DVSA Plans Big Changes to Learner Training & Testing

The DVSA has unveiled its business plans for 2016-2017, which will introduce a series of significant changes for both learners and ADIs.

Unveiled this week, the report details the DVSA’s plans to continue transforming its operations to the benefit of everybody involved in the driving test process whether you’re a new pupil or a seasoned ADI. Several key commitments from the business plan include:

For Learners

• Reduce waiting times associated with the car practical test through a host of measures including recruiting more driving examiners.

• Review the practical driving test and consider how to evolve it to ensure driving standards in the UK are increased now and in the future. This will include an ongoing investigation into whether students should be given a broader range of driving experiences such as night and motorway driving before obtaining their licence.

• Ensure 95% of learners are able to book an appointment at their preferred theory test centre within two weeks of their preferred date while aiming for a customer satisfaction rate of 90%.

• Develop the hazard perception test further and improve awareness for hazards including weather, lighting and differing road conditions.

For ADIs

• Replace the ADI Part 3 with the Standards Check ’to improve the ADI qualification process and align it with the post-qualification assessment'.

• Work with key ADI stakeholders ’to agree proposed indicators for an earned recognition scheme for ADIs'.

• Explore the possibility of introducing an online booking system for the Standards Checks so ADIs are able to book their check at a time convenient to them.

• Examine changing existing legislation so fully qualified ADIs with dual controlled cars are able to offer lessons on motorways to their learners.

• Change the law to enable ADIs to resign voluntarily from the register and ‘allow those who’ve lapsed voluntarily to re-join the register by successfully completing a Standards Check rather than re-qualifying’.

For more information about the DVSA’s goals (plus its planned changes to motorcycle testing), download a PDF of the report here.