Newslink February 2021

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News Lockdown to stay for now – but glimmer of hope of earlier restart As members will be only too aware, national restrictions have forced the suspension of driving lessons and theory and practical testing in all but a handful of cases. While this restriction is open to change, and all Governments involved have vowed to review their restrictions on a regular basis, it is unlikely to do so in February, MSA GB believes. However, a shaft of light was offered by DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder, who told MSA GB national chairman Peter Harvey, in his capacity as Chairman of NASP, that ADIs’ request for driving lessons to recommence two weeks before the restart of practical driving tests “was being actively considered.” In a letter to Peter Ms Ryder said: “I am also aware of the request from NASP for ADIs to return to work approximately two weeks prior to practical tests resuming. This will also be considered as part of the recovery plan.” Peter said the comments offer a tentative glimmer of hope that ADIs could return to work slighter sooner than examiners. “One of our major criticisms at the relaxing of rules around the first lockdown was that driving lessons and L-tests restarted on the same day,” he said. “How were candidates for those first few tests meant to get themselves in the right frame of mind to take their test, when they had not seen their instructor in weeks? “At least this time the DVSA appears to have taken on board the need for ADIs to start well before testing, to give their pupils a fair chance of passing the test when they come round.” CURRENT RESTRICTIONS A review will take place in all nations at various points this month but it is unlikely to see major changes, with the best hope a ‘roadmap’ plotting a gradual opening up of the economy from early March. Whether this will include the driving training and testing sector is unknown. While there are subtle nuances between each of the nations, the basic rule is the same: • You must not provide driving lessons or motorcycle training, and this includes ADI Part 2 and 3 tests and standards checks. • You can supervise someone from your household or support bubble during an essential journey during the national lockdown. • Minor exemptions exist for frontline emergency workers (see page 6). In England a review of restrictions will be undertaken on 22nd February. In Scotland a review will be held on February 2. However, one difference is that driving lessons and motorcycle training can take place in areas in Protection level 3. This area is confined to some of the islands of Scotland. In Wales: on January 29 the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said lockdown restrictions will continue for at least another three weeks. The next review will be on February 19. Practical tests All candidates affected by these latest restrictions will be contacted by the DVSA with a rescheduled test date. If you booked the test for your pupil, the DVSA will let you know. Remember to inform your pupil of the cancelled test. The DVSA has urged ADIs and learners to be patient over rescheduled tests. There will be considerable delays, but the DVSA will organise a new date as soon as possible Theory tests All theory tests will be suspended until the restrictions are lifted. The DVSA will email anyone who has booked a test and is affected by this to let them know their theory test is on hold and that they will need to reschedule it by visiting https://www.gov. uk/change-theory-test. If you booked your pupil’s theory test you will need to log into the booking system and rearrange their test for a new date and time. The latest details can be found at To get the full story, click here Key information Follow the links for the latest up-to-date news on NASP updated guidance here (click button right) On theory tests (click button right) L- tests (click button right) Instructor guidance (click button right) The latest Standard Operating Procedures can be found on the NASP website for: Driving Test Vocational Test Motorcycle Test ADI Part 2 Test ADI Part 3 Test and Standards Checks They are changing all the time. Make sure you know the latest rules Check the rules 08 NEWSLINK n FEBRUARY 2021
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com Update on ADI registration and qualifications Because of coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions, the DVSA has published advice about what to do if: • your ADI registration expires soon • you were issued a trainee driving instructor licence in January 2021 • your trainee driving instructor licence expires soon • you’re thinking about applying for a trainee driving instructor licence If you’re qualifying to become an ADI If your trainee licence was issued in January 2021, you can ask for your trainee licence to be reissued when coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. Contact the DVSA for advice about the options available in your personal circumstances, at padi@dvsa.gov.uk You need to include your: personal reference number or driving licence number, date of birth and postcode. If your trainee licence expires soon Contact DVSA for advice about the options available if your trainee licence expires soon, via padi@dvsa.gov.uk You need to include your: personal reference number or driving licence number, date of birth and postcode. If you’re thinking about applying for a trainee licence Again, contact DVSA at padi@dvsa. gov.uk for advice, including your personal reference number or driving licence number, date of birth and postcode. Taking the ADI Part 3 test The law says you must book the ADI Part 3 (instructional ability) test within two years of passing the ADI Part 1 (theory) test. You can take the ADI Part 3 test more than 2 years after you passed your ADI Part 1 test, as long as you book it within the 2-year limit. If no appointments are available when you book, you can book an ‘on hold’ test. This means you have to pay for the test but the DVSA arranges the test date when appointments become available again. This meets the legal requirement for you to book your test within 2 years. DVSA cannot extend your ADI Part 1 theory test pass certificate. If you’re already an ADI If your ADI registration expires soon you can choose to not renew your ADI registration. You then have up to 12 months from the date it expires to re-register as an ADI without having to take the qualifying tests again. It costs the same to re-register (£300) as it does to renew your ADI registration. Remember, you cannot charge money (or monies worth) for instruction while your registration is lapsed. DVSA does not have any legal powers to extend your ADI registration or waive or reduce the ADI registration fee. Full guidance on these issues available here: To get the full story, click here www.msagb.com 09
Page 1: msagb.com Newslink The Voice of MSA
Page 4 and 5: Inside this issue 20 30 24 40 News
Page 6: News L-test tuition exemption grant
Page 11 and 12: For all the latest news, see www.ms
Page 14 and 15: News DVSA rejects plan to let ADIs
Page 16 and 17: News ADI numbers are down, down, de
Page 18 and 19: Towards your CPD Can I just go back
Page 20 and 21: Towards your CPD First steps on the
Page 22 and 23: Towards your CPD First steps on the
Page 24 and 25: Towards your CPD Looking and not se
Page 26 and 27: Comment PLAN B PLAN A Time to show
Page 28 and 29: Regional News Starting the year wit
Page 30 and 31: Regional News ADI hints: Visual tec
Page 32 and 33: Regional News Horses and the scourg
Page 34 and 35: Motoring matters Attack of the CL10
Page 36 and 37: Life as an ADI Why did you become a
Page 38 and 39: Life as an ADI Going miles beyond t
Page 40 and 41: Meet the ADI Please save us all fro
Page 42 and 43: Membership Members’ discounts and

Newslink February 2021

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