AI Solutions: Wanstead instructors vs the rest of the UK?

AI Solutions: Wanstead instructors vs the rest of the UK?: I thumbed through an article in Driving Instructor Magazine and was a little shocked by the content.  Having browsed instructor forum...

Wanstead instructors vs the rest of the UK?

I thumbed through an article in Driving Instructor Magazine and was a little shocked by the content.  Having browsed instructor forums for years, the majority frown upon on intensive courses, whereas a few embrace the intensity, this article sent mixed messages along with a large dose of self righteousness. The writer, Noel Gaughan, says he gives a better service for the money he charges, you can see this where he charges £250 for ten hours, against a £200 charge by another instructor for a two hour lesson and use of the car on test day, which actually equates to four and a half hours on test day. Pass rates are not relevant, post test survival is, and there is no current evidence to support that a high pass rate equates to safer drivers.

So along with the self elevated status comes comments regarding 'cash machine instructors', so also we have to assume that Noel teaches for fun and not to earn a living.  I've been involved in road safety for many years, I have written articles about it, I blog about it, follow the statistics and decipher them and I give talks about it too, but I would never claim to be better than anyone else, my previous experience as a research journalist led me to tracking figures and outcomes.

The test centre mentioned in the article, Wanstead, is one I used when I lived a stones throw from there, it does have one of the lowest pass rates in the country, but you can't only blame the instructors that use it.  Several examiners were disciplined here after failing the last wave of tests so they could have a darts match, an examiner at the same centre wasn't invited to take part and reported it to the DSA.  Of course nobody knows how many more of these incidents there were, it can of course be assumed if using the same logic as this article, they are in it for the money and not to put safe drivers out there.  Retests did take place once it hit the press.

Wanstead test centre, on the outskirts of East London no car park facilities, the waiting room is akin to a cupboard and you can hear examiners discussing previous tests while you wait.  The roads surrounding it have double yellow lines and are heavily parked, so quite difficult to park pre-test.  I used this centre infrequently but on one occasion I took someone who lived nearby, it was pouring with rain so I waited in the very cosy waiting room, an hour later no sign of pupil or examiner, other tests of which there were three had returned and the ADIs gone, it was the last test of the day. I knocked on the office door and was told the examiner had gone home.

It transpired that my pupil had been left in the car two blocks away and told to wait there.  The examiner had gone to the test centre through the back door, of which I did not know there was one, dropped off his paperwork and gone.  As while I was waiting another examiner had opened the door to the waiting room and had seen me there it wasn't as if they didn't know I was there.  Although the conclusion of my complaint was in my favour, it doesn't exactly inspire confidence.  Although I now live in a different part of the country I still use test centres in those areas for instructor tests.

So cash machine driving instructors? Examiners believe their life is in danger? The test won't end happily because of the school presenting the pupil for test? I think that is dangerous ground and absolute prejudice.  I have seen many people present for test who have never had a driving lesson, some arrive driven by someone else and then try to drive away from the test centre, some arrive without L plates, others believe they don't need a car for test.  Although the figures for those arriving for test independently are not available does that mean this is okay or is Mr Gaughan going to choose this category next time.

'How do we get rid of the cash machine driving instructors? Only the DVSA are in a position to do so' (Noel Gaughan Driving Instructor Magazine p.23, 2014), as a tax payer and member of the public I think my money is better spent on education and the health service.  Leave the DVSA to test, and us to continue to do our job. The research to date is varied and extensive, and I have read the majority of it, the aforementioned people will not pass the test if they are below standard, if they choose to try then that is their prerogative.

In six years we reduced our road fatality rate by 1200, a huge achievement and one of which as a country we should be proud, our driving populous has grown yet still we are saving lives, the opinion of a high percentage of the (voting) public is that there should be some form of assessment, and the EURSC would like the same, yet our Government is a little reluctant to be that controversial although they are quite happy to have a postcode lottery for cancer drugs.

The future sees the DVSA being a training establishment only, with quality control being the order of the day and private companies controlling examiner employment, which is why more remote centres will appear and along with that no requirement to publish performance results.  As the DFT becomes a limited company in the same vein as the HA and the DVSA follows suit, I think the opportunity for some to use the DVSA as a punch bag for all that is wrong in driving training will end, and personal responsibility will finally take over.

The Dividing Line

The bridge has widened between the driving instructor fraternity and the testing agency.  Although the top four national associations have banded together to provide a voice, and this can only be commendable it still isn't reflective of the general vision that is debated in various groups who do not belong to an association of any type.

A recent survey identified that the driver trainers who took part, want to see the industry as a whole respected more by members of the public, with 60% blaming the Government for this view, 30% believe that cut price lessons are promoting poor public image, 5% believe that instructors are respected and 5% don't know.

In 2007, the then DSA announced at their Nottingham conference that as testing changed and driving instructor standards rose, the public would appreciate the professionalism and that the DSA would encourage and promote raised awareness of the crucial role ADIs hold in the future of road safety, so why did this not happen? As soon as purse strings tightened and the DSA road shows stopped any help to raise profiles disappeared, the proposed changes to the check test finally happened seven years later but where is the encouragement and support for the instructor, regardless of their role in driver training, be it teaching a novice, training a company car drive, supporting emergency services to name a few.  The stand alone statement that ADIs are doing a great job just isn't enough.  Although the majority are self-employed people the testing agency has great input to structure, with the test being an ultimate goal rather than a stepping stone.  Road safety figures so far in 2014 have bucked the previous trend of declining fatality figures, so tapping the instructor to perform better (standards check) and the modernisation of the driving test (questionable) has not had the effect anticipated, this confirms the view that attitude hasn't changed nor have inroads.

The economy has lifted, this is evident from generally raised trading levels for internet businesses despite the loss of six high street stores every week, as people turn to on line shopping they can spend without leaving the house and some are happy to pay a premium for this as it does not compare to the cost of fuel and parking expenses.

Many driving instructors are reporting an upturn in business too, as the financial outlook shows improvement, also reflected in the drink drive fatality figures then accident rates are likely to rise, can driver behaviour change, definitely, will it, not without some serious Government input and with Department for Transport PLC round the corner, who is going to lead the way where the general public listen.

A recent meeting that I chaired discussed public information films and how this really does make a difference to knowledge, because a good advert will stick in peoples minds, this meeting was attended by over sixty full licence holders, a mix of ages and experience.

Can the profile of the ADI be bought into the 21st century? Can the Government finally fulfil their promise? Or is it just on the shelf gathering dust until figures stay on an uphill trend and the EURSC step in and demand targets.  Oh no of course we want to leave the EU don't we, despite the fact that without their enforcement of the changes to safety features as a compulsory measure it wouldn't be happening.  112 in airbags from 2015, distance separators on LGV1 just to name two.

The Statistics, and the role of the instructor

After all driving instruction isn't just about the learning process it is also about responsibility post test, isn't that what the standards check is trying to achieve.  The inclusion of the ADI in the bid to contribute to vision zero is surely a worthwhile one, it's unfortunate that although this is the desire of the EU, the actual information hasn't been filtered down to those at the sharp end. So what are the latest statistics and how can we really take part.

The rise of fatal accidents on urban roads must send alarm bells ringing through road safety groups as this is the area where most engineering has taken place.  Speeding in those areas has been tackled country wide, with the introduction of average speed cameras in some villages, on major routes and past schools where there is an accident history, so what isn't working, and why not and can the new driver population contribute to the reduction of those figures.

Urban fatality rates were 34% this has risen to 42% in 2013, that is a huge and worrying change.  The vulnerable road user has always been the concern in this environment, with young teenagers having the highest fatal risk.  On questioning a group of experienced drivers most considered this group to be careless when crossing the road and distracted by technology.  While this may be the impression amongst drivers the research tells a different story.  The young teenager has always been a group for concern, going to school unaccompanied, spending more time without an adult in a peer group, this doesn't mean they are rising to the challenge of pressured behaviour, in fact the research tells a story to the contrary, in 2010 the BMJ published a report that recognised up to the age of 14 a child is unable to physically judge the speed of an approaching vehicle, as brain development cannot appreciate speed and distance at that point, so therefore is unable to quantify the risk.  When moving in a group they will follow the lead of the others, the trends suggest it is most likely to be the teenager on their own where fatal injury is most likely to take place.  There are two reasons for this.  The driver does not perceive a risk when there is a child alone as this is considered a manageable risk, the danger of manageable risk is the brain activity of the driver will switch to other risk assessments too thereby allocating less attention to the vulnerable lone person.  When the teen crosses the road in a group the driver will automatically respond, but the random unexpected behaviour of the lone pedestrian trying to assess the situation will take the road user by surprise and is most likely to result in fatal injury.

So when moving onto the young driver it is also useful to know that the same piece of research identified that an adult, considered over the age of 14, cannot judge the speed of an approaching vehicle once it is travelling at more than 50mph, although some would argue this point, it is a physical impossibility, our brain makes the assessment on fast, faster or even faster, which is why some choose an inappropriate gap in moving traffic.  All of this is of vital importance in the world of driver training.  Can the ADI really make a difference in terms of fatal accident figures, of course.  If the pupil buys into the concept which is where coaching comes in,

There is no recognisible address to the problem, despite the WHO publishing a list of considerations, the EURSC publishing a strategy that is vague and lacking in direction.  Where is the starting point, well unfortunately the only way is through thorough research starting from 1979, there are thousands of pages of data, targets and information, which do in fact result in a worthwhile plan, but the changes in the political arena interrupt this making it an arduous task for the majority.

We have lost our top slot as the safest roads to drive on in the European community, with Sweden back up there, in terms of figures, our results for 2013, although fallen from 1754 to 1713, it is a poor percentage change in comparision to other countries, particularly the new comers, in moving forward with major improvement.

AI Solutions: Changing Names of the ADI

AI Solutions: Changing Names of the ADI: I was browsing, as you do, a networking site that was not Facebook, members on this site are varied but there is a generous selection ...

Changing Names of the ADI

I was browsing, as you do, a networking site that was not Facebook, members on this site are varied but there is a generous selection of driving instructors on there.  Well at least they used to be driving instructors but all of a sudden they are changing their job description, one has to ask why?

Has the title driving instructor suddenly become dirty words.

The influx of coaching courses has resulted in driving instructors now calling themselves 'coach', how confusing is that to the general public, it also questions are instructors ashamed of the title so are looking for a replacement?

We carried out a confidential survey with Survey Monkey - you can take part in this too if you wish, it is on our website, http://www.aicoachingsolutions.com in the blog section.  The results that have returned so far highlighted the fact that some feel under pressure to change their title rather than be left behind, but who started the trend in the first place?

Coaching courses specifically designed to help improve teaching methods and to understand CCL have their place and value, however, taking a course does not make you a coach, taking any course, certificate or otherwise doesn't make you an expert, it may top up your knowledge base but that is all.

So for the vast majority courses, associations and paid for information updates are unnecessary and financially unsound, why attend a course when you could be working.  It does seem that there is now confusion regarding the role of the ADI, in particular n contrast to other countries.  Will the bar rise in terms of professional recognition by the public, well that would be an uphill struggle, you could change the title a thousand times but at the end of the day we would still be driving instructors, I'm proud to be a driving instructor, I enjoy my role, I am satisfied that my pupils get what they pay for and have never read about any of them in the paper, so I must be doing something right.

When I first started teaching people to drive it was about building a business and a reputation, I had to start that all over again when I moved some 80 miles away.  Peer pressure encourages pupils to find us and enquire and parental and peer pressure actually make the final decision in the vast majority of cases.  Whether you describe yourself as a coach or not does not make the final decision.

Coaching in the UK is a new phenomenon and is treated sceptically generally. Those who seek a life coach are often from another country or have been involved in study or an environmental situation where coaches in various genres have been utilised, predominantly in the work place.

So why? We need to be delivering what it says on the packet and if that doesn't happen then the title of the provider is surely irrelevant.

AI Solutions: The Standards Check

AI Solutions: The Standards Check: As standard check dates start to filter through there is a whole barrage of companies waiting to take your cash in exchange for information....

The Standards Check

As standard check dates start to filter through there is a whole barrage of companies waiting to take your cash in exchange for information.

You have to wonder why, associations are passing the information on for free, the DVSA have made the information accessible by passing on requested information to local associations as and when required, so that this can then be passed to members.

So why are so many worried about the change? Because it is our livelihood, but change is often watered down, the DVSA have said they expect there to be a difference in grade patterns following this, however that sort of fluctuation or inconsistency is more likely to be a result of the hype surrounding the standards check.

CCL, client centered learning is what you do everyday, meet the needs of the client, adjust your driver training to meet their learning needs and deliver a safe driver to the test centre. Now for most of us we would expect to take some form of training prior to a test, after all it is a test of your ability, and preparation is needed as for any exam.  There is rarely an opportunity to have an over view of teaching, and we are generally as a profession possessive of our skills.

However, why oh why would anyone pay to receive free information?  I saw one advert £100 + VAT, I mean VAT where did that come from, if they are VAT registered then they are definitely earning pots of money from our industry.

However, one thing that is clear, we are moving away from three core, which had always been the plan.

There are many presentations available for free, we are running one on 17th May, this includes a power point from the DVSA, what do you want, of course it is an A grade, but just being ahead of the game is enough, it shouldn't cost anything to keep the badge that costs £300 every four years, there is nothing worse than paying for something you have a right to know.

The Instructor

Today I read an article that I would consider quite insulting to the driving instructor fraternity, it starts with 'many instructors', personally I'm quite disappointed by the sweeping generalisation but more worryingly the intention behind the article implies that we are not good at what we do.

Coaching has swept the ADI culture, well CCL has, but many compare the two, and with this has come a disregard for methods that have gone before, however the research I shall be publishing quite soon states that each style has a place and learning by rote should never be dismissed when you consider it's history and success.  Of course, robotic teaching styles may be considered to be out of touch with the modern pupil, they were really always misplaced in the learning arena, but, does that make the student less able, after all these are human beings, thinking people who question the majority of things to satisfy their own curiosity and learning to drive is no different.

So does commanding a routine of MSM mean that the pupil just displays the right amount of technique to be test standard? Only if the ADI explains it in that way, do this to pass a test, rather archaic actually, I meet many instructors in my role and unsurprisingly the educational process, the fact that more ADI's have multiple trainer roles, has improved what is demanded in the environment of the mobile office.

Why, why, why, is heard more now than ever before, schools are encouraging questioning, the teacher is more likely to have a mentor and in many cases the student too, as a life coach I meet many professional people outside of this industry who are questioning the work ethic of their company and seeking change for everyone for the greater good, so why on Earth is it presumed, not proven, that the ADI has stopped somewhere in the 1980's and become fossilised.

I recently spent some time with a professional person, occasional driver, outside of working and travelled in their car as a passenger, naturally I noted their behaviour, useful for my final chapter and saw that their habits were good despite holding a licence for many years, at the end of the journey I questioned their routine and they smiled and said blame my driving instructor I can still hear their voice ringing in my ears after forty years. Refreshing, not unusual and definitely an example to some.

Taking a Pay Cut

Being self employed brings with it a multitude of dilemmas, do I increase my prices, should I advertise, have I taken on too much, do I wish I had more work, and there is nobody to share this with.  All self employed industries bring a stigma with them, sharing productive times and good profit margins sounds a little like boasting and can sit uncomfortably mid air in a conversation when with peers who are not doing so well. The pressure then becomes apparent for everyone to be doing well, back slapping and sighs of relief, is the reality the same in the cold light of day.

It is a fact that new businesses in the UK do not survive as well as in other countries, we are considered to be recovering from one of the worst periods of recession for some time, so how does the fledgling business compete.  Commonly by dropping prices, running offers and sometimes supplementing income with a second or third job.

However I read a post that inspired this blog, culling the register for driving instructors, yet the odds are not on the side of longevity for many who are new to this particular career, unsurprisingly that is a common pattern amongst all trades where training exclusive of career are regular practice.

Plumbers, electricians, driving instructors, painters and decorators, plasterers, brick layers, to name just a few train specifically with the intention of being a sole trader, the business may grow, after all we all have to start somewhere but initially it is about making a living and developing a reputation, so why are so many held back by their limiting beliefs.

There are two trains of thought here, the first being a lack of willingness to diversify particularly if the educator painted a particular picture of life on the job the other being concerned that too much promotion could result in an unmanageable work load.

So the driving instructor, where does new work come from? Word of mouth? As a newbie that can take a year, how do you pay the bills meantime, what if you are predominantly shy and the thought of standing outside a school or college handing out cars leaves you cold, then maybe thinking outside of the box is the first place to go.  The green badge is not just about teaching learners, many organisations looking for in house trainers require a green badge holder.

The future for driving instructors is rosy, formalisation and of course the anticipated privatisation of the DVSA, after all that was the whole purpose of the merger, with the excellent record of VOSA under the control of Mr People's the DSA suddenly became a salable item over night, there is a huge amount of job satisfaction, flexibility and potential attached to this profession.  Like the plumbers, electricians etc, there is work to be found it's thinking outside of the box that finds it.

Can the cheap lesson culture continue, of course it can, whether it will is debatable because price fixing may not be legal but there is nothing wrong with the RRP so we move into guidelines, quality control among others.  Does the provider of cheap lessons want to work twice as hard to earn a living, or would they like their hands to be tied by a price structure, surely yes, what stops an ADI demanding a fair days pay for a fair days work?

Price structure, SRP, RRP, when lessons will be sold as specific courses, this is not intensive courses, but the block booking style of other EU countries.  This guarantees commitment from the client, eliminates cancellation notice as the fee has been paid already, and the likelihood of chopping and changing for deal chancing gone.  However, it would appear that these measures are seen in countries where the driving instructor is seen as a professional providing a valuable service, until these measures come to the UK then the instructor is fighting an uphill battle until all of this is in place.

If you would like to see formalisation to mirror other EU countries, email me at centraldt@hotmail.co.uk and I can add your thoughts to the data collection.

DVSA PLC

It has been quite well publicised over recent months that the Highways Agency (HA) will become a company in it's own right, this will allow the selling of shares, for the Government to retain a portion and for the Agency to become self financing, good news for tax payers it would seem, however it will only be good news if the sale time is right, as reflected in the information released today regarding the Post Office.

So that leads to other departments that provide a service, for some time now I have mentioned privatisation of the driving test, with such a strong push towards each department becoming a stand alone, after the natural trimming of staff, think Rosemary Thew, there is an even greater implication that the newly formed DVSA is a step towards creating a company that is a viable investment for share holders.

As a tax payer we retained a 30% stake in the Post Office, there is of course no reason for the Secretary of State to withhold a slice of the cake to the same size, although as a tax payer I would be far happier if all interests were held at 51% giving us the majority holding. Currently the holding for HA will be 100% but that can only have limited time scale, meaning the Agency needs to meet it's business forecast for the years 13/14 14/15 to make it more attractive.

So, logically, the back office will be deciding what package they need to pretty up and hold out for the share holders.  With the cost of a driving test rising next year, along with a restructure of the test itself, and the introduction of a standards check (quality assurance), the FTSE100 is likely to embrace the company with open arms.

Changing how instruction is delivered, more customer friendly, teach don't dictate, will make for a more attractive proposition, the question has to be can it really work.  With a new man at the helm, Alastair Peoples, the packaging is more appealing solely because the former DSA needs to lose it's reputation and skeletons before it can be offered for sale.

AI Solutions: Sex and the ADI

AI Solutions: Sex and the ADI: Well of course sex sells, but where does the line become crossed, it was interesting, or maybe disturbing to read that Mark Magee repo...

Sex and the ADI

Well of course sex sells, but where does the line become crossed, it was interesting, or maybe disturbing to read that Mark Magee reports more complaints of a sexual nature from learner drivers in the last year compared to previous years.  Of course there are big question marks surrounding this, what constitutes a sexual advance, what particular word or action would be considered to be inappropriate.

It is a fact that learning to drive creates a relationship between learner and trainer, just as in any tutor role, after all we have all read the stories of teachers absconding with their pupils, in fact I knew a teacher from my school days who upped and left his family of four and went into hiding with a sixteen year old girl. Knowing the family well, it was quite a difficult time for them all, a well respected head of year turned to being a refuse collector to support them both. Does this happen within the learning to drive community, of course possibly even to that extreme.  I have met many women who married their ADI.  So when does a professional relationship become a personal one.

We would be horrified if teachers in schools were suggestive towards our children, but a trainee student is an adult, so should the same view be taken, well during some research on the learning to drive process some of the responses were quite obviously indicative of uncomfortable car situations, but is that because the young female, as they were by the far the larger group who had a story to tell, feel embarrassed or unsure of their sexuality so respond poorly in an intimate environment.  From a female point of view, if you are 'trapped' in a vehicle with a good looking male you are more likely to behave differently and try to perform better, whilst trying to appear cool and knowing and sexy.  However, in the car with a butch female, the working environment could be taken more seriously as there is no pressure to display a more adult impression than might otherwise seem necessary.  As a woman, who remembers those teenage years too clearly, nature made the decision of attraction and being mature enough to overcome that is not so easy.

This doesn't of course solve the problem.  Some of the things sited in my research were such normal everyday comments it was very difficult, even trying to find a suggestive nature, to pinpoint certain phrases as sexual.  You look nice today - I mean, really?  Do you have a boyfriend? - is that a come on, or just polite conversation to relax the student?  Your legs look nice in jeans - well I guess you could take that the wrong way. However, I fail to see any of the above statements grounds for complaint.

Other comments which could be stepping on the line or inching over included, feel how cold my hands are - which could just be someone who is kinesthetic but touching is always a no go area. I've had a row with my wife this morning, and proceeding to tell the details - why? These two comments alone saw different variations, but they all were viewed as negative by the females.  The males who took part could see no problem with any of these statements, so maybe it really is that women are vastly different from men.

The comments that were completely across the boundary included, you are gorgeous, you should have been a model - from a driving instructor? Let me help you with your seat belt - if they can't do it themselves should they be driving, falls into the personal space no go area. I am a photographer too, I can take some pictures for your portfolio they'd look great - advertising photography to impressionable females could definitely fall into the seduction scenario, innocent or not. Do you fancy meeting up when I'm not working - two single people, maybe acceptable after all there are plenty of office romances, but that is in an equal environment, the tuition car is  an unequal environment just as a school or college would be.  This could be interpreted as grooming.

It is funny that female instructors, who have their fair share of advances from male pupils, never see it necessary to complain, in fact sometimes it's flattering, who would we complain to? Our association? Would we stop the lessons, taking into account the financial environment, or is it a matter for the Police?

We all have our own idea of inappropriate behaviour, and many are quick to judge and jump in, but from an instructors point of view, and reflecting on Mr Magee's comments, are we at risk, do we need in car cameras to protect our integrity or will that make no difference at all.  Because the research clearly identifies that an offensive comment or action to one is deemed as an over reaction or not worthy of comment by others.  Would every ADI be shocked by their pupils thoughts.  Because as individuals, pass this on to the court system and there is exactly the same problem, the definition in law of sexual advance is an attempt to gain sexual favour, with the best will in the world, is that really going to happen on the back seat of a modern hatchback?  Especially when valuable working hours are lost.  Is that honestly the intention of instructors who may feel that this is the best way to break the ice, with a bit of innuendo or flattery.

As a community of instructors it is important to know what the boundaries are, despite how obvious they may appear, what the boundaries are that are expected of the executive agency that licences us and where our protection comes from.  A teenager having  a bad day can ruin someones career, what's your protection?

AI Solutions: The Standards Check

AI Solutions: 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,...

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.

AI Solutions: Insurance Scams

AI Solutions: Insurance Scams: Well first it was fronting, a young driver gets a parent to insure the car and they are a named driver hence lower premiums which equa...

Insurance Scams

Well first it was fronting, a young driver gets a parent to insure the car and they are a named driver hence lower premiums which equals a criminal offence, now we have older drivers flouting the law too.  A very limited survey identified that some drivers over the age of 70 are not renewing their licence, either due to lack of understanding, zero contact from the licencing agencies, just not bothering or losing their licence for health issues, yet still insuring their vehicles.

If you renew with the same insurance agent, or even when taking out a policy with a new broker they never ask to see the driving licence of the insured, the driver may or may not have a conviction, ban or valid licence.  So what happens in the event of an accident?  Well, the driver is not insured, and a named driver would still not have valid cover as the policy holder would have given false information.  Check the small print, it alleviates the insurance company of any responsibility if you fail to declare.

With over one million older drivers, there is a very real risk associated with this group.  So why don't insurance companies ask for proof of a licence when insuring your vehicle?  Firstly they ask you to confirm you have a licence and have held it for x number of years, if you have an accident that is your fault then you will lose your no claims bonus, if your insurance is invalid then you will become personally liable, hence the insurance company will have no concern about their involvement but you will of course not get a refund on the premium and run the risk of being fined for false declaration.  If it is a non fault accident, your insurance company will encourage you to pursue this direct with the other party and no need for you to show your licence.

The young driver is often targeted as likely to be uninsured and a risk taker, the older driver doesn't inspire the same investigation, yet their accident rate in terms of number equals that of the new driver age group.

Will the removal of the counterpart and introduction of a digital service which enables easier access to driver records may make it easier to spot, but only if insurance companies make this part of their regular admin checks on renewal, that will take additional time and ultimately add to the cost, meaning premiums are unlikely to fall by £15 as suggested, when just changing your address on a policy costs £30.  With the new system not likely to be up and running until well into next year, what happens if today you meet a potentially unaware, uninsured driver, who is going to cover your costs?