Changes to the practical driving test: 6 months on Lynne Barrie MA Driver Training ADINJC Chairman Young Driver Focus 2018

The Goals

From an ADI perspective December 4th was an important day for learners, ADIs and the public You may have noticed seeing less TIR, reversing around a corner Started to see more sat navs in the driving school cars More of us in car parks practising forward as well as reverse parking ADIs also took part in trials before this date

Forward 6 months

Gathering views A survey by the 3 largest ADI national associations 366 responses, 12 questions Attending meetings of local associations, conferences and events Talking to individual ADIs, questionnaires Webinars, podcasts Social media Liaising with the DVSA

How have you found the changes to the independent part of the test since they have been implemented? A lot more common sense and more realistic A useful addition to the test Pupils say they forget they are on test The test is now more like a lesson Both my learners & I found the satnav part really useful Challenging but worthwhile Absolutely fine

How have you found the changes to the independent part of the test since they have been implemented? Confusing as examiners have to correct the sat nav a lot 20 mins too long on sat nav alone. I think it should be combined with road signs Dangerous

Thinking about the old driving test manoeuvres Thinking about the old driving test manoeuvres. Are you still teaching turning in the road and reverse around a corner? 18% 82%

If not, why not? Not part of the test Pupils say they don't want to learn it as its not part of the test No point Had parents on the phone saying I was wasting their money I just teach the TIR not the reverse

How do you feel about the new routes your test centre has implemented?

How do you feel about the new routes your test centre has implemented? There is no consistency, they are all so different Dangerous roads being used for manoeuvres Some routes are far too complex for driving tests and this is making some tests last 48-50 minutes long The new routes are worlds apart Think they are too easy Too challenging

At what stage do you introduce the use of the sat nav into lessons with pupils? 3%

On a scale of 1-5 how well did your candidates cope with the sat nav on their driving test (1 being 'didn't cope well at all' and 5 being 'coped very well')? 3 5 4

Have you experienced any difficulties teaching pull up on the right/drive into a bay and reverse out?

If yes what difficulties have you encountered? Bewilderment from the public when pulling over on right Other road users tend to be more offended by the manoeuvre Not safe to teach in dark and I teach up to 9pm Other drivers show impatience in public car parks Customers and staff tell us to practice elsewhere Many car parks now have signs saying no learners Parking restrictions  

Points to consider Number of responses from 39,000 ADIs Test centre locations Communication with local test centres Improvements over time It’s now about working together Education Communication

In summary The test is now more like a lesson It’s a breath of fresh air I enjoy teaching something new, I've been an ADI over 25 years and this has given me new energy I feel happier now I've had some test passes

Thank you for listening Lynne Barrie MA Driver Training ADINJC Chairman 0800 8202 444 chairman@adinjc.org.uk