02 NEWSLINK n MAY <strong>2021</strong>
ADIs need to be wary of the ‘pre-booked’ L-test Colin Lilly Editor, <strong>Newslink</strong> One of the biggest problems emerging from the Covid restrictions in driver training is the rise of the learner with the pre-booked driving test. Some learners have been delayed by a year to 18 months. They may have needed to pass a second theory test. They may have had difficulty finding an instructor as their original instructor is fully booked or has left the business. They hear of long waiting lists so book the first test they can. The need to obtain a licence quickly may well have been exacerbated by the long delay. All these factors increase the learner’s anxiety and stress. This leaves the responsible instructor with the task of breaking the news to their pupil that they are not ready for a driving test. Rarely an easy job, unless the pupil can see that this makes sense. However, in the current climate, pupils are more focused on an early driving test as they look to obtain that desperately needed driving licence. Following the change to Standards Check prioritisation we can hope that trainers will be more forceful in their message to those pupils who will take a chance on the test ‘for experience’. I suspect that many of our members are receiving, as I do, texts and e-mails from organisations on “a book a test, find the instructor later” basis. I do not get involved with them. Some of correspondence I’ve received has involved ‘pupils’ with test dates within three days of receiving the message, so no chance to cancel without fee loss. I have noted requests for the same booking seven days apart, so no instructor found! I would like to think that trainers are being more conscientious of their clients’ driving test performance as this could result in an early Standards Check. Once again instructors would have more control over their pupils’ driving test appointments. An unexpected benefit from this controversial change? For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com B+E testing Another controversial change has been to the B+E system. Since the test was dropped I have spoken to a number of people who have only just become aware that the licence category even existed and had previously towed with only a B licence. The end of the test has provoked more thought for drivers than its introduction, ironically! It is to be hoped that those drivers who tow and their employers will give more thought to the fact that there is more to towing than most drivers perceive, and will seek some professional advice. It is to be hoped that a driver accreditation scheme will be established, along with appropriate trainers. One final point: as you will see in Rod Came’s article on page 11, every week, by the DVSA’s own figures, there are a number of unsold LGV test slots. This puts into question if the removal of B+E tests was ever necessary. Hopefully, there will be some relief for trainers whose lives have been thrown upside down. Latest on B+E testing and plans for an accreditation scheme: see pages 8-11 I suspect that many of our members are receiving, as I do, tests and emails from organisations operating on a ‘book a test, find the instructor later’ basis... I do not get involved... ‘‘‘‘ CONTACT To comment on this article or any other issue surrounding driver training and testing, contact Colin via editor@msagb.com Welcome to your digital, interactive <strong>Newslink</strong> See a pale blue box in any article or on an advert? It it contains a web address or email, it’s interactive. Just click and it will take you to the appropriate web page or email so you can find more details easier. You’ll also find these panels across the magazine: just click for more information on any given subject. To get the full story, click here How to access this magazine You can read <strong>Newslink</strong> in three ways: Go online and read the interactive magazine on the Yumpu website; or, if you would like to read it when you don’t have a mobile signal or WiFi, you can download the magazine to your tablet, PC or phone to read at your leisure. Alternatively, a pdf can be found on the <strong>MSA</strong> GB website, at www.msagb.com Follow the link <strong>MSA</strong> GB sends you to access <strong>Newslink</strong>, and then just click Download to save a copy on your device COVER STORY British Sign Language used to sign ‘Teach me to drive’. See pg 20 for more. Artwork hand-drawn and designed by Amy Beswick, who is available for commissions via rob@ chambermediaservices.co.uk <strong>Newslink</strong> The Voice of <strong>MSA</strong> GB Issue 346 • <strong>November</strong> <strong>2021</strong> Can more be done to help a marginalised community to gain their independence? msagb.com We work for a l Driver Trainers. Want to join? See pg 39 for a special introductory o fer NEWSLINK n NOVEMBER <strong>2021</strong> 03
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