Instructor Training

Is it here to stay, will the current methods change or are we looking at a real transformation?

If the current system stays, which is the cheapest option for the tax payer, there will be a sigh of relief from those who have invested their efforts providing training. The driving instructors we have on our roads are mainly doing a good job, of course there are those who flout the system, after all I saw pass plus certificates for sale! Are the few bad apples enough to warrant an overhaul that is a great expense to the tax payer, because right now it feels like this Government is selling us out.

The ConDems will use tax payers money to change the system, then the back office will put delivery of this service out to private tender, meaning the tax payer cannot recoup their losses. This has nothing to do with us providing a better, more efficient, professional service and everything to do with passing the buck.

The DVLA are seeing 6700 redundancies as part of a rolling programme, the DSA have the potential to be next, if the entry process is academic then the responsibility will eventually fall under the umbrella of the STA, however, even with the opportunity to save money by making examiners redundant there will still need to be some form of accrediting agency, so a slimmer, trimmer DSA who can train examiners for the private sector, for a fee. Total business sense. The modern Government, also known as Arvato, want every public service to be run privately and make a profit. Things sound so simple on paper.

The changes that have been put forward surely cannot be supported by the three key players, the DIA, MSA and NJC, if their responses to the consultation, closing today, support a change in instructor training then it hasn't been investigated deeply enough, of course with the short time frame that would not be easy, there is of course still potential to block these changes.

There are not many ADI's that wouldn't like to see an improved entry process, possibly teaching a live pupil as opposed to the nerve wracking, unrealistic version currently on offer, to display a level of CPD, regardless of how dirty that word has become, and serious professional attitude.

The advantages of change -

A more academic entry system
No abuse of the pink badge
Trainees with a recognised qualification


The dis-advantages of change

Likely to be monopolised by the big boys
No on road experience of pink badge
The less academic will fall at the first fence
The cost to the tax payer


I'm not adverse to change, but this is not change for the better, the wrapping is pretty but the box is empty.