The Standards Check

There has been quite a lot of talk about the changes to the check test system, I've blogged about it before and written an article, but I was very interested by the DVSA document concerning the standards check, where they anticipate teething problems and are very aware that many may acquire a lower grade until they become more used to the system.

"Initially DSA expect there to be a slight dip in satisfactory standards checks while ADIs gain
a better understanding of the new process and familiarise themselves with our published
standards requirements. The project will ensure effective communications ahead of
introduction to get across the new assessment criteria to minimise this impact" (DSA 2013)

So surely that means that they are looking for a better standard than previously, or does it mean that the examiners are now all trained to the same level rather than in previous years where as each examiner became able to take tests for part two, then three, then check tests, so had a more up to date or different training regime resulting in an inconsistent marking strategy.

There are 85 examiners trained to carry out check tests in the UK, who will receive just four days training, which seems quite small when you compare the requirements, working to the script of the standards document and taking into account CCL.

Of course if you already deliver CCL, which isn't coaching, just to be clear, according to my communication from the DVSA and also the former road safety minister and also are following the syllabus set down by the DVSA then there should be no drop in standards, surely?

So, for people like me who will be taking a fleet client, despite the fact it is not essential to provide a full licence holder to maintain my fleet badge now, I wonder how the marking will take place and if their will be a bias towards pupil based lessons.

There are 20 instructors over the age of 81, with the majority group being between 41 and 60.  This will surely impact on them as there are so many different forms of 'training' taking place in preparation for the new test, everyone is surely going to have a different experience as each client and subject matter is different.

So do we need to prepare for the standards check, are we doing enough, will it have all changed again in a years time if everyone is downgraded or more slip off the edge, if the DVSA have no idea of the impact then how as instructors are we expected to view this change, for many of us a lower grade would see a change in working practice as some contracts require a specific grade.

All of the ADI Associations have approved the new marking system, and to be honest if there is to be modernisation it has to include everything, so when is modernisation going to spill over into the driving test, well one would expect once the modernisation of the examiners and the driving instructor has taken place.