The first in a new series of interviews with industry heavyweights, we put your questions to the Treasurer of the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council, Peter Boxshall.
With over thirty years experience as an ADI before retiring in 2009, Peter has also been a key member of the ADINJC, holding a variety of positions since joining including Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Vice President and currently Treasurer.
We asked you to submit questions to Peter and here we present his frank, personal answers about the current state of the industry.
**Submitted by **Chris Bensted/CB’s Driving School
: What one change would benefit ADIs across the industry?
I have always said that if we are serious about road safety then the continual assessment of all drivers should take place. Ever since the introduction of the driving test, it has always been seen by the qualified driver as ‘the end of training’. It means in their minds when they pass their driving test, the new driver believes they are a good driver. We know though they aren’t – but because the test comes at the end of their learning process, it looks like the exact opposite.
So by being re-assessed, we will improve the standard of driving and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the road. I always felt it is strange that we wait for someone to commit an offence, then we offer retraining. Why not have the retraining first so the offence might not be committed in the first place?
**Submitted by **Garry Froggat/Garry Froggatt ADI
: When are we going to get more effective road policing?
We may as well face facts – no government is going to increase the budget for the police so they can effectively police our roads. This is not the answer any of us want to hear but it is the reality.
Unless the standard of driving is improved, poor driving practises will increase. The number of deaths and serious injuries is currently being kept down by improvements in road and car design, not through improved driving standards.”
– Peter Boxshall, Treasurer of the ADINJC.
**Submitted by Michelle Cooke/TeamPass Driving School
: What can be done to combat the issue of low pricing?
I had been teaching driving for over 30 years before I retired and still have a lot to do with the industry on both a local and national level and in all those years, low pricing has always been a problem. As for an answer, I really do not think there is one. Driving instructors are their own worst enemy because they are the ones who actually offer the cheap lessons. Until the industry unites under one umbrella, I think the problem will continue.
**Submitted by ****Chris Bensted/CB’s Driving School: **What kind of role should ADIs have on influencing road policy?
Whenever roads or road improvements are planned, the relevant department – whether local or national – should consult with groups who use the roads extensively, and ADIs are obviously among those groups. Very often though and especially in local areas, the person who plans the roads just drives to work and home again with very little driving in between. They may be doing their best but I am convinced that roads and layouts would be greatly improved with input from groups who actually use them extensively.
I would love to be able to say that the DVSA greatly values ADI input but I really think that most (if not all) Government departments only involve consultation if it is an actual requirement. I am sure the DVSA would prefer to go ahead with its plans rather than asking for the opinions of the people that its policies will affect.”
– Peter Boxshall on how important ADI input and feedback is regarded by the DVSA.
**Submitted by **Karen Pengelly/Karen Pengelly Driving School
**: A big issue is when a pupil fails a test, the length of time it can take to get a new test. This means lots of pupils have now started to use online booking sites that charge £19.99 to shorten the waiting time. Why this is allowed to happen? **
From what I have been told, the process works like this – the larger driving schools take the details of all new pupils when they pass the theory test and then book a practical driving test. The school itself pays for the test so it can keep said details.
The tests are then used by pupils who are ready for the test but any surplus tests are sold on for the extra £19.99. There is nothing illegal about the process.
**Submitted by **Chris Bensted/CB’s Driving School
: How do we tackle the fact that 80% of the ADI industry is disinterested and disconnected?
My thoughts are that instructors do not see themselves as worthy. Why do they see themselves as unworthy? Maybe because like the driving test, there is no further training required, although a lot is offered. So most don’t do anything other than pass Parts 1, 2 and 3. I don’t know why they can’t see the value of keeping up to date, but I am convinced that if they did more, they would value themselves more.
– Peter Boxshall’s views do not necessarily represent those of the ADINJC.
Image © Lars P