Newslink February

msagb.com 

Newslink 

The Voice of MSA GB 

Issue 373 • February 2024 

Priced off 

the road? 

Concern as soaring insurance 

premiums force young 

people to ditch their 

dream of driving own car 

Let’s get back 

to meeting 

face-to-face... 

MSA GB 

Conference 

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extended until February 23! 

Day tickets 

£49 

from just 

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Here comes the crunch 

Colin Lilly 

Editor, 


If you recall my editorial from the January 

issue, in which I reimagined the old adage 

about what is providing the light at the end of 

the tunnel... well, the timetable has been 

announced and the express is on its way. 

The PCS (Public and Commercial Services) 

union has announced the days when its 

members at the DVSA will strike as part of the 

industrial action voted for by its members. 

Thursday 8th and Friday 9th February are 

the strike dates for examiners and customer 

service centre agents. On the 10th and 11th, 

Saturday and Sunday, members of DVSA staff 

contracted to work weekends will also strike. 

This could result in the loss of as many as 

8-10,000 driving test slots. 

When announcing the strikes the PCS union 

General Secretary Mark Serwotka described 

plans by Mark Harper, Secretary of State for 

Transport, to reduce the driving test backlog 

as “flawed”. The union added that the plans 

posed significant safety challenges for the 

examiners and the candidates. They will also 

erode the terms and conditions of examiners. 

Mark Serwotka said: “Our members are 

already working their hardest to clear the 

backlog, but they need extra resources, extra 

examiners, not instructions from Mark Harper. 

“They want to maintain the high standards 

they are used to delivering but they’re unable 

to do that if they’re expected to work longer 

and longer hours. 

“If Mark Harper were serious about reducing 

the backlog, he would invest in DVSA, 

employing more examiners, not just expecting 

the existing ones to work harder.” 

Early Bird Discount 

extended. Just £49 for a 

day of quality CPD. 

See pg 20 for more 

details 

In response DVSA said it has been working 

with PCS regarding the working arrangements 

for examiners and L-test service staff. It has 

made an offer to PCS to end the dispute but 

this has been rejected. 

We are unable to confirm what level of 

impact the industrial action might have on our 

services. Not all DVSA staff are PCS members, 

and even if they are, they might choose not to 

strike. So,we will not know which staff are 

participating in strike action until it takes place. 

As always, the DVSA will attempt to contact 

the candidates whose test has been affected, 

either directly or through the contact details 

provided. If they have not been contacted, 

they should attend as normal. 

If candidates arrive for their appointment to 

find their test cancelled, out of pocket 

expenses can be claimed. 

Some driving tests will be rescheduled 

ahead of the strikes but any cancelled at short 

notice will be allocated to the next available 

date. 

The possible effect on the customer service 

centre is difficult to predict, but enquiries may 

take longer than normal to answer. Some 

service will be available between 8am and 

4pm on 8th and 9th February. 

In the release the DVSA said that the 

customers expect a seven day per week 

service and as a publicly funded service, the 

DVSA feels obliged to provide this. 

How long will it be before the public expect 

evening testing as standard, or, dread the 

thought, 24/7 tests? 

As providers of a service, we need to make it 

clear the hours we are willing to work and at 

what price. It is amazingly easy to be dragged 

into a constant cycle of work, which is harmful 

to the well-being. 

More on the strike action: see pg 6 

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COVER STORY 

This is not a test: a 

live insurance 

premium quote 

offered to a new 

driver. Are the 

insurers pricing 

young people out of motoring? 

See pg 12 

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Issue 373 • February 2024 

Priced off 

the road? 

Concern as soaring insurance 

premiums force young 

people to ditch their 

dream of driving own car 

Let’s get back 

to meeting 

face-to face . 

MSA GB 

Conference 

Early bird booking discount 

extended until February 23! 

Day tickets 

from just 

See pg 20 for more details 

£49 

We work for a l Driver Trainers. Want to join? SAVE £25 – see pg 39 for special offer 

PLUS 

Join us at the MSA GB Conference 2024. 

See pg 20-21 for details 

NEWSLINK n FEBRUARY 2024 03

Contents 

06 

28 

08 

17 

11 

Here we go again... the examiners 

are downing tools 

Driving examiners are going out on strike 

again this month, at a loss of around 

8-10,000 driving tests – pg 6 

Public health body calls for 

graduated licensing 

Welsh body wants new drivers restricted 

over who they can drive with, and when, in 

a bid to cut fatalities – pg 8 

One step forward... one step back 

as L-tests go begging 

Finally we have an answer to the question 

as to how many L-tests go unused... and 

it’s more than you think – pg 10 

The leafy suburbs are getting cross 

with ADIs - this time, Bromley 

More tutting and frowning as ADIs take 

their pupils too close to posh houses on 

tree-lined roads... – pg 14 

Conference 

news update 

20 

It’s time to make CPD compulsory, 

says one ADI advocate 

Instructors need to see the benefits of CPD 

– and the best way to convince them is by 

making it mandatory, says one ADI – pg 18 

Driver behaviour - and the 

wheel of change 

There’s some powerful psychology lurking 

behind changing the way drivers think, 

says Steve Garrod – pg 28 



The Motor Schools Association 

of Great Britain Ltd 

Head Office: 

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Essex CO6 2QB 

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E: info@msagb.com 

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and distributed to members and selected recently 

qualified ADIs throughout Great Britain by: 

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Views expressed in Newslink are not necessarily those 

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Although every effort is made 

to ensure the accuracy of 

material contained within 

this publication, neither MSA 

GB nor the publishers can 

accept any responsibility for 

the veracity of claims made 

by contributors in either 

advertising or editorial content. 

©2023 The Motor Schools 

Association of Great Britain 

Ltd. Reproducing in whole 

or part is forbidden without 

express permission of the 

editor. 

04 NEWSLINK n FEBRUARY 2024


MSA GB Board 

of Management 

National Chairman & 

Area 2 - East Coast Chair 

Mike Yeomans 

7 Oak Avenue, Elloughton, 

Brough HU15 1LA 

T: 07772 757529 

E: mike.yeomans@msagb.com 

AREA 1 

Vice Chairman 

Peter Harvey MBE 

T: 01505 814823 

E: peter.harveymbe@msagb.com 

Area 1 – Scotland & 

Northern Ireland 

Chair: Steven Porter 

18 Heron Place, Johnstone 

PA5 0RW 

T: 01505 345372 or 

07747 600672 

E: steven.porter@msagb.com 

Area 3 – London & South East 

Chair: Tom Kwok 

52B Sutton Road, Muswell Hill, 

London N10 1HE 

07956 269922 

E: tom.kwok@msagb.com 

How MSA GB 

is organised, in 

four AREAS 

AREA 4 

AREA 2 

AREA 3 

Area 4 – West Coast & Wales 

Chair: Arthur Mynott 

9 Hagleys Green, Crowcombe, 

Taunton TA4 4AH 

T: 01984 618858 

E: arthur.mynott@msagb.com 

Keep in touch 

If you have updated your address, telephone numbers or 

changed your email address recently, please let us know 

at head office by emailing us with your new details and 

membership number to info@msagb.com. 

If you can’t find your membership number, give us a ring 

on 01787 221020. 

Follow MSA GB on social media 

Just click on the icon to go 

through to the relevant site 


News 

New numbers 

for 68 DTCS 

Members should note that the contact 

telephone numbers for 68 DVSA driving test 

centres (DTCs) have changed. The old 

number will no longer be active so please 

update your contact details. 

The affected DTCs are in the Yorkshire, 

North-West, North-East, the Midlands, 

South-East & London, South-West regions, 

and Scotland and Wales. 

DTC telephone numbers are given to 

candidates so they can contact their local 

driving test centre if there is bad weather on 

the day of their test. 

The new contact numbers start with an 

020 code, which appear as a London number. 

However, you will be connected directly to 

your local DTC, as usual. The numbers are not 

routed through DVSA’s contact centre. 

Let your pupils know 

DVSA has contacted candidates who have 

a test booked at the 68 DTCs to let them 

know the new number they should use in the 

event of bad weather. If you have booked a 

test on behalf of your pupil, please let them 

know about the change in contact number. 

Further changes 

DVSA has invested in VOiP technology 

because it allows calls to be made using a 

broadband internet connection instead of a 

regular landline. 

It will introduce this technology to all DTCs 

over the next few months. They will be 

contacting you to confirm the new numbers 

in due course. 

This will improve the quality of the calls to 

DVSA. 

Click here for the full 

list of new numbers 

Pavement ban comes in 

Members are reminded that the anticipated 

ban on pavement parking in Edinburgh has 

comes into affect, with motorists facing a 

£100 fine. Edinburgh is the first city in 

Scotland to implement the ban, but won’t be 

the last. 

The rules are designed to protect 

pedestrians, especially people in wheelchairs 

and those pushing buggies. However, 

concern has been raised on whether it could 

cause access difficulties for emergency 

service and public utility vehicles. 

It’s ‘all out’ again as DVSA and 

PCS refuse to agree terms 

As reported in the January issue, the ballot on 

industrial action by examiners, organised by 

the Public and Commercial Services Union 

(PCS) before Christmas, came down in favour 

of further strikes by driving examiners. 

This was the last news ADis wanted to 

hear, and MSA GB has voiced its frustration 

over this turn of events to the DVSA. 

The PCS has served DVSA notice of strike 

action on: 

n 8 and 9 February. This will involve all PCS 

members in DVSA including driving 

examiners and customer service centre 

agents 

n 10 and 11 February . This will involve any 

PCS members in the DVSA who are 

contracted to work weekends. This will also 

involve examiners where weekend testing is 

performed. 

The DVSA said its customer service centre 

might be affected by the strike action, and it 

may take longer than usual to answer your 

query. The customer service centre will be 

open from 8am to 4pm on 8 and 9 February. 

It must be reiterated that if your pupils 

have a test scheduled for the days set out 

above, they must attend unless they are told 

directly by the DVSA not to. Not all examiners 

are members of the PCS, and not all PCS 

members will strike, so there is a chance the 

impact will be less than you may imagine. 

However, MSA GB believes we could see as 

many as 8-10,000 L-tests lost. 

The DVSA comment: “We have been 

working with PCS to address concerns raised 

about the working arrangements for driving 

examiners and the driving test service 

provided by DVSA. We have made an offer to 

PCS to end the dispute, which has been 

rejected. 

“It is disappointing that strike action will 

now go ahead. This will mean the hard work 

and commitment from colleagues in DVSA to 

reduce driving test waiting times will be 

undone, and have a negative impact on the 

services we offer our customers.” 

In response the PCS said: “This dispute is in 

connection with the DVSA’s ‘driver services 

recovery programme’. This is a politically 

driven programme which seeks to restore the 

national average waiting time for L-tests to 

seven weeks. 

“However, the programme poses 

significant safety risks to test candidates and 

examiners, as well as an erosion of staff’s 

terms and conditions. It fails to address the 

root causes of the backlog and requires staff 

to deliver an additional 150,000 tests on top 

of their normal workloads. 

“This is despite DVSA’s own admission that 

even 150,000 additional driving tests will still 

result in missing the seven-week target. 

“Despite PCS’s best efforts, an acceptable 

agreement has not been reached through 

dispute resolution negotiation and our 

reasonable demands have not been met.” 

PCS General Secretary, Mark Serwotka, 

added: “The actions of DVSA management 

are reckless, prioritising business need over 

the health, safety and welfare of our 

members while attempting to attack their 

terms and conditions. 

“The actions taken by the agency show a 

total disregard for our members upon whom 

they rely to keep the tests operating. 

“Our members want to support a reduction 

in the driving test waiting times, while 

maintaining high standards and the integrity 

of the services they deliver, but are not 

prepared to do so at a detrimental cost to 

their health and safety nor their terms and 

conditions. 

“This strike action is avoidable and DVSA 

must now act to table a proposal that 

adequately addresses the concerns raised 

and meets the PCS demands.” 

MSA GB national vice chairman Peter 

Harvey said: “Both parties appear unwilling to 

find a compromise to this dispute, which is 

both worrying and frustrating. If none can be 

found, I assume more strike dates will be 

announced in March and April, and more 

progress in reducing L-test waiting times will 

be lost. Meanwhile, both parties will stay sat 

on top of their ivory towers preaching the 

righteouness of their cause while diverting 

their eyes from the innocent victims in this 

row, ADIs and their pupils.” 



CPD planning for 2024? 

We know that it is a really busy time of the 

year, but it’s important to find time to 

continue to develop your skills. 

Continuing professional development 

(CPD) is any development activity that 

has helped you: 

n learn something new 

n refresh your existing knowledge 

n improve your skills 

n keep up-to-date with the latest 

developments 

When you’re planning your CPD you 

should consider: 

n which existing skills that you want to 

improve 

n new skills that will help you in your 

current role or develop you in areas you’re 

interested in 

To help you to do this you can: 

n check and see if your local or national 

driving instructor association is holding 

any free or paid for meetings, events or 

webinars and get them booked and added 

into your calendar 

n book training courses - either online 

or in person 

n work with a registered trainer to 

improve your driver training skills 

n watch videos, listened to podcasts or 

read blog posts, magazines and books 

n keep an eye out for blog post and 

webinars from DVSA. 

Some of the topics you might like to 

focus on include: driving laws, rules and 

techniques; personal growth and 

wellbeing; finance and business 

management; or teaching specific groups, 

such as people with disabilities, learning 

difficulties and neurodiversity. 

One way to get a lot of this covered is by 

attending the MSA GB Conference 2024. 

See pg 20-21 for more details. 

n Time to make CPD compulsory: 

One ADI’s view, see pg 18 

MSA GB payment 

hotline 

Dear MSA GB member 

and colleague, 

While being a driving 

instructor does offer 

incredible flexibility, we 

understand that it can 

leave you time poor for 

those everyday admin jobs. So, to help make 

things easier when paying for your membership or 

booking tickets for our calendar of events, we’ve 

set up a dedicated payment line: 

01787 221299. 

This also means that our membership team are 

more available for answering member queries and 

resolving any issues you may be experiencing. 

Our membership team can still be contacted on: 

01787 221020. 

We look forward to taking your call. 


News 

Wales’ public health body calls 

for GDL to protect new drivers 

Public Health Wales has stepped out of its 

usual area of expertise by calling for the 

introduction of graduated driver licensing 

(GDL), which would, it said, save lives. 

Its call comes in a response to a Welsh 

Government consultation paper on a new 

road safety strategy. Public Health Wales said 

GDL could be designed to allow new drivers 

to gain experience and skills gradually over 

time in low-risk environments. 

Among its suggestions are for newly 

qualified drivers under the age of 25 not to 

give lifts to other young people, and not drive 

late at night. 

It also wants a drink-drive limit of 20mg 

per 100ml of blood – the equivalent of a 

half-pint of beer/small glass of wine. 

Public Health Wales has also called for 

Wales to adopt a road safety strategy that 

focuses on public health, addresses 

inequalities in the harms that result from road 

traffic, and prioritises walking, cycling and 

public transport over driving. 

Dr Sarah Jones, a consultant in 

environmental public health at Public Health 

Wales, said: “Historically, our road network 

has been built with the prioritisation of 

private motor vehicle users in mind, but it is 

becoming increasingly clear that this is not an 

approach that is fit for the future. 

“A modal shift is required to encourage 

more people to use transport options such as 

walking, cycling, or public transport, as an 

alternative to the car. Only then can Wales 

hope to develop a road system that supports 

decarbonisation efforts that will reduce air 

pollution and address the climate emergency, 

as well as inequalities in access. 

“A road safety strategy is a public health 

strategy, and all elements of the new 

strategy should be explicitly considered in 

terms of how they may be expected to 

protect, improve or harm health.” 

Public Health Wales also recommends that 

pedestrian crossing wait times should be cut 

and time allowed to cross extended. 

Other specific policy proposals included 

ensuring that cycling infrastructure should be 

clearly separated from other motor vehicles 

and that ‘paint only’ lanes are not acceptable. 

MSA GB said: “We do have a measure of 

GDL in place at the moment, and the issue of 

restricting new drivers has been much 

debated in recent years. 

“However, a continual criticism of the 

restrictions suggested by Public Health 

Wales is that bans on lifts by new drivers 

would be very difficult to enforce, night-time 

driving bans would stop young people 

accessing jobs in the night-time economy, 

and there is little evidence that drink-driving 

is a big problem among the young: typical 

culprits are middle-aged men, so why target 

youngsters with this measure? 

“Public Health Wales hasn’t come up with 

the right answers to the problem.” 

Motorists falling into line with 

new lower limit, researchers say 

Analysis has shown that the Welsh motoring 

public has quickly fallen into line with new 

rules on speed limits throughout the country. 

On September 17, the default limit on most 

roads in Wales became 20mph, and research 

by Agilysis has found that it has had an 

immediate effect, with traffic speeds falling 

by 2.4mph since the lower limit’s introduction. 

Agilysis analysed speeds on nearly 500km 

of roads in 10 Welsh towns and cities. It 

covers the three-month period postintroduction 

on September 17, 2023. 

The report found that average speeds on all 

roads affected are down by 2.4mph compared 

to pre-change levels. 

It builds on previous analysis, which 

showed there was a 2.9mph drop in speeds in 

the immediate aftermath of the change. 

Agilysis says the figures show that while 

there has been a small increase in speeds 

since the initial survey, compliance with the 

new 20mph limits is “generally good and 

shows a general acceptance of the new limit 

among drivers”. 

The report also shows there are slight 

variations across the ten towns and cities 

included in the analysis, with Bangor 

experiencing the most significant reduction 

in average speeds (-3.2mph) and Merthyr 

Tydfil displaying the smallest change 

(-1.3mph). 

Just over half (52.9%) of all analysed 

journeys were driven above the 20mph 

speed limit, while 17.9% were driven above 

the enforcement threshold of 26mph. 

A total of 5.4% of journeys were driven at 

speeds above the threshold for a court 

summons. 

The Welsh Government recently confirmed 

the enforcement of 20mph speed limits will 

begin in January, following an initial 

adjustment period. Police will still be able to 

try education of speeders first, however, 

before prosecution takes place. 

But Agilysis says introducing stronger 

speed enforcement measures will be a crucial 

next step towards achieving greater 

compliance across the road network. 



Pothole plague hits 80 motorists a day says RAC 

It will come as no surprise to ADIs that 

Britain’s ‘pothole plague’ is getting worse – 

but new figures released by the RAC has 

highlighted just how many motorists it 

affects every year. 

In 2023 the RAC received call-outs to 

pothole-related breakdowns nearly 30,000 

times. That’s equivalent to 80 breakdowns a 

day and up a third on 2022. The fourth 

quarter of 2023 saw 5,153 breakdowns 

caused by potholes, the highest for any 

October to December period since 2017. 

Faults included broken suspension springs, 

damaged shocks and distorted wheels. 

The RAC says the problem will be getting 

worse at the moment as we are in the middle 

of ‘pothole season’ – January to March – 

when water makes its way into cracks in the 

road, freezes and expands, causing surfaces 

to deteriorate even more. 

Its Pothole Index, which has tracked the 

condition of Britain’s roads since 2006, now 

stands at 1.70, up from 1.62 in 2022. While 

this is nowhere near the all-time high of 3.5 

recorded in Q1 2010, at 1.7 the index suggests 

drivers are more than one-and-a-half times 

as likely to experience pothole damage as 

they were 15 years ago. 

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: 

“The cracks in Britain’s road maintenance 

system have once again been embarrassingly 

exposed. Potholes are so much more than an 

irritation – they are a very serious danger to 

all road users which we fear is getting worse. 

“Local councils have been cash-strapped 

for years due to lower road maintenance 

budgets, causing roads across the country to 

fall into disrepair and leaving drivers fighting 

for compensation when their vehicles are 

inevitably damaged. 

“Fortunately, the Government has 

committed an extra £8.3bn of funding to local 

councils over the next 11 years, which we 

hope will give squeezed authorities some 

certainty of cash to help them plan 

consistent longer-term maintenance. 

“Now we urge the DfT to lay out clear 

guidance as to how this money should be 

best used so that councils can actually 

improve their roads for the future.” 

However, the Local Government 

Association admitted that the extra cash “is 

not going to fully fix the problem”, with a 

number of commentators describing the 

cash as a ‘drop in the ocean’. One road 

maintenance expert said, “it will take more 

than the money put up by Government to 

sort out the UK’s crumbling roads. You would 

probably need to put a zero on the end of that 

figure to do that.” 


News 

The truth is out there... 

DVSA reveals 

number of 

L-tests that 

go begging 

Regular readers will be aware that in recent 

issues, Newslink has been trying to get to the 

bottom of whether L-tests are going to 

waste because they are not being conducted, 

for whatever reason. 

We all know that there are not enough test 

slots available, and waiting times are lengthy 

as a result. But is the system operating 

efficiently, in that, are any L-tests going 

unused? 

To find out, we made a Freedom of 

Information request (FoI) in November, with 

the answer arriving in December and 

published in our January issue. 

That found that in the period November 6 

to December 3 (four weeks) there were just 

2,879 unallocated tests. By our maths, that’s 

about three per cent of all tests in the system. 

However, this did not quite get to the heart 

of our query: we didn’t want to know how 

many were unallocated (ie, a test slot without 

a candidate’s name next to it); we wanted to 

know how many tests went unused - ie, 

either without a candidate being offered the 

slot, or where candidates failed to turn up, or 

had their test cancelled for some other 

reason, such as examiner short-notice 

In December’s Newslink, one of our regular 

contributors made what to many was a point 

that chimed with them: that often they were 

seeing evidence of L-test ‘no shows’ in their 

local driving test centres, with examiners sat 

patiently waiting for candidates to arrive, 

only for them to fail to turn up for their test. 

“I’ve been in my test centre, where there 

are seven examiners, and seen only five go 

out on test,” was the comment. “Was their 

inactivity as a result of no shows?” 

Given the current state of the L-test 

waiting times, any unused L-tests would be a 

crying shame. 

The finger of blame for this – if it were a 

major problem – was pointed at the modern 

culture of learners grabbing L-tests via 

booking websites and bots, without checking 

with their ADI first, and simply not turning up 

on the day when they discovered that they 

were nowhere near test ready, or that their 

instructor was not available on that day. 

Therefore, the question was asked, was 

this really a widespread problem, and if so, 

was it something the DVSA could do more to 

tackle, perhaps with a promotional campaign 

highlighting the need to book tests only 

when ready – and to make sure if they have a 

test, they attend. 

Fundamentally, was this a problem 

indicative of how the testing system was 

working at present, with lots of missed and 

wasted tests, or was it a rare occurrence? 

sickness/absenteeism. 

To get to the bottom of whether our 

So we submitted a second contributor FOI: had experienced ‘I wanted isolated to case 

of examiner idleness or administration time, 

know how much total spare or whether capacity there was a problem there of unused 

test slots across the country which was 

was in the L-test booking 

exacerbating 

system, 

the L-test 

ie, 

waiting 

the 

times, we 

decided to challenge the DVSA. An FOI 

request was clearly needed to answer the 

number of car driving test 

question, 

slots 

so at 

not 

the end 

booked 

of November 

Newslink asked the following of the DVSA: 

which are available, plus the Could number you tell me how of many L-test slots 

were not taken up in the past four weeks? In 

L-test slots that were not other used words, (but for clarity, had how much spare/ 

wasted capacity was there in the L-test 

been booked). 

system this month? 

Unfortunately, as anyone who has ever 

attempted an FOI will know, the devil lies in 

“Therefore, can I ask you to tell me how 

getting your terminology correct and being 

many L-test slots were not used, including all 

which were not booked in the first place, plus 

all those that, for whatever reason (including 

examiner sickness, industrial action, internal 

problems causing the need to cancel a test 

and candidates’ failure to attend), were 

unused for the period 06/11/2023 - 

03/12/2023.” 

The response was disheartening to begin 

with. As the data requested “will be published 

at some point in the future”, the DVSA is not 

bound to release the figures. “We routinely 

publish data about car test cancellations that 

occurred due to leave, disputes, acts of 

nature, medical absences and the pandemic. 

very precise with the question so you extract 

the data you are looking for. From the reply 

received it was clear our question didn’t hit 

the nail on the head this time - as can be seen 

by the answer. However, it did reveal an 

interesting statistic. 

The DVSA replied: 

There were only 2,879 L-test slots NOT 

taken up in the period from 06-11-2023 to 


The question of the missing candidate: 

Are L-test slots going to waste, or is 

the system working efficiently? 

03/12/2023. 

This information is published So I am after the in total arrears,” number of ‘lost’ the 

Note, L-test slots. In other words, every tests for the period in question. 

DVSA said. 

Do you think we’ll get to the bottom of how 

many tests weren’t taken up? 

“This information is Hopefully exempt - and if we from do, we’ll definitely let 

you know. 

disclosure under section 

However, 

22(1) 

the answer 

(information 

does tell us one thing: 

the L-test system is pretty efficient, in that 

Therefore, a new request has gone in: 

virtually every test slot is allocated. After all, 

Sir/Madam 

intended for future publication) 

on a total testing regime 

of 

of around 

the 

1.7 

FoIA, 

million 

Many thanks for your reply to my FOI 

tests, 2,879 equates to just two per cent of 

which states that the ‘unused’ information capacity. is held by 

However, the answer received didn’t quite Even the harshest critic would accept that 

the public authority with a booking a system view that allocates to its 98 per cent 

I was looking for the total spare capacity in of its available slots is doing well, particularly 

publication at some future when those slots date. are scattered We over a wide 

geographical area. 

So that’s one good point - even if it wasn’t 

anticipate that this will be in April 2024.” 

quite the one we were looking for! 

No luck, then... but wait, a glimmer... 

The DVSA went on to say: “We can 

however provide you with the number of 

tests lost as available tests were not booked 

and due to other cancellation reasons that 

are not published. This was 10,730. ’ 

So, in answer to the question, just short of 

11,000 tests went begging from November 

6-December 3. If this figure were to be 

extrapolated across the whole year, it would 

mean 140,000 tests are being lost every 

year, to examiner sickness, no shows and 

those tests that went unallocated. 

You could not expect any system to be 

completely watertight, but to lose 140,000 

tests a year does seem rather leaky. 

Two points to consider. First, the above 

figure DOES NOT include any tests lost to 

industrial action, as there were no strikes 

held in the period under consideration. 

Therefore the number of tests unused in, say 

February, could be far higher, as industrial 

action takes its toll again. 

Two, you remember all that fuss about 

dragging in DVSA senior management to run 

L-tests? How ‘warrant card’ holding staff 

were being returned to the frontline in a noble 

effort to reduce L-test waiting times? 

Well, that contribution will add an extra.... 

... 140,000 L-tests to the roster, according 

to the DVSA. Exactly the same number of 

being losts being lost/going unallocated! 

NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2024 09 

10 NEWSLINK n FEBRUARY 2024 

03-12-2023. 

test was booked apart from 2,879. But it does 

not tell us what we wanted to know: how 

many test slots were not used - whether 

because they were never booked (the 2,879 

mentioned here) or because the examiner 

was absent, or the candidate failed to show. 

request, as referenced above. 

deliver the information I required. 

the L-test booking system, ie, the number of 

car driving test slots not booked which are 

available, plus the number of L-test slots 

that were not used (but had been booked). 

Therefore, can I ask you to tell me how 

many L-test slots were not used, including all 

which were not booked in the first place, plus 

all those that, for whatever reason (including 

examiner sickness, industrial action, internal 

problems causing the need to cancel a test 

and candidates’ failure to attend), were 

unused for the period 06/11/2023 -


Scottish Government launches new campaign to 

address issues of older drivers’ eyesight 

The Scottish Government and Road Safety 

Scotland have joined forces to encourage 

older drivers to have their eyesight checked 

so they can continue driving safely. 

Research shows that the number of 

drivers over the age of 60 killed or seriously 

injured in a car crash is increasing, and they 

now amount to 29% of all KSI victims. 

With that in mind, the Fitness to Drive 

campaign highlights that eyesight can affect 

the ability of older drivers. 

It calls for anyone in that age +60 

demographic to have their eyes examined 

regularly, or as soon as they notice a change. 

It is common for drivers to adapt their 

driving behaviour as they get older, for 

example, by not driving at night or on busier 

roads to avoid the glare from oncoming 

traffic, or by driving shorter distances. These 

adaptations often happen gradually and can 

be a sign of deteriorating vision. 

Janet Pooley, chief optometric adviser at 

the Scottish Government, said: “As we get 

older, we can experience changes to our 

eyesight, including blurred vision, a reduced 

visual field and less accuracy when it comes 

to judging distances, which impact our ability 

to drive safely. 

“The best way to make sure your eyes are 

healthy is to have them examined regularly 

and to visit your local optometrist if you 

notice any problems with your eyesight. 

“As well as detecting changes in your 

eyesight, an NHS eye examination can pick up 

age-related eye conditions like cataracts and 

glaucoma, and it can identify and help prevent 

other health conditions like blood issues and 

diabetes, which can also affect driving.” 

The campaign reminds drivers that 

changes in eyesight don’t have to mean 

giving up driving and that a local optometrist 

can often correct any difficulties drivers have 

simply by prescribing new glasses. 

Janet Pooley added: “In some cases your 

optometrist might advise that you require 

surgery to improve your vision if you have a 

condition like cataracts. Outstanding surgical 

results often enable people to continue to 

drive safely for many years.” 

In addition to eyesight, other age-related 

factors can also affect fitness to drive, such 

as high blood pressure, medication and 

slower reaction times. 

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead for 

when they do choose to give up driving and 

consider alternatives for getting around 

without a car, including public transport and 

getting help from family members and 

friends. 

Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s minister for 

transport, said: “Changes in our eyesight is 

something we’re all affected by as we get 

older, and with Scotland’s population 

continuing to age, it’s particularly important 

to ensure we all stay safe on the road. We’re 

encouraging everyone in this age group to get 

their eyes checked regularly to make sure 

they are fit to drive.” 

“As well as detecting changes in your eyesight, an NHS eye 

examination can pick up age-related eye conditions like 

cataracts and glaucoma, and it can identify and help prevent 

other health conditions like blood issues and diabetes, which 

can also affect driving.” 

Age Scotland’s Big Survey 2023 shows 

driving is the most common way to get 

around among over 60s, with 72% of 

respondents saying this is the mode of 

transportation they use most. 

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, 

said: “We know driving is hugely important to 

older people and plays a big part in their 

ability to stay active, mobile and independent. 

“This campaign is a good reminder for older 

drivers to get their eyes examined regularly 

or, if they notice a change in their eyesight, to 

make sure they have the best vision for 

driving safely.” 

The campaign will also address family and 

friends who may be initiating discussions 

about driving with their loved ones, which 

can be a sensitive subject. 

But the campaigners stressed that this is 

not a push to stop older people from driving. 

The Government added: “We know that 

having access to a car, and driving, is 

important for older people who wish to retain 

their independence. 

“This is particularly true for those who live 

in rural communities where they may not 

have easy access to public transport. 

“We know how important cars are to 

people – but we just want everyone to take 

simple steps to keep themselves safe.” 


News 

Soaring insurance costs risk killing 

young people’s driving dreams 

A concerned parent writes... 

Two stories connected to insurance caught 

my eye this month. 

The first was a report that 400,000 drivers 

have been caught driving without insurance 

over the past four years. The second was a 

claim that more young people were ‘fronting’ 

after passing their driving test, to avoid 

sky-high insurance premiums. 

There was a third story... but more on that 

later. 

A little about the second one first. Fronting, 

for those who aren’t aware of the term, is 

where a parent adds their child on to their car 

insurance as a ‘named driver’, despite the fact 

that their the son or daughter will really be its 

main driver. In such cases the child should 

have insurance of their own. 

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) 

says a ‘main driver’ has to be the person who 

drives the car the majority of the time. A 

‘named driver’ can only be someone who 

uses the car less often than the main driver. 

If evidence of fronting is found – and if a 

big claim is being made, you can guarantee 

that the insurance company will be looking 

for clues – the policy would be invalidated, 

and those responsible would face criminal 

sanctions. They could also be added to the 

Insurance Fraud Register, which is shared 

with the industry and can impact taking out 

future policies. 

But a recent Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) 

survey revealed that a quarter of 18-24 

-year-olds would find it acceptable to lie on 

an insurance application to save money - 

although many knew that fronting is illegal. 

“With prices rising, more young people will 

be tempted to front on their car insurance to 

save money, but fronting is never worth the 

risk,” Jon Radford at the IFB, said. 

The IFB said fraudulent insurance added 

costs to “all honest consumers’ premiums 

which is why we’re working closely with 

insurers to tackle the problem”. 

Fraud costs the industry around £1bn a 

year, according to the ABI. 

So who fronts up? 

The BBC report offered some clues as to 

why people would risk this. One 17-year-old 

from Leeds, who needed her car to get to 

college, was stunned when she was asked to 

part with thousands to insure the vehicle. 

Her mum Andrea told the BBC she had 

never heard of fronting before, but believes 

she and her daughter share the car equally. 

“We had no other option,” she said. “We 

did look at putting it in her name, we asked 

the question of the insurance company and 

this is what they came back with.” 

But while mum seemed unaware of the 

potential dangers of doing this, Lucy was not. 

“Obviously it’s a concern. Once I’ve done my 

A-levels my mum will be driving the car to 

work and I will have it on weekends, so she 

will be the main driver. 

“At the moment there’s not really anything 

I can do. It’s either that or I don’t drive.” 

She would like her own policy, but 

“Everyone’s in the same position. Being a 

named driver is the only way anyone can 

afford to do this.” 

According to the BBC, insurance for young 

drivers often outstrips the value of the cars 

typically driven by people who have just 

Left, a screenshot taken from 

a comparison site of actual 

quotes obtained for a 

newly-passed 22-year-old 

driver, based in north London 

and driving a 1.6 Honda Civic 

valued at £1,000. 

These are the CHEAPEST of 

16 quotes received. 

There was a blissful irony in 

that the last, and most 

expensive, at £10,772 was 

from an insurer called ‘Go 

Girl’. 

Not at that price, she won’t! 

passed their test. Really? More on that later... 

And so to the first story. While in the 

fronting story there is a suggestion that 

some people are not aware they are acting 

illegally, in the first story mentioned, they 

clearly are. iCompario submitted a Freedom 

of Information request to see how many 

motorists have been convicted of driving 

without insurance since 2019. 

It’s a lot. 400,000 in the past four years, or 

2,000 a week. In some areas, such as Ilford in 

East London, one-in-50 licence holders have 

been caught driving without insurance in the 

past four years. Bradford (one-in-57), and 

Romford (one-in-64) are also described as 

‘no insurance conviction hotspots’. 

And with the Financial Conduct Authority 

saying last week that premiums will rise by 

as much as 20% this year, after a rise of 21% 

since June 2022, the temptation for some 

drivers to not get insured is likely to increase. 

iCompario points to a survey of 1,600 UK 



drivers which revealed that roughly a quarter 

would consider driving without insurance due 

to financial concerns and the cost. 

Andrew Davies, from iCompario, said: “The 

fact that hundreds of thousands of drivers 

are risking a criminal record, penalty points, 

and financial strife is deeply alarming. 

“Rising car insurance costs coupled with 

rising living costs are a potential worry, as it 

would be very problematic if the rate of 

uninsured drivers on UK roads were to 

increase in the coming months and years.” 

So what about that third story we 

mentioned? Well, here I have some skin in the 

game, so to speak. This week saw my eldest 

daughter pass her driving test, thanks in no 

small part to the expertise of her instructor, 

Craig. With these two stories whizzing round I 

did a little experiment on her behalf. 

For reasons too hard to explain I currently 

have an oldish Honda Civic sat on my drive. It 

sits unloved, SORN’d and uninsured. How 

much would it cost to insure that for my 

daughter, I wondered. 

I knew it was going to be a lot but when the 

cheapest quote comes in at £5,866, you 

know you are in trouble. The most expensive? 

Over £10,000. 

I swear I could hear the meerkat laughing. 

Okay, so what do we do about it? Well, 

“I knew it was going to be a lot but 

when the cheapest quote comes in 

at £5,866, you know you are in 

trouble. The most expensive? Over 

£10,000. I swear I could hear the 

meerkat laughing...” 

no-one asked if I would add a black box to the 

equation, nor Pass Plus (which was an 

option). In addition the quote was for a base 

in north-west London. It’s also true that the 

Civic in question has a 1.6-litre engine, and 

has a book value of less than £1,000 (which is 

why I said ‘more on that later’ as a retort to 

the point made by the BBC, that sometimes, 

premiums could outstrip the value of the car.) 

To be honest, it was all a theoretical 

exercise anyway. Living in London she is well 

aware of the challenges of affording a car in 

the capital, and with a Tube station on her 

doorstep doesn’t see the point. 

But here’s the rub: if this kind of ridiculous 

quoting is endemic, how long will it be before 

young people really do say, it’s just not worth 

learning to drive? Bear in mind that my 

daughter isn’t a 17-year-old; she’s 22, a 

graduate with a (very) responsible job. But at 

these prices insurance companies are 

basically saying they don’t want to insure any 

young drivers, and that creates problems for 

those who do want to utilise their longed-for, 

and hard fought for, driving licence by running 

their own vehicle. 

It also creates potential problems for ADIs. 

There is no shortage of work at present but 

as these stories trickle down into the 

consciousness of today’s later teens, will the 

supply line of learners start to dry up? 

Is it happening already? The BBC found 

that in 2019-20, 520,505 tests were taken by 

17 and 18-year-olds. But in 2022-23 that 

figure fell to 504,718 – and that is despite 

practically no testing in 2020 and 2021 

creating a pent-up demand. Are we seeing 

the start of a sea-change in ambition, with 

young people rejecting learning to drive? 

Or possibly dangerously, will we see 17-19 

year-olds who pass their L-test simply 

decide not to drive again for a while – 

possibly not until they reach 25, when 

premiums traditionally fall a little? At that 

point they would head for the roads 

inexperienced and without even the recent 

advice and guidance of their ADI to help them. 

We’ll see. But for the time being there is a 

22-year-old geologist on a Tube train in north 

London with a driving licence proudly sat in 

her purse. Whether it will come out any time 

soon, is a moot point. 


News 

The natives are getting 

restless in Bromley... 

MSA GB stepped in to fight ADIs’ corner after 

their training practices were criticised in an 

article in the Daily Mail. 

The paper sounded like it was definitely on 

the side of residents when it talked about a 

“constant stream of learner drivers plaguing 

the streets” of the Park Langley area of 

Bromley, south-east London, saying learners 

were making the locals’ lives hell with “with 

terrible three point turns, parallel parking and 

reversing around corners.” 

What’s worse, these actions were taking 

place in an area that has “tree-lined roads 

where the detached houses fetch over £1 

million each.” 

Heaven forbid that mere ADIs should enter 

such beautiful areas... 

Residents also complained about increased 

pollution through ADIs and pupils “parking 

outside their detached houses with their 

engines idling.” 

The residents’ association even wrote to 

one driving school asking them to choose 

other roads to give locals a break. One 

resident claimed that on a recent walk they 

saw at least 20 learner vehicles pass by in 

half an hour. 

Thankfully, the paper had the good grace 

to contact MSA GB to get the ADIs’ side of 

the row, and Peter Harvey was happy to 

oblige – and fair play to the Daily Mail for 

publishing his defence. 

He pointed out that: “There are no 

regulations that restrict driving instructors 

from going where they want as long as it’s 

legal. 

“Lots of people will say that although they 

are a pain when they are there, they are 

actually quite good for looking after people’s 

properties, as burglars are less likely to want 

to get caught somewhere where there are 

constantly cars around, so some may 

actually think it’s a good thing. 

“If there is a test centre somewhere 

nearby, instructors tend to use some areas 

more - if instructors are using it, it’s because 

examiners are too. 

“It might be a bit annoying, but everyone 

has to learn to drive. And there’s so much 

traffic around now that these quiet roads are 

actually quite rare.’ 

Bromley does have a test centre, but it is 

on the other side of the town. 

Werner Schluep, of the Park Langley 

Residents’ Association, which led the 

complaints against the ADIs, said they had 

tried to address the issue. 

“We have noticed learner drivers in Park 

Langley for many years now,” Mr Schluep 

told the Daily Mail. “I guess there is nothing 

wrong with it per se, but I am constantly 

amazed at the sheer numbers around here. 

“Some days I see more learner drivers 

Left, a screen shot from the Daily Mail 

website showing some images that 

accompanied the article. 

What is interesting in the three shots is 

that each one shows a single ADI car, with 

no evidence of ‘multiple driving school 

cars operaing in the area’. 

than I do normal vehicles. 

“They’re queuing up at junctions and you 

have to avoid them while they are doing their 

three-point turns. It can be very frustrating.” 

What to do if you are approached by 

residents 

Stories such as this one surface from time 

to time – usually in the leafy suburbs, like 

Bromley. As Peter Harvey correctly pointed 

out, there is nothing wrong with learners 

practising in any particular area on the road 

– but common sense should tell instructors 

not to over-use some areas. 

MSA GB says: …“While it is rare to see ADIs 

banned from particular areas – we know it 

does happen with private spaces, such as car 

parks – residents who get upset by the 

presence of too many driving school cars can 

make life uncomfortable for learners, 

particularly those beginning their learningto-drive 

journey, as many of those using the 

roads around Bromley may very well be. 

“Such roads as those in Park Langley are 

great for learners when they start learning 

the basics, so we appreciate why ADIs use 

them. But we always ask memebrs to use 

common sense when selecting a training 

area; if you arrive at a favourite spot to 

practise a right reverse or parallel park, to find 

a number of other instructors in the area, 

delay that practising regime for the time 

being and move on to other tasks. 

“It’s also good to find spots a long way 

from DTCs, and to have a number of spots up 

your sleeve you can use, if one you like looks 

busy.” 



Test centre changes 

The DVSA has announced a number of 

changes to driving test centres 

Crawley test centre: temporary closure 

While refurbishment works are being 

carried out at Crawley driving test centre 

(DTC) on Brighton Road, the DVSA will 

temporarily be operating out of the 

Broadfield Community Centre, Holyrood 

Place, from Monday, 4 March to 16 April. 

Eastbourne test centre: temporary closure 


carried out at Eastbourne DTC on Wartling 

Road, the DVSA will temporarily be operating 

out of Sovereign Harbour Community Centre, 

Pevensey Bay Road . This will be from 

Monday, 14 June to Monday, 25 July. 

Hinkley test centre: temporary closure 


carried out at Hinkley DTC on Brookside, all 

tests will temporarily be operating out of 

Automotive Transport Training on Jacknell 

Road, Hinkley LE10 3BS from Monday, 11 

March to Monday, 9 April. 

Mill Hill test centre: temporary closure 

Mill Hill driving test centre (DTC) on Granard 

Business Centre, Bunns Lane will be closed 

from Monday, 9 May to Monday, 20 June. 

Tests will run from Church House Service 

Offices at 120 Bunns Lane, Mill Hill NW7 2DZ 

during this period. 

Yeovil test centre: temporary closure 

Yeovil driving test centre (DTC) on Abbey 

Manor Business Centre, Abbots Meade will 

be closed from Monday, 24 march to Monday, 

8 May, with tests operating out of the 

Kensington Suite, Abbey Manor Business 

Centre on Preston Road, Yeovil BA20 2EN 

Coventry test centre: temporary closure 

Coventry driving test centre (DTC) on 

Bayton Road, Exhall will be temporarily 

closed from Wednesday, April 10 to 

Wednesday, May 22. During that period tests 

will be run from Nuneaton, Rugby and 

Warwick DTCs. 

Their addresses are: 

Nuneaton: 54 Vernons Lane, Nuneaton CV10 

8AA 

Rugby, 66b Somers Rd, Rugby CV22 7DH 

Warwick, Ground Floor, Wedgnock House 

Wedgnock Lane, Warwick CV34 5AP 

Nuneaton test centre temporary closure 

Nuneaton DTC on Vernons Lane will close 

temporarily from Monday, February 5 to 

Friday, March 1. During that period tests will 

be conducted from Coventry Driving Test 

Centre, Bayton Road industrial Estate, 42 

Baton Road, Coventry CV7 9EJ 

Middlesbrough test centre temporary 

relocation 


carried out at Middlesbrough driving test 

centre on Maxwell Road the DVSA will 

operate out of South Tees Business Centre, 

Puddlers Lane, Middlesbrough TS6 6TL. This 

will be from Saturday, 24 February to 

Saturday, 7 April. 

Please note entrance to the building and 

customer parking is at the front of the Odeon 

Cinema, and candidates will be met in the 

foyer. Popcorn can be purchased while you 

wait. 

West Didsbury test centre temporary closure 


carried out at West Didsbury driving test 

centre on Christie Way, West Didsbury M21 

7QY, testing will be operating out of Key 

House, Unit 7, Christie Fields, from Monday 19 

February to Monday 1 April. 

Bury St Edmunds test centre temporary 

relocation 

Bury St Edmunds driving test centre on St 

Andrew’s Street will be closed from 14 March 

to Friday 3 May, with tests run from DB 

Conference Rooms, Kempson Way, Bury St 

Edmunds IP3 7AR 

To get to the new DTC: Exit A14 Bury East 

at Junction 44 and follow the sign to the 

Moreton Hall area. Head up Bedingfield Way 

(past Sainsbury’s) until you reach the top of 

the hill. On your right you will see a John 

Bank’s Honda garage. Take the fourth exit 

(Kempson Way). The DB Conference Rooms 

is part of the Denny Bros Group and is the last 

building on left before the roundabout. 

Meet and greet will take place at the car 

park and candidates should wait at their 

vehicle for test start. Do not to use the car 

park for practice purposes. There will be no 

weekend testing during this period. 

In all cases, the DVSA has contacted 

candidates affected by this temporary 

relocation. However, if you have booked a 

test on behalf of your pupil, please let them 

know about these changes. 

Concern escooter 

injuries are being 

under reported 

PACTS has published a new report 

looking at the use of e-scooters, after 

finding that over 300 casualties reported 

to hospital after collisions. 

However, there appears to be huge 

discrepancies between the data on 

e-scooter casualties captured by 

hospitals and the police, amid claims that 

the number of injuries caused by these 

vehicles is widely under reported. 

PACTS says: “Knowing how many 

people are injured in road traffic collisions 

is important. It means that, for any form 

of transport, the risk of harm to the driver 

or rider and the risk of harm to other road 

users can be better understood. 

“Official data for all road traffic 

casualties are based on police records. It 

has long been accepted that comparing 

official police data on the number of 

people presenting at hospital with an 

injury from a road traffic collision, with 

hospital data, highlights discrepancies.” 

PACTs found that: 

n Fewer than 10% of casualties with 

injury from a collision involving an 

e-scooter presenting to emergency 

departments were recorded in the official 

data; 

n Only around a quarter of those most 

seriously injured in collisions involving 

e-scooters were recorded by both the 

police and at hospitals. 

PACTS says that all collisions resulting 

in injury should be reported to the police 

to allow for a clearer picture to develop 

over the safety impacts of their usage. 

PACTS has called on the DfT to: 

n Improve the means of recording 

e-scooter casualties by updating 

guidance to rental operators; and, 

n Issue clear information to the public 

about the obligations of reporting road 

traffic collisions to the police, including 

those involving e-scooter. 

Margaret Winchcomb, PACTS Deputy 

Executive Director, said: 

“It is essential that the methods for 

measuring e-scooters’ hazard to riders 

and danger to other road users are 

consistent and robust so that safety is 

adequately understood. 

“The Government should improve and 

widen the way injuries from e-scooter 

collisions are recorded.” 


News 

It’s all the best from MSA GB as DVSA’s London 

region ADI managers announce their retirement 

Members in the London & South East will 

know George Kountouros, ADI Manager. 

George has decided to retire from the DVSA. 

He obtained his ADI qualification in 1982 and 

became a part of the DSA/DVSA in 1999, 

initially serving as a contract examiner at 

Morden before assuming the role of a 

substantive DE. 

In 2003, George achieved qualification to 

conduct part 2s and 3s, and by 2005, he also 

became qualified to conduct the old-style 

check tests. In 2014, he attained 

qualifications for the new Standards Tests 

and ORDIT. 

George’s career advanced and he took on 

roles such as SDE at Wallington DTC, TCM at 

Sutton, and a deputy position as DTAM. In 

2017, he transitioned to enforcement, taking 

on the role of ADI manager (SE) for the 

entirety of South London and the Southeast. 

In this capacity, he successfully led a 

team of nine ADI examiners. 

George was a good friend to MSA GB, 

always happy to turn up at meetings and 

offer advice and counsel to members. 

He’s gone full circle as he has his ADI 

certificate back, so you may see him out and 

about the streets, mainly doing PDI and 

ORDIT training to help instructors keep up 

their standards. 

DVSA is also losing another friend of the 

MSA GB, in Nigel Robinson. Nigel was head of 

ADI and ORDIT standards, and most of us will 

have bumped into Nigel in the events we have 

organised all over the country, 

He was instrumental in writing the National 

Standards as well as being heavily involved in 

the content of the new Standards Check. 

Nigel will also stay in the industry with his 

ADI certificate; he is mainly going to be 

concentrating on a partnership with a fellow 

retiree from DVSA, offering their wealth of 

experience to ADIs through workshops and 

ORDIT training. 

MSA GB would like to wish both George 

and Nigel a happy retirement and look 

forward to seeing them both at some of our 

training events in the future. 

‘Is pushing it worth it?’, 

THINK! campaign asks 

THINK! has relaunched a campaign which 

urges young, male drivers to think about the 

dangers of driving too fast for road conditions 

– especially on rural roads. 

Data shows that speed kills and injures 58 

young people every week. But despite this, 

THINK! research highlights that only 32% of 

young men consider it very risky. 

THINK! has relaunched its ‘Is pushing it 

worth it?’ campaign to raise awareness of the 

impact that not driving at the correct speed 

for the conditions, or slight speeding on rural 

roads can have. 

More on the campaign, plus assets and 

toolkit road safety professionals can use, can 

be found HERE. 

Police pledges 

more random 

breath tests 

Ross takes on Brake role 

Road safety Brake has announced that Ross 

Moorlock is to be its new chief executive 

officer. Ross has held the position of interim 

CEO since April 2023, when founder and 

former chief executive Mary Williams OBE 

retired after 29 years in the role. 

Ross joined the charity back in 2017 as 

chief operating officer. He has overseen a 

period of significant expansion, with growth 

across all teams including campaigns, 

fundraising and operations, but most 

significantly within the National Road Victim 

Service. Its Road Safety Week in November 

reached 18 million people through 

participation at its various events. 

Police have vowed to step up roadside breath 

tests following an increase in deaths caused 

by drunk drivers. 

Police data shows that in England and 

Wales, 249,542 motorists were breathalysed 

in 2022 – up 8% compared on 2021. 

Shockingly, nearly 17% were over the limit 

– similar to the previous two years. 

In 2021 there were 260 deaths on Britain’s 

roads where a motorist was over the drink 

drive limit – the highest since 2009. 

Department for Transport figures estimate 

a total of 6,740 people were killed or injured in 

drink-drive accidents, with drunk drivers 

accounting for 17% of road deaths – the same 

percentage as tested positive. 

“We’re pleased to see an increase in the 

number of dedicated road policing officers, 

which has resulted in stricter enforcement,” 

comments Hunter Abbott, managing director 

of personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense. 

“Home Office figures show there were 

3,960 traffic officers by March 2023 – up 2% 

on the previous year. 

“However our testing levels still lag way 

behind other European countries. In England 

& Wales just five tests per 1,000 inhabitants 

are carried out. 

“In Ireland the figure is 18 per 1,000 

population, while in France it’s 109”. 

Other reasons for the increase in 

breathalyser tests in 2022 include traffic 

returning to normal levels following the Covid 

restrictions and the football World Cup. 



Learner bike 

riders to get 

new hazard test 

An exciting new project has been launched 

that could take the training of new bike riders 

to the next level. 

The National Young Rider Forum is working 

on the development of a new motorcycle 

specific hazard perception test, to be tailored 

specifically to the needs of young riders. 

Currently, all riders looking to gain their full 

bike licence take a theory test which includes 

a hazard perception test. However, it is felt 

that the test for bikers has fallen behind that 

of young learner car drivers, whose test 

using realistic CGI is regarded as a world leader. 

The new project would look to improve this 

test by making it more realistic for young bike 

riders. It has been funded by The Road Safety 

Trust and will be carried out by Esitu 

Solutions, a spin out company from 

Nottingham Trent University. 

Dr Victoria Kroll said: “Esitu Solutions is 

really excited to be collaborating with the 

National Young Rider Forum on this pivotal 

project. We know that young motorcyclists 

are overrepresented in crash statistics. The 

data show many of the crashes they are 

involved in are the fault of other vehicles, 

particularly those with four wheels. 

“This project seeks to improve the hazard 

perception, and hazard prediction skills of 

young riders, by showing those hazards from 

the perspective of a motorcyclist riding in a 

mainly urban road environment. This will 

ensure the test will reflect the real dangers 

faced by riders.” 

Heidi Duffy MBE, National Young Rider 

Forum, said: “Sadly, over the last three years, 

nearly 12,000 young motorcyclists have been 

injured in road crashes, and of those, nearly 

4,000 have been killed or seriously injured. 

That’s why projects like this are vital.” 

The new test will be available in 2025. 

Despite increased awareness among 

motorists of how to behave around horses 

on the road, the British Horse Society (BHS) 

reports that 66 horses and three equestrians 

were killed on our roads in 2023. 

In total, 3,383 road incidents involving 

horses were recorded via the equine 

charity’s Horse i app last year. 

This sad news comes after new Highway 

Code guidance for equestrians was 

strengthened in 2022, giving car, lorry, truck 

and motorbikes more responsibility around 

horse riders, on account of their increased 

Richard Allsop dies, aged 84 

The road safety sector has lost one of its 

foremost pioneers with the sad news that 

Professor Richard Allsop has died after a 

short illness. 

Richard was one of the pioneers on the 

effects of alcohol on driving, an advisor to the 

British Government and a key figure in both 

the UK’s Parliamentary Advisory Council on 

Transport Safety (PACTS) and ETSC. 

Throughout his career he built a formidable 

reputation in the transport safety field 

through timely and meticulous research in 

areas such as drink-driving, seatbelts, signal 

controlled junctions, risk and choice on roads, 

the safe system and the impact of the 

Three riders, 66 

horses killed on 

the roads in 2023 

vulnerability. 

BHS says: “As part of our Dead Slow road 

safety campaign, we are encouraging road 

users to evaluate how they pass horses as 

well as how impactful passing them too 

closely and too quickly can be. 

“Road incidents involving equestrians 

continue to persist across the UK. Critically, 

people and horses are still being killed. We 

can do more to change this narrative.” 

As part of its plans BHS is rolling out 

guidance to motorists and equestrians 

throughout February. 

economic recession on traffic deaths. He was 

a committed researcher who wanted to see 

his research leading to policy change, not 

sitting on the shelf. 

As an academic he was highly regarded: 

“outstanding” was the view of many. He was 

a powerful influence on policy development 

and the understanding of road safety. 

His work was recognised by an OBE but his 

colleagues gave him a greater accolade: a 

true gentleman who went out of his way to 

help others. It is no exaggeration to say that 

many people today owe their lives to his 

persistence and rigorous determination in the 

cause of road safety. 

17

Spotlight: Compulsory CPD 

For many years the DVSA has been skirting around the issue of CPD for ADIs, 

recommending it strongly but stopping short of making it compulsory. Here 

NEIL WIGHTMAN looks at the issue and makes the case for the DVSA getting 

off the fence, and making it mandatory for ADIs to upgrade their skills 

Let’s get serious and make CPD 

mandatory and accountable 

I know the idea of CPD is like Marmite: you 

either love it or hate it. But I think it’s time to 

raise it again, after the DVSA sent an email to 

ADIs with an attachment to its CPD template. 

It is scary that instructors don’t engage in 

training until the ‘official’ email drops into 

their inbox. This is one of the biggest 

problems I have encountered as an instructor 

trainer. Then, panic takes over and they 

search for training and an activity that is 

enough to get them through the Standards 

Check with minimal time spent. 

Questions I think need to be asked include, 

is introducing a standards check, if targets 

are not met, a scare tactic or a way of 

improving the pass rates? 

I don’t believe it is a way forward as new 

pressure builds on the instructor and the 

student. Controlling someone’s decision 

when you are not there is impossible. 

Would it therefore be more beneficial to 

make CPD mandatory for instructors and 

the industry? 

My experience tells me that CPD needs to 

be mandatory. For me, CPD has only helped 

me move my career forward, opening new 

doors, increasing my reputation, and 

improving my self-confidence. 

My story only profited from my desire not 

to become stagnant. From all these benefits, 

my company grew, and became an awardwinning 

one. 

It is time for mandatory CPD and why 

continuing professional development should 

not be underestimated; it is a career-long 

obligation for practising professionals. 

Suppose it was mandatory, like in other 

professional organisations. Still, mainly at its 

core, it is driven by the personal responsibility 

of the professionals to keep their knowledge 

and skills current to deliver high-quality 

service that safeguards the public and meets 

the expectations of the customers and the 

requirements of their profession. 

The outcome of well-planned and 

well-crafted, continuing professional 

development is important because it benefits 

the individual’s career, and public through the 

following points. 

n CPD ensures your capabilities keep pace 

with the standards of others in the same field. 

n CPD ensures you maintain and enhance 

the knowledge and skills you need to deliver 

a professional service to your customers, 

clients and the community. 

n CPD ensures that you and your 

knowledge stay relevant and up to date. You 

are more aware of the changing trends and 



directions in your profession. Change is 

probably faster than ever – and this is a 

feature of the new normal in which we live and 

work. If you stand still you will get left behind, 

as the currency of your knowledge and skills 

becomes outdated. 

n CPD helps you continue to make a 

meaningful contribution to your team. You 

become more effective in the workplace. It 

assists you in advancing your career and 

moving into new positions where you can 

lead, manage, influence, coach and mentor 

others. 

n CPD helps you stay interested. 

Experience is a great teacher. 

n Focused CPD opens you to new 

possibilities, knowledge, and skill areas. 

n CPD can deliver a deeper understanding 

of what it means to be a professional and a 

greater appreciation of the implications and 

impacts of your work. 

n CPD helps advance the body of 

knowledge and technology within your 

profession. 

n CPD can lead to increased public 

confidence in individual professionals and 

their profession. 

n Depending on the profession, CPD 

contributes to improved protection and 

quality of life, the environment, sustainability, 

property and the economy. This particularly 

applies to high-risk areas or specialised 

sectors – such as driving instruction. 

These can all be used as evidence of 

continuing professional development for your 

revalidation. 

n Mandatory training that is not directly 

related to your practice. 

n Certificates from officially verified CPD 

courses. These are more credible to regulators 

and businesses as the learning value has been 

scrutinised to ensure integrity and quality. 

CPD can be split into three types of 

learning. 

1. Structured CPD / Active Learning 

Structured CPD / active learning involves 

interactive and participation-based study. It is 

typically proactive and can include attending 

training courses, workshops, seminars, 

conferences, e-learning courses or CPDcertified 

events. 

CPD active learning can also apply to 

professionals taking career-orientated 

exams; the study and revision would be 

considered self-directed learning. 

2. Reflective CPD / Passive Learning 

Reflective learning involves no participantbased 

interaction, so this form of CPD is much 

more passive and one-directional. 

Examples include reading relevant news 

articles, podcasts and case studies and 

industry updates. Some informal meetings 

can apply to CPD reflective learning, but the 

learning must be clear in an individual’s overall 

CPD plan. 

3. Self-Directed CPD / Unstructured Learning 

Self-directed learning involves all 

unaccompanied CPD activities. It covers 

reading documents, articles and publications 

in print or online. Reading relevant 

publications, books by leading experts, 

industry journals and trade magazines is 

self-directed CPD. You could also include 

industry-specific news feeds or research into 

appropriate fields. 

Adapting positively 

Continuing Professional Development 

enables individuals to adapt positively to 

changes in work and industry requirements. 

Planning CPD helps an individual be more 

efficient with their time, and recording your 

CPD provides the evidence that can be helpful 

for meeting professional body obligations and 

employer supervision and appraisals. 

CPD shows a clear commitment to 

self-development and professionalism. It 

allows an individual to identify knowledge 

gaps and resolve these in a recognisable 

approach to improvement. 

Accredited CPD providers should make a 

Certificate of Attendance available to 

individuals to attach to their CPD log as 

evidence of development once a training 

course is complete or within the desired 

learning standards. 

I believe in continuous learning and see this 

as only a benefit for all instructors. The 

biggest challenge to the DVSA and instructors 

is increasing the pass rate, but I also believe 

we must be recognised as a profession. 

What is a professional? 

The term ‘professional’ refers to anyone 

who earns a living from performing an 

activity that requires a certain level of 

education, skill, or training. 

Let’s be clear. I’m not saying we should 

dispose of the Standards Check, because our 

teaching abilities must be monitored. Plus, all 

this may create better instructor standards 

by raising grades. 

So, how would a mandatory system work? I 

envisaged a file held by the DVSA. Instructors 

would upload details and certificates of their 

CPD, courses and training to this, which keeps 

it relevant and consistent. Instructors could 

have a personal development plan (PDP) 

where they record the CPD done over the 

years in between Standard Checks. 

These are my reasons for making CPD 

mandatory, and I believe that every person 

doing CPD grows their knowledge and 

becomes better at “being the best they can 

be”. 

Continuing professional development 

ensures that you continue to be proficient and 

competent in your profession while furnishing 

you with essential skills to help you progress 

with your career. 

It’s not just a one-stop shop; it continues 

and develops throughout your career. 

This is just my opinion. 

Neil Wightman M.Inst.MTD is member of MSA 

GB as well as a member of the Institute of 

Master Tutors of Driving. 


Members’ section 

MSA GB Annual Conference 2024 

It’s a case of all roads lead to Telford as we head to Shropshire 

for the MSA GB Annual Conference 2024. 

To be held from March 22-23 at the stunning Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort 

in Shropshire, our Conference promises to be the ideal mix of information, 

debate, advice, education, networking and fun, as the MSA GB membership 

comes together to learn more about, and discuss, the big issues of the day. 

We are in the middle of confirming all our keynote presenters, but we can 

guarantee an exciting and knowledgeable roster of high-profile names from 

the DVSA and driver training and road safety communities. 

Bookings are open now. Just click on the link below to book. See the price list 

below, with day, day/night and full weekend packages available. 

Book now! 

Early Bird 

Prices 

EXTENDED 

until FEB 23 

Telford Hotel, 

Spa & Golf 

Resort 

We have endeavoured to keep our prices as low as possible while providing a high-quality 

weekend, and the Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort has more than enough to keep nondelegate 

partners happy, with a superb swimming pool and spa, golf and other attractions 

on site, as well as having the beautiful Severn Valley and iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site 

of Ironbridge Gorge on its doorstep. Even better, we have arranged a special MSA GB 

Conference discount on all spa treatments and golf fees! 

Please note: All prices below are EARLY BIRD prices, and will be held until FEBRUARY 

23. After that date, some prices may rise. 

https://msagb.com/msa-gb-national-conference/ 

Full Conference packages 

Two nights’ accommodation and breakfast, Friday & Saturday 

evening meals, Saturday lunch, Conference delegate ticket 

Single booking: 

£275 

Couple sharing (with non-delegate ticket): 

£385 

* Non delegates receive lunch 

on the Saturday 

One-day Conference packages 

One night’s accommodation and breakfast, Friday OR Saturday 

evening meals, Saturday lunch; Conference delegate ticket 

Single booking: 

£165 

Couple sharing (with non-delegate ticket): 

£235 

* Non delegates receive lunch 

on the Saturday 

Conference 

debates, 

workshops and 

trade stands 

Conference day delegate 

Conference delegate ticket for Saturday 

If booked before 

£49 

FEBRUARY 23 ... 

Ticket price includes coffee on arrival, 

morning coffee, lunch and tea in the 

afternoon as well as all paperwork and 

CPD acknowledgement 

Thinking of bringing 

the family? 

There are other options available during 

Saturday should you wish to make this a 

family weekend and bring the children. 

You can find full details at: 

https://msagb.com/msa-gb-nationalconference/ 



Conference speakers 

The conference will comprise of a number of speakers and workshops, with 

speakers drawn to create the most comprehensive and diverse ptrogramme 

possible. 

Just some of the confirmed speakers and topics we will cover are : 

SPEAKERS TO INCLUDE (pictured right, from top) 

n G Sabina – Roberts 

n Graham Feest 

n Dr Julia Malkin MBE 

n Representatives from FBTC 

PLUS representatives from the DVSA and MSA GB, 

with a comprehensive update on the latest news 

from across the driver training and testing sector 

Topics to include 

Teaching with 

and for 

disabilities 

Your tax – going 

digital and what you 

can claim for 

MSA GB 

update and 

future plans 

Update on the next 

European driving 

licence directive 

LGBTQ+ business 

awareness - 

Gender diversity 

Safer roads, vehicles, 

and road users: 

using a safe systems 

approach 

DVSA changes: 

how they will affect 

driver trainers 

BOOK NOW: 

Early Bird discount 

ends on February 23 



MSA GB 

membership 

offer 

MSA GB has arranged a new 

membership special offer – a 

new breakdown insurance 

partnership with trusted 

partners Telematicus Services 

Limited (t/a Smart Green 

Drivers). 

Don’t be left in the lurch if 

your car breaks down 

MSA GB has arranged a great new 

membership offer – comprehensive but 

cost-effective breakdown insurance cover 

from Telematicus Services Limited. 

There are two simple and cost-effective 

levels of cover for you to choose from. 

Telematicus Services Limited (t/a Smart 

Green Drivers) provides breakdown cover for 

cars, vans and motorcycles at pocketpleasing 

prices. However, just because it 

costs less than you think, doesn’t mean they 

cut any corners and still offer quality, reliable 

and trustworthy breakdown cover for all. 

Full UK cover 

Telematicus Services Limited’s highquality, 

low-cost breakdown solution covers 

the whole of the UK, and is specifically 

designed for the motorist who wishes to be 

covered in every eventuality. 

What’s included 

n No excesses or call out charges. 

n For vehicles up to 9 years old 

n Home Start. 

n Cover for punctures and flat tyres. 

n Cover anywhere throughout the UK 

n Includes hire car, overnight accommodation 

and onward travel options. 

n Unlimited callouts during the year of policy. 

n Over 3,000 recovery agents nationally. 

Telematicus Services Limited policies cover 

the vehicle, not the individual, meaning 

whoever is driving the vehicle at the time of a 

breakdown is eligible to call for assistance. 

Cover on holiday, too 

For ultimate cover, Telematicus Services 

Limited’s Full UK & EU policy has it all. 

Providing the same great benefits and 

coverage as that of its full UK Cover, but with 

the added surety of European travel, it makes 

for a complete policy. 

What’s included (in addition to the above) 

n Cover in any EU member state country 

plus Switzerland and Norway. 

n Includes extended hire car, overnight 

accommodation and onward travel options. 

n Unlimited callouts during the term of the 

policy 

Again, the full UK & EU policies cover the 

vehicle, not the individual, meaning whoever 

is driving the vehicle at the time of a 

breakdown is eligible to call for assistance. 

MSA GB vice-chairman Peter Harvey 

commented: “We like to think that MSA GB is 

the association that never sleeps, as we 

continually work to enhance our membership 

package, so you always feel supported and 

prepared for the wins and challenges that the 

life of a driving instructor brings. 

“We think this breakdown cover from 

Telematicus Services Limited t/a Smart 

Green Drivers will give you peace of mind 

without the cost usually associated with 

cover of this kind, and at a special discount 

price for members.” 

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE? 

A full set of frequently asked questions can 

be found at their website, accessed by 

clicking the panel below. 



To access your breakdown offer please follow 

this link. 





Get 10p off every litre of fuel 

with special MSA GB deal 

The cost-of-living crisis is putting many 

ADIs under considerable financial pressure, 

and nowhere is it felt more than through 

the rising cost of fuel. 

So to help alleviate some of the burden 

on our members, we’re thrilled to 

announce a brand-new partnership with 

FUEL CARD SERVICES. 

A fuel card from MSA GB partner, Fuel 

Card Services can provide huge benefits to 

businesses that use vehicles on a daily 

basis: 

n Cutting fuel costs - save up to 10p per 

litre and get a consistent price. 

n Increased security - fuel cards are a 

safer alternative to carrying cash and 

eliminate fraud. 

n Streamline admin - HMRC compliant 

invoices, no receipts, one neat invoice and 

a dedicated account manager. 

n Tighter control of business expenses 

- view transactions and reports online 24/7. 

n Increased flexibility for refuelling 

across a huge network. 

n Fleet convenience - a quick and 

convenient way for fleets to refuel. 

There are a range of fuel cards available 

on the market and for your business to 

truly benefit from investing in fuel cards, 

you need to choose the right one for your 

businesses’ requirements. 

FUEL CARD SERVICES offers a large 

choice of networks from leading brands, 

such as BP, Shell, Esso and UK Fuels, so 

you can decide which networks you wish 

to include on your business account. 

Fuel Card Services and MSA GB are 

helping to deliver cost savings to 

members throughout the country. 

For more details and to obtain a fuel 

card through MSA GB, go to our website at 

https://msagb.com/members/ 

member-discounts/ 

MEMBER OFFER 

What are the latest UK fuel prices? 

The prices right are the latest available unleaded petrol and diesel averages 

across supermarket, motorway and independent forecourts in the UK, according 

to data compiled by the RAC. Prices correct at the end of January. Continuing 

instability in the Middle East, affecting both fuel output and transport through the 

Red Sea, risks causing price rises in the coming weeks. 

UNLEADED 

DIESEL 

UK average 140.44p 148.42p 

Motorway 163.88p 172.49p 

Supermarkets 138p 146.2p 

MEMBER OFFER 

AlcoSense: Every ADI should have one handy 

MSA GB has teamed up with leading supplier of personal 

breathalyser kits AlcoSense to bring our members a 

very special offer. 

The AlcoSense kits give an instant and accurate 

snapshot of whether you – or your pupil – has alcohol in 

your/their system, and are particularly useful ‘the 

morning after.’ 

Peter Harvey, MSA GB national vice chairman, 

commented: “These are a quality product. They arrive 

well packaged, with the required batteries, five 

mouthpieces and full instructions. They are very easy to 

use, with a simple menu, and can be adjusted to suit the 

country you are in depending on the legal limit there. 

Once set up, the breathalyser gives a very clear reading 

in traffic light colours, making it easy to follow. 

“Green, as you would expect, tells you you are okay to 

drive. Amber advises you that alcohol is present but you 

are below the limit you entered at set up – though it is so 

important to check what the limit is in the country you 

use it. Red is pretty self-explanatory – Don’t drive. 

“The set is very compact, about the same size as a 

mobile phone but a little deeper. It is ideal for eliminating 

any concerns you may have the morning after – or for 

your pupils.” 

The Excel model costs around £100 and can be viewed: 

https://alcosense.co.uk/alcosense.html. 

But we’ve negotiated a special discount on the entire 

AlcoSense range (except single-use disposables) of 10 

per cent for members IF BOUGHT THROUGH THE MSA 

GB WEBSITE – from the entry-level Lite 2 (£44.99) to 

the top-of-the-range Ultra (£249.00), with other 

options available. Go to 

https://msagb.com/members/member-discounts/ 

to secure your member discount. 



MSA GB launches new partnership with insurer to 

keep you on the road when things go wrong 

MSA GB partners with AI 

Insurance Solutions Limited 

to provide members with dual 

control cars for when things 

don’t quite go to plan. 

A critical service to driving instructors is the 

provision of a dual-controlled replacement 

vehicle for non-fault and fault accidents. 

But in recent months we have had several 

calls from MSA GB members across the 

country who have been let down by their 

insurance company not being able to supply a 

dual-controlled vehicle when they have had 

an accident. 

They report that they are usually offered a 

replacement vehicle but not one with dual 

controls – which isn’t a lot of good when 

running a driving school. 

MSA GB steps in 

Understanding the stress and the 

detriment to your business this can cause, 

we are pleased to announce that we have 

formed an exclusive agreement with AI 

Solutions Ltd to supply a replacement vehicle 

to you should the need arise. 

This means that MSA GB members will be 

able to obtain both a replacement manual or 

automatic dual-controlled car for both fault 

and non-fault accidents, without the need to 

buy an extra insurance policy to cover the risk. 

The cost of using this new service is zero. 

You don’t need to register or buy an 

insurance policy. 

If you need to use the service the cost of 

your replacement vehicle will be charged 

either to their insurance policy or yours, 

depending entirely on who is at fault. 

Additionally, if the vehicle needs to be 

recovered, this also will be charged to the 

appropriate insurer. 

However, we must stress that this does 

not impose any restrictions on where you get 

your vehicle repaired. 

The FCA states under ‘treating customers 

fairly’ that - ‘a policy-holder does not have to 

use the services of their broker or insurer but 

can access any service they choose without 

their instructor insurance policy being 

invalidated.’ 

So, in the event of an accident you simply 

need to contact The AI Insurance Solutions 

Emergency (AIIS) assistance line on 01945 

425211. AIIS will then inform your insurer and 

organise for your replacement dual controlled 

car to be delivered to your chosen location as 

soon as possible. 

If your vehicle is drivable and legal 

post-event, then it is best to arrange a 

delivery to the body repairer at an agreed 

time. If the vehicle, however, is not drivable, 

then AI Solutions will ensure that it is 

delivered to the most convenient location for 

you. 

Sadly, statistically, road traffic crashes do 

happen, and we cannot prevent you from 

being involved in one. 

However, with this new agreement we 

hope to ensure that any impact to MSA GB 

members is kept to a minimum. 

How it 

works... 

n A prompt and 

courteous reporting 

process 24 hours a day 

n To be taken to a safe 

place/home if your car 

is not drivable 

n A replacement dual 

controlled car on same 

day as accident 

reported, if before 2pm 

(in Scotland, this may 

take up to 24hrs) 

n The vehicle will be of 

a similar size 

n Regular updates on 

your vehicle’s repair 



FAQs on the new membership service 

Q: How do I use the service? 

A: You just call AIIS’s emergency 

assistance number on 01945 425211. 

Q: What will the service cost me? 

A: Just the cost of a call. 

Q: Should I notify my insurance company? 

A: Absolutely, although AIIS will also talk to 

them to confirm hire provision and, where 

appropriate, details of the repairer. 

Q: What if my vehicle is not drivable? 

A: AIIS will recover the vehicle to safe 

storage and get you home or to a 

nominated location. 

Q: Is this an insurance product that I need 

to purchase? 

A: No, the service is provided to you on a 

no-cost basis. 

Q: What if my vehicle is drivable? 

A: AIIS can arrange for an estimate to 

completed and deliver the car to the 

repairer to ensure that you are mobile 

throughout the process and that there is 

no loss of income. 

Emergency crash protocol: What to do if you are involved in a crash 

In the event of a crash, call 01945 425211 to use the AIIS offer 

More MSA GB membership offers 

and discounts - see pg 38-39 



New membership service: Find My Local 

MSA GB Instructor directory launched 

Cut through the competition 

by advertising your skills on 

MSA GB’s own ADI directory 

With the DVSA (https://tinyurl.com/ 

4b3t9a9e) reporting a 24 per cent increase in 

the number of new driving instructor 

registrations in 2022/2023, compared to 

2020/2021, our industry is set to become 

even more competitive as driving instructors 

do battle to gain the attention of those 

wanting to learn to drive. 

To help MSA GB members cut through the 

industry noise and raise their profile, we’re 

delighted to announce the launch of our 

online ‘Find My Local MSA GB Instructor’ 

directory, which will be proudly displayed on 

the MSA GB home page and on the MSA GB 

App. 

Once live, this new directory will be easily 

accessible by the public, who can use our 

simple search engine to source a driving 

instructor in their local area, who suits their 

learning needs. 

For MSA GB members it couldn’t be simpler 

to input your details and make sure you stand 

out from the crowd. We’ve included several 

opportunities for you to highlight any special 

skills or teaching experience that you may 

have, for example teaching pupils with 

disabilities or those who are particularly 

anxious drivers. 

To upload your profile onto the MSA GB 

directory, all you need to do is: 

n Log into the Member Area 

n Look to the left of the page and scroll 

down until you see three blue arrow tabs. 

n Click on the tab - ‘Add Directory listing’ 

n You will then be taken to the following 

page: 

n Input your details and upload your photo 

(adding your photo is optional) 

n Once you’ve inputted all your details, 

check that all your information is correct 

n Tick the box if you agree to share your 

details on the website. Please note if you do 

not tick the box your details will not appear 

on the on the Find My Local MSA GB 

Instructor directory. 

n Click submit – and your done! 

This is just one of the many fantastic 

benefits that MSA GB members get to enjoy 

with their membership, which also includes: 

n PI & PL Insurance cover totalling £10 

million. 

n Legal & Technical Advice 

n Member Representation 

n Access to a wealth of exclusive 

information and downloadable resources 

n Member Discounts 

n Our monthly digital industry magazine 

- Newslink 

n Comprehensive driving school cover. 

We hope registering is a straightforward 

process, but if you need any assistance, or 

have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact 

our membership team on info@msagb.com 

or 01787 221 020 


ADI groups and associations 

MSA GB is proud of its long-standing links with many local ADI 

groups around the country. Many are small, dedicated to driver 

training in one city, town or even focused on a sole DTC, but all 

work tirelessly to improve the work of being an ADI. This can 

be in representing ADIs’ interests and views to your DVSA area 

manager, offering an ADI’s voice to local authorities and town 

planners, or by simply providing a network within which ADIs can 

find help and advice from their fellow instructors. After all, for 


many ADIs working as sole traders, being a driving instructor can 

be a lonely task: local ADI groups help stop it feeling quite so much 

that it’s ‘you against the world.’ 

In every issue of Newslink will be publishing a list of local ADI 

groups and associations. We will only publish those groups who let 

us know they are happy to be included in our list, so if you would 

like to see your details here, please contact Peter Harvey at 

peter.harveymbe@msagb.com 

Aberdeen and District Driving Schools 

Association 

Secretary: Derek Young 

T: 07732 379396 

E: derekyoungcreel@aol.com 

Meets quarterly February (AGM), May, 

August and November. 

Cost £35 per annum 

Angus Driving Instructors Association 

Secretary: Frances Matthew 

T: 07703 664522 

E; francesmatthew@hotmail.co.uk 

This group holds six meeting per year 

(usually one week after the Scottish 

committee meeting) 

Cost £20 per year. 

Aylesbury Vale Driving Instructors 

Association 

Chairman: Sue Pusey 

T: 07780 606868 

E: AVDIA@btinternet.com 

Meetings are first Wednesday of every 

month at Church of the Holy Spirit, 

Camborne Avenue, Aylesbury, HP21 7UE. 

7.30pm start. 

Guest speaker every other month, 

refreshments provided. 

Annual fee £30. First meeting free as try 

before you buy. 

Birmingham Approved Driving Instructors 

Contact: Dave Allen 

T: 07939 627493 

E: Daveallen1999@googlemail.com 

Cornwall Association of Approved Driving 

Instructors (CAADI) 

Secretary: Rachael Lloyd-Phillips 

E: rachael@oneandallsom.co.uk 

This group meets via Zoom on the 3rd 

Monday every other month at 7.30pm. 

City of Dunfermline and District ADIs 

Secretary: Gail Pilch 

T: 07817 661450 

E: dunfermlineadisecretary@outlook.com 

Meetings are bi-monthly, at 

Dunfermline Northern Bowling Club, Dewar 

Street, 

Dunfermline KY12 8AD 

Glasgow & District Driving Instructors 

Association 

Contact: Bryan Phillips 

T: 07989 339 646 

E: bryan.phillips@hotmail.co.uk 

Meet on the last Sunday of the month, 

once every quarter, at 

The Fort Theatre, Kenmuir Ave, 

Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2DW. 

Joining fee: £15 per year 

Hinckley & District Driver Trainers 

Association (HDDTA) 

Chairman: Barrie Pates 

T: 07914 408 739 

E: haddta@yahoo.com 

Hull and East Riding Driving Instructors 

(HERDI) 

Contact: Andrew 

T: 07754542993 

E: herdi.rsa@gmail.com 

Lanark Driving Instructors 

Secretary: Sandra Smillie 

T: 07975 147150 

Meet quarterly from March which is our 

AGM 

South Warwickshire Association 

of ADIs (SWAADI) 

Contact: Andy Thomas 

T: 01926 717230 / 07900 673634 

E: artommo@hotmail.com 

We meet at 8.30pm every third Monday of 

the month except August and December 

(no meetings) at The Windmill Inn, 

Tachbrook Rd, Leamington Spa CV31 3DD, 

Rolls and snacks are available for a small 

charge and membership is £25 a year and 

includes a monthly newsletter and addition 

to a WhatsApp group for local issues/ 

traffic updates, etc. 

Swindon Driving Instructors Association 

(Swindon DIA) 

Contact: Sandra Jill Richens 

T: 07795 006015 

E: SJRichens@btinternet.com 

Taunton Association Driving Instructors 

See Facebook page – search ‘Taunton ADI 

& PDI Forum’ 

Wirral Association of Professional Driving 

Instructors (APDI) 

Chairman: Brian Murray 

T: 07810 094332 

Secretary: Richard Gillmore 

T: 07790 193138 

E: wirral-apdi@hotmail.co.uk 

W: wirralinstructors.co.uk 

Meet monthly on the first Thursday of the 

month (except January and August) 

at Heswall FC, Brimstage Road, Heswall, 

Wirral CH60 1XG 

Further information and to join, please visit 

the website. 

Why join a local association? 

Local news, local input – a local voice... 

If you want to see your local ADI group listed in this index, 

contact Peter Harvey on peterharveymbe@msagb.com 


Towards your CPD 

Changing driver behaviour 

needs us to introduce them 

to the ‘wheel of change’ 

Steve Garrod considers how 

the ‘Wheel of Change’, invented 

by psychologists in the 1980s, 

can be used to influence driver 

behaviour for the better 

I have been fortunate to be involved in 

working on drink driving rehabilitation 

courses for the last year or so, and one of the 

elements that we discuss is the Wheel of 

Change. 

Developed in 1982 by psychologists James 

Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente, the Wheel 

of Change describes the stages how and why 

people change, either on their own or with 

the help of a professional. The model has 

been used to helping people to change their 

addictive behaviour, such as alcohol and drug 

dependency, losing weight and adopting a 

healthy diet, or to improve someone’s current 

situation. 

There is a reason it’s called a wheel and 

that is that people can spin through the 

process several times before finding a stable 

kind of change. 

Step by step 

The stages apply with any kind of change 

you try to make on your own, such as a New 

Year’s resolution, but it is often more helpful 

for the person’s mentor, or coach to 

understand these stages as well. (How many 

New Year resolutions work?) Regardless or 

not of if you try something on your own or 

with help, the stages remain the same. The 

most important thing is to have motivation, 

even when things go wrong. 

What I find interesting is how it can be used 

in training qualified drivers, whether it is as 

part of a fleet training day, someone looking 

to take an advanced test (part 2 ADI, for 

example) or someone undergoing remedial 

training after a ban or a road traffic incident. 

Prochaska & DiClemente’s 

Wheel of Change, 1982 

When trying any new skill there will always 

be a time when we revert to old habits, in this 

case it is called ‘relapse’. Without sufficient 

motivation it is easy to admit defeat, such as 

someone trying not to break the speed limit 

gets a ‘toot’ from a following motorist, which 

they perceive as them now driving too slowly 

and justifying whey they feel they need to 

speed. 

As you can see from the diagram above, 

there are various stages of the model (and 

the behaviour expected of the person 

experiencing change) and it may be useful to 

discus these to show you how we can use 

this for many of our own clients. 

Pre-contemplation: A logical starting point 

for the model. This is where a person may be 

unaware that there’s a problem and sees no 

intention to change behaviour, for example a 

driver who consistently breaks the speed 

limit and sees no reason to change their 

ways, because ‘everyone speeds’. This is 

known as ‘downward comparison’. It is when 

someone looks for an easy way out in an 

attempt to justify why they speed. 

Think of a delivery driver who says he 

must park on the pavement to do his 

deliveries or has to speed to get his deliveries 

completed on time. Dare I say this can also be 

the same with someone failing a Standards 

Check. I know many who have been 

unsuccessful and have not taken any training 

prior to the Standards Check, which then 



The wheel of change can be used 

to challenge those who 

persistently speed and are happy 

to justify their actions 

places them on this part of the wheel. 

Contemplation: This is where the person 

becomes aware that there is a problem, but 

has made no commitment to change. This 

could be when they receive a speeding fine or 

following a near miss. 

In the first chapter of Roadcraft, it explains 

the importance of reflecting on any near 

misses and taking responsibility for our own 

actions and admitting we could do something 

to reduce the risk of such an incident being 

repeated. 

Following a training session the driver may 

be aware of the problems that cause them to 

drive too fast, such as not being able to 

recognise changing speed limits, so they now 

have the knowledge to put what they have 

learnt into practice when driving alone. It is 

the time when someone thinks about 

additional training. 

Preparation: The person is intent on taking 

action to correct the problem. 

This usually requires buy-in from the client 

(ie, the client is convinced that the change is 

good) and increased self-efficacy (ie, the 

client believes they can make change). This 

can follow a training session, for instance, 

someone can identify ways to drive within 

the speed limit. 

This is where a driver-trainer can play an 

essential role with careful coaching 

techniques. When we think of training 

qualified drivers we have to sell road safety to 

them, because it is unlikely they will be taking 

another driving test, therefore they need to 

see the benefits of driving in a way that 

saves them fuel, stress and points on their 

licence. 

Action: The person is in active modification of 

behaviour. This means they can drive in the 

same way when they are not on a training 

session. Something I often hear is when I 

train someone for the Part two test of driving 

ability is that they don’t get enough time to 

practice their driving in between training 

sessions, even though they drive to and from 

work each day, or they actually drive for 

work. 

The Action stage means that they are 

willing and understand the need to drive in 

“A person may be unaware that there’s a problem and sees no 

intention to change behaviour, for example a driver who 

consistently breaks the speed limit and sees no reason to change 

their ways, because ‘everyone speeds’. This is known as ‘downward 

comparison’. It is when someone looks for an easy way out in an 

attempt to justify why they break the law...” 

the new way at all times so that it becomes 

natural and not that they can ‘pull-it-out-ofthe-hat’ 

on their Part 2 Driving test. 

Maintenance: Sustained change occurs and 

new behaviour replaces old ones. This can 

take more time than expected, but the 

person is now driving in the new way most, if 

not all of the time. This can be likened to a 

golfer learning how to restructure their 

swing, the new swing has become natural, 

even under pressure. This is the challenging 

phase and it means there has been no relapse 

into old ways. 

Relapse: The person falls back into old 

patterns of behaviour. This is quite common 

and many people find excuses for their 

relapse rather than accepting that things take 

time to change. 

An example could be that a company driver 

has attended a course following them gaining 

speeding points and has been doing well until 

he is under pressure and feels the need to 

resort to his old habits of speeding to make 

an appointment on time. The important thing 

is to get back onto the wheel before getting 

stuck at this stage. 

When we coach qualified drivers we need 

to explain that it is only natural to feel that 

they may be holding up other drivers, if they 

have been used to driving too fast in the past, 

and that the feeling will go away with enough 

practice. 

It’s important that whatever new skill is 

being learnt, we should not be too hard on 

ourselves for a relapse. 

If you have a few minutes, perhaps reflect 

on something you would like to change and 

see how this Wheel of Change could help you. 


Road safety news 

Euro road safety chief slams 

plans for young HGV riders 

The chief of the European Transport Safety 

Council (ETSC) has slammed EU politicians 

for planning to lower the age at which drivers 

can become HGV drivers to 18. 

It’s a proposal we reported on in the 

January issue of Newslink, but since then 

anger at the plan has grown among European 

road safety organisations. 

Encouraging teenagers to drive lorries 

would be a “dangerous experiment”, Antonio 

Avenoso said. 

He points out in a widely circulated article 

that since 2006, “the European Union has 

sensibly recommended a minimum age of 21 

for lorry drivers, and 24 for bus drivers. 

“But in recent years, the road transport 

industry has been pushing to lower these 

minimums as a cheap way of solving the 

recruitment crisis in the sector.” 

Avenoso says that “offering better 

conditions, more reasonable driving and rest 

times and less time away from home” would 

be better ways to cure any recruitment 

difficulties the road industry sector has. 

But “the road industry lobbying has 

worked. With the EU’s blessing, a number of 

member states have lowered the minimum 

age — usually to 18 for lorry drivers — as long 

as the youngsters have completed additional 

professional training in addition to the 

required practical and theory tests. 

“But the icing on the cake for the transport 

sector would be if all member states were 

required to do this, and teenagers could drive 

lorries across the continent.” 

But that won’t be enough, as the industry 

wants to go further still, “and allow 16 and 

17-year-olds to begin accompanied driving of 

lorries, to begin driving solo as soon as they 

hit 18.” 

Avenoso says he was disappointed that 

last month, the European Commission gave in 

to the pressure and published a proposed 

revision of rules on driving licences that 

would require member states to offer an 

accompanied driving scheme enabling 

17-year-olds to drive a lorry. The idea was 

backed by the European Parliament’s 

transport committee. 

“The industry declares that it would have 

no impact on road safety,” he says, “but it has 

provided no evidence to support its claim.” 

Indeed, the statistics on young lorry 

drivers are extremely worrying. Research by 

the German Insurance Association (GDV) 

shows that HGV drivers aged 18-20 caused a 

much higher number of collisions resulting in 

injury, in relation to the number of licences 

registered for that age group when compared 

to all other HGV driver age groups. ETSC has 

also analysed data from Finland and Poland 

— other countries that allow younger lorry 

drivers, and it shows the same thing. 

The idea must be stopped in its tracks 

“The science shows that inexperience is 

only one of multiple factors affecting young 

drivers,” Avenoso said. “Young people 

undergo significant biological and social 

changes between the ages of 15 and 25. Brain 

development is ongoing throughout this 

period and is not complete until well into the 

“Offering better conditions, more 

reasonable driving and rest 

times and less time away from 

home would be better ways to 

cure any recruitment difficulties 

the road industry sector has, 

rather than just hiring cheaper 

younger drivers” 

twenties. Consequently, when young people 

are learning to drive, their cognitive abilities 

are still not completely developed. 

“This affects their perception of, and 

attitude towards, risk. Cognitive development 

during puberty can lead to greater emotional 

instability and behaviour that is more 

assertive. 

“Thus, as road users, young people tend to 

display risky behaviours and have a 

diminished appreciation of the hazards they 

face. 

“Biological research shows that, at the age 

of 18, areas of the human brain responsible 

for the integration of information and impulse 

control are still developing. 

“Encouraging an estimated additional 

13,500 teenagers to start driving lorries 

would be a vast and dangerous experiment, 

leading to many more of the highest-risk 

group of drivers behind the wheel of vehicles 

that cause the most devastation when 

crashed.” 

He ended with an appeal to the European 

Parliament “to reflect on the implications of 

what would be a serious step backwards for 

road safety in Europe. Teenagers driving 

lorries is an idea that must be stopped in its 

tracks. ” 

• Antonio Avenoso in the Executive Director 

of the ETSC 



Ireland considering 

alcolocks for offenders 

Ireland is looking at introducing alcohol 

interlocks in a bid to curb drink-driving. 

A key action of Ireland’s Government 

Road Safety Strategy is for tougher 

drink-driving penalties, with an alcohol 

interlock programme, supported by a 

drink-drive rehabilitation course for 

high-risk drink-drive offenders, one 

option being considered. 

The announcement came as new 

research from the Road Safety 

Authority (RSA) found that one in 10 

Irish motorists have driven after 

consuming alcohol in the last 12 

months. 

Of those who admitted to consuming 

alcohol, the incidence was higher 

among male drivers (14%), those who 

drive for work (14%), and those with a 

history of collision involvement (24%). 

Almost one in three (28%) of this 

group admitted to consuming two or 

more drinks on the last occasion they 

drove after consuming alcohol, in the 

last 12 months. 

Nearly three-quarters of motorists 

agreed that ‘most of my friends think 

driving under the influence of alcohol is 

unacceptable’. But in 2019 this figure 

was 85%, suggesting a concerning 

decline. 

Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director 

of ETSC said: “To reach the EU target to 

cut road deaths by 50% by 2030, it’s 

essential to tackle drink-driving. 

“Several EU countries are looking at 

alcohol ignition interlock devices for 

those prosecuted for drink-driving, 

including France and Poland. It is a trend 

in the right direction.” 

Public health body leads calls for 

tougher rules on new drivers 

Arthur Mynott 

MSA GB 

West Coast & Wales 

I must admit I was at a loss as to what to 

write about this month when, all of a sudden, 

I came across an article of great interest to 

me and I think will be to you also. 

It appeared on dailypost.co.uk which 

covers news from North Wales and was 

headlined Night-time curfews and passenger 

plan for young drivers in Wales. 

On reading this article it states that the 

National Health Institute for Wales wants a 

progressive licensing system for newly 

qualified drivers, basically a form of 

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). 

Public Health Wales (PHW) is 

recommending the introduction of GDL in the 

hope that it would save lives by imposing 

restrictions on newly qualified drivers under 

the age of 25 for the first six to 12 months. 

They have submitted their recommendations 

to a 12-week Welsh Government 

consultation on its new road safety strategy. 

The Association of British Insurers 

supports GDL, claiming that young drivers 

are a “major danger on the road” and the 

current licensing system is flawed as it allows 

young people to drive unaccompanied as 

soon as they pass their test. 

PHW said that younger drivers should be 

eased behind the wheel via progressive 

licensing while they gain experience and skills 

gradually over time. 

Extra restrictions on newly qualified 

drivers including night curfews and 

passenger limits were rejected by the UK 

Government in January 2022 because young 

drivers need to use their cars for work. 

I know there is more on this in this issue of 

Newslink (see page 8). 

Whatever your views, the outcome of the 

Welsh Government consultation will make 

interesting reading! 

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults 

The MSA GB Safeguarding of Vulnerable 

Adults Webinar is booked for Sunday, 25th 

February, starting at 9.30am. There are still a 

couple of spaces available. 

See the panel below for more details, but 

the key point is that it will last about three 

hours and will be a really useful course that 

will give us really important information on 

how to handle societal issues affecting our 

young pupils, and how we can help them 

overcome them. 

To book for this event please contact me 

via my details below. 

Contact: 

Arthur Mynott, 

MSA GB West Coast & Wales Chairman 

arthur.mynott@yahoo.com 

Tel 07989 852274. 

Webinar to tackle key safeguarding issues for ADIs 

Arthur Mynott 

I have organised a webinar for MSA GB 

members across the country, on 

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults 

Awareness. It will be on Sunday, February 25, 

and held online, starting at 9.30am and 

running for three hours. 

The cost to attend will be £50. 

As we are working with vulnerable adults 

every day this course will help you to know 

what to do if you suspect any of our students 

may be having problems. 

As we teach our pupils, we get to know 

them quite well and they very often talk to us 

about their concerns. Sometimes we find it 

hard to give a considered reply or know how 

to respond, particularly if there are concerns. 

This course will help you deal with these 

sort of situations when they arise. 

There will be a CPD certificate for all 

attendees. 

If you would like to participate, then please 

reply asap using my contact details below. 

CONTACT 

Arthur Mynott, Chairman West Coast & 

Wales MSA GB 

Tel 07989852274 

arthur.mynott@msagb.com 


Area News 

The idea of young LGV drivers leaves 

me cold... as does trusting ‘perfect’ AI 

John Lomas 

MSA GB 

West Coast 

& Wales 

I read the article in January’s Newslink, 

which outlined how the EU was looking at 

allowing 17-year-olds to learn to drive 

LGVs, with interest. 

I understand that in the UK you can start 

to learn on Cat C and Cat D vehicles at 18 

though there are restrictions, such as 

having your Cat B licence for two years 

prior to starting on Cat C. I remember doing 

a piece a few years back about an 18-yearold 

who drove his, and his friends, own 

school bus because he was allowed to do 

certain types of short journey. 

If the EU does change its qualifying ages 

are we spared having those younger LGV 

drivers, or even the 16-year-old car drivers 

on our roads by virtue of our having left 

the EU? 

I hope so because that gives me another 

reason to cheer. 

There are some youngsters in rural areas 

of the ‘U S of A’ who can acquire a driver 

permit at 14 or so, but I am assured that 

they cannot come here on holiday and 

drive on our roads, because they have not 

reached our normal minimum driving age 

of 17 years. Hopefully that same regulation 

would apply to continental drivers who 

don’t fit with our age profiles. 

BMW or Thunderbirds 

Nice one Janet! In the last issue of 

Newslink she posed a picture question. If 

you recall it it had a red car on which 

appeared to be an Austin 7 which was 

licence built in Germany. The original 

licencee was Dixi later bought by BMW. I 

believe Nissan also built some but there is 

an argument as to whether they were 

licence built or reverse engineered copies. 

The pink Thunderbirds car – Lady 

Penelope’s FAB 1 – is of the type used in 

the later TV series. Rolls Royce/BMW 

refused to have anything to do with it so 

Ford was involved in making the full 

six-wheeled one, and there are design 

elements of the previous Thunderbird 

model in it. Back in the early 70s there was 

a full size model of the early FAB1 doing the 

rounds of Vauxhall garages so I assume 

they built that one. 

Artificial Intelligence 

Some mentioned Artifical Intelligence 

(AI) to me the other day, and it got me 

thinking about what it meant. Many people 

would like you to ONLY think of these 

definitions: 

Made by people, often as a copy of 

something natural: ie, Artificial Heart, 

artificial lake, artificial fur/sweetners/ 

flowers. 

They would rather you didn’t think about 

this one: 

Not Sincere: i.e. Their cheerfulness seemed 

rather strained and artificial. 

However, as driving instructors you are 

working in a hazardous environment and we 

have seen far too many examples over the 

years of computer systems being thrust 

upon us by supposedly knowledgable 

authorities/agencies. There are many in our 

number who will remember the Capita fiasco 

when DSA (might have been DVSA) used that 

company for a new ‘more efficient’ booking 

system. 

Even now, with the Post Office computer 

fiasco ongoing, people are still asking us to 

trust computer algorithms and the 

‘intelligentsia’ who write them. Also never 

believe anyone who tells you that systems 

cannot be accessed remotely; any computer 

programmer who hasn’t built a backdoor into 

a system has failed to do his/her job properly. 

I have no doubt that you will have had 

pupils conned by fake DVSA websites when 

looking to book their tests. That is just 

another example of how unreliable the 

internet is and so called Artificial Intelligence 

will only make it less reliable. 

At the moment DVSA is giving successful 

test candidates a paper certificate, although 

the DVSA to DVLA admin is being done by 

electronic means for the issuing of the new 

full driving licences. BUT at some time in the 

future they will stop doing that. If you doubt 

me, think about how many organisations 

including government bodies are clamouring 

for you to go paperless. 

When they do go paperless what is going 



February’s strange sign 

Left, yet another strange sign. Do you have 

any ideas of what could possibly be the 

purpose of a road sign which says ‘Sign Not In 

Use?’ I have seen signs which are used 

occasionally but they are normally hinged 

across the middle so are blank usually, and 

only visible when required; this does not 

appear to be such a sign. 

to happen when the inevitable happens and 

someone’s pass record doesn’t get 

transferred correctly to the DVLA, 

particularly if DVSA can’t find the record in its 

database either? 

Couldn’t happen, I hear you say. Really? 

Back in the late 1980s/early ’90s I knew 

an instructor who, after moving home, 

couldn’t find his driving licence. No problem, 

just pay the fee and get a new one, except 

that when he contacted Swansea they 

couldn’t find his records (and this was in the 

days of hard copies, not electronic bits). 

The DSA, as it was then, knew he must 

have a licence, after all they had inspected it 

at the time he took his ADI tests. But none of 

that mattered. After a lot of heartache he 

actually had to get a new provisional and take 

an L-test to get his full licence back. 

Amazingly the DSA actually permitted him 

to carry on instructing all the while. 

Hastings and Bexhill 

But would everything be handled so 

smoothly if it is a computer glitch in the 

future? I suggest that past experiences with 

CAPITA, Fujitsu and the Post Office, say it 

wouldn’t. 

See-through truck (photo on facing page) 

Have you ever thought, when following a 

large vehicle, “I wonder what is in front of it?” 

Well, in Moscow, someone has turned the 

back of a truck into an LCD screen with a feed 

from a CCTV camera at the front of the truck. 

I saw it on a FaceBook reels thread and took a 

screen grab of it. 

But having seen a picture of it I have 

started to wonder whether a following driver 

might get so enthralled watching the screen 

that he might fail to notice if the truck 

suddenly stopped. 

What do you think? 

CCTV 

There have been a number of vandalism 

attacks, painting keying and tyre piercing, on 

4x4s and SUVs which are being targeted by 

people claiming to be environmentalists. 

The police have been quite forthright in 

asking for CCTV footage from whatever 

sources are available, including doorbell cams. 

These requests have got me quite puzzled 

as the residents in the housing scheme 

where I am now living have been told in no 

uncertain terms that any CCTV is only 

permitted to show activity within the 

curtilage of our properties, and that includes 

doorbell cameras which cannot be used 

because our doors are our boundaries. 

Would the police be able to use evidence 

from the CCTVs that they are seeking? After 

all it would surely be tainted evidence having 

come from an illegal source. Is anybody 

providing such footage to the police laying 

themselves open to prosecution for improper 

use of CCTV? 

This might seem a trivial matter, but many 

of you have dashcams in your tuition cars, the 

footage from which can be vital in case of a 

crash involving your vehicle. What is the legal 

position if your footage shows a third party’s 

crash. Does it have the same protection that 

you have as a witness in person? 

Neil Palmer writes... On Monday, January 22, driving instructors from across Hastings and Bexhill enjoyed an 

evening out at a local Indian restaurant. It was a great night, with wonderful food and some lively conversation. 

There were plenty of great anecdotes shared alongside the normal chatter you’d expect from a group of ADIs 

– L-test waiting times and potholes! 


Area News 

Too fast, or not fast enough? 

Janet 

Stewart 

London & the 

South East 

“Driving on an empty 

motorway, sticking to 

70mph, can seem absurd...” 

Driving too fast remains the biggest cause of 

crashes and the major contributor to fatalities 

on our roads. 

Many people, particularly driving 

instructors, would say that there are times 

when 20mph is too fast, but equally that 

70mph is sometimes too slow. So what, if 

anything, do we need to do? 

I am reminded of Cato who began every 

speech in the forum with Carthago delenda 

est – forever calling for the destruction of 

Carthage. I am forever saying it will all be 

alright once everyone is in a self-driving 

vehicle. I do, however, realise that I am being 

as tedious as Cato, despite the fact that 

Carthage was eventually destroyed by the 

Romans. 

According to RoSPA, crashes with 

pedestrians resulting in a fatality drop from 

20 per cent at 30mph to 2.5 per cent at 

20mph. For 2021/22 there were 2.3 million 

fixed penalty notices issued for speeding. 

This is the highest on record but may be 

skewed by Covid and lockdown. Roads were 

far less busy and, therefore, the ‘speeders’ 

felt safer and may well have thought they 

were less likely to be caught. Nonetheless, it 

is a staggeringly high figure. 

Has the 20mph limit in Wales been a 

success? Is it too early to tell? (see page 8 for 

more on this). What seems clear is that 

drivers struggle to stick to a speed limit that 

they think is inappropriate or just plain silly. 

Is it possible to individually monitor and 

assess every road in the country and then 

give it a suitable limit? Well, hardly! Lee 

Puffett of Which? says “Lower speed limits 

should be considered when the road narrows 

and twists. There is no point introducing a 

20mph limit on a wide open country road, so 

a sensible evidence-based approach is 

required”. 

Unfortunately, yes, until such time as 

drivers assess every road, driving condition, 

weather and their own ability and make 

appropriate judgements, Carthago dele ... or, 

as my mother would have said, “When 

Nelson gets his eye back”. 

Dual carriageway 

While driving back from Suffolk a few 

weeks ago there was a stretch of dual 

carriageway temporarily marked with a 

50mph speed limit. There were no road works 

going on. I was overtaken by everyone – and I 

do mean everyone – while my husband 

squirmed next to me, but he agreed that I 

was doing the right thing. Clearly, the locals 

knew that there was nothing happening and, 

in fact, I was causing a danger by obeying the 

law. So, what to do? 

Driving back from Scotland on the M6 on a 

beautiful moonlit night on an empty road, 

sticking to 70mph, does seem absurd, but I do 

(mostly). In various places I have travelled to 

in the past year or so, two limits are shown 

– one for dry weather and another for wet or 

icy. No chance of we Brits complying with 

“In various places I have 

driven, two limits are shown 

– one for dry weather and 

another for wet or icy. No 

chance of we Brits complying 

with that sort of faff – trying to 

decide whether drizzle is or is 

not rain...” 

that sort of faff – trying to decide whether 

drizzle is or is not rain. 

Worrying trend 

A survey undertaken some months ago of 

young men aged 17-24 found that only 43% 

thought speeding was unacceptable. Dr 

Gemma Briggs, Professor of Applied 

Cognitive Psychology, said “Most drivers 

consider themselves to be ‘better than 

average’. They feel that while other drivers 

should not speed, their own increased skill 

means that they can handle a bit of extra 

speed”. 

Consequently, every journey completed 

without incident reinforces and confirms that 

their speeding is acceptable. 

I end where I began. We know that 

increased technology in cars is having a 

positive effect on road safety simply because 

some cars will themselves avoid crashing into 

each other. However, this may lead some 

drivers to rely too heavily on the tech their 

vehicle has. 

There are, too, many people who think that 

their own skill exceeds anything that the car 

can do for them and will not want to trust the 

car’s capabilities. 

For all our sakes, and that of the planet, we 

need to move to self-driving all electric 

vehicles just as quickly as we can. 



Experienced professional to 

lead safeguarding course 

Paul Harmes 

MSA GB Area 2 Deputy Chairman 

MSA GB Area 2 (East Coast) is hosting a 

safeguarding training event on April 4. 

To be run online, it will start at 10am and 

run until 3pm, with a break in the middle at a 

suitable time for lunch. 

The discounted cost to MSA members is 

£45 and to non-members £70. 

All participants will receive a safeguarding 

certificate for completing Level 1 and a work 

booklet. The course counts as CPD, too. 

Safeguarding is how we can protect 

children, young people and vulnerable adults 

from abuse or neglect by the actions, or lack 

of actions, of another person. In order to 

safeguard and protect persons from abuse or 

neglect, we need to learn how to identify 

vulnerable individuals and take necessary 

steps to stop abuse and neglect. 

This qualification is suitable for all persons 

and will provide an understanding of 

safeguarding which can be used in a 

workplace, activity group or any instance 

where a person comes into contact with 

children or adults at risk. 

The qualification provides learners with the 

knowledge to identify a safeguarding 

concern, record a disclosure and report to the 

appropriate person. 

TO ENROL 

Click here to enrol 

on the course 

When you enrol we will need your full name 

and email address to send you the joining link, 

which will be sent nearer the event. 

About our course leader 

The course will be lead by Neil Wightma. 

Neil is a driving mentor who is dedicated to 

helping individuals achieve their full potential. 

As an ORDIT (Official Register of Driving 

Instructor Training) registered instructor 

trainer, Neil is recognised for his expertise 

and qualifications in training driving 

instructors. 

Furthermore, Neil is a safeguarding 

instructor, which indicates his commitment 

to ensuring the safety and well-being of his 

students. 

Safeguarding instructors play a crucial role 

in educating driving instructors about child 

protection, vulnerable adult safeguarding, and 

other related topics. 

Neil takes pride in his work and is 

passionate about assisting others in reaching 

their highest potential. 

Hope to see you there. 

ADI training to teach pupils with Special Needs 

6 Hour Courses, Online One-To-One Training for Driving Instructors 

From communication problems to behavioural difficulties, these courses are designed to help you as 

a driving instructor. Learn to support all your pupils, in your car, all the way to test! 

Courses available: 

n Introduction to Neurodiversity in Your Car 

n Introduction to the Autistic Spectrum 

n Introduction to ADHD 

n Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia 

and Irlen’s Syndrome 

n Anxiety and Confidence Building 

in Lessons 

n Anxiety and the Driving Test 

n Communication and Special Needs 

n Setting and Achieving Goals with 

Neurodiverse People 

n Sensory Sensitivity and Related Issues 

n Neurodiversity and the Driving Test 

n Improving Low Self-Esteem 

n Challenging Situations and Special Needs 

Learn all about a subject in SIX hours! No matter where you are, you can learn 

online, with live one-to-one training delivered by Julia Malkin through Messenger 

or WhatsApp, with hours to suit you. 

£200 for 6 hours of live, one-to-one training in your chosen subject – a small 

deposit secures your place. 

Delivered by Dr Julia S. A. Malkin, MBE 

MA, BA (Hons), FdA (MVCO), Dip. DI, LCGI, MInstMTD, FARRM 

What Julia’s 

clients said: 

‘Absolutely amazing 

trainer for driving 

instructors with SEN 

pupils’ - H.S.M. 

‘I cannot recommend 

Julia highly enough. 

What an experience’ – 

K.G. 

Winner of the Prince 

Michael International 

Road Safety Award for 

Innovation 2012 and 

Intelligent Instructor 

Special Needs Provider 

Award 2019 

Contact Julia for further details and to book via 07761 064 694 or julia.mbe2011@gmail.com 


Special feature 

The Community Off-road 

Transport Action Group was 

formed in 2004, using owners’ 

4x4s to create an impromptu 

rescue service in rural areas. 

ALAN GRAY of the Inverurie 

branch of MSA GB, reports 

When the going gets tough... 

COTAG gets going 

The Community Off-road Transport Action 

Group 4x4 Response team – more 

commonly known as COTAG – is a citizen 

emergency service, offering help to the 

public and supporting the official emergency 

services and the public sector. 

It is the brainchild of a group of like-minded 

4x4 owners from the Aberdeenshire & 

Morayshire region of Scotland who got 

together in 2004 with the aim of providing 

4x4 logistical assistance to Category One 

responders and members of the local 

community within the north-east of Scotland. 

COTAG volunteers combine their love of 

their 4x4s and the desire to help the 

community at large wherever there is a need 

for a sturdy off-roader, eg, in adverse 

weather, floods, or anywhere where an 

off-road capability is required. 

COTAG currently has 34 volunteers, most 

with their own 4x4 vehicles, but not all, as the 

ever-expanding team includes a number of 

administration and control staff, who do not 

necessarily own a suitable vehicle but have a 

desire to assist in any way they can. 

A typical COTAG deployment will be at 

times of adverse weather such as heavy 

snow or flooding. 

Duties can include the movement of NHS 

staff for both care in the community and 

critical care services, to and from the two 

major hospitals in the region. Members also 

get involved with the transportation of vital 

blood samples for analysis during critical 

periods, and have transported dialysis and 

other critical treatment patients from rural 

areas to their treatment centres. 

As you would possibly expect, one of their 

tasks is helping motorists stranded by 

adverse weather. COTAG can be requested by 

Police Scotland to provide vehicles/drivers to 

transport police officers, when conditions 

dictate that only properly equipped 4x4 

vehicles are capable of making progress. 

Teams can be called to deliver vital 

supplies, such as deploying sandbags or 

transporting supplies such as bottled water 

to remote rural communities when normal 

utilities have been interrupted. 

How it’s organised 

COTAG 4X4 Response is a registered 

Scottish charity and relies on charitable 

donations for the bulk of its funding. While 

volunteers will be recompensed for their fuel 

if called out by any of our other services, 

COTAG will quite often be ahead of the game, 

proactively deploying in potential trouble 

spots to provide support within the 

community. Volunteers are unpaid and the 

bulk of their equipment has to be funded by 

themselves. 

COTAG has Memorandums of Understanding 

with a number of public agencies, 

including Police Scotland, Aberdeenshire & 

Moray Councils including Health and Social 

Care, NHS Grampian and NHS24. The team is 

also registered in the Scottish Fire & Rescue 

Service Community Asset Register, and 

senior COTAG managers represent 4x4 

Response support at the North East Scotland 

Local Resilience Partnership (LRP) meetings 

during times of local and national emergency. 

The group also assists at many community 

events where there is a need for 4x4 



Some of the COTAG team with their 4x4s 

Out in all weathers... 

support, such as off-road marathons and ultra 

marathons and a number of mountain bike 

events. These events often take place on land 

owned by some of the major Highlands 

landowners. 

All COTAG members are volunteers who 

own and maintain their vehicles at their own 

cost. While COTAG provide most of the PPE 

and other items such as radios, beacons and 

first aid equipment, other additional items are 

purchased, fitted and paid for by the volunteers 

themselves which can, in some cases, amount 

to over £1,000 of personal expenditure. 

In order to become a fully operational team 

member, an extensive training programme 

needs to be undertaken which can take up to 

a year to complete. COTAG is very fortunate to 

have its own dedicated 360-acre training 

ground near Alford, and members train every 

month throughout the year. 

To become a fully trained operational 

member the volunteers have to prove that 

their vehicles are legal and safe to drive, and 

they have to pass an initial assessment in 

offroad driving. All aspects of off-road driving 

are developed over time during monthly 

training and they then have to pass a final 

off- road driving assessment. 

All volunteers must also have - or take – 

further qualifications such as IAM Advanced 

Driving; First Aid at Work including using a 

Defib and Epi pen; using a VHF radio, 

navigation and advanced off-road driving 

skills, including deep water training. 

Some of the above is assessed by the 

resident experts within the membership. A 

number of the team has recently attained 

British Off-road Driving Association Higher 

Off-road Driving qualification. The intention is 

to train all members to this level over the 

coming year. 

Helping the emergency 

services 

COTAG 4X4 Response is fortunate that 

Forestry and Land Scotland allows the team 

to train within some of their forests, utilising 

the demanding terrain to hone their off-road 

driving skills and in specialist areas such as 

navigation, deep water and steep ascent/ 

descent driving. 

Initially, the main form of inter-team 

communication was by VHF radio. However, 

COTAG is always keen to embrace new 

technology and has recently introduced 

‘Broadnet’, a modern digital radio comms 

system that utilises mobile phone networks. 

This system is much more efficient and allows 

for a greater range without reliance on signal 

repeaters. Broadnet also supports a digital 

dashboard allowing COTAG dispatchers to 

manage each response request, including the 

ability to track each volunteer’s progress 

during their mission. 

In support of their operations COTAG has 

two specialised trailers. One is a box van type 

which has been converted to a 

communications hub and is fitted with VHF, 

Broadnet and broadband communications 

equipment with its own standalone power 

source. The equipment is extensively used in 

support of the previously mentioned off-road 

events and ensures event organisers can 

provide the required safety cover reassurance 

for all involved. 

The second trailer has purpose-built 

off-road capability and is designed to carry 

goods such as sandbags, palleted bottled 

water or water-filled IBC for use by Scotland 

Fire and Rescue Service wildfire activities. 

Funding has recently been secured to allow 

the team to further improve their capabilities 

by introducing Starlink, a broadband satellite 

internet system. This further enhances the 

team’s communications capability and can be 

utilised by community hubs, utility companies 

and other resilience partners during power 

outages, etc. The system is completely mobile 

and COTAG can deploy up to six units to 

whichever area is in need and during times of 

harsh conditions. 

It is worth noting that none of the support 

provided by COTAG volunteers would be 

possible without the support of the 

volunteer’s families, who can often not see 

their loved one for some lengthy periods. 


Members’ discounts 

Members’ discounts and benefits 

MSA GB has organised a number of exclusive discounts and offers for members. More details can be found on our website at www.msagb.com 

and click on the Member Discounts logo. To access these benefits, simply log in and click on the Member discount logo, then click the link at the 

bottom of the page to allow you to obtain your special discounts. 

Please note, non-members will be required to join the association first. Terms and conditions apply 

Access to a replacement dual 

control car after a crash 

EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR MSA GB MEMBERS 

MSA GB has partnered with AI Insurance Solutions Limited to provide members with a 

replacement dual controlled car when things don’t quite go to plan. 

If you lose your dual-controlled tuition car in a crash, MSA GB’s new partnership with AI 

Insurance Solutions Ltd will have you back on the road and teaching in no time. 

Our exclusive agreement with AI Solutions Ltd will supply a replacement vehicle to you 

should the need arise – at no cost. Contact The AI Insurance Solutions Emergency (AIIS) 

assistance line on 01945 425211 for more details, or see pg 26. 

Ford updates special 

members’ offer 

Ford has partnered with MSA GB to offer exclusive 

discounts on all car and commercial Ford vehicles. 

Take a look at the Ford website www.ford.co.uk 

for vehicle and specification information. See the 

Members’ Benefits page on the MSA GB website 

and follow the Ford link for more details.. 

Please note these discounts are only available to 

MSA GB members and their immediate family if they 

are members who pay annually. 

ACCOUNTANCY 

MSA GB’s Recommended 

Accountancy Service, FBTC 

offers a specialist service for 

ADIs. It has been established 

over 20 years ago and covers the 

whole of the UK. The team takes pride in 

providing unlimited advice and support to ensure 

the completion of your tax return is hassle free, 

giving you peace of mind. 

MSA GB OFFER:: FBTC will prepare you for 

Making Tax Digital and will be providing HMRC 

compliant software to all clients very soon. 

Join now to receive three months free. 

ADVANCE DRIVING 

AND RIDING 

As the UK’s largest road safety 

charity, IAM RoadSmart is 

proud to partner with the 

Motor Schools Association 

GB. Working together to promote and 

enhance motorists skills on our roads. 

MSA GB OFFER:: Get 10% off Advanced courses; 

visit www.iamroadsmart.com/course and 

use the code MSA10 at the checkout or call 

0300 303 1134 to book. 

BREATHALYSER KITS 

Protect yourself and your pupils with a 

personal breathalyser. We’ve teamed up with 

AlcoSense, the award-winning range of 

personal breathalysers, to offer an exclusive 

discount to all MSA GB members. A personal 

breathalyser takes the guesswork out of 

whether there’s residual alcohol in your 

system (or that of your learner driver pupil) 

the morning after the night before. 

MSA GB OFFER:: 10% off any AlcoSense product 

(excluding single-use disposables) – from the 

entry-level Lite 2 (£44.99) to the top-ofthe-range 

Ultra (£249.00). 

CAR AIR FRESHENERS / CANDLES 

Mandles’ handmade scented collections use 

quality ingredients to ensure superior scent 

throw from all its candles and 

diffusers. Check our our website 

for further details. 

MSA GB OFFER:: Special discount 

of 20% on all car air fresheners 

and refills. 

CARD PAYMENTS 

MSA GB and SumUp believe 

in supporting motor vehicle 

trainers of all shapes and sizes. 

Together we are on a mission to 

ease the operational workload of 

our members by providing them with the ability 

to take card payments on-the-go or in their 

respective training centres. SumUp readers 

are durable and user-friendly. Their paperless 

onboarding is quick and efficient. Moreover, 

their offer comes with no monthly subscription, 

no contractual agreement, no support fees, 

no hidden fees – just the one-off cost for the 

reader coupled with lowest on the market 

transaction fee. 

DISABILITY AIDS 

Driving shouldn’t just be a 

privilege for people without 

disabilities; it should be 

accessible for all and there’s never been an easier 

time to make this the case! MSA GB members 

can take advantage of BAS’s Driving Instructor 

Packages which include a range of adaptations at 

a discounted price, suitable for teaching disabled 

learner drivers. 

MSA GB OFFER:: Special Driving Instructor 

Packages for MSA GB members. 

FUEL CARDS 

Save up to 10p per litre of fuel with Fuel Card 

Services. Fuel Card Services offers a large 

choice of networks from leading brands, such 

as BP, Shell, Esso and UK Fuels so you can 

decide which networks you wish to include on 

your business account. 

MSA GB OFFER:: An MSA GB fuel card will save 

you up to 10p per litre. 

HEALTH / FINANCE COVER 

The Motor Schools Association of Great 

Britain has agreed with HMCA to 

offer discounted rates for medical 

plans, dental plan, hospital cash 

plans, personal accident plan, 

travel plan, income protection 

and vehicle breakdown products. 

MSA GB OFFER:: HMCA only offer 

medical plans to membership groups 

and can offer up to a 40% discount off the 

underwriter’s standard rates. This is a 

comprehensive plan which provides generous 

cash benefits for surgery and other charges. 

To get the full story of the 

discounts available, see 

www.msagb.com 



PUPIL INSURANCE 

Join the Collingwood 

Instructor Programme and 

refer your pupils for learner 

insurance. 

MSA GB OFFER:: MSA GB OFFER:: £50 for 

your first referral and £20 for all additional 

referrals. 

PSYCHOLOGY TRAINING 

Confident Drivers has the only 

website created especially for 

drivers offering eight different 

psychological techniques 

commonly used to reduce stress and nerves. 

MSA GB OFFER:: One month free on a monthly 

subscription plan using coupon code. 

PUPIL SOURCING 

Go Roadie provides students 

when they need them, with all 

the details you need before you 

accept. Control your own pricing, 

discounts and set your availability 

to suit you. Full diary? No cost! 

MSA GB OFFER:: Introductory offer of 50% off 

the first three students they accept. 

QUICKBOOKS 

50% Discount on two 

packages for MSA GB 

members 

Quickbooks is offering an online 

50% discount for MSA GB members on two of 

their premium accounting packages. 

Essentials Package For small businesses 

working with suppliers. Manage VAT and 

Income Tax with up to three users. 

Plus For businesses managing projects, 

stock, VAT, and Income Tax. Up to five users. 

The packages are contract-free throughout 

with no cancellation fee. This exclusive 

member offer can only be secured by 

contacting our MSA GB representative at 

Quickbooks - Ollie Nobes, on: 07723 507 026 

or email: Ollie_Nobes@intuit.com quoting: 

**MSAGB** 

To get the full story of the 

discounts available, see 

www.msagb.com 

Membership offer 

Welcome, new ADIs 

We’ve a special introductory offer for you! 

Congratulations on passing your 

Part 3 and becoming an ADI. 

There’s an exciting career 

open to you from today, 

one that’s alive with 

possibilities as you build 

your skills, your client base 

and your income. 

But for all the excitement, 

it can also be challenging; 

who can you turn to if you’re 

struggling to get over key driver 

training issues to a pupil? Where can 

you go to soak up advice from more 

experienced ADIs? Who will help you if you 

are caught up in a dispute with the DVSA? If 

the worst happens, who can you turn to for 

help, advice and to fight your corner? 

The answer is the Motor Schools 

Association of Great Britain – MSA GB for 

short. 

We are the most senior association 

representing driving instructors in Great 

Britain. Establised in 1935 when the first 

driving test was introduced, MSA GB has 

been working tirelessly ever since on 

behalf of ordinary rank and file ADIs. 

We represent your interests and your 

views in the corridors of power, holding 

regular meetings with senior officials 

from the DVSA and the Department for 

Transport to make sure the ADIs’ voice is 

heard. 

SPECIAL OFFER 

Join MSA GB today! 

SPECIAL OFFER: Join for just £60 with your 

PI & PL insurance included immediately! 

No joining fee - saving you £25 

Call 01787 221020 quoting discount code 

Newslink, or join online at www.msagb.com 

We’d like you to 

join us 

We’re there to support you 

every step of the way. 

Our office-based staff are 

there, five days a week, 

from 9am-5pm, ready to 

answer your call and help 

you in any way. 

In addition our network of 

experienced office holders and 

regional officers can offer advice over 

the phone or by email. 

But membership of the MSA GB doesn’t 

just mean we’re there for you if you’re 

in trouble. We also offer a nationwide 

network of regular meetings, seminars and 

training events, an Annual Conference, and 

a chance to participate in MSA GB affairs 

through our democratic structure 

In addition, you’ll get a free link to our 

membership magazine Newslink every 

month, with all the latest news, views, 

comment and advice you’ll need to become 

a successful driving instructor. 

You’ll also automatically receive 

professional indemnity insurance worth up 

to £5m and £10m public liability insurance 

free of charge. 

This is essential legal protection covering 

you against legal claims ariving from your 

tuition.

Newslink February

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