Newslink October

News
Theory test changes
finally get green light
DVSA introduced the planned changes to
the car theory test on Monday, 28
September.
The DVSA had originally planned to
launch the new-look test on March 20,
but this was postponed because of the
Covid-19 pandemic.
The updated part of the test, the
DVSA says, will make it more realistic
and improve the accessibility for all
candidates.
Video clip scenarios will replace the
written case study within the multiple
choice part of the current theory test.
Candidates will be asked three questions
based on the short video clip.
Candidates will still:
• be asked 50 multiple-choice
questions in total
• need to get the same pass mark
• be tested on the same content.
Next year will see the end of an era for
British driver training and testing after the
DVSA announced it is to close its iconic
Cardington driving test centre.
Cardington, for those that don’t know, is
the Bedfordshire base where the DVSA
trains its supervising examiners and
driving test examiners, among other
officials. It stands in the considerable
shadow of the Cardington airship hangers,
which date back to the First World War
and included the famous R101 airship
among its past residents.
In a brief statement the DVSA said: ‘We
will be closing the Cardington training
12
Make sure your pupils are using the
most up-to-date learning resources.
Updated learning materials
The full set of updated official learning
materials is available from the Safe
Driving for Life website, where your
pupils can also practice with the free
video clips.
You and your pupils can save 20% off
by using code 20LZ at the checkout.
n DVSA is reminding members that
candidates need to take their theory test
certificates to their L-test if they have a
paper version. However, if they can’t
find it, they don’t need to order a
replacement before coming to the test.
Pupils will still need to have a valid
theory test certificate before booking and
taking their test.
Historic centre of examiner training
set to close its doors in 2021
facility and relocating the Cardington
driving test centre by the end of March
2021.
‘We’re working to identify alternative
locations for the test centre and will let
you know where we will be conducting
driving tests from in the future.
‘Candidates will still be able to book
tests at Cardington driving test centre
until March 2021.’
And with that, the DVSA/DSA/DFT/
DOT/MOT links to Cardington were
brought to an abrupt end!
• See November Newslink for a look back
at the history of Cardington.
MoTs are back
on track,
says DVSA
Government measures to limit the
spread of coronavirus do not affect
MOT garages, the DVSA has
confirmed, insisting that all MOT
testing will continue.
However, it admitted that many
garages are under considerable
pressure to catch-up with a backlog
of MoTs and services, and has
produced new guidelines for
operating safely during coronavirus.
Owners of large vehicles have been
reminded that they must continue
with regular maintenance and
inspection schedules for vehicles and
trailers. This is a legal requirement
under their operator’s licence.
Enforcers are back
DVSA has also confirmed that its
enforcement work will run as normal
from now on. In a statement the
agency said it was committed to
‘supporting drivers and operators to
follow guidance and legislation and
improve driver and vehicle safety
standards.’
Dodgy drums
Instructors operating in the LGV sector
have been warned about defective
aftermarket brake drums that may be
fitted to Scania P400 lorries.
The DVSA has been made aware of
two cases where aftermarket drums,
which were not manufactured or
supplied by Scania, have failed on
P400 lorries. In both cases lorries
were left without front braking and
were fully laden.
The drums
failed when the
braking surface
fractured and
separated from the
mounting ring. It
is believed that
this was not
normal wear and
tear.
The DVSA has been unable to
identify the manufacturer involved
but an image of one of the failed
drums is shown here. If you have
similar drums fitted to your lorries
call DVSA on 0117 9543425.
NEWSLINK n OCTOBER 2020