to make the most dangerous roads safer.

“Even a modest ambition to improve

these sections of road - so they simply get an ‘average’ risk rating and became six times more risky than motorways - would save many lives and generate cost savings to the overall economy of £20m annually.

“Where there is clear evidence of higher risk and heavy traffic flows, the economic case for intervention is compelling. With two per cent of GDP lost in road crashes as well as lives, we can get quick, guaranteed returns by raising safety levels.”

The Foundation pointed out that where dangerous roads had been identified in the past, the increased use of speed cameras had generated significant results, while changes to the layout and traffic management at junctions and other measures including new signals to control traffic flow; restricting turning movements onto roads with high traffic levels or poor visibility; and widening

entry and exit lanes also lowered crash rates. “These are practical, relatively inexpensive solutions which will pay back the costs of investment in a matter of weeks” said Dr Marden. “Other leading countries are investing to upgrade safety on major roads. Dutch ministers have announced a minimum three-star safety rating for their national network by 2020 following an assessment of costs, benefits and practicality.

This year’s most improved road is a rural 20km (13 mile) single carriageway section of the A605 in Cambridgeshire, around Peterborough. Collisions were concentrated near the more built-up, lower-speed limit areas, so visual clues – such as village gateways and “dragon’s teeth” road markings – now warn drivers of hazards ahead, and speed cameras, combined with this traffic calming, contributed to the improvements.

Over the two survey periods, fatal and serious crashes fell by 74 per cent from 34 to 9, and its risk rating improved from medium in 2001-2005 to low-medium in 2006-2010.

Despite accounting for just 13 per cent of the total road network by length, 1 in 5 fatal and serious crashes on motorways and A roads occurred in the South-East.

However, its crash statistics do match the traffic numbers: the South East’s motorway and A-roads carry a fifth of all traffic. Other high-risk roads incude the A269 between the A271 and Bexhill, and the A271 and A264.

The A435 near Cheltenham was another praised for changes made that had helped reduce risk, including widening, signing and lining at junctions, interactive signs, resurfacing, traffic calming, speed limit changes, and a toucan crossing.

Tyres failing to get to grips with winter The safety benefits of fitting winter or cold weather tyres are still not fully appreciated by UK motorists, a new survey has claimed.

The relatively mild winter in the UK last year may well lull drivers into postponing a decision to fit winter tyres to their cars. Fitting winter or cold weather tyres can make a lot of difference to driving, particularly when temperatures drop below 7°C. Delticom, Europe’s leading online tyre retailer, operating in the UK fleet market as fleettyres24.co.uk, is a specialist in the supply and fitment of winter tyres. The company draws on its considerable experience of winter tyre sales throughout Germany and elsewhere in Europe where these tyres are compulsory over winter.

Fitting winter tyres will not only help to ensure safer driving in wintery conditions, but should circumstances require emergency braking, a car fitted with winter tyres will stop in less distance. In an independent test a car fitted with winter tyres travelling at 60 mph on a wet road at a temperature of 5°C stopped five metres shorter, the equivalent of more than a car length, than one fitted with summer tyres. This is particularly crucial in winter conditions, which place more emphasis on performance.

Fitting winter tyres can also reduce the risk of accident damage as a result of skidding on a frosty road surface. These tyres operate more effectively at temperatures below 7°C. It’s not just in high speed incidents where they come into their own, either, as they help motorists avoid low speed scrapes and dents in wintery conditions.

Games Makers in line for BMW bonus as VIP cars go on sale ADIs who joined the thousands of volunteers who helped make the summer’s Olympics and Paralympic Games so successful could soon be driving a very upmarket tuition car, after BMW announced plans to sell them the 3,200 cars used to ferry VIPs and competitors around during the Games at a discounted price.

Originally the manufacturer’s staff were to be the chief beneficiary of the used cars, many of which have only a few hundred miles on the clock, but BMW has now announced that Games Makers are to benefit from the used car offer, too.

BMW said: “Games Makers have been offered the chance to purchase cars from the Olympic fleet. All Games Makers have been contacted, using information from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).”

26 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Buyers won’t have to drive round in a fully liveried vehicle either: the cars are currently in Thorne at the BMW distribution centre where they are being stripped of their markings and refurbished where needed.

All the vehicles are high-efficiency models, with the 320d Efficient Dynamics making up the bulk of the total fleet.

Ironically, so well did public transport cope with the Games, many of the VIPs opted to use the Tube and buses rather than ride in the BMWs down the special Olympic Lanes.

Indeed, such was the lack of demand that some drivers who had volunteered to help move Olympians around were moved to other duties, with cars clocking up very few miles on their Olympic duties.

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Life at the Wheel

wheel Life at the

The view from the ADI frontline

Rally star: ADI and fleet trainer Claire Marsh puts her Nissan Micra through its paces in the forests around Llandudno, north Wales

Fleet-footed Claire’s enjoying life in driver training’s fast lane Claire Marsh from Herefordshire didn’t follow a ‘traditional’ path into the world of driver training... and she hasn’t followed a traditional one once she’s been inside it, either!

Rob Beswick asked the questions Driver training has always attracted a wide cross-section of society. Few enter the profession as a first job, with many gravitating towards becoming an ADI as a second or third career, often from a broad range of other industry sectors with a link to motoring or transport.

Others arrive from teaching, some from within the ranks of the emergency services or armed forces. It’s a given that the ADI world is a bit of a smorgasboard, a true reflection of the business diversity of the UK. So when you come across an MSA member who describes their pre-ADI career as ‘being a bit of a bum’, having spent a decade travelling the world and making ends meet by their wits, you’re not entirely surprised – though you might raise an eyebrow when you hear about the rally driving and the Porsches!

But that’s Claire Marsh’s story: a wanderer who chanced upon driving instruction after she was pushed in that direction by an IAM assessor. But even by the eclectic nature of ADIs, the first half of her story is unconventional.

“I travelled for around 10 years,” she told me. “I started off in Africa, and worked my way from Senegal over to Mombasa. I then spent some time in South Africa. I did a spot of working, a spot of climbing, and really enjoyed travelling through the continent.

“I also spent time in Mexico, the United States and Italy – riding and training horses, which are my great love. I was fortunate enough to find work doing something which I absolutely adore doing.”

On returning to the UK Claire settled in Herefordshire, and admits to being at a bit of a loose end, unsure of what to do next.

“I used to read a lot of climbing and horse riding magazines and for some reason there were adverts in both for positions as residential social workers, supporting youngsters who had been abused and were very vulnerable.

“I decided to give it a go. It was a really challenging job as the children had had a tough start to their lives and needed a lot of support. It was one of those jobs where you found yourself on the receiving end of a lot of anger and it can be very frustrating.

28 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

I don’t think it was for me but, in a roundabout way, it did lead me to my current job!”

From social worker to ADI seems a big leap but there is a thread to follow. As part of the job her employer offered all staff an advanced driver training programme – “I think it was an effort to get the company’s insurance policy down.”

“It was with IAM and my assessor was very impressed with my driving. He also realised I enjoyed teaching so suggested becoming an ADI would be a perfect fit for me. I wasn’t too happy as a social worker so decided to have a go.”

That was back in 2000 and by 2001 Claire was a fully fledged instructor – and it’s a decision she hasn’t regretted.

“I really enjoy the job. On a good day,

not just to pass the test.

“Too many pupils would get to a good standard but I’d be desperate to push them on to the next level, but they’d want to take their test and it was often hard to convince them – or their parents – to wait and improve still further.

“Convincing people that the ability to drive safely is a real life skill is hard; I can’t understand why people don’t want to embrace the concept properly.”

Claire worked very successfully as an independent ADI, building up a healthy book of clients until a chance meeting on a petrol forecourt saw her move off in a different direction.

“There was a fellow female ADI working in the area and we’d often wave at each other if our cars passed in the street. One

‘Modern cars are very forgiving on bad driving habits and the minute the conditions worsen from perfect some drivers are all over the place because they’ve developed bad habits...’ when you see someone really grasp a new idea or concept for the first time, I used to get a real buzz.

“Yes, it was frustrating at times but perhaps my previous background made me balanced enough to cope with that.”

So what’s the worse bit of being an ADI? “That’s easy: I don’t just want to teach people to drive. I know it’s a cliché but I want to teach them to drive safely for life,

pay I was filling up at the same time as she was, and we had a chat. It turned out she was doing a lot of fleet work with DriveTech. I’d just passed my fleet trainer’s qualification – I’ve always tried to keep on learning and refreshing my skills – and I said I was interested in doing something similar. Through that contact I started to pick up a bit of fleet work.”

Between her driving school and the fleet

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training Claire was kept busy for quite some time, until her career was derailed a bit by moving to DriveTech full-time.

“There was plenty of fleet consultancy work at the time and it seemed like a good idea. I enjoyed the role, it paid well and there was plenty of scope for me to bring my own ideas into improving drivers’ standards. However, 12 months after I joined the the company was sold to the AA and I was made redundant.”

This was a real shock to the system and presented a challenge as to what to do next. “I looked at the ADI market and you could see it wasn’t healthy. I’d got rid of my tuition car and would have been starting from scratch looking for pupils and I wasn’t too sure I wanted to go through that process again.

“In addition, when I looked at the cost of buying a car it seemed like I would be working just to pay for that and that didn’t sound too attractive, either.”

These two factors conspired to force Claire to take the gamble to go into the fleet trainer world full-time and leave teaching learners behind.

Being an ADI is often seen as a solitary profession, which is why it’s important to network with your fellow ADIs as much as possible - and having a lot of friends within the local driving instructor community was what saved Claire’s bacon when she set off on her own again. “I had some very kind people come forward with offers of fleet work and references, or put me in contact with other trainers who could help. It was a bit of a struggle but slowly my workload built up until I’m where I am today, with a full book of fleet consultancy work.”

Fleet training is a very different beast to teaching learner drivers. “It has stretched me as a teacher. I use a lot of coaching techniques to get the most out of the trainees. It’s a very different dynamic; not everyone turns up to a fleet training day willingly and sometimes you have to work hard to break down barriers when participants get defensive about any comments you make.

“The major difference is that, in many ways, the role of the DSA and the examiner is replaced by the client company which is picking up the tab.”

What do you mean by that? “When you teach driving the DSA is the ultimate arbitrator of the standards required, where as with fleet training the standard is set by the company who hires you. They tell you what it wants its staff to get out of the process.

“Some state they want all their drivers to reach the RoSPA Gold standard, for example, while others set different targets that relate to the way their drivers behave on a day-to-day basis or take into consideration particular circumstances.

You structure your training accordingly.

“When I first meet the trainees it’s important that I make them realise I’m not just there to teach them how to suck eggs.

I want them to get something out of the day and enjoy it.”

People can be very precious about their driving, particularly men. As ADIs know only too well, few drivers say they are ‘bad’ drivers, with most thinking they’re pretty good – despite evidence to the contrary.

Does Claire encounter a lot of

Life at the Wheel

‘Some of the men can be pretty defensive and you can tell they’re thinking ‘why’s this woman telling me how to drive...’ but I’m good at breaking down the barriers and I always let them know the work I do away from fleet training, which tends to impress them defensiveness from her clients when, as they see it, some stranger comes in and starts picking holes in their driving?

“Yes, that can happen. Some of the men in particular can be pretty defensive and you can tell that they’re thinking, ‘why’s a woman telling me how to drive, I don’t need her help.’ However, I’m good at breaking down the barriers and I always let them know the work I do away from fleet training, which tends to impress them.”

Does the defensiveness ever brim over into outright hostility for the whole of the course? “It has but only on a couple of occasions, and even then, one of the belligerent ones was mellowing towards the end. You could tell he was regretting being so defensive and wished he’d opened up earlier so he could get more out of the day.”

Every ADI has horror stories of the mistakes pupils make when on lessons, particularly early on in their driving careers – that’s why dual controls were invented! Does Claire have anything similar from the fleet training world?

“There’s no single horror story, it’s more that it never ceases to amaze me how some people drive. Time after time I take experienced drivers out and they have really poor mirror work, they drive far too close – ridiculously so in some cases – and shocking gear work.

“Too many drivers just don’t balance the car properly. They’re all over the place with their steering, braking, acceleration and gears.”

Claire’s convinced that Britain’s inability to cope with poor weather is not helped by the way many people drive. “When we had the really poor winters, the country ground to a halt. No-one could go out on the roads, and those that did ended up spinning and sliding all over the place. Yet I was driving a rear-wheel-drive MGF at the time and never had a problem.

“If you know the car you’d immediately assume that during the winter it would be garaged – you couldn’t have taken it out on the icy or snowy roads.

“Yet I was out every day, no problems, when others on the road were skidding and getting stuck on the ice and in the snow. The standard of their driving meant they just couldn’t cope.”

A case of the bad weather magnifying their driving faults, I suggested. “Exactly.

Modern cars are very forgiving on bad driving habits but the minute the conditions go to less than perfect some drivers are all over the place because they’ve developed bad habits.”

What’s the one message Claire tries to get over to her fleet clients? “Think more about others. If you drive a car, try to think about how life is on the road for

cyclists, motorbikes, LGVs. Think about others. We share the roads, we don’t own them.”

So would Claire consider going back to learner drivers? “I would but only if I could keep the fleet work, too. I’d never go back exclusively to learners but I do have the odd L-pupil – mainly friends, friends’ children, that sort of thing – and it does help you keep your feet on the ground. I find I learn a lot from teaching L-drivers – proof that you never stop learning – and some are really switched on, and their enthusiasm is infectious.”

But life as a fleet consultant is clearly working for Claire. “I work as many hours as I need to and there are plenty of other irons in the fire, too,” she says.

By that Claire’s referring to other driver training options she has developed. “I’ve taken a 4x4 training course so I can offer that side of the business, and I am

registered with Porsche. It’s a new venture for me but it involves putting Porsche owners through their paces at Silverstone, helping them understand their new car and the technology that drives it. As an add-on to that I am looking to take my probationary licence with the Association of Racing Drivers so I can teach in that sector – and as a counter balance I do speed awareness courses!”

With that lot on her CV, it’s no wonder Claire impresses clients during her fleet courses!

She also works with the Silverstone Rally School – and does a spot of rallying herself.

“In 2010 I took part in one of Silverstone Rally School’s Ladyquest Days, which they use to identify future rallying stars. The day involved a series of challenges, and I won.

My prize was to be entered into three rallies in 2011.

“I really got a kick out of it and I’m still rallying. I now have a one-litre Nissan Micra and I’ve been competing in the BTRDA Forest Rallies series. It’s an eight-stage event and I’ve finished five out of the five so far this year, with my best-placed finish in the most recent, when I came fourth in the Cambrian Rally at the end of October.

“It’s a very challenging environment that really tests your driving skills – I love it!”

And it’s proof that Claire’s certainly come a long way from travelling round Senegal!

ADIs urgently wanted Become a member – not a franchisee • Local students • No franchise payments • Use your own headerboard • Phone and booking support • Grow your own school • No contract

Membership fees just per month, paid in arrears.

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www.msagb.com

ADI products and services

L-Card to the rescue Should you accept lesson payments by card?

If you want to maximise your business then you certainly should. A recent You Gov survey revealed that 62 per cent of people tend to carry £20 or less in cash – and very few young people even know how to write a cheque! However, most pupils have a debit card, and most adults hold a credit and debit card.

LCard to the rescue LCard offers a complete card payment service for the professional driving instructor. If you opt for the chip and PIN service then you will be provided with a mobile terminal which operates on GPS and comes complete with its own leather pouch.

This is the solution for taking card payments before or after the lesson. The cost for this service is £4.75 inc VAT per week.

The latest LCard service is LCard Online. This is the ideal system for taking payments for pre-booked lessons. It’s ideal for situations where a pupil, or their parents, wants to book a series of lessons over the phone and pay in advance by credit or debit card.

The Easy Way Once you have signed up you will find the service very easy to use. You simply

input your customer’s card details to the LCard virtual terminal through any internet connection – PC laptop, iPad or smartphone.

The service is fully bank compliant and secure. It’s the easy way for you to firm up your lesson bookings and for your customers to pay.

A five per cent processing fee is applied to all transactions. You can decide whether to pass this on to the pupil or absorb some or all of this to assist in creating new business and block bookings.

Free to MSA members LCard Online is a low cost service, normally only £30 per annum but for a limited period we will be allowing all MSA members to sign up and use the service free of subscription for 12 months.

Sign up before December 31 2012 to take advantage of this free, exclusive special offer for MSA members.

This is a unique opportunity to start to reap the benefits of accepting card payments so don’t miss out. Join our thousands of other users who are now wondering why they didn’t take cards before.

Call 0845 491 8410 or email service@lcard.co.uk.

Alternatively see www.lcard.co.uk

Tell your pupils the secret to a first-time theory pass A recent survey conducted by Driving Test Success has revealed that almost half of learner drivers do not know what the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles is on a dual carriageway.

The candidates were presented with four possible answers: • 30mph • 50mph • 60mph • 70mph This question is one of over 1,200 multiple choice questions that form part of the UK Driving Theory Test. But out of the 1,872 drivers who were surveyed, a staggering 49% of learners were unable to correctly identify the right answer.

Currently a learner must be 17 years of age before they can sit the theory test.

However, they can still start preparing for the test before their 17th birthday.

Experts at Driving Test Success strongly recommend this as best practice for ALL pre-drivers, as such preparation will improve knowledge, understanding and confidence, before getting behind the wheel.

In 2011/12 there were 432,581 failed theory tests*, resulting in an incredible £13,410,011 of wasted test fees. If a candidate wants to achieve a first-time pass, then it’s vital that they put in a

considerable amount of time studying the latest official DSA revision questions. A thorough understanding of the Highway Code and the ability to recognise developing hazards are also essential skills that candidates need to learn before they can become a safe driver and pass their test with confidence.

There are many revision tools that a learner driver can use to prepare for their theory test, such as Driving Test Success All Tests. This PC DVD-ROM features all the latest official theory test revision questions, licensed directly from the Driving Standards Agency, the people who set the tests, the complete and official Highway Code, hundreds of hazard perception clips, a brand new braking distance simulator, a money back guarantee, plus much more.

For more information on Driving Test Success All Tests 2013 Edition PC DVD-ROM or to view the full product range visit www.drivingtestsuccess.com/ dts2013. Alternatively contact Emma Bagnall on 01889 571226 or e.bagnall@ focusmm.co.uk.

Also encourage your pupils to join Driving Test Success on Facebook and Twitter – thanks to our friendly community, they’ll have other areas of support when they’re learning to drive.

30 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

It‘s time ADIs took their lesson booking procedures online and joined the rest of the 21st century, says one ADI

Are instructors prepared for online booking?

by Colin Martin We are all buying more goods and services over the internet, everything from holidays, books and music to takeaways, clothes and the weekly food shop.

Driving lessons are set to be no exception. We must, therefore, consider if driving instructors and driving schools are organising themselves in a way that’s prepared for online driving lesson booking as it becomes more widespread.

The biggest concerns instructors have had about trading online are that anybody can see their diary and control of lesson times is given to the pupil, or worse still decided by a computer. Then there’s maintaining control of everything while out and about.

By adopting a more efficient way of organising their diary instructors can work more efficiently and be ready to offer lessons online.

This is done by taking a fresh view of free time by structuring it, rather than considering it as one large empty bucket. Booking a driving test, doctor or dentist appointments or an MOT at your garage doesn’t involve choosing a random time from an empty diary. Appointments are pre-scheduled and a set day and time is chosen.

Instructors’ diaries can be improved by managing them in a more efficient way and structuring free time just like the DSA, doctor, dentist and your garage. Doing so also puts more order into an instructor’s day, reducing stress and improving customer service.

While this is excellent

preparation for moving to online booking and diary sharing with pupils, it also makes an instructor using a paper diary more efficient and, if done well, will improve earnings.

Building an efficient diary is achieved by an instructor taking their preferred lesson length and maximum travel time between appointments and using this as a standard lesson, then adding these to their diary in a preferred pattern.

For example, an instructor who prefers hour-and-a-half lessons with half-an-hour travel time will start their first lesson of the day at 9:00, finish at 10:30, start the next at 11:00 until 12:30.

Allowing an hour for lunch the afternoon lessons are 1:30 to 3:00 and 3:30 to 5:00.

This pattern is added to every working

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ADI products and services

About the author, Colin Martin Colin started Instructor Apps after developing the Instructor Apps web app that provides online booking of driving lessons from driving instructors’ own websites.

The idea for Instructor Apps came from a simple online booking system Colin developed for his own driving school website so pupils could book a lesson date and time.

As soon as it became available Colin found that more than half of the school’s pupils booked online.

Instructor Apps is now a fully functional Cloudbased driving school lesson booking system providing an online booking system which synchronises with mobile phones and tablet diaries.

The diary in use (left): The ADI creates blocks of lessons, in which pupil details are placed for his or her viewing only. Pupils or potential pupils simply see blocks of available lessons. day. The pattern of lessons will leave a diary full of booked and unbooked, or available, lessons with no random free space during working times. The only disruption to this daily rythmn should be driving tests.

Instructors now have a collection of available lessons, they’ve also packaged their free time so it can be easily stacked on a virtual shelf and sold.

By being strict about offering pupils only prescheduled available lessons earnings are improved. The situation with a pupil who can only do lessons in the middle of a Wednesday afternoon every week, effectively taking four hours of time for a two-hour lesson, need not arise.

Such a situation effectively halves the instructor’s hourly rate. It makes more sense to fill the time with two pupils that fit into the work pattern if the single pupil can’t.

With a shelf full of available lessons to sell the problems of trading online and giving pupils access to the ADI’s diary disappears. It’s not desirable to have your diary open for anybody to see, due to the potential loss of control together with data protection issues. The only part of a diary a pupil needs to see is an instructors’ available lessons.

Just like the DSA, doctor, dentist and MOT tester, by adopting a more structured approach to time the instructor now has prescheduled lessons they can offer to pupils and online computer systems can work with them more easily.

Neither the pupil or the software used to offer online booking has control of the instructor’s free time, it’s all under the instructor’s control.

Lessons have been put in cans and stacked on a shelf to sell. This is not to suggest all driving lessons are the same – just like the humble baked bean, the contents of the cans can vary from budget beans to organic and branded.

All that’s happened is a container has

been wrapped around bits of free time, with a defined start and finish time and some travel time instead of – to take the baked bean analogy a bit further – the beans being tipped on the supermarket shelf for the customers to scoop up.

Computer software can now understand what’s on offer, making online booking a reality and systems easy to use.

Many Instructors now use smart phones and tablets. When put together with the much talked-about Cloud computing this gives instructors control of their business almost anywhere. We have reached the point where an instructor can have an available lesson in their mobile device’s diary and by the magic of Cloud computing this lesson is also available for booking on their website.

Pupils can then simply select the available lesson that they would like to book from the diary on the instructor’s website, fill in their details and pay for it there and then. Pupil information is then sent back to the instructor’s diary and the lesson is booked.

Online driving lesson booking is going to improve the way instructors and driving schools work. Lessons are available for booking 24 hours a day. The problems pupils have of communicating with a school or a busy instructor out teaching are reduced.

Independent instructors no longer have to try and take calls and catch up on messages in stolen moments. With easy-to-use online systems pupils choose and book a lesson with the click of a mouse, or tap of the finger, getting rid of the frustration of trying to make contact with an instructor with their diary in front of them to choose a lesson date and time.

It‘s time driving instructors joined the rest of the world trading online – they just need to look at their diaries and free time from a different angle.

“Online driving lesson booking is going to improve the way instructors and driving schools work. Lessons are available for booking 24 hours a day. The problems pupils have of communicating with a school or a busy instructor out teaching are reduced...”

WHILE I’M OUT TEACHING

PUPILS ARE BOOKING MY LESSONS Online Lesson Booking with Instructor Apps Online booking from a post code search on your website For single a Instructor, or Driving Schools of any size Synchronise to iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Google diaries Make sure you get paid for lessons with online card payments For pupils that want to phone, add a Virtual Receptionist to answer calls and book your lessons Use existing website, or the Instructor Apps easy Website Builder Familiar diary format screens make online booking easy to understand Remind forgetful pupils about lessons with automated text messages Cloud based software works on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android and Widows Phone, no installing or updating required, only £2.99 a week

Try Instructor Apps FREE for 14 days at drivinginstructorapps.co.uk 0843 330 9554 MSA NEWSLINK : NOVEMBER 2012 : 31

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Newsextra: CPC regulations

‘Incidental drivers’ query over CPC

by Mike Ambrose MSA North East At a garage meeting in Alnwick during October I was asked if I could help with some clarification on who falls in scope for driver CPC. The request was to publish my findings in Newslink.

Driver CPC exemption confusion Reports have shown that there is mounting confusion over Driver CPC exemptions. Understandably many people or her work, provided that driving that are questioning the wording of certain vehicle does not constitute the driver’s exemptions and are asking for clarification principal activity.” to help them make an informed decision as to whether they need to start moving Example towards gaining Driver CPC or if they are “An example of a driver under exempt. exemption vii (also known as The exemption that is causing the “incidental driver”) would be a brick confusion relates to “Incidental Drivers”. layer who drives a load of bricks from The exact wording of the exemption with the builder’s yard to the building site an example is listed below. and then spends their working day laying bricks.

“In this case, driving the lorry is Exemption vii incidental to their main occupation.”

“Carrying material or equipment to be “An example where the exemption used by that person in the course of his

would not apply: If you were transporting eggs and you are employed as the driver, unless you were to eat or use all the eggs yourself once delivered then you would fall in scope for Driver CPC” It is also stated that a driver can move in and out of exemption depending on “the circumstances in which they are driving”.

After reviewing the exemptions and examples given, it is my view that the Driver CPC exemption status of a driver is dependant entirely of the purpose of the

journey at hand and the exempt status of the driver can change on a journey to journey basis. The need for a Driver CPC qualification should be considered before every journey is made.

If Driver CPC is needed, then only a driver with the qualification should be driving the vehicle. Exemption on a separate journey does not mean you are exempt at all times.

If it is likely that you will at some point, be in a situation where a Driver CPC qualification is needed, you should probably think about working towards achieving the qualification.

Motorists want rule change for blue lights Public calls for fines for people who block emergency vehicles Almost half of motorists believe that traffic stopped at an incident should keep a lane space free for emergency service vehicles, according to the latest poll by the IAM. They also agree that those who fail to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle should be fined. This approach is being trialled in Europe.

Thirty-five per cent of respondents admit that they don’t know the current rules on how to deal with an approaching emergency service vehicles. This is reflected in the results with a quarter of people saying they would go through a red light to let an emergency vehicle through which is illegal, and almost a third have entered a bus lane to allow access to an emergency vehicle which often results in fines.

Forty-four per cent of motorists believe that it is unfair to prosecute someone who crosses a red light to let an emergency services vehicle through. A further 31 per cent of people feel that this should be made legal.

But, overall the largest group of respondents (41 per cent) believe that the law should not be changed in regards to crossing red lights for emergency vehicles.

It is illegal to enter a bus lane during its

32 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

active hours of operation to let an emergency vehicle past, and you can be fined if you do. Eighty-six per cent of motorists believe that this is unfair.

Other results show:

• 74 per cent of people will pull over where possible when they see an emergency vehicle approaching.

• Half of motorists would not drive through a red light if an emergency vehicle approached them from behind.

• 82 per cent of people are aware that it is illegal to cross a red light to let an emergency services vehicle past.

Findings reveal that, while most people are aware of the laws surrounding emergency vehicles, around half are willing to flout them to let the emergency services through.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Fining people for pulling into empty bus lanes so that life-saving services can get through is just plain wrong.

“Most drivers quite rightly want to get out of the way. Simply catching and penalising drivers who break the rules to let emergency vehicles pass will not serve to educate them – people must understand the rules to abide by them.

“Road users must be on the look-out for emergency service vehicles and move out of the way where possible but laws have been put in place for the safety of all road users. Our survey shows clear support for more clarity and new ways of ensuring police, fire and ambulance personnel get to incidents with maximum speed and minimum risk to themselves and others.”

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Regional view:

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Famous seaside resort offers its own spin on shared space debate DEREK BRUTNELL

Chairman & Editor, East Midlands

Good to see a friend and former colleague of the MSA East Midlands committee, David Peperdine, making a contribution to Newslink last month when he gave us his thoughts on what is becoming a well-known shared space scheme in Poynton, Cheshire.

My previous experience of the area concerned was being held up by temporary traffic lights for some time when on my way to Stockport on MSA business, and wishing I had taken another route. The lights were to allow contractors to get on with the scheme.

My next trip through Poynton some months later was my first encounter of a shared space scheme and I have to say, on first impressions, I thought it worked well.

On my most recent trip, only a few weeks ago before making my way to Stockport I spent some time in the most famous seaside resort of them all, Blackpool. Regular visitors or residents will know that the famous Golden Mile promenade was closed to traffic recently as work was carried out to try to bring it into the 21st century.

As a child in the late 60s and early 70s Blackpool was always the family holiday destination. At the Glasgow fair fortnight (the first two weeks in July) we would head off there and it has always been a bit of a draw for me ever since.

I was keen to find out how the council had tided up the famous promenade outside Blackpool Tower. I was surprised to see ‘shared space’. It is now possible for pedestrians to stagger out of the Tower Bar across two lanes of traffic, two sets of tramlines and across the square to the promenade railing, all on one level. I should say that there is a raised (only slightly in keeping with the rest of the area) zebra crossing, replacing a pelican light controlled crossing as part of the scheme.

Having discovered this I have to say I stood and watched all traffic for some time.

Pedestrians seemed to be aware of vehicle traffic close to them and took care and anyone crossing tramlines, because there was no change in level under foot (as in the past), were on the look out for trams, while vehicular traffic was slower and it flowed through the area better.

It was a busy Sunday afternoon and there was

34 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

November Annual Training day and AGM

Traditional scene: Blackpool Tower soars up into one of the resort’s traditional clear blue skies...

Just a final note on the MSA East Midlands training day and AGM. It’s being held on November 25 at Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby.

Speakers and titles confirmed are: • Training Opportunities for ADIs to Diversify – Tony Stanley, AJS Training • Thinking Outside the Box – Graham Feest, AIRSO Secretary A Perspective on Road Safety in India – Trevor Wedge, Managing Director, International Solutions 4 Safer Driving

not a lot of clowning around by any road user and I am sure if Charlie Cairoli was still around he may even approve. The only sad thing about it is that all of the old tram fleet seems to have been replaced by new ones with indicators to tell you when they are stopping. That’s progress for you.

On returning home from MSA business after encountering the scheme at Blackpool, I passed through Poynton again and have to totally disagree with Robert Ridley’s comment made in the September issue of Newslink. To me this shared space is far from being a joke as far as I’m concerned. As someone who only passes through, it works well!

However, I would like to find out if developments such as this are a ‘northern thing’ as I am unaware of any similar schemes in the East Midlands.

Maybe some of my fellow East Midlands members could point me in the direction of a local scheme.

To cruise or not to cruise

An interesting conversation took place recently at a local association meeting in Leicester regarding the use of cruise control.

I was surprised to find that some ADIs were unaware that the use of cruise control on a driving test was acceptable, but what disturbed me more was that some ADIs present said that if cruise control was fitted to their vehicle they would not teach the use of it and pride was taken for it to be put in the minutes as a record.

Did the DSA guest speaker that evening not listen to the minutes being read at the start when he commented that it was good to see everyone present embracing new technology on their vehicles and teaching their pupils how to use it. I must have missed something?

I am sure that when driverless cars are available (some experts predict within 10 years) some ADIs will still be teaching their clients how to over-ride all systems and drive it manually.

Other speakers include: • David Poole from ADI Support • John Lepine, MSA General Manager

Contact Derek can be contacted via e: derekbrutnell@ yahoo.co.uk

www.msagb.com

Volvo leads on lights changes

Sun crazy and moon madness?

How can we highlight our expertise?

John Lomas p38

Tony Phillips p36

ADIs are pulling the ‘Wagon Wheels’ trick over lesson prices

TERRY PEARCE

Editor, West Midlands

RECENTLY, ONE OF my pupils told me that her friend’s instructor charged less than me but it was only for 50 minutes.

After dividing the cost for 50 minutes by five and multiplying it by six to find the true hourly rate my pupil was surprised to find it was more than I was charging. When you also consider the recap and debrief on every lesson, shorter lessons mean there is a smaller percentage of time driving.

It got me thinking what a standard lesson is. Unfortunately, some pupils only realise when they always get home earlier than they expect that they are having 45 or 50-minute lessons.

My lessons are for one hour, if you do less that is fine, as long as it is made clear to your pupils.

I have mentioned cheap lessons before.

There are ADIs who give a limited special offer to boost their business, which is understandable, and there are the others who constantly offer the cheap prices that are permanently written on their cars.

You probably know by now that I have a strange sense of humour and I was wondering if the price is sign written on to the car, if costs rise how can they still make as much money. The answer came to me after watching BBC’s Watchdog programme. They have highlighted how manufacturers just reduce the amount of content there is in the product. So are pupils going to find that instead of one hour the lesson is

Mike Bassett p40

reduced to 57 minutes, then perhaps 54 minutes? If the length of the lesson is not stated perhaps this is already happening.

Not all spaces are the same

I was interested to read the letters in last month’s Newslink about ‘shared spaces’.

There appears to be shared spaces that work, and ones, such as in my locality, that don’t.

I have nothing against a true shared space

but as I have mentioned before, although locally the councillors are happy for them to be called shared spaces the official term in Coventry is ‘low speed environment’.

The one thing that proves they are not shared are the numerous zebra crossings that are now being installed. If pedestrians can freely use them why are zebra crossings required?

‘Expert’ tips

Storage room

While I have been writing this article I have been listening to the radio and there was an advert for a company offering storage space. When they listed who they considered needed storage space they included driving schools. I am fascinated: why do they think we should need it?

Training day

I am always fascinated by hints and tips that pupils receive from relatives. One young lady was concerned that she could not see the front of the car because her grandmother said she should. She told my pupil that when she learnt she sat on additional cushions to enable her to see.

On most modern cars it is impossible to see the front, but for her to believe me I had to show her that even if I put my head as high as the interior mirror you still could not see the front of the bonnet, regardless of how many cushions you use.

If you have not booked for our Annual Training Day and AGM on Sunday, 18 November at Park Inn Hotel, West Bromwich, it is not too late. Just give me a call on 024 7633 5270. Speakers will include the DSA Fraud and Integrity Team, Highways Agency, Midlands Air Ambulance and Peter Harvey MBE, MSA National Chairman.

Contact e: t: a:

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

Wagon Wheels: Definitely smaller today than when I was a lad...

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Regional News: Greater London

Sun crazy and moon madness TONY PHILLIPS

Editor, Greater London

According to NASA, the American Space Agency, there was a solar flare witnessed on 20 October this year. NASA is quoted as stating “This flare is classified as an M9 flare. M-class flares are the weakest flares that can still cause some space weather effects near Earth.

“Since flares are rated on a scale from 1 to 10, an M9 is a particularly strong M-class flare, but still ten times weaker than the most powerful flares, which are labelled X-class”.

The (NASA) report continued by advising that these flares are burst of extreme radiation, which although unable to penetrate our atmosphere, can still have adverse effects on satellites, including GP Satellites (GPS).

As I’m sure we’re all aware, many people are affected by the phases of the Moon. Indeed the word ‘lunatic’ is derived from the word lunar, which is used to describe something relating to the Moon. This may account for the reason why we appear to encounter more erratic driving from time to time from other drivers (never ourselves of course!); while they don’t quite turn into werewolves in a physical sense, they do tend to drive as if they were a lycanthrope, howling along the road and hooting at us because our poor customers appear to be holding up their bounding progress by not driving in excess of the speed limit.

It could easily be a full Moon up above that’s responsible.

By the same token, it turns out that we may end up encountering dangerous and erratic driving from the ‘driverless’ cars that may soon be present on Californian roads, as mentioned in my previous article.

Can you imagine a ‘flare up’ between two GPS controlled vehicles that have gone just a little nuts due to erratic signals received during solar flare activity?

On a more serious note, do we really want to rely on that sort of technology to control vehicles running on a random path? Call me a Luddite if you like, but the Will Smith film I, Robot may not be so far from the truth!

Discounts

Times are hard for all of us and discounting has always seemed to have been a way to encourage business. However, as I have mentioned previously, when supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s offer ‘buy one, get one free’ deals and reduced prices on certain lines, these offers are for limited periods only.

More importantly and significantly, supermarkets have a huge range of products to sell and most of the products in the store are not discounted or on special offers. Therefore only a

36 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Contact e: tony@tonys trainees.co.uk Please ensure all emails contain MSA Greater London in the subject

Discounts that work: Tesco may advertise lots of cut-price lines but it maintains good profit margins elsewhere in its stores, ensuring it always makes a healthy return from its customers

small percentage of their stock is at a reduced price, which encourages customers into the store and because of this, they still make huge profits.

Even though Tesco recently announced a substantial fall in UK profits, the figures are still staggering; down 10.5 per cent to £1.6 BILLION! They made £1.6 thousand million in the first six months of this year; hardly small beans and this is because not all of their products are discounted or on special offers, etc.

It’s because they’re charging a profitable amount on the vast majority of the products they sell.

So when WE give discounts, because just about the only product we sell is our tuition, we should be very careful on just how much and for how long we discount our prices. We should first take a look at how much money we need to live on, add a percentage to cover tax and National Insurance and then see how much that is.

Then add on the cost of running the car, fuel, MSA subscriptions and seminars and the like and then work out what we need to charge per hour based on a decent amount of work per week, say 35 to 40 hours of tuition.

I’m writing this because I’m just a bit fed up with people asking for discounts when I first talk to them. What do I get in return for giving a discount to them? Do they bring me extra customers? Well, they might do one day based on recommendation, but that’s a gamble into the future, so what do I get NOW that means that I should give them a discount? The answer is nothing.

One customer had been given a very raw deal by their previous training provider and as I’m an unknown quantity to him, I offered him an initial training session at a slightly reduced fee.

He enjoyed the session immensely but expected me to continue offering training at the reduced price. There was quite an involved discussion about it where I suggested that he goes back to his original trainer and ask for a refund rather than ask me to subsidise them.

However, I turned him round when I suggested that he asks his wife, who is a nurse, to tell him how she would feel if the next time she went into work, her boss said that he was reducing her pay by 14 per cent (the amount of discount I offered this man for the first session).

He’s now a regular customer paying the full fee.

In the final analysis, quality sells lessons so if you offer a discount, make sure it’s only for an initial ‘taster’ and then make sure you get your prices back up!

Cycling in the dark

Continuing on the madness theme that I mentioned above, some cyclists are definitely nuts. Riding through London very early this morning, it was dark, wet and misty and some streets aren’t that well lit.

I encountered a large number of cyclists and truth to say, the majority of them had really good, bright flashing lights, high viz clothing and, of course, reflectors on their pedals and wheels.

However, there were a few (too many) that were all in black with absolutely no lighting or high viz, save for pedal reflectors.

Are they absolutely bleedin’ nuts? It’s so dangerous and so selfish. Think about the poor soul who could have one of these idiots’ deaths on their conscience if, God forbid, they were involved in a collision! I despair, I really do

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Regional News

MSA Greater London Annual Conference and Training Day 2012 Dear Members, Once again, another year has flown by and the MSA Greater London Annual Conference & Training Day fast approaches. The theme for this year is 2012 OLYMPIC YEAR. Get the latest update from the MSA on what may be happening in our industry. The Q&A session at the end of the Conference gives you an opportunity to raise your concerns about the way this industry is coping in the current economic climate. This is always a popular event so to secure your place please book as soon as possible. We will issue a CPD certificate to everyone attending (Continual Professional Development).

The Conference is on Sunday, 25 November at Coulsdon Manor & Golf Club Coulsdon Court Road, Old Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2LL Doors open at 9.30am. Conference begins at 10.00am The principal speakers are*: • Peter Harvey MBE, MSA National Chairman • Constantine Antoniou, Chairman, MSA Greater London • Tom Kwok, Treasurer, MSA Greater London • Tony Phillips, Editor, MSA Greater London • Plus a full driver trainer industry update information. * Programme Subject to Change.

As the Conference also includes our AGM, notice is hereby given that the MSA Greater London Annual General Meeting is to be held at 12.30pm on Sunday, 25 November at Coulsdon Manor & Golf Club Coulsdon Court Road, Old Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2LL. This year we’ve been fortunate to receive sponsorship from Mastercover Insurance and The Driving Instructor Centre. Please support them; their generosity has enabled us to keep the admission price to this excellent conference, in a prestigious hotel, at 2009 prices.

Price

For the fifth year running, admission is just £39. Advance booking only.

All Day Event The price includes a three-course lunch, tea, coffee and all conference papers.

To reserve your seat, either: Pay by Credit or Debit card Call MSA Greater London on 020 7690 0298 between 9.30am & 6pm Monday to Friday, or send a cheque payable to MSA Greater London with your details to: The Treasurer, MSA Greater London, 52B, Sutton Road, London, N10 1HE. I look forward to seeing you there.

Tony Phillips

Fuel duty fight goes to the Treasury On Monday, 29 October, the FairFuelUK campaign group, together with RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning, met in London for discussions with Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander and his team of officials over fuel duty rates.

“The Minister listened carefully to what we had to say”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. “He was also pleased to receive a copy of the report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, commissioned by the RHA, which pulls no punches regarding the case for urgent action over fuel duty”.

The report clearly states that a 3ppl duty rise in January will cut 35,000 jobs, growth by 0.1% but will improve the fiscal deficit by only £880M (40% less tax revenue that Government predictions) which is in stark contrast to forecasts that

every 1ppl duty increase would raise £500M. “Every household will feel an even great strain on their finances,” said Geoff.

However, if the contents of the RHA-funded report are acted upon, a fuel duty cut of 3ppl, would create 70,00 jobs, boost the economy by 0.2%, and reduce the fiscal position by £1800M – significantly less that the £3 billion the Treasury would expect.

“We left the Treasury team in no doubt as to the plight of both the motorist and the haulier and it is now vital that we see a stop to an increase in January,” Geoff Dunning continued. “We made our case clearly, and honestly. To have the additional backing of a professional report that presents a firm and positive case to address fuel duty strengthened our case.”

ADIs are caught in the middle of licence confusion I read with interest the letter in last month’s Newslink from Michael Pace, a solicitor from Lincoln.

While I would not seek to disagree with his assessment of the validity of a photocard Chairman & Editor, licence, other assessments clearly exist.

Western Unfortunately, the instructor is caught in the middle.

The simple fact remains that currently many insurance companies consider an out-of-date photocard to be invalid. As a result they may not pay out for damage to against any motorists.” the instructor’s car in the event of a That, to me, means that evidence may collision. have been contaminated in the aftermath or It is a legal requirement for drivers to that a prosecution was unlikely to succeed. keep their photocard up-to-date and I do Unfortunately many motorists will seize not feel it is down to the instructor to fight on this to strengthen their belief that the case for the client. Unless, of course, the drivers are not responsible for their own client is willing to pay an agent’s fee. actions and that it is always someone else’s To my mind those drivers who do not fault. conscientiously attend to all aspects of the I await the results of the inquest with legality and documentation relating to their interest. driving deserve less consideration then those that are law abiding. v Hopefully this issue of Newslink will I will still seek to gather information that arrive just in time for the regional training may protect members whose clients are less day and AGM. A final call for members to than truthful regarding their entitlement to attend; it should be an excellent day. drive.

Event details are: Date: Monday, November 12 v The start of November marks the first Venue: The Clock Tower, East Brent, nr anniversary of the multiple collisions on Western-super-Mare the M5 at Taunton that claimed seven Time: 10am-4.30pm lives.

Cost: £30 Avon and Somerset Police have now Contact issued a prosecution against the organiser of the firework display that produced smoke e: cglilly@bt that intensified the fog at the location of the internet.com crash. Again, I will not comment on the t: 01934 514336 rights and wrongs of that. a: 7 Bampton, The police have stated that, “It was clear Tamar Rd, Worle, from the investigation carried out by Avon Weston-superand Somerset Police that there was Mare insufficient evidence to prosecute for driver BS22 6LD error and therefore no action will be taken

COLIN LILLY

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MSA NEWSLINK : NOVEMBER 2012 : 37

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Regional News: North West

Volvo remains the leading light IF THINGS go well with print and distribution, you should be reading this during the week before our annual get together. It is now too late to book, BUT, if you really want to come along on the day, and don’t mind providing your own lunch we will do our best to fit you in but we will still have to charge the standard price I am afraid.

If you are only able to attend the AGM obviously there is no charge and it is scheduled to start at 12:00 noon.

By the way, if any of you wish to put yourselves forward to serve on the committee please let us know. Committees

Daytime Running Lights

JOHN LOMAS

Editor, North West have to develop and grow over the years and new committee members who are supported by their fellow ADIs can only add to the services we can offer the membership.

IONES2T01122 G E R WBEERR 20 T S MB E TH EEM W V O V RTH OTHRHNNO O N N1212T AAYAY, S D N O OND MM M CPD Seminar Sandra Dodson Star of Driving Academy Positive directions for driving test markings What might the future bring?

with Certificate of attendance & Regional agm

VENUE Blackley Golf Club Victoria Avenue East Blackley Manchester M9 7HW

Darren Hogan ConvertACar Specialists in hand controls - steering aids - swivel seats boot hoists Mac McDade Principal Ideas4ADIs Making the most of teaching aids

MSA With industry updates CPD and Tuition opportunities Timetable Registration 9am Start 9.30am AGM 12.15pm Lunch 12.30pm Afternoon session 1.45pm Close 3.30pm

Cost MSA Members £25 (lunch included) Plus Trade Stands; Free Draw (business card) Charity raffle

James Wilson Drive compare

Pupil acquisition and retention through an efficient web presence and management of your driving school

Graham Hoyle Pay Yours Suppliers of mobile card terminals

TWD The accountancy package for ADIs Business accounting for the self-employed

Book via http://www.msagb.com/services/sv-sales.asp Non-members £35 (lunch included) Refund of £10 if non-members join on the day Please make all bookings before 1st November so that catering can be arranged

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Bradley Auto Services 38 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

Mike Yeoman’s article in last month’s Newslink on the increasing use of daytime running lights raised some interesting points. As a long time Volvo driver, over the years I have had various types of DRL systems on my cars.

One used a twin filament (stop and tail)-type bulb in the side light fitting; during daytime the current passed through the 21w filament and was switched to the 5w filament once the headlights were switched on.

Another used a reduced voltage through the dipped beam part of the headlight bulb (dim/dip) thus giving a large but not dazzling light in daytime. This vehicle also had the advantage of being able to use the dim/dip in conjunction with the front fog lights which meant that you didn’t get glare back from the dip beam when driving in fog.

The current vehicle has twin headlights with identical bulbs and the dip beam is permanently on when the engine is switched on. The biggest drawback to this that I’ve found is that if, at night, you come to a railway level crossing on anything other than a 30mph limit and wish to switch off while waiting for the trains to pass then it is necessary to switch over to side (parking) lights to avoid leaving your car illegally stopped with no illumination.

Join us at conference

I hope you are planning to join us for the MSA North West Conference and AGM. To the left, there is a copy of our poster for

All these systems, of course, activate the rear lights as well. I noticed that Mike has seen vehicles with DRLs on without rear lights and as he says, this can be a danger.

One aspect of universal DRLs which was discussed when their introduction was proposed was whether they might lead to more people failing to see motorcycles as they used to, to a much greater extent, before motorcyclists started riding with their headlights on all the time.

More lights

Something I’ve not noticed before was brought to my attention the other week when driving to a local meeting.

A car behind me kept putting one of his front fogs on when his indicators came on. It was a bit disconcerting, particularly as the area we were in had road humps so he appeared to be flashing his lights at me as well. As it happened the driver was going to the same meeting and parked next to me, giving me a chance to have a chat about it.

Apparently it is a feature designed to give extra light into the road you are entering.

It reminded me of the old Citroen Goddesses (DS or ID) which had headlights which swivelled as you turned the wheel.

the event and there’s a map below to help you find the venue, Blackley Golf Club.

If using SatNav, use M9 7SS as a postcode.

Schematic map of route to Blackley Golf Club

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MSA’s ADI guides:

A quartet of good advice THE MSA has four guides to help ADIs in key areas. 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.

Advice is given on the Part 2 Test of driving ability. It is explained that this is an advanced driving test and a very high standard of driving competence is required.

Candidates must show that they have a thorough knowledge of the principles of good driving and road safety and are able to apply them.

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 is not intended to be a substitute for instructor training or for the information contained in the DSA folder “Your Road to Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor” (ADI 14) which the MSA recommends all PDIs read.

The guide gives details of all three sections of the ADI examinations and explains the qualification system. It gives help and advice on the test of theoretical knowledge and hazard perception skills and suggests strategies to help candidates to prepare for the test. It also includes a number of helpful tips for preparing for the Part 2 exam.

These invaluable tools for all ADIs are available to purchase from MSA head office at a cost of £6 each. Telephone 0161 429 9669 now with a credit card number or send a cheque made payable to the MSA to MSA Head Office, 101 Wellington Road North, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 2LP.

Recommend a colleague to join the MSA – and receive a £10 M&S voucher

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MSA NEWSLINK : NOVEMBER 2012 : 39

Regional News: South East

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Industry professionals have the right to highlight their expertise MIKE BASSETT Editor, South East

There we were recently, on the Tube at White City, having been to a recording of Miranda at the BBC, when on steps an Englishman, a Scotsman and an Irishman.

OK. I know about the jokes but this is true.

The Scotsman was wearing flat pumps, black tights, a corset and had the flag of Ghana draped around his shoulders and was with the Englishman. Both, it would seem, had enjoyed a considerable amount of alcohol. The Irishman, named John, who was not with them, sat next to me and with hands as big as the Moon, shook everyone’s hand. He too was considerably imbibed It didn’t take much to twig they were all squaddies. A bit of friendly rivalry bounced around the carriage and soon it became a little bit serious but also respectful. It seems John had just returned from Afghanistan where he was part of a search unit and the others, who were bomb disposal, were returning for a third tour of duty.

They were not in uniform. They were not pretending to be something they were not. But clearly from the description of their jobs, they knew how to do the business Contrast it with this, which I saw at the end of summer while walking along Sevenoaks high street. The L-plate car came out of the shadows; accompanying driver with hand up against the side window. It was then I saw it: with jacket open, a white shirt revealed no trace of a seat belt lying diagonal across the chest. Ah, and the hand wasn’t up to shield the accompanying driver from sun glare, either. It was up to his ear, on a mobile phone. I do have to say at this point that it was a car of the ‘Mum and Dad’ school of motoring.

What really is the point of our professional training, when the nearest and dearest exert peer pressure that suggests we are not necessary? I for one am quite happy to have more cameras around if it picks up such stupid behaviour and takes them off the road.

Fake Britain

I suspect quite a few of you looked in on the Fake Britain programme which highlighted substitute candidates turning up for theory and practical tests. What is it they said? Around 800 theory and 1,800 practical tests were found to have fielded a substitute candidate. Cars had been hired for the practical test and as we all know, the insurance is invalid, as it is not given out for hire or reward.

40 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

The answer, coming from one of our members, was simply to insist that an ADI be present in the vehicle, which of course would be correctly insured and fitted with dual controls. If an ADI were to be complicit in producing a fake candidate and subsequently caught, removal from the Register and an appropriate penalty could be expected.

Whether or not it makes for economic viability is another matter. You all know what the on costs are even before you set inside your vehicles. Instructors have been invited to take part and if you have been involved, do please let me know how it is going. Who knows, it may well be the way forward.

• More on this story on page 22.

Have you got a VT20?

Searching for CPO or CPD?

I can see the blankness now. Not your GT, ST or even a CC. It’s the posh code for your MOT certificate. The good news is that from 18 November (strange date) they will show the mileage of the vehicle for the last three certificates, along with mileage for the current test. It can only be a good way forward to get rid of ‘clocking’ – always a worry when purchasing a ‘pre-owned’ vehicle.

It’s a case of see what I am doing

More initials for you – VBI. Vehicle Braking Indicator. Now we have the third brake light, usually sited high up on the rear of a vehicle, we get a better chance to see a vehicle braking, particularly when it’s disappearing out of site over the hill or in dead ground situations.

VBI is a new thing, being fitted by some foreign manufacturers and effectively offers a flashing brake light in an emergency. The kit fitted works by measuring vehicle deceleration, working on inertia and will light the LED’s accordingly. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is laden or unladen as the VBI works instantly. If it works to wake up following drivers, then I am all for it.

KSI’s get better

You’ve got to hand it to county and borough staff who have worked tirelessly over the past ten years to bring down the Killed or Seriously Injured figures, particularly as of late, their numbers have been chopped and yet they are still expected to achieve the same result.

With around 15 per cent of fatalities attributed to drink-driving, do we need to be concerned at the driver behaviour of the other, presumably sober, 85 per cent who crash?

Political connivance reducing diversionary courses to a matter of tick boxing does little to redress some of that behaviour. We would all like to think that our education of drivers has done more to reduce casualties than an air bag.

But of course, if the drivers had followed our advice, the air bag might never have been invented Seriously, though folks, the last thing we need is a cut back in the people that so diligently push for road safety, making ours and a good few more lives safer.

A price for the young

Up at Mid Kent College they have a new scheme for students to learn to drive. With the college supplying new cars and charging £17 an hour for lessons, it makes good sense for students. At least if they have a driving licence they might be able to get to work.

One is a small metallic squeaky voiced droid – the other is not.

At least he had a voice. With no evidence of CPD, what voice do you have to prove you know, continue to know and are willing to learn? Why not do a Mexican wave? Go on – all of you – put your hands up but only if you haven’t done any CPD. Reading Newslink certainly gets you on the way to keeping up So it takes time to check it, so says the DSA. Flipping through your portfolio in front of the SE ADI on your check test that you have paid for, takes about two minutes. If the DSA can’t spare the time – how sad. Remember, they are the ones that said no to it. So are they saying no to further education of instructors? And are they saying no to instructors showing that they know?

It hasn’t come just from them. So don’t be fooled into thinking they are the really bad guys.

As of the 30 September 2012, the ‘Government’ has dropped the requirement for teachers and trainers in further education to declare 30 hours CPD annually, even though the “the Government and the FE and skills sector recognise the importance of CPD to the profession, however and have an expectation that CPD should continue”.

Since teacher/trainer/ instructor CPD is not to be considered mandatory, why is it then that some of the people we teach, professional drivers such as coach, bus and truck drivers, are required to undertake CPC? I for one would feel pretty aggrieved if I had to undertake training to do my job, only to find out that the person training me didn’t have to do the same. It simply is not right.

I can hear and smell the swish of a large wet bulls’ tail. How are we and other educators and trainers ever going to be taken seriously if no one knows what we know? How can our customers/clients have faith in our abilities?

And how does it sit with you that you can’t charge the price because you don’t know? Even more of a thorny point, are those that are charging the price but don’t know!

Future of driving, California style

Spooky – we might not be needed in the future! Did you see the news about driverless cars in California? They have just passed a law making self-driving cars legal. There is a bit to go yet with development and the law but as announced by dear old aunty Google recently, the dozen self- driving cars have clocked up over 300,000 miles without a crash. New buzz words such as ‘autonomous car industry’ are going to be heard a lot more in the future.

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Regional News: South East

No White Knight – just a Pink Horse

Green on green can’t be seen, as far as riding jackets in the countryside, that is. I know the autumn leaves will be with us for a while so perhaps the yellowish/greenish hi-viz jackets may well be spotted by other road users.

However, I wonder why riders don’t consider turning the world pink? Unless it’s a flamingo you’re riding, there is not much call for pink in nature – so how about it?

Pictured is a lady riding through our village in ‘pretty pink’. There is no argument that she cannot be seen. So what about all horses, cyclists, bikers, joggers and even pedestrians being kitted out in pink? All those that get hurt easily get ‘picked out in pink and not picked upon’.

Contact e: mikebassett@ blueyonder.co.uk t: 01892 543544 a: 17 Ashley Gardens Rusthall Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8TY

Running to drive

That’s what quite a few of our car manufacturing companies are doing at the moment. Running production at full pelt and even trying to get a bit more out where they can.

Production is expected to rise by around nine per cent a year for the foreseeable future, with car prices and insurance going up, it doesn’t seem a fair way to me to treat the home market.

With the price of fuel wandering ever up, is it any wonder that drivers used half a million litres of fuel less in the months April to June. They couldn’t all have been watching football or the Olympics.

Selling abroad may be good for the coffers but the whole price structure is killing the willing driver.

Beware the hoarse rider

Good to see the theory questions being pulled apart in John Lomas’ North West column last month. Loved the one on how to pass a horse.

Rings true to me, as I met a newly passed pupil of mine in the fuel station a few weeks back. He was off down into Sussex to visit some friends and working on some shaky directions. It wasn’t long before he found himself in a small country lane and he applied all the things he had learnt as he went on down the lane.

As it is a horsey story, there has to be a horse.

There it was. Being ridden bareback by a young girl. He waited right back and even came to a stop. When the road opened out ‘really wide enough to pass with plenty of room’ as told to

me, he moved up to pass.

A young man of great consideration, very gentle and proper, he moved wide to pass. With that, up came the rear legs of the horse, as it swung towards him, leaving a metre gash in the nearside door, denting the door pillar covering and smashing the rear side window.

He stopped. The girl rider went on. He followed at a distance and observed the house she entered. He stopped and rang the bell.

Trying to explain that the girl’s horse had hit his car, he was told to ‘xxxx off. You were revving up – it was your fault’ and the door was slammed into his face.

At least he had the sense to report the incident to the police, who were able to do nothing. He is still a bit shocked by the incident and is now saving up to repair his vehicle.

Do you know what it is yet?

I’m not doing a ‘Rolf ’ on you. But if you can’t tell what it is, you are more likely to hit it.

‘Conspicuity’ marking that came into effect back in 2011 still seem to be missing from some of the trucks they are intended for.

It’s time to forget how old the vehicle really is.

No exceptions – lets fit all vans, coaches, buses and trucks with markings that enable us to see them.

Coming back from France recently and travelling in heavy rain on the M20, those trucks with serious visibility markings were visible for over 400 metres. Those with just rear lights – no matter how good – were only visible from less

than 200 metres. There is an ever-present thought that drivers may run into hidden vehicles which are closer to them than those with a level of ‘conspicuity’ marking.

Parking brake means just that

Coming through East Grinstead recently, I was making for the left-turn off the A22 to the A264 and home. There were no vehicles waiting to emerge, on what is a left-turn-only junction.

Approaching the turn there was an almighty squeal of brakes as a massive green John Deere tractor shot out over the Give Way markings.

That certainly was not what other drivers around me were expecting. What was even worse was that the tractor driver resorted to grabbing the handbrake lever, in an attempt to stop.

Whew - stupid driving. It was towing a trailer with nearly thirty of those enormous round straw bales.

Mercifully, the straps held. Putting such a stress on any load is not on and we know from previous crashes that those bales kill.

Contact e: mikebassett@ blueyonder.co.uk t: 01892 543544 a: 17 Ashley Gardens Rusthall Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8TY

MSA South East Meeting and AGM Getting close for your diary note Sunday, 18 November at Wellshurst Golf Club, Hellingley, West Sussex, BN27 4EE. Log on to the MSA members site for more details.

As ever, your comment and thoughts are welcome. My address details are on the panel (above right).

MSA NEWSLINK : NOVEMBER 2012 : 41

www.msagb.com

Motoring

Latest ecoFLEX Corsa sets new standard for economy VAUXHALL has taken the wraps off its thriftiest Corsa ever in the form of the economical and environmentally friendly three-door Corsa 95PS 1.3CDTI ecoFLEX Start/ Stop.

This class-leading now achieves 85.6mpg while emitting just 88g/km (five-door: 83.1mpg /89g/km CO2). This is a 2.4mpg and a 6g/km improvement over the 2011 Corsa 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX (80.7mpg /94g/km).

“In just five years, from the first Corsa ecoFLEX to today, we have been able to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions by 26 per cent, while at the same time increasing performance by over 26 per cent,” said Mike Ableson, vicepresident, engineering at Opel/Vauxhall.

“Our customers appreciate this, as does the environment.”

A number of enhancements have been made to reduce consumption and emissions. The turbodiesel is equipped with a variable displacement oil pump that delivers only the necessary oil pressure. It varies oil volume depending on the load in order to reduce the energy needed for oil circulation.

The use of special low-viscosity transmission oil also contributes to efficient fuel consumption.

These measures are rounded off by an adjustment of

42 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

engine mapping in the engine control module.

The new Corsa will also feature the new generation of Opel/Vauxhall-engineered manual transmissions with a more precise and smooth gear change action. The base transmission was comprehensively re-worked with new gears and modified parts, including the shift rods and fork shaft. The end result is high shift comfort and optimised operation in cold and warm conditions. New 185/65 R15 low-rollingresistance tyres also add to the Corsa’s eco-friendliness.

Even with all this economy, performance is not compromised. Maximum torque of 190Nm is available between 1,750 and 3,250rpm. The 95PS turbodiesel allows the Corsa to accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds and takes it to a maximum speed of 109mph Opel/Vauxhall engineers also optimised the chassis for all Corsa variants (except the VXR Nürburgring Edition). The suspension and damper system now provides improved ride comfort, especially on rough roads and in urban areas at low speeds. However, this has not come at the expense of the Corsa’s impressive handling and agility.

Completing the package is Vauxhall’s unique Lifetime Warranty which

provides first owners with the reassurance of comprehensive cover for the life of their car, or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

• For those ADIs running second-hand cars, Vauxhall is offering a new service that protects the owner from unexpected maintenance bills.

Its new MOT Test Insurance covers owners from this risk, which could ultimately affect their livelihoods or daily needs. The MOT Test Insurance covers the cost of repair and replacement of parts up to the value of £750 including labour and VAT, meaning that an MOT failure becomes at most a disruption, rather than a disaster.

MOT Test Insurance is available for up to three years and provides great value, costing just £75, £85 or £95 for 12, 24 and 36-month policies, respectively. It is available for most Vauxhall cars and all car-derived vans up to seven years old and with less than 70,000 miles on the odometer when the policy is taken out.

The insurance can be transferred to a new owner if the vehicle is sold.

MOT Test Insurance can be taken out if: • The vehicle passes its test at a Vauxhall MasterFit retailer, in which case it can be covered for the next MOT • The vehicle has an existing MOT certificate and it is being covered for the next MOT • It is at least six months before the vehicle’s first MOT test is due.

www.partnersprogramme.co.uk

LOGIN: DRIVING

DRIVING SCHOOL PARTNERS BENEFIT Corsa Active 1.0i 12v ecoFLEX 3dr

OFFER SHOWN INCLUDES:

£ £139

VAUXHALL DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION

£750 +

per month 60 month term

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£1010

Customer Deposit ^

£2585

New Astra Active 1.4i 16v VVT (100PS) 5dr

OFFER SHOWN INCLUDES:

£ £169

VAUXHALL DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION

£1000 +

per month 60 month term

ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER SAVING

£1000 +

Customer Deposit ^

£ £3997

≠

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS DISCOUNT

£1398

1

Choose your car*

2

Finance

Choose your deposit**

3

Finance

Choose your term

◊

PLUS Lifetime warranty†

Take advantage of our latest offers, with Vauxhall Associate Partners you don’t just get your exclusive discount, you also get our unique Flexible Finance. Flexible Finance calculations above include Associate Partners discount and additional customer saving.

Offers end 17 December 2012 so to find out more about our great Partners Programme offers, simply visit partnersprogramme.co.uk and use the login: DRIVING. Call the Partners helpline on 0844 875 2448 or visit your nearest Vauxhall retailer.

www.partnersprogramme.co.uk

WARRANTY 100,000 MILE

Models shown: Corsa Active 3dr and New Astra Active with optional brilliant paint, available at extra cost. *Not available on Expression, ES, Vauxhall Tech Line, New Astra Hatchback/Sports Tourer BiTurbo, Ampera and VXR8 models.

Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Flexible Finance supplied by either Vauxhall Motor Finance RH1 1SR or Vauxhall Finance, PO Box 6666, Cardiff, CF15 7YT. Offer applies to private individuals, Vauxhall Partners and small businesses 1-24 (purchase only excluding B2B). All other customers are excluded. Offer available on orders or registrations before 17th December 2012. **Vauxhall Deposit Contribution excludes Mokka and Corsa SXi models. ◊Term can be from 24-60 months. ˆCustomer deposit shown after Vauxhall contribution. ≠New Astra Active 5dr (incl. Active Limited Edition) £1000 Additional Customer Saving offer applies to private individuals, Vauxhall Partners and small businesses 1-24 (purchase only excluding B2B). All other customers are excluded. Offer available on orders or registrations from 02 October 2012 to 17 December 2012. †Terms and conditions apply. Vauxhall Partners includes all employees and pensioners of nominated companies and their nominated eligible Vauxhall relatives. Vauxhall Partners process/savings include Vauxhall Partners discount savings and additional customer savings (incl. VAT) where applicable, number plates, delivery, Vehicle Excise Duty and a fi rst registration fee. Excludes fuel and insurance. We reserve the right to change or withdraw any aspect of the Vauxhall Partners Programme without prior notice. Prices correct as of 02/10/2012.

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range (excl. Ampera): Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 20.6 (13.7) - 85.6 (3.3). CO 2 emissions: 324 - 88g/km.

www.msagb.com

Motoring

ADIs... and their cars: So what’s yours like?

NEWSLINK is always keen to know what ADIs think of the cars they teach others to drive in. Previous submissions have proved just how good modern cars are: it’s hard to find anyone who has truly been sold a pup, it seems.

Indeed, searching for negative points to write up has become a time-consuming and nit-picking exercise: some cars clearly don’t have enough storage facilities for all the paraphernalia carried by the modern ADI (though even here, one ADI who bemoaned the pockets on her three-door Corsa admitted that an MPV would struggle to provide stowage for everything she carries around with her!), while there is a growing frustration with ambitious mpg figures quoted by manufacturers (one described Ford’s claims on the Fiesta as the stuff that Lewis Caroll dreamt up!).

However, for every bad review there is a positive one – to prove this point, one

happy owner claimed his mpg was better than the quoted figures!

One thing is clear, however: fuel price rises over the past two years have concentrated the mind. Many ADIs replace their cars every three years and those with a car that delivers modest mpg are in no doubt as to the key factor that will decide future car purchases: fuel consumption.

Alan from Tyne and Wear summed it up well when he said: “I don’t care about the stereo, I’m not bothered about the colour and I won’t be too bothered about the kits and toys inside. I want a car with air con, as it’s a must for hot days, a car with a stiff seat for my back, and other than that it’s mpg, mpg, mpg. If it’s not giving me 50+ on urban, I don’t want to know. Times are tight and the public won’t buy price rises.

Every time the fuel bill goes up, my bottom line looks sick. The Government is increasing fuel duty in January so the

Affinity Price £7,780.67** Customer Saving £1,164.33

You can get involved We’ve taken some of the comments we’ve received from members here, and we’ll be publishing more in future issues.

If your car doesn’t get featured this month – why not send in your own thoughts and we’ll make sure it is in a future issue?

Hyundai i30 active 1.4 Affinity Price £13,070.24** Customer Saving £2,524.67

At Hyundai North London we’re always thinking of smart ideas that benefit all our customers. That’s why as an Approved Driver Instructor you can drive away a brand new Hyundai for less with the Hyundai affinity scheme. So all you have to do is choose which model you’d like.

To discover how much you could save on any Hyundai in the range, visit www.hyundaiaffinities.co.uk and enter code A05 or contact Hyundai North London.

Hyundai North London

020 8457 6660 105 West Hendon Broadway, Edgware Road, London, NW9 7BN **Models featured: (1) Hyundai i10 Active 1.2 at £7,880.67 (includes £1,164.33 customer saving) in Ice Silver metallic paint at £365.50 extra. (2) Hyundai i30 Active 1.4 at £13,070.24 (includes £2,524.67 customer saving) in Creamy White solid paint no extra cost. Offers available to ADI badge holders and their immediate families (parents, children, siblings and in-laws) only, and apply to new cars, subject to availability and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. See Hyundai North London for full terms and conditions of the offers and other purchase terms. Prices are for cars ordered up to 31st December 2012 only. Terms and exclusions apply - 5 Year Triple Care terms and conditions apply. Please see www.hyundai.co.uk or ask your local Dealer.

Fuel consumption in MPG (l/100km) for Hyundai i10 Active 1.2: Urban 50.4 (5.6), Extra Urban 68.9 (4.1), Combined 61.4 (4.6), CO2 Emissions 108 g/km. Fuel consumption in MPG (l/100km) for Hyundai i30 Active 1.4: Urban 35.8 (7.9), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9), Combined 47.1 (6.0), CO2 Emissions 139 g/km.

So send us your thoughts on your tuition car... and as many members have done in recent months, receive your next year’s MSA membership free, courtesy of our publishers, Chamber Media Services, as a thank you for providing us with the details.

Hyundai has added a new rangetopping Premium trim to the existing New Generation i30 line-up. Available on both the Hatchback and Tourer models, the Premium trim boasts a number of new standard features offering customers the complete package while still representing excellent value for money.

Premium trim now includes all the equipment contained previously within the Convenience and Individual packs as standard along with several additional features.

Starting on the outside, the Premium models will benefit from a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, chrome door handles with illumination and automatically folding door mirrors, which also incorporate puddle lamps.

Moving inside, the Premium features a number of additional standard features over Style Nav such as leather upholstery, automatically dimming rear view mirror, electric driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, keyless entry with engine start/stop button plus supervision cluster with LCD colour display. A height adjustable passenger seat is also now available.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK President and CEO, said: “The New Generation i30 has proven to be extremely popular with both fleet and retail customers since its launch in March this year.

“We have seen many customers

44 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK J24032MH LonMSA 155x108.indd 1

It’s simple to do - just email Rob Beswick at rob@chambermediaservices. co.uk and quote your membership number, and he’ll send you the necessary forms to fill in.

And to say thanks, each month we put every member who has replied into a hat and draw one winner out. The lucky winner will receive their next year’s subscription to the MSA free, courtesy of our publishers.

So email Rob Beswick, and send us your thoughts – you may get lucky and have next year’s membership on us!

Premium model added to i30 range

More is less

Hyundai i10 active 1.2

situation will get worse, not better.

“Fuel economy has to be the key factor from now on.”

25/10/2012 09:56

choosing higher specification models and adding optional extras on top of that for additional comfort and convenience.

“The new Premium trim offers exceptional value for money as customers get all the benefits of the option packs, and more, as standard equipment for a relatively nominal increase in overall price.”

The Premium will be available with two engine options including a 120PS 1.6-litre petrol with manual transmission on the hatchback and a 1.6-litre CRDi 128PS diesel on both Hatchback and Tourer with a choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox.

The Convenience and Individual packs, costing £750 and £1,000 respectively on Style and Style Nav models, will no longer be available. A tilt and slide Panoramic sunroof is available as an optional extra for £950 on Premium models only.

Further changes to the range include the addition of the 1.6-litre CRDi 128PS diesel in conjunction with automatic transmission on Style and Style Nav models for Hatchback and Tourer, replacing the existing 110PS automatic.

The 1.6 CRDi 110PS Blue Drive models will now only be available on Classic and Active trim with the higher-powered 1.6 CRDi 128PS variant reserved as the sole diesel option on the top three trims only.

Across the i30 range, Hyundai has extended the colour palette, adding Cool Red, Ice Blue and Blueberry Blue.

www.msagb.com

Motoring

Could be time for a change – unless price is still right, says wavering Renault fan Simon Lee is a Renault man – though his loyalty can be bought, he admits. “I started teaching driving in a Clio when I first became an ADI at the start of the ’90s, he told Newslink. “I replaced the car every two to two-and-a-half years, adding two further Clios and then moving up to a Megane. Since then I’ve had a replacement Megane and then a Scenic, which was a mistake, but I’d blame myself for that.

“The problem is I’ve become institutionalised into buying Renaults. I can’t even remember why I bought one in the first place but every time I think of replacing my car, the first thing I do is go back to a main dealer and see what part-ex value I have.

“Usually it’s less than I’ve budgeted for, but when I mention buying a new car, and the dealer starts to see potential parts and servicing work from a heavy user like myself, the part-ex price improves a lot and it just makes sense to stay loyal to the franchise.”

It doesn’t sound like the most positive and ringing endorsement for the marque, does it. “No, it isn’t but it’s not a criticism either. Perhaps Renault dealers are very keen to keep the family happy. I have to say that I’ve been content with all the cars, except the Scenic. Renaults tend to be frowned upon once they get a bit old in the tooth – electric problems and computer errors tend to become tiresome, I’ve been told – but none of my cars have shown any of those faults. Apart from the things you’d expect - brake pads, the odd clutch, wipers, lights and oil - I’ve never had anything done on the cars. Reasonably solid, good to drive and popular with pupils.

So what went wrong with the Scenic? Nothing wrong with the car but the visibility isn’t great for what we do. It is ironic in many ways as it is far bigger than the Clio and Megane but the view isn’t as good, despite being higher up off the road.

“The pillars are a bit of a mess. I bought it for family

reasons, as we went down to one car and we reasoned it would double up as a tuition and family vehicle but it didn’t work. Luckily I managed to get rid after a year and went back to a Megane hatchback.”

What’s the best part of the Megane? “Handling is good.

It’s tight; very responsive and pupils like it, particularly when they start out as it gives them an immediate feeling of control. There’s a real connection from the wheels to the hands and it helps novices ‘feel’ the road when they first start.

“I like the way the engine responds, too. Good power when asked (it’s a 1.6) and good gearbox. I like the brakes and the suspension is set right.

“It’s a very forgiving car. Pupils can be lazy on the clutch and gears and it doesn’t whine, and you have to work hard to make it stall.

“I can’t see anything wrong with it though my space for storage of big things wouldn’t go amiss in the front. The door pockets are a bit shallow and slender so A4 folders, etc, won’t fit in without falling out, and the glovebox is okay for lots of small items but nothing big.

“I think the view they take is lots of room for lots of small things, when as an ADI really I need room for an A4 file or two.”

Fuel economy is okay but not as advertised. “It says on the tin 40mpg combined but I don’t manage that. Even when I do my own miles I’m a good five miles short. I often wonder if the abuse we throw at our cars impacts overall on their efficiency.

“I’ve noticed that a lot of other ADIs complain that their mpg isn’t as good as they’d hoped, so is that bad stats in the first place, are we all unlucky... or is it that no ADI will ever match the projected figures?”

So will Simon be buying another Renault? I’ve got another year to go but I want a change... unless, of course, I get a good offer! Does that make me lazy?”

“Apart from the things you’d expect - brake pads, the odd clutch, wipers, lights and oil - I’ve never had anything done on the cars. Solid, good to drive and popular with pupils...”

Advertisers’ Index The following companies are advertising their products and services in this issue of Newslink.

For more information on any of the companies listed here, please refer to their adverts.

Advertiser Page No. AA 23 & 48 Adrian Flux Insurance 7 Barry Grainger Insurance 7 Bill Plant 17 Bradley Auto Services 35 Commercial Associates 5 Commercial Associates 11 Driving Centre UK 29 Driving Instructor Apps 31 Driving School Supplies 2 Focus Multimedia 21 Go Instruct 9 Grade Six Supplies 1 He-Man Dual Controls 7 Hitachi 33 Hyundai London 44 Ideas4ADIs 10 LCard 14 Learner Driver Services 35 Lettercraft Topsigns 6 Lloyd Latchford 47 Mastercover Insurance 3 Money Matters 37 Pass Smart 4 Quote Me Today 13 Red Driving School 27 TWD Accountants 19 Vauxhall 43 Waveney Group Schemes Ltd 15 MSA NEWSLINK : NOVEMBER 2012 : 45

www.msagb.com

The last word... on motoring technology Nissan has announced plans to sell cars controlled by steer-by-wire technology within a year, with its upmarket brand, Infiniti, the first to feature this hi-tech system.

The innovation works in a similar way to that used in most modern aeroplanes. Electronic signals are sent from the steering wheel to a computerised unit which then controls the movement of the tyres, rather than using mechanical links.

Although the car would still be controlled by a human, if the technology works, many believe it would be the first step towards driver-less cars.

Nissan believes users will benefit from an improved driving experience since their intentions would be transmitted to the wheels faster than by using a hydraulic and mechanical system.

In addition it suggested that the development would “insulate” motorists from disturbances caused by unnecessary feedback.

For example, “even on a road surface with minor ridges or furrows, the driver no longer has to grip the steering wheel tightly and make detailed adjustments, so travelling on the intended path becomes easier,” Nissan said in a statement.

However, such leaps in technology are fraught with danger. In 2004 Mercedes-Benz faced complaints that its Sensotronic brake-by-wire system – which used an electrical link to control vehicles’ brake pads – sometimes failed, leading to longer stopping distances. The firm ultimately recalled about two million vehicles and dropped the feature. More recently Toyota had to recall Prius models for a software update after reports of “inconsistent brake feel”.

Nissan says lessons have been learned from previous problems, however, and the potential benefits of successful steer-by-wire technology are worth the investment being made. “If we are freed from the traditional mechnical systems, we would be able to place the steering wheel wherever we like, such as in the back seat,” said Masaharu Satou, a Nissan engineer. “We would

Camera and processing module

Steering force actuator

Electronic control unit

Steering engine actuator

To Infiniti... and beyond, says Nissan Steering in the future (above): The new drive-by-wire system on the 2013 Infiniti could be the first of a series of major technological advances which transform how cars are controlled

also replace the wheel with a joystick” – as has happened in aeroplanes, where the traditional pilot’s central column has been phased out of new aircraft such as the Airbus.

Nissan’s plans are part of a larger drive by manufacturers to radically alter the way cars are driven, controlled and look.

While today’s cars are light years ahead of their counterparts from the 1980s and 90s, in many ways the key elements have remained unchanged, and a driver used to driving a car from before the millenium would have no difficulty driving the latest models. However, industry experts believe a ‘quantum leap’ in technological developments is just around the

corner, with drive-by-wire joining developments such as increased use of telemetrics and computerised driving management systems to control steering, speed and braking.

Already on our roads we see cars which park themselves, maintain a constant speed and brake without intervention of the driver; Volvo’s ‘road train’ developments could see the driver, literally, take a back seat as control of his car is passed over to a professional driver at the head of a road train convoy.

One thing is clear: if research and development continues at the current pace, the cars in 2020 could look very different from the ones we drive today.

Cars ready to have the last word on how to handle traffic conditions Volvo is continuing to push the boundaries of what cars can do by asking whether we need to have all our cars talking to each other.

It believes that by enabling vehicles to communicate with each other and the traffic environment they operate in opens up fantastic possibilities. Vital information can be shared and exchanged – creating a safer and more comfortable drive.

Volvo Car Corporation has recently joined the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium together with other European automakers and suppliers. The aim is to have a common platform for CAR 2 CAR communication ready within five years.

“In the future we will have advanced exchange of vital information between vehicles such as their position, speed and direction,” says Erik Israelsson, Project Leader Cooperative ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) at Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo Car Corporation recently signed

a memorandum of understanding with the members of the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium regarding the implementation of standardised technology for communication between cars from 2016 and onwards.

The aim is for inter-car communication to function between all cars, irrespective of make. Communication takes place via a wireless network (similar to WLAN) and utilises existing systems such as the GPS navigation system. CAR 2 CAR has been granted a separate frequency so that cars within a given radius are automatically linked together and can exchange information about parameters such as their position, speed and direction. The installation of transmitters in the road infrastructure, such as road signs and traffic lights, further extends the communication network.

“There is considerable potential in this area as well as opportunities for many benefits in many spheres over and above

46 : NOVEMBER 2012 : MSA NEWSLINK

road safety, such as a more uniform flow of traffic and additional comfort for road users,” relates Erik Israelsson.

In addition, there are a number of other benefits:

emergency vehicles use their sirens more sparingly out of consideration for nearby residents, and also if loud music is playing in the car.

Green Light Optimum Speed Advisory Via a transmitter in the traffic light, information is provided regarding the optimum speed for a car to maintain in order to pass through a succession of green lights, thus avoiding unnecessary braking for red.

At red lights, the driver can also receive information about how long it will be before the light turns green.

Road works warning Alerts the driver to road works.

Construction vehicles and heavy equipment can transmit information to vehicles well in advance of the site. Drivers can thus receive information about changed speed limits and altered routes near the work site. The system can also keep the driver informed about the remaining distance before the end of the long road-work zone.

Emergency vehicle warning This alerts the driver to the presence of nearby emergency vehicles, allowing him or her to create a free passage well in advance and without being taken by surprise. This can be of benefit in the evening and at night in urban areas where

Slow vehicle warning Slow or broken-down vehicles in the roadway transmit a warning to other road users. Receiving information well in advance can cut the risk of unpleasant surprises in traffic and thus reduce accidents.

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