Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to say, on behalf of all of the Alert Drivers' team ‘thank you’ all your support throughout the Covid pandemic and remaining loyal through this difficult time. 

It remains my pleasure to continue to support you whilst learning to drive.

Covid has presented us all with many different challenges over the last 2 years and I have tried to accommodate and support wherever and many times at the detriment to my business and as things appear to continue, I must now adapt my terms and conditions to protect us all and to support the changes that DVSA have recently made.

 

In order to help to clear the backlog in tests caused by the pandemic DVSA have recently introduced KPIs (key performance indicators) to all driving instructors although we are self-employed we are still governed by these changes which for most of us shouldn’t really change the way we do things however now have a direct impact on our business. The KPIs are designed to monitor driving test results and flag up those who are presenting candidates to test too early / not ready but the biggest factor is successfully passing with less than 5 minors.  For example, a minor can be simply not demonstrating a mirror check when changing gear or direction.

 

Learning to drive is a commitment which must be taken seriously and to get to the high standard that DVSA require the average learner takes:

45 hours practise with an instructor (ADI)

22 hours private practice

Total of 67 hours to pass the test (average learner source DVSA)

 

For some, learning to drive on a budget brings a challenge and don’t forget the cost of the theory test and driving test to be included in this. It is very difficult to maintain the high standard required especially if you stop / start lessons. Don’t measure yourself against your peers because often what is said isn’t necessarily true just be true to yourself and focus on your own goals and be realistic. We must always remember that everyone learns differently and it’s almost impossible to answer the question “ how many lessons will I need ?”

I will always develop and adapt training using the client centred learning approach and highly recommend that lessons should be regular (weekly) to maintain the high standard required.  If not, long term it will take you much longer to get to the standard and in turn cost more.

 

DVSA expect you to be ready to pass the test, well prepared and have competed a number of mock tests in readiness. Please don’t expect to pass your test by just completing the ‘basic skills training’ just because you can move a car from A – B doesn’t mean you are ready and unfortunately when working with a budget this is often the case, you should be fully prepared to face the day-to-day challenges ahead, it’s not just about passing a test and for this reason I will not take any student to test if I do not believe they are ready or able to make decisions whilst in control of a car.

It’s not acceptable to ‘have a go because I might just pass…….’ are you safe and ready?

Of course you can to take your own car to the test and you ‘may’ pass but please remember it’s about safe driving for life – I have a duty of care and responsibility.

 

We all get nervous on the day and this can affect the outcome so its really important that we discuss how your feeling prior to the day so that we can help to prepare you.

 

I would like to share with you some recent updates that DVSA have made to continue to drive down the backlog and waiting lists for the driving tests.

 

DVSA are currently reviewing and have trials in place across the country as to how many tests they conduct daily so if you have a test already booked, please double check your email (not forgetting spam/junk folders) as the time of your test may change – if we are affected I will do my best to accommodate you as always.

 

PDIs (potential driving instructor) have to reach a very high standard to pass their exams and currently only 11% finally make the grade to becoming a fully qualified ADI (Approved driving instructor).  It’s a very tough qualification and one that no other industry like ours get monitored so very highly and this is why I signed up for continuous development (CPD) and being part of Alert Drivers enables our instructors do this – we regularly support each other through inhouse development / training courses and inhouse monitoring and testing.

 

As an ADI we are then assessed (Standards check) at least once during our 4-year licence and if not up to standard our licence may be reviewed yearly if we do not meet the criteria of the indicators and not be granted a new licence by the registrar. The licence can also be removed at any point during the 4 years if the ADI is deemed unfit for the role (again the indicators must be passed ) and also includes constantly presenting students for test who are not deemed ready which is very dangerous to all concerned, we have a duty of care not only for you the driver but the examiner and the general public.

The changes now mean that we are measured continuously through indicators. 

If 3 of the indicators below are met then a standards check will flag up for the ADI.

 

Average number of driving faults (sometimes called minors) per test

5 or more will trigger an indicator

 

Average number of serious faults per test

0.5 or greater will trigger an indicator

 

Percentage of tests where the driving examiner had to take physical action in the

interests of public safety

10% or higher will trigger an indicator

 

Overall 1st time passes over a rolling 12 month

55% or lower will trigger an indicator

                                                                                                                 

I think it’s important that you have this information and believe this is the perfect time to clarify the expectations we should have of each other because we want to pass 1st time!

 

The changes from DVSA are a good thing because it will protect us and long term hopefully stop tests from being booked too early meaning we will eventually get back to where we should be prior to covid and long term have much safer drivers on the road because this at the end of the day is the ultimate goal.

 

Changing test dates: DVSA are also trying to block APPs such as TESTI that help to change tests. In the first instance can I ask again that any change to a test is discussed first as I may not be able to accommodate any additional lessons you may need to get to the required standard and if you have moved the test, you may then have to source your own car to take it in as I cannot be held responsible because I didn’t make the change.  Please be aware if you have paid for this app, you may not get the service you have paid for and again I cannot be held responsible.

 

Unfortunately, at this time we are still not allowed to accompany the driving test but we can listen to the feedback from the examiner if you say you would like us there for the debrief – please take this opportunity and I will do my best to make notes and debrief you on what the examiner has said after the test.

 

And finally, lesson fees will be due a very small annual increase as of 1st January this will be communicated at the beginning of December.

 

Thank you for your time - I know we all have such busy lives but please be assured I will continue to provide to you the best service I can and I hope this information has been useful, it does have an impact on us all, were not just learning to pass a test were learning a lifelong skill.

 

Please take a moment to read the attached updated terms and conditions which supersede the copy you have. In particular section 10.

 

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask,

Jim Maratty

Managing Director

Alert Drivers