Newslink March 2024
Motor Schools Association of Great Britain; driver training and testing. Road safety
Motor Schools Association of Great Britain; driver training and testing. Road safety
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msagb.com<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong><br />
The Voice of MSA GB<br />
Issue 374 • <strong>March</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
Last chance to book<br />
for Conference<br />
see pg 14-15<br />
9<br />
Annual<br />
Report<br />
2022-23<br />
inside<br />
9<br />
12<br />
Testing the<br />
waiting time<br />
17<br />
weather<br />
24<br />
We work for all Driver Trainers. Want to join? SAVE £25 – see pg 45 for special offer
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
We dodged a bullet: now let’s<br />
hope for a long-term peace<br />
Welcome to your<br />
digital, interactive<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong><br />
Colin Lilly<br />
Editor,<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong><br />
As you will have read at the start of last<br />
month, the head-on collision between DVSA<br />
and the PCS Union has been averted and the<br />
proposed strikes, planned for between<br />
February 8 and 11, called off.<br />
In a joint statement, the PCS and DVSA<br />
stated that they had been able to reach<br />
agreement on a number of actions based on<br />
the eight demands leading to the dispute, and<br />
this was recorded in a Memorandum of<br />
Understanding. The union will now consult its<br />
members on the outcome.<br />
It is to be hoped that the DVSA was granted<br />
freedom to negotiate, that the almost annual<br />
strike action can be put to rest, and that the<br />
deal will lead to stability in driver testing.<br />
The Government has also announced an<br />
enquiry into a number of public bodies<br />
including DVSA, and this is reported elsewhere<br />
in this issue.<br />
One good thing that could come out of such<br />
an inquiry is the flexibility to offer other testing<br />
services or restore some of those removed in<br />
recent years.<br />
Older drivers targeted again<br />
Recently there was yet another petition<br />
published requiring all drivers over 65 to be<br />
retested. This was doomed to failure from the<br />
start as it includes drivers of pre-retirement<br />
age. In the end it attracted fewer than 500<br />
signatures during the six months allowed;<br />
perhaps the ‘demand’ for this type of ban is<br />
not as widespread as the media would lead us<br />
to believe.<br />
If one of these petitions should ever<br />
succeed the DVSA would be faced with an<br />
impossible demand for testing. Currently they<br />
are unable to accept any increase in demand<br />
for their services. The Governments over the<br />
next few years are unlikely to be in a position<br />
to legislate for any change in the law that<br />
would require testing, whether it be by age,<br />
driving offences, or routine.<br />
Annual Conference<br />
This is the last issue before the Annual<br />
Conference. I hope to see a number of you<br />
there. If you are attending and have any<br />
thoughts about <strong>Newslink</strong> or have ideas for<br />
future subjects, then please feel free to raise<br />
them with me.<br />
If you are not attending then please send an<br />
e-mail to editor@msagb.com. If you would<br />
like to contribute an item to <strong>Newslink</strong> and have<br />
doubts about your spelling or grammar, do not<br />
worry, we will correct this before publishing.<br />
“It is to be hoped that the DVSA<br />
was granted freedom to<br />
negotiate, that the almost<br />
annual strike action can now<br />
be put to rest, and that the<br />
deal will lead to stability<br />
in the driver testing sector...”.<br />
See a pale blue box in any article or<br />
on an advert? It it contains a web<br />
address or email, it’s interactive. Just<br />
click and it will take you to the<br />
appropriate web page or email so you<br />
can find more details easier.<br />
You’ll also find these panels across<br />
the magazine: just click for more<br />
information on any given subject.<br />
To get the<br />
full story,<br />
click here<br />
How to access this<br />
magazine<br />
You can read <strong>Newslink</strong> in three ways:<br />
Go online and read the interactive<br />
magazine on the Yumpu website; or,<br />
if you would like to read it when you<br />
don’t have a mobile signal or WiFi,<br />
you can download the magazine to<br />
your tablet, PC or phone to read at<br />
your leisure. Alternatively, a pdf can<br />
be found on the MSA GB website, at<br />
www.msagb.com<br />
Follow the link<br />
MSA GB sends<br />
you to access<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong>,<br />
and then just<br />
click Download<br />
(circled above)<br />
to save a copy<br />
on your device<br />
MSA GB Annual Conference <strong>2024</strong>:<br />
Book NOW<br />
You’ve still got time to<br />
book for Conference!<br />
See pg 14-15 for all the<br />
details you need<br />
Nick Taylor, ADI Registrar,<br />
confirmed to speak<br />
COVER STORY<br />
Testing the weather<br />
on L-test shortages<br />
How is your area<br />
faring? See pg<br />
10-11, and 12-13<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 03
Contents<br />
10<br />
23<br />
16<br />
18<br />
Good news 1: Strike action<br />
suspended<br />
Positive talks between the DVSA and the<br />
examiners’ union led to the postponement<br />
of proposed strikes – pg 6<br />
Good news 2: L-test waiting times<br />
showing signs of falling...<br />
DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder<br />
highlights success stories as DTCs report<br />
more test availability – pg 10<br />
21<br />
Bad news 1: They’re not falling<br />
everywhere...<br />
An MSA GB investigation has revealed that<br />
for all its hard work, the DVSA has barely<br />
moved the dial on L-test waiting times in<br />
huge swathes of the country – and the<br />
places causing most concern are the major<br />
cities of Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds<br />
and, most particularly, London.<br />
Full story on pg 12<br />
ADI Registrar<br />
confirms for<br />
Conference<br />
14<br />
A unique approach to curing<br />
anxiety and nerves<br />
Judy Hale gives us a guide to ‘Tapping’ and<br />
how the body’s meridian lines can ease<br />
anxiety and stress – pg 16<br />
Council’s bus lane advice<br />
causes quite a stir<br />
A row over Guildford Council’s bus lanes<br />
has taken an odd switch after the council<br />
offered residents incorrect advice – pg 20<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong><br />
The Voice of MSA GB<br />
The Motor Schools Association<br />
of Great Britain Ltd<br />
Head Office:<br />
Peershaws,<br />
Berewyk Hall Court,<br />
White Colne, Colchester,<br />
Essex CO6 2QB<br />
T: 01787 221020<br />
E: info@msagb.com<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong> is published monthly on behalf of the MSA GB<br />
and distributed to members and selected recently<br />
qualified ADIs throughout Great Britain by:<br />
Chamber Media Services,<br />
4 Hilton Road, Bramhall, Stockport,<br />
Cheshire SK7 3AG<br />
Editorial/Production: Rob Beswick<br />
e: rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk<br />
t: 0161 426 7957<br />
Advertising sales: Colin Regan<br />
e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk<br />
t: 01942 537959 / 07871 444922<br />
Views expressed in <strong>Newslink</strong> are not necessarily those<br />
of the MSA GB or the publishers.<br />
Although every effort is made<br />
to ensure the accuracy of<br />
material contained within<br />
this publication, neither MSA<br />
GB nor the publishers can<br />
accept any responsibility for<br />
the veracity of claims made<br />
by contributors in either<br />
advertising or editorial content.<br />
©2023 The Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain<br />
Ltd. Reproducing in whole<br />
or part is forbidden without<br />
express permission of the<br />
editor.<br />
04 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
MSA GB Board<br />
of Management<br />
National Chairman &<br />
Area 2 - East Coast Chair<br />
Mike Yeomans<br />
7 Oak Avenue, Elloughton,<br />
Brough HU15 1LA<br />
T: 07772 757529<br />
E: mike.yeomans@msagb.com<br />
AREA 1<br />
Vice Chairman<br />
Peter Harvey MBE<br />
T: 01505 814823<br />
E: peter.harveymbe@msagb.com<br />
Area 1 – Scotland &<br />
Northern Ireland<br />
Chair: Steven Porter<br />
18 Heron Place, Johnstone<br />
PA5 0RW<br />
T: 01505 345372 or<br />
07747 600672<br />
E: steven.porter@msagb.com<br />
Area 3 – London & South East<br />
Chair: Tom Kwok<br />
52B Sutton Road, Muswell Hill,<br />
London N10 1HE<br />
07956 269922<br />
E: tom.kwok@msagb.com<br />
How MSA GB<br />
is organised, in<br />
four AREAS<br />
AREA 4<br />
AREA 2<br />
AREA 3<br />
Area 4 – West Coast & Wales<br />
Chair: Arthur Mynott<br />
9 Hagleys Green, Crowcombe,<br />
Taunton TA4 4AH<br />
T: 01984 618858<br />
E: arthur.mynott@msagb.com<br />
Keep in touch<br />
If you have updated your address, telephone numbers or<br />
changed your email address recently, please let us know<br />
at head office by emailing us with your new details and<br />
membership number to info@msagb.com.<br />
If you can’t find your membership number, give us a ring<br />
on 01787 221020.<br />
Follow MSA GB on social media<br />
Just click on the icon to go<br />
through to the relevant site<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 05
News<br />
Hope for L-tests as PCS examiners take<br />
another look as DVSA addresses concerns<br />
MSA GB was delighted to hear, early in<br />
February, that planned strike action by<br />
driving examiners was called off at the 11th<br />
hour.<br />
The strikes were to run from February 8-11,<br />
and would have seen huge numbers of<br />
L-tests cancelled.<br />
However, two days before the start of the<br />
industrial action the Public and Commercial<br />
Services Union (PCS) announced the<br />
suspension of strikes.<br />
DVSA made an offer to PCS that its<br />
organisers said addressed the eight main<br />
concerns raised by its members. These<br />
include examiners’ safety, terms and<br />
conditions and the standards of safety that<br />
driving tests require.<br />
PCS will now fully consult its members on<br />
the latest offer made by DVSA through a<br />
consultative ballot.<br />
DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder said:<br />
“DVSA colleagues do an outstanding job in<br />
helping to keep our roads safe and are<br />
working to bring waiting times down.<br />
“We are pleased the talks with PCS union<br />
have been successful, and the planned<br />
industrial action on 8-11 February will not go<br />
ahead. I am grateful to the DVSA and PCS<br />
negotiating teams for the productive<br />
discussions and their commitment to<br />
resolving the issues.”<br />
For its part the PCS said: “Following<br />
intensive talks with senior management at<br />
the DVSA we have suspended our planned<br />
strike action.<br />
“Following the negotiations, we are pleased<br />
to report that we have reached an improved<br />
proposal, presented as a full package, which<br />
meets the eight demands PCS members<br />
were balloted on.<br />
“These include members’ safety, terms<br />
and conditions and the standards of safety<br />
that driving tests require.<br />
“Our members believe in the quality of the<br />
public service that they provide, which helps<br />
keep those using our roads as safe as<br />
possible. It is important to us that the<br />
integrity of that driving test, the safety of<br />
that driving test and of the service that we<br />
provide to the public, is maintained.<br />
“To allow us to fully consult members on<br />
these proposals, we have suspended the<br />
planned strike action. Members will attend<br />
work on those dates.<br />
don’t<br />
at the moment<br />
“We will outline the details of a<br />
consultative ballot on the management’s<br />
proposals to our members, and let them<br />
decide.<br />
“We want to once again thank all members<br />
for their show of strength demonstrated<br />
throughout the dispute to date. This has<br />
allowed us to make the progress we have<br />
made in negotiations.”<br />
MSA GB commented: “News of the<br />
cancellation came as something of a surprise<br />
to us, as while we knew talks were ongoing,<br />
the mood music from the two camps<br />
beforehand did not suggest a compromise<br />
would be reached. It’s great that a solution<br />
has been found.”<br />
“What is particularly pleasing is that<br />
improvements in the L-test waiting times,<br />
which we have all been longing for, are just<br />
starting to arrive, and the planned strikes<br />
jeopardised this progress. In December 2023,<br />
152,474 practical car driving tests were<br />
carried out – the highest number of tests<br />
done in December since records began. This,<br />
combined with a reasonably mild winter and<br />
fewer than average test cancellations due to<br />
snow and ice, has left some DTCs in a position<br />
where they are able to offer L-tests within<br />
two-three months. That is encouraging.<br />
“It is now to be hoped that PCS members<br />
will accept the proposal on the table. As PCS<br />
negotiators called off their planned strikes it<br />
is to be assumed they are fairly content with<br />
the deal, so hopefully examiners will accept it.<br />
“A 12-month period without L-tests being<br />
lost to industrial action would go a long way<br />
to helping bring down waiting times.”<br />
L-test waiting: The national picture<br />
- see pages 10-11, and 12-13<br />
06 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
New telephone numbers for 20 driving test centres<br />
As announced in the February issue of<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong>, the DVSA is changing all the<br />
contact telephone numbers at its driving test<br />
centres. Around 70 changed for the start of<br />
last month, with 20 more switching in <strong>March</strong>.<br />
The old numbers will no longer be active so<br />
please update your contact details.<br />
DTC telephone numbers are given to<br />
candidates/ADIs so they can contact their<br />
local driving test centre if there is bad<br />
weather on the day of their test, to check it is<br />
still being run.<br />
Although the new numbers all start with a<br />
London area code, you will be connected<br />
directly to your local DTC, as usual. The<br />
numbers are not routed through DVSA’s<br />
contact centre.<br />
The new telephone numbers are:<br />
North West<br />
Preston - 020 8148 9677<br />
Speke - 020 4570 2490<br />
Workington - 020 4570 2601<br />
Chadderton - 020 8148 9678<br />
Crewe - 020 4570 2471<br />
Yorkshire<br />
Malton - 020 4570 2658<br />
Horsforth - 020 4558 9514<br />
Midlands<br />
Birmingham (Garretts Green) - 020 4570 2647<br />
Warwick - 020 4570 2459<br />
Redditch - 020 4570 2732<br />
London & South East<br />
Canterbury - 020 456 66108<br />
Folkestone - 020 4566 7063<br />
Loughton - 020 4570 2480<br />
Mitcham - 020 4566 6066<br />
Sevenoaks 020 4570 2622<br />
Eastbourne 020 4570 2560<br />
South West<br />
Trowbridge - 020 8158 0244<br />
Bristol (Avonmouth) - 020 4582 7713<br />
Wales<br />
Llantrisant - 020 4534 0309<br />
Merthyr Tydfil - 020 4570 2613<br />
Let your pupils know<br />
All candidates with a test booked at the 20<br />
DTCs listed have been told about the new<br />
number; if you have booked a test on behalf<br />
of your pupil, please let them know about the<br />
change in contact number.<br />
Why the changes?<br />
The DVSA is investing in VOiP technology<br />
because it allows calls to be made using a<br />
broadband Internet connection instead of a<br />
regular landline. It will also improve the quality<br />
of calls.<br />
This technology is coming to all DVSA<br />
driving test centres over the next few<br />
months.<br />
Click here for the full<br />
list of new numbers<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 07
News<br />
Government announces<br />
review of DVSA<br />
New guide tackles<br />
driver fatigue<br />
A comprehensive guide has been published<br />
that considers the impact of tiredness and<br />
driver fatigue.<br />
Called Tiredness At The Wheel: An Essential<br />
Road Safety Guide For Understanding Driver<br />
Fatigue<br />
The guide looks at the impact of driving<br />
fatigue on crash statistics, considers ways to<br />
mitigate against it and how to spot when<br />
tiredness is impacting on a driver’s ability.<br />
If you want to read it, the guide can be<br />
accessed at<br />
https://www.hendycarstore.co.uk/<br />
driver-fatigue-essential-road-safetyguide/<br />
However, <strong>Newslink</strong> will offer a comprehensive<br />
review of its findings in an upcoming issue<br />
MSA GB payment<br />
hotline<br />
Dear MSA GB member<br />
and colleague,<br />
While being a driving<br />
instructor does offer<br />
incredible flexibility, we<br />
understand that it can<br />
leave you time poor for<br />
those everyday admin<br />
jobs. So, to help make things easier when<br />
paying for your membership or booking<br />
tickets for our calendar of events, we’ve<br />
set up a dedicated payment line:<br />
01787 221299.<br />
This also means that our membership<br />
team are more available for answering<br />
member queries and resolving any issues<br />
you may be experiencing.<br />
Our membership team can still be<br />
contacted on: 01787 221020.<br />
We look forward to taking your call.<br />
The Government has announced an<br />
independent review of the DVSA<br />
so that the organisation<br />
“remains well placed to<br />
provide excellent services to<br />
keep Britain moving safely<br />
and sustainably.”<br />
As ADIs will know only too<br />
well, the DVSA has<br />
responsibility for carrying out<br />
driving tests and assessing those<br />
who wish to become driving<br />
instructors, as well as reviewing the<br />
performance of ADIs through the Standards<br />
Check.<br />
But it also undertakes roadside checks to<br />
ensure vehicle compliance, and approves<br />
people and centres to carry out MOTs.<br />
The review is part of the wider Cabinet<br />
Office programme to review public bodies<br />
review. It will assess DVSA based on four<br />
criteria: efficiency, efficacy, accountability<br />
and governance.<br />
It will also review the rise of new vehicle<br />
technology and automated vehicles and look<br />
at the DVSA’s ability to evolve as the systems<br />
are rolled out on UK roads.<br />
Guy Opperman MP, Parliamentary<br />
Under-Secretary of State for Roads and<br />
Local Transport, said: “The DVSA plays a<br />
crucial role in making sure road users get<br />
around safely and with confidence, helping<br />
learners pass their driving tests and giving<br />
drivers peace of mind by ensuring MOTs are<br />
carried out to exceptional standards.<br />
“This review will help us understand how<br />
the DVSA can continue to improve, evolving<br />
alongside vehicle technology and keeping<br />
Britain moving safely and sustainably.”<br />
Nick Bitel, DVSA’s non-executive chair,<br />
said: “Our vision to 2030 sets out our aim to<br />
keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably.<br />
“Supported by our professional and<br />
dedicated colleagues, we’re taking a<br />
service-led, customer-focused approach to<br />
the way we work, modernising and<br />
transforming our services to make them<br />
even better and more efficient, helping meet<br />
the needs of our customers and make road<br />
transport safer, greener and healthier.”<br />
The review will assess how DVSA works<br />
with its wide range of stakeholders within<br />
and outside of Government to help keep<br />
Guy Opperman<br />
Britain’s roads safe.<br />
As end users, driver trainers<br />
and learners could reasonably<br />
expect to be included in any<br />
discussions around the<br />
DVSA’s performance.<br />
The review will study the<br />
DVSA’s delivery of its key<br />
objectives to customers and<br />
stakeholders, including but not<br />
limited to preparations to take<br />
advantage of new technologies.<br />
It will also review the extent to which<br />
the DVSA is accountable to its customers.<br />
MSA GB comments: While this may sound<br />
dramatic, ordering a review into a<br />
government agency is reasonably standard<br />
practice. Indeed, the DfT has just signed off a<br />
similar review of the DVLA.<br />
However, this one will be taking place in a<br />
year during which Rishi Sunak will call a<br />
General Election so there is a good case to be<br />
made that, whatever the review’s<br />
recommendations, there is a good chance<br />
they will lie in the DfT’s in-tray until the result<br />
of the election is known.<br />
Timing suggests any reforms would<br />
struggle to be implemented before election<br />
purdah shuts down the work of Whitehall. In<br />
that case, a future Conservative<br />
administration could well implement its<br />
findings, but a future Labour Government<br />
may dismiss them out of hand as the work of<br />
the previous government.<br />
There are, however, a number of<br />
interesting outcomes that could derive from<br />
the review, including a call for a major spend<br />
on DVSA’s digital services, to shut out the<br />
booking bots once and for all. It is also<br />
possible that more dramatic reforms may be<br />
called for, including hiving off some of the<br />
DVSA’s services to the private sector.<br />
The theory test delivery has not been<br />
harmed by such a move; could the review<br />
suggest this policy be expanded?<br />
• The April issue of<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong> will carry a<br />
feature on the DVLA<br />
review<br />
08 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Free course for training older drivers<br />
Road Safety GB is promoting a new course<br />
aimed at those who may offer their services<br />
to older, experienced drivers as they look to<br />
stay behind the wheel that little bit longer,<br />
but may need some advice and refresher<br />
training to help them.<br />
Called the Ageing Driver Course, it is aimed<br />
at ADIs and PDIs. There are 300 free places<br />
available (normal cost £75) and these are on<br />
offer on a first come, first serve basis. This is<br />
a great training programme for anyone who<br />
First MoTs stick<br />
to three years<br />
Ambitious plans by the Government to relax<br />
the rules around car maintenance and safety<br />
have been quietly dropped.<br />
As part of the ‘bonfire of the red tape’, the<br />
Government proposed pushing back the first<br />
MoT required by new cars to four years, and<br />
also looked at making the MoT a biennial test,<br />
rather than an annual one.<br />
However, there was strong criticism of<br />
both proposals, and the first MoT will now<br />
stay at three years, followed by an annual<br />
test thereafter, as at present.<br />
The Government says the confirmation is<br />
proof it “listens to drivers”.<br />
Road safety groups welcomed the news.<br />
Simon Williams of the RAC said the changes<br />
would have “seriously compromised road<br />
safety and ended up costing drivers more<br />
money rather than less as it was supposed to<br />
do, due to dangerous issues going undetected<br />
and getting progressively worse.”<br />
“This is why the idea was so widely<br />
unpopular with the motoring public in our<br />
research. It’s great news the madcap idea of<br />
changing the MoT has finally been consigned<br />
to the bin.”<br />
AA CEO Jakob Pfaudler said its polling<br />
showed drivers overwhelmingly supported<br />
the annual MOT for keeping their cars and<br />
other safe.<br />
“With 1 in 10 cars failing their first MoT, we<br />
fully support the government’s pragmatic<br />
decision to maintain the first MoT at three<br />
years.”<br />
wants to work with this age group or is<br />
currently working with this age group.<br />
This course is fully accredited and can be<br />
used by ADIs for their CPD.<br />
What’s on the course?<br />
The course will develop an ADI’s<br />
understanding of:<br />
n Common collisions experienced by older<br />
drivers<br />
n How the ageing process may impact on<br />
eyesight, hazard perceptions skills, and<br />
strength and flexibility<br />
n Promoting self-assessment skills<br />
n The role of diabetes<br />
n How to prepare for driving retirement<br />
n Professional boundaries.<br />
Full details can be found<br />
by clicking here<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 09
News<br />
L-test waiting times:<br />
the DVSA view<br />
Last month, DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder published a blog in<br />
which she outlined ‘How driving test waiting times looked at the end of<br />
January <strong>2024</strong>. We’ve reproduced it here so everyone can have access to<br />
the latest information, complete with charts to demonstrate the position<br />
Loveday Ryder writes...<br />
Towards the end of last year I spoke at a<br />
number of different ADI events to update you<br />
on the work we are doing to reduce the<br />
driving test waiting times. This includes<br />
asking more manager and admin colleagues<br />
with a driving test warrant card to do driving<br />
tests full time from October 2023. This will<br />
help us to reduce driving test waiting times.<br />
We’re now come to end of the fourth<br />
month of our six-month plan and I wanted to<br />
give you an update on the progress we have<br />
made so far.<br />
Looking at the data in detail<br />
Since October 2023, we have provided<br />
100,436 extra car driving tests towards our<br />
target of 150,000 extra tests by the end of<br />
<strong>March</strong> <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
This was helped by the busiest December<br />
on record for driving tests, with 152,474 being<br />
carried out – a 24.2% increase compared to<br />
December 2022.<br />
Chart A shows how October, November<br />
and December 2022 and 2023 compared.<br />
To help us manage our teams at DVSA, we<br />
split Great Britain into 4 zones – A, B, C and D.<br />
Each of those zones is then made up of<br />
smaller areas. Map B (right) shows the zones<br />
and areas.<br />
All of the work we’ve been doing has<br />
helped bring the average waiting time for a<br />
driving test down from 20.6 weeks at their<br />
peak in August 2023, to 15.1 weeks at the end<br />
of January <strong>2024</strong>. Chart C on the facing page<br />
shows the waiting time over the last few<br />
months by the different zones.<br />
So I hope that many of you are starting to<br />
see this reduction in waiting times at the<br />
driving test centres you use regularly.<br />
The number of test centres with waits of<br />
24 weeks has also fallen from 148 in October<br />
2023 to 67 in January <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
But as the chart clearly shows, driving test<br />
waiting times are still longer in highly<br />
populated areas and in the south.<br />
Volunteers working away from home to help<br />
lower waiting times<br />
To bring times lower we continue to ask our<br />
examiners from areas with lower waiting<br />
times to travel and test in test centres with<br />
longer waiting times, such as London, and<br />
other highly populated areas of the country.<br />
They include Emily, Suzzanne and Alan.<br />
Emily, who is a driving examiner who<br />
usually tests from Hartlepool driving test<br />
centre and is one of the examiners who has<br />
volunteered to test at other sites. She said:<br />
“When the opportunity arose, I was more<br />
than happy to help contribute to DVSA’s aims<br />
in reducing driving test times.<br />
“Although it involves being away from<br />
home, it gives a variety of testing in different<br />
locations and also allows me to meet fellow<br />
colleagues from around the agency. I am<br />
happy that I can improve the service we offer<br />
to our customers and help to reduce our<br />
current waiting times.<br />
Chart A: comparing<br />
L-tests conducted in<br />
October-December<br />
2023 with 2022<br />
Map B: How<br />
DVSA divided<br />
up the nation<br />
10 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Suzzanne is a driving examiner who<br />
usually tests from Pembroke Dock. She said:<br />
“I started detached duty in Southall<br />
yesterday, all the way from Pembroke Dock in<br />
West Wales. I had happily volunteered to<br />
assist in another test centre and only two<br />
days in, I’m really enjoying the experience.<br />
From meeting new colleagues, who have<br />
been so welcoming, learning other test<br />
routes and also knowing that I am making a<br />
difference towards the test waiting times and<br />
people’s lives.<br />
“I have volunteered to be at Southall for<br />
the whole month, with a trip home after two<br />
weeks. That wouldn’t be for everyone, but I<br />
enjoy new challenges and working away at<br />
different test centres provides me with that,<br />
making memories along the way.”<br />
Alan, who is a driving examiner who usually<br />
tests from Bridgend driving test centre, said:<br />
“I’m really looking forward to this exciting<br />
opportunity to work with my colleagues from<br />
a different zone and to support in reducing<br />
waiting times in their area.”<br />
As well as volunteers like Emily, Suzzanne<br />
and Alan working away from home, we also<br />
continue to focus our ongoing driving<br />
examiner recruitment in the areas where<br />
waiting times are highest.<br />
More tests are still available to book<br />
As John Selbey explained in his blog post<br />
about what driving test waiting times<br />
actually mean (see <strong>Newslink</strong> February), it’s<br />
not just the driving test waiting time that we<br />
monitor.<br />
We measure and track the percentage of<br />
all the appointments in the booking service<br />
within the next 24 weeks that are still<br />
available to book. As John explained in his<br />
blog post, at 24 April 2023, 5.9% of tests<br />
within the next 24 weeks were still available<br />
to book.<br />
Chart D shows how that percentage has<br />
grown since the start of September 2023 to<br />
the end of January <strong>2024</strong>. Nationally, 21.0% of<br />
appointments were still available to book<br />
within the next 24 weeks as at 29 January<br />
<strong>2024</strong>. In zone A, it was even higher at 34.1%.<br />
This means that learner drivers are<br />
starting to see a wider choice of test<br />
appointments when they book their test.<br />
How our recovery work is affecting our other<br />
services<br />
Although this outstanding effort means<br />
we’re on target to meet our extra 150,000<br />
tests target, it’s not all completely positive<br />
news.<br />
We know that some of the services we<br />
provide have been affected, such as ADI Part<br />
2 (driving ability) and Part 3 (instructional<br />
ability) tests. It has taken longer than usual to<br />
get these tests as our enforcement<br />
examiners have been doing more car tests.<br />
We’re working to make more ADI Part 2 and<br />
3 tests available from April <strong>2024</strong>. We’ll be in<br />
touch with people with an ADI test that is<br />
currently on hold to offer them a test date. In<br />
the meantime, I thank you for your patience if<br />
you’re affected by this.<br />
Making progress, but more to do<br />
We’ve made some good progress, but we<br />
still have long way to go.<br />
It’s challenging work, and we’ve been up<br />
against unforeseen circumstances, such as<br />
the continued increase in demand and<br />
changes to customers’ booking behaviour.<br />
There are also factors beyond our control,<br />
such as impact of bad weather, seen most<br />
recently with Storms Isha and Jocelyn.<br />
I know many of you will be keen to know<br />
Chart C: L-test<br />
average waiting<br />
times by zone<br />
Chart D:<br />
Percentage of<br />
tests available<br />
to book within<br />
next 24 weeks<br />
what measures we’ll be taking to reduce<br />
waiting times from April. We’ll update you on<br />
this as soon as we can.<br />
While we continue to work towards<br />
reducing the waiting time, we know that it’s<br />
not something we can achieve without your<br />
support, patience and understanding.<br />
We know that you continue to emphasise<br />
the importance of only taking the test when<br />
your pupils are ready, and many of you are<br />
using the Ready to Pass? campaign resources<br />
to help.<br />
I want to say a big thank you for helping to<br />
promote the campaign as its helping us to<br />
change learner drivers behaviour.<br />
I hope this article has helped to show you<br />
the progress that is being made to reduce<br />
driving test waiting times and the work that<br />
still needs to be done. I will continue to keep<br />
you up-to-date over the coming months.<br />
L-test availability:<br />
The MSA GB view. See page 12<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 11
News<br />
Taking the weather of<br />
the L-test waiting times<br />
Brighter skies in Scotland and parts of the North;<br />
gloomy in Manchester, Leeds and the Midlands;<br />
but there are storms in London and the south<br />
As Loveday Ryder highlights in her article on<br />
page 10-11 of this issue of <strong>Newslink</strong>, there is<br />
more than a glimmer of hope in some areas<br />
that the lengthy waiting lists for driving tests<br />
are beginning to fall.<br />
We are seeing positive signs of<br />
improvement around the country as a result<br />
of the DVSA deploying an array of measures,<br />
from tasking warrant card holding staff with<br />
L-test duties, to adding new examiners to the<br />
payroll, recalling the recently retired and<br />
increasing test availability at weekends.<br />
But for the all the positivity Loveday<br />
exudes on pg 10-11, there remains the<br />
nagging question: why does MSA GB head<br />
office continue to receive so many calls from<br />
members desperate for news of test waiting<br />
times falling in their area?<br />
Waiting times are rather like the weather: if<br />
it’s raining where you are, it does your mood<br />
no good to hear it’s lovely and sunny 50 miles<br />
away.<br />
As regular readers will know, <strong>Newslink</strong> has<br />
kept up the pressure on the DVSA over the<br />
past year, examining its policies and regularly<br />
calling for more improvements. In short, while<br />
we have repeatedly acknowledged how hard<br />
we know the DVSA is working to solve this<br />
problem, we have long had a feeling that its<br />
current resources just aren’t proving enough.<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong><br />
The Voice of MSA GB<br />
Issue 374 • <strong>March</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
Testing the<br />
waiting time<br />
weather<br />
9<br />
9<br />
12<br />
17<br />
21<br />
msagb.com<br />
Better weather... for some<br />
But we have to be fair: the stats do show<br />
improvements. Average waiting times are<br />
now 15 weeks. That’s higher than most ADIs<br />
and pupils would like but you know, if that<br />
could fall by, say, three to four more weeks,<br />
we think this problem would be regarded as<br />
beaten. While a wait of 8-9 weeks before you<br />
can book a test is ideal, telling your pupil they<br />
have to wait 11-12 weeks probably isn’t the<br />
end of the world. We can all live with that.<br />
But the fact is, while in Area 1 (Scotland and<br />
NE England/Yorkshire - see DVSA area map<br />
on 10-11) is celebrating with an average wait<br />
We work for all Driver Trainers. Want to join? SAVE £25 – see pg 43 for special offer<br />
for a test at only 9.9 weeks, in London and<br />
the South the situation is, to be honest,<br />
depressing. It appears that for all the intense<br />
effort put in by the DVSA, the dial on L-test<br />
waiting times has barely moved. It sits<br />
stubbornly at over 21 weeks, and in huge<br />
areas of the region – particularly the capital<br />
– there are no tests available at all in the<br />
maximum 24-week booking window. For all<br />
the examiner recruitment, the call backs, the<br />
changes, the reforms, nothing has worked.<br />
Is this true elsewhere? We decided to<br />
conduct an exercise across Great Britain, by<br />
looking to book a driving test at one of a<br />
series of DTCs in the country. We undertook<br />
this exercise on Sunday, February 25. At that<br />
point the 24-week booking window took you<br />
up to the first week of August.<br />
On the facing page you can see the results.<br />
Do they reflect your experience?<br />
12 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Driving test centre Week commencing with No. of tests available Weeks to wait<br />
good test availability that week for a test<br />
In each case unless otherwise stated, the week given shows the first time a good selection of tests is available. Weeks<br />
following that week will have good availability, too, suggesting that pupils should be able to book a test at their convenience.<br />
Aberdeen South (Cove) 25th <strong>March</strong> 13 5<br />
Edinburgh (Currie) 25th February 12 1<br />
Edinburgh (Musselburgh) 25th February 25 1<br />
Glasgow (Baillieston) 13th May 28 12<br />
Glasgow (Shieldhall) 8th July 18 15<br />
Cardiff (Llanishen) 3rd June* 38 15<br />
*There were a few tests available scattered across <strong>March</strong>, but the availability was so sparse we chose to ignore them<br />
Leeds None* 24 (max)<br />
*There were two tests available in the next week but then none after that until the end of the 24-week booking period<br />
West Didsbury (Manchester) 1st July 46 14<br />
Sale (Manchester) 15th July 88 16<br />
Birmingham (Kingstanding) 22 July 100+ 17<br />
Birmingham (South Yardley) 22 July None 17<br />
Nottingham (Chilwell) 3rd June 15 15<br />
Nottingham (Colwick) 17th June 14 17<br />
Gosforth (Newcastle) 26th February 5 1<br />
Bristol (Avonmouth) 22nd July 24 17<br />
Bristol (Kingswood) None 24 (max)<br />
Southampton (Maybush) 15th July 4 20<br />
Norwich (Jupiter Road) 26th February 12 1/10<br />
Norwich (Peachman Way) 26th February 7 1/10<br />
* After these tests there were none until the first week in May<br />
Barnet (London) None 24 (max)<br />
Wood Green (London) None 24 (max)<br />
Belvedere (London) None 24 (max)<br />
West Wickham (London) None 24 (max)<br />
Having searched four London test centres chosen at random, we discovered no tests available. We decided, therefore, to<br />
look at every inner city London DTC. Not one had any availability in the 24-week booking window allowed.<br />
“In London and the South the situation<br />
is, to be honest, depressing. It appears<br />
that for all the intense effort put in by the<br />
DVSA, the dial on L-test waiting times<br />
has barely moved...”<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 13
Members’ section<br />
MSA GB Annual Conference <strong>2024</strong><br />
It’s a case of all roads lead to Telford as we head to Shropshire<br />
for the MSA GB Annual Conference <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Last<br />
chance to<br />
book!<br />
To be held from <strong>March</strong> 22-23 at the stunning Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort<br />
in Shropshire, our Conference will be the ideal mix of information, debate,<br />
advice, education, networking and fun, as the MSA GB membership comes<br />
together to learn more about, and discuss, the big issues of the day.<br />
We have compiled a great line-up of keynote presenters, including Nick<br />
Taylor, DVSA ADI Registrar – the man who has overall control of the ADI<br />
community’s standards and behaviour. In addition we can guarantee an<br />
exciting and information packed day, full of advice, news and views from the<br />
driver training, testing and road safety communities.<br />
Telford Hotel,<br />
Spa & Golf<br />
Resort<br />
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO BOOK. Just click on the link below. See the price list with<br />
day, day/night and full weekend packages available.<br />
We have endeavoured to keep our prices as low as possible while providing a high-quality<br />
weekend, and the Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort has more than enough to keep nondelegate<br />
partners happy, with a superb swimming pool and spa, golf and other attractions<br />
on site, as well as having the beautiful Severn Valley and iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site<br />
of Ironbridge Gorge on its doorstep. Even better, we have arranged a special MSA GB<br />
Conference discount on all spa treatments and golf fees!<br />
BOOK HERE: https://msagb.com/msa-gb-national-conference/<br />
Conference day delegate<br />
Conference delegate ticket for Saturday<br />
£49<br />
Ticket price includes coffee on arrival,<br />
morning coffee, lunch and tea in the<br />
afternoon as well as all paperwork and<br />
CPD acknowledgement<br />
Full Conference packages<br />
Two nights’ accommodation and breakfast, Friday & Saturday<br />
evening meals, Saturday lunch, Conference delegate ticket<br />
Single booking:<br />
£275<br />
Couple sharing (with non-delegate ticket):<br />
* Non delegates receive lunch<br />
on the Saturday<br />
£385<br />
Conference<br />
debates,<br />
workshops<br />
and trade<br />
stands<br />
One-day Conference packages<br />
One night’s accommodation and breakfast, Friday OR Saturday<br />
evening meals, Saturday lunch; Conference delegate ticket<br />
Single booking:<br />
£165<br />
Couple sharing (with non-delegate ticket):<br />
£235<br />
* Non delegates receive lunch<br />
on the Saturday<br />
Thinking of bringing the family?<br />
There are other options available during<br />
Saturday should you wish to make this a family<br />
weekend and bring the children.<br />
You can find full details at: https://msagb.com/<br />
msa-gb-national-conference/<br />
14 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Conference speakers<br />
The conference will comprise of a number of speakers and workshops,<br />
with speakers drawn to create the most comprehensive and diverse<br />
programme possible.<br />
Just some of the confirmed speakers and topics we will cover are :<br />
SPEAKERS TO INCLUDE (pictured right, from top)<br />
n Nick Taylor, ADI Registrar<br />
n G Sabina – Roberts<br />
n Dr Julia Malkin MBE<br />
n Graham Feest<br />
PLUS representatives from MSA GB, with a<br />
comprehensive update on the latest news<br />
from across the driver training and testing sector<br />
Topics to include<br />
Teaching with<br />
and for<br />
disabilities<br />
The Registrar on<br />
ADI standards and<br />
enforcement<br />
MSA GB<br />
update and<br />
future plans<br />
DVSA changes:<br />
how they will affect<br />
driver trainers<br />
LGBTQ+ business<br />
awareness -<br />
Gender diversity<br />
Safer roads, vehicles,<br />
and road users:<br />
using a safe systems<br />
approach<br />
FORMAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,<br />
that the 89th Annual General<br />
Meeting of the Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain Limited<br />
(MSA GB) will be held at the Telford<br />
Hotel & Golf Resort on Saturday,<br />
23rd <strong>March</strong> <strong>2024</strong>, at 12.45.<br />
BOOK NOW:<br />
Go to https://msagb.com/<br />
msa-gb-national-conference/<br />
to secure your place<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 15
Towards your CPD: Beating stress and anxiety<br />
Beating L-test worries with<br />
power of positive thinking<br />
Every ADI has had a pupil who drives like a dream every lesson but, on the day of<br />
the L-test itself, collapses in the face of anxiety and stress and ends up failing.<br />
Judy Hale suggests getting them to try ‘Tapping’ – a pyschological exercise linked<br />
to ancient Chinese medicine and the body’s meridian lines to install positive<br />
thoughts and blow away the negative ones<br />
The power of positive thinking is the ability<br />
to focus on the bright side of situations and<br />
expect good outcomes. Positive thinking<br />
can help you cope with stress, improve<br />
your self-esteem, enhance your physical<br />
and mental health, and achieve your goals.<br />
Tapping allows you the confront your<br />
negative thoughts and change them into<br />
positive ones. By recognising your<br />
weakness, you can then change it into a<br />
strength.<br />
Stating what it is you fear/dislike, can be<br />
turned into a positive statement simply<br />
because you have spoken aloud your worst<br />
fear; for any given subject the fear is then a<br />
positive feeling.<br />
Interrupting this statement with a simple<br />
tune, immediately engages the creative side<br />
of your brain which looks for positive results.<br />
So, in the first instance you need to know a<br />
little bit about your meridian lines which run<br />
through your body. These are pathways/<br />
channels from your body to your brain. These<br />
meridian lines were first mapped in the<br />
human body thousands of years ago by a<br />
Chinese physician and are still very much a<br />
part of our lives today.<br />
Tapping is a stress relief technique and is a<br />
bit like acupressure and psychology which<br />
aims to restore balance to the body’s energy<br />
and reduce negative emotions. Tapping has<br />
been known to manage stress, reduce<br />
anxiety and create positive thoughts for<br />
many years.<br />
n The integration of three positive<br />
statements during tapping reinforces the<br />
goal-setting process.<br />
n These statements encompass the<br />
acknowledgment of aspirations, acceptance<br />
of potential challenges, and belief in one’s<br />
capability to achieve.<br />
n Simultaneously, singing a few lines of a<br />
song or nursery rhyme introduces an<br />
element of creativity, bridging the gap<br />
between the left and right hemispheres of<br />
the brain.<br />
n This harmonisation of the creative and<br />
positive aspects enhances the search for<br />
positive solutions and fosters a more<br />
optimistic outlook.<br />
Counting to ten during tapping further<br />
engages the positive side of the brain,<br />
reinforcing the endeavour to replace<br />
negativity with positivity. The envisioned<br />
experiences during tapping represent a<br />
proactive approach to shaping future<br />
outcomes.<br />
To maximise the benefits, the tapping<br />
process should be repeated at least three<br />
times, allowing for breaks and resumption<br />
whenever anxiety surfaces. Over time, the<br />
negative thoughts are replaced by positive<br />
ones, contributing to improved stress levels,<br />
heightened self-esteem, and a clearer path<br />
toward personal goals.<br />
Persistence is key to the effectiveness of<br />
tapping. There is no fixed time limit for this<br />
practice as the words evolve gradually,<br />
instilling a habit of positive thinking. The<br />
method stands as a testament to the<br />
transformative power of the mind, offering a<br />
tangible pathway to enhanced well-being and<br />
personal growth. In the journey towards<br />
positive thinking, perseverance becomes a<br />
beacon, guiding individuals to discover the<br />
worthiness of their efforts and the fulfilment<br />
of their desired outcomes.<br />
“The meridian lines are your<br />
personal search engine to help<br />
you achieve a positive emotion<br />
when you are feeling anxious,<br />
uncertain, or overwhelmed...”<br />
Address your concerns<br />
Through tapping you can communicate<br />
with your brain and effectively address your<br />
concerns of any fears, anxieties and<br />
aspirations that may overwhelm you.<br />
Meridian lines communicate with both your<br />
mind and your emotions to help you achieve a<br />
positive outcome. So, the best way to<br />
describe them is liking them to a search<br />
engine in your computer.<br />
So, if you know how to talk to your<br />
meridian lines, and explain your fears,<br />
anxieties, wishes, etc, you can get a positive<br />
experience that will help you achieve. The<br />
meridian lines are your personal search<br />
engine to help you achieve a positive emotion<br />
when you are feeling anxious, uncertain, or<br />
overwhelmed, etc.<br />
The main meridian lines that I use are on<br />
the side of my hand below the little finger and<br />
before the wrist. The other one I like is on my<br />
cheekbone.<br />
So, by tapping your meridian line you<br />
automatically engage with your brain.<br />
Everyone has a creative side and a positive<br />
side to their brain, and it is important that you<br />
use both sides to achieve a positive outcome.<br />
To start creating your positive thoughts<br />
you need three positive statements, so each<br />
of the following statements are positive<br />
eg:<br />
n I want to achieve my goal<br />
n I know I will do something stupid, and I<br />
will fail<br />
n If I do not do something stupid, I will pass<br />
While tapping you are<br />
n positively acknowledging what you<br />
hope to achieve<br />
n positively acknowledging that you may<br />
not achieve<br />
n positively acknowledging that you can<br />
achieve.<br />
16 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
“Positive thinking, which is a powerful<br />
cognitive tool, goes beyond mere optimism, it<br />
is an intentional focus on all aspects of life,<br />
fostering resilience and shaping favourable<br />
outcomes. Tapping helps you to manage<br />
stress, increase your self-esteem<br />
and helps you to achieve your goal(s)...”<br />
Positive thinking, which is a powerful<br />
cognitive tool, goes beyond mere optimism, it<br />
is an intentional focus on all aspects of life,<br />
fostering resilience and shaping favourable<br />
outcomes. Tapping helps you to manage<br />
stress, increase your self-esteem and helps<br />
you to achieve your goal(s).<br />
By tapping you can confront your fears and<br />
turn negative thoughts into positive<br />
affirmations. By acknowledging and<br />
vocalising your fears, you are in fact turning<br />
your weaknesses into strengths. The fact<br />
that you can speak your worst fears out loud<br />
starts to change your perspective, the fear,<br />
once spoken becomes a positive<br />
acknowledgment, interrupted with a simple<br />
tune activates the creative side of the brain<br />
stimulating a search for a positive outcome.<br />
So, you are now constantly tapping on<br />
your meridian line(s)<br />
Saying your three positive statements,<br />
followed by singing a few lines of a song/<br />
nursery rhyme, engages your creative side.<br />
You have now engaged your search engine<br />
into your brain joining the right side of your<br />
brain to your left side, so bringing together<br />
both the creative and positive emotions<br />
which will in turn help you to find a positive<br />
way forward.<br />
n The three positive statements are how<br />
you feel<br />
n Singing a couple of lines of a verse<br />
engages your creative side of the brain.<br />
n Counting to 10 engages your positive<br />
side, and so your goal is to gradually replace<br />
negative thoughts with positive ones.<br />
n By tapping you are envisioning<br />
experiences that have not yet occurred.<br />
n You need to repeat the process at least<br />
three times before taking a break, and then<br />
repeat every time you are feeling anxious,<br />
ideally a few times each day.<br />
There is no time limit to this as the original<br />
words will change and eventually you will be<br />
having positive thoughts to help you achieve<br />
your goal and gradually, you will replace<br />
negative thoughts with positive ones. This<br />
method really does help to improve your<br />
stress levels, your self-esteem, helps you to<br />
vocalise your fears or dislikes and allows you<br />
to find a way forward to more positive<br />
thinking, etc. Do not give up on yourself, the<br />
end results are so very worthwhile.<br />
So this is how I use tapping. It’s fun and it<br />
does work.<br />
n The first part, verbalising the positive<br />
statements, are fact based. ‘I’m worried, I<br />
don’t need to be worried, I can cope with this’.<br />
n Get your pupil to say three positive<br />
statements as shown below.<br />
n Client to tap continuously until the three<br />
sessions have been completed and repeated,<br />
(usually get them to repeat three times).<br />
So get them to say:<br />
– I know I will fail my test – positive<br />
statement<br />
– If I stay focused, I will gain my licence …<br />
positive statement<br />
– I know I can stay focused and pass my<br />
test … positive statement<br />
Counting to 10 engages the left side of<br />
your brain which is logic related<br />
This engages the analytical, logical side of<br />
the brain to allow sequential processing.<br />
Singing a couple of lines from a song links<br />
the left and right side of the brain and creates<br />
a feeling of wellbeing.<br />
Repetition is key. It is a bit like using a<br />
search engine in your computer; you do not<br />
always get the correct answer first time but<br />
by repeating what you are looking for, you<br />
will eventually find the correct answer.<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 17
Towards your CPD<br />
It’s all about...<br />
Do you have the Goldilocks<br />
touch when it comes to putting<br />
questions to your pupils - not<br />
too hard, not too easy?<br />
Steve Garrod doesn’t think<br />
every ADI gets the balance right<br />
In recent months we have been looking how<br />
to engage your learners during their lessons<br />
while covering the learning outcomes of the<br />
DVSA’s new Driving Standards.<br />
One of the weakest areas I regularly see<br />
during instructor training and development is<br />
how to pitch questions at the correct level.<br />
Too often instructors work too hard and do<br />
not allow time for thought-provoking<br />
questions, which could be the difference<br />
between an A and B grade, or fail and a B.<br />
It is important to know how to structure<br />
questions and know when to ask them, so<br />
this month we will look at how to develop<br />
your questions to ensure your learner is<br />
suitably challenged.<br />
Questions can be used a teaching and<br />
assessment method. Thought should be<br />
given to their structure and what you want to<br />
achieve by asking that specific question.<br />
Simply asking questions with no real thought<br />
is not sufficient.<br />
The legendary BBC golf commentator,<br />
Peter Alliss once said, “It’s better to hit 20<br />
balls and think about where you are hitting<br />
them than it is to hit 100 balls and not.” Pupils<br />
should be encouraged to analyse problems<br />
and take responsibility for their learning;<br />
there is even a heading for this on the DVSA’s<br />
Standards Check form.<br />
We can get caught out if we are not careful<br />
Hard<br />
Evaluation (judge, critically appraise)<br />
judging strengths and weaknesses<br />
advantages disadvantages<br />
arguments for and against<br />
Synthesis (create, design, invent)<br />
problem solving<br />
give constructive suggestions for improvement<br />
in a given situation<br />
design a poster or presentation<br />
Analysis (consider the parts individually)<br />
complete a case study<br />
give cause and effects<br />
compare<br />
give reasons<br />
prioritise<br />
Application (doing after being shown how)<br />
apply<br />
use<br />
calculate (stopping distances, for example)<br />
Comprehension<br />
explain<br />
interpret<br />
reorganise<br />
Knowledge<br />
state<br />
recall<br />
define<br />
describe<br />
Easy<br />
by assuming our learners know more than<br />
they actually do, so the questions we ask<br />
need to ensure that they promote thinking<br />
and reasoning. The skills required by effective<br />
learners in any subject were identified in 1956<br />
by Benjamin Bloom and is more commonly<br />
known as Bloom’s Taxonomy. He classified<br />
learning into three domains: cognitive<br />
(knowledge); affective (emotion, attitude)<br />
and psychomotor (practical), three areas all<br />
ADIs will remember from their part one<br />
theory examinations. Within each domain<br />
skills or abilities are graded into different<br />
levels of difficulty.<br />
The diagram above shows the grades for<br />
the cognitive domain.<br />
18 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
The legendary BBC golf commentator, Peter Alliss once said,<br />
“It’s better to hit 20 balls and think about where you are<br />
hitting them than it is to hit 100 balls and not.” Pupils<br />
should be encouraged to analyse problems and take<br />
responsibility for their learning; there is even a heading for<br />
this on the DVSA’s Standards Check form.<br />
A mixture of all these tasks is required at all<br />
levels of the learning to drive syllabus. This<br />
keeps the questioning lively and natural. We<br />
do not want rapid fire questions or deep<br />
meaningful questions that require a great<br />
deal of thought if they disrupt someone’s<br />
concentration.<br />
Trainers need to gauge appropriate times<br />
for questions by being aware of the prevailing<br />
road and traffic conditions. Lower end<br />
questions are ideal while on the move, but<br />
the higher scale questions may be better<br />
suited to feedback sessions while stationary.<br />
The tasks lower down the scale are<br />
important for weaker learners to succeed<br />
and to build confidence, for example, “What is<br />
the speed limit on this road?” As the lessons<br />
continue we work our way up the scale and<br />
introduce more thought provoking questions,<br />
such as,<br />
“What is the speed limit?”<br />
“Why do you think it is a 30mph speed<br />
limit?”<br />
“How long will it take you to stop at this<br />
speed?”<br />
“What are the main causes of crashes in<br />
built up areas?”<br />
“What could you do to reduce the risk of an<br />
accident?”<br />
All of the above questions are designed to<br />
get the pupil to think and to give you an<br />
insight to their reasoning. If you have read the<br />
Goals for Driver Education (GDE) you will see<br />
that they haven’t really discovered anything<br />
new. The lower down the list a question<br />
appears the less thinking or understanding is<br />
needed to answer the question correctly,<br />
whereas questions further up the scale<br />
require deeper and more meaningful thinking.<br />
These answers often need justification or<br />
reasoning. These types of questions transfer<br />
the learning of important thinking skills,<br />
insomuch as it they are finding solutions to<br />
problems. Above all they are more interesting,<br />
even to weaker learners.<br />
From the scale you will also see that some<br />
of the activities are better suited to<br />
classroom or home study, for example,<br />
designing a poster or presentation, whereas<br />
the majority can be asked while out on<br />
the road.<br />
In the early stages of learning we<br />
can use questions based on<br />
knowledge and comprehension<br />
to reinforce their<br />
understanding of the types<br />
of questions used in the<br />
theory test. But as our<br />
learners develop their basic skills we can<br />
introduce the questions that require<br />
application and analysis.<br />
One of the many reasons pupils are<br />
unsuccessful on driving tests is because they<br />
are unable to prioritise risks. To help<br />
overcome this we can use a road suitable for<br />
‘meeting traffic’ and ask such questions as<br />
“Who has priority?” If he/she answers “We<br />
do” we could ask “Where would we wait if<br />
the other driver doesn’t give us priority?” In<br />
other words a plan B.<br />
Whether the answer to the first question<br />
is correct or not, we have to make sure that<br />
our learners can identify potential risks.<br />
Linking these questions to the hazard<br />
perception will help your pupil transfer what<br />
they have learnt at home out on to the road.<br />
When training new instructors, qualified<br />
drivers or learners nearing test standard, it is<br />
important to use questions that require<br />
analysis, synthesis and evaluation.<br />
Understanding the cause and effect of<br />
driving faults is essential and that we don’t<br />
try to cure an effect if the cause is greater.<br />
For example, many drivers approach hazards<br />
too quickly and try to steer their way out of<br />
trouble. The cause is the speed, but the effect<br />
could be rushed or late steering to avoid a<br />
stationary vehicle or to prevent entering a<br />
new road on the wrong side.<br />
We’ve all had learners who find<br />
themselves increasing in confidence and<br />
allowing their speed to increase as a result.<br />
Unfortunately this happens once they have<br />
passed their test, and sadly, not all of them<br />
learn by their mistakes.<br />
The same can be said of qualified drivers. In<br />
the first chapter of Roadcraft there is a<br />
statement suggesting that drivers who fail to<br />
recognise their mistakes continue making<br />
the same mistakes, resulting in them having<br />
the same types of incidents.<br />
If we can ask questions such as, “What are<br />
the consequences of approaching hazards<br />
too quickly?” or “Why is this road a 30mph<br />
zone?”, we could see a deeper level of<br />
thinking taking place because there is more<br />
than one answer, and the answers will give<br />
us an insight into the way they are thinking.<br />
Fleet trainers will be well acquainted with<br />
the questions at the top of the scale. These<br />
require creative thinking and evaluating. For<br />
example, a fleet client says “It’s impossible to<br />
do 30mph in my car as everyone drives so<br />
close to my bumper, therefore it’s<br />
dangerous.”<br />
Rather than the trainer replying, “Well<br />
that’s the law, mate” we could ask the driver<br />
to find a solution (eg, using cruise control) to<br />
the problem or explain what are the<br />
advantages and disadvantages of breaking<br />
the speed limit.<br />
The obvious disadvantage being that they<br />
could eventually lose their licence, and<br />
therefore potentially out of a job.<br />
It’s not for the trainer to say this, but by<br />
carefully listening to the answers given and<br />
probing a little deeper, it encourages our<br />
clients, regardless of whether the hold a full<br />
licence or not, to give a reasoned answer and<br />
to overcome their barriers to learning.<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 19
News<br />
Council’s bus lane advice sounds<br />
like it’s wide of the mark<br />
John Lomas<br />
MSA GB<br />
West Coast<br />
& Wales<br />
The sore topic of motorists being collared<br />
by the local authority for using bus lanes is<br />
causing a fuss in the genteel surroundings<br />
of Guildford.<br />
The local online newspaper, the Guildford<br />
Dragon, has being covering this in some<br />
detail in recent days, amid claims by local<br />
residents that the council is using bus lane<br />
enforcement cameras to replenish<br />
dwindling council reserves.<br />
It’s a claim we’ve heard many times over<br />
the years, with some cameras bringing in<br />
eye-watering levels of revenue. I know the<br />
publisher of <strong>Newslink</strong> has his own tale of<br />
woe about a bus lane camera in Stockport<br />
which raised over £1million in fines.<br />
If you are interested in the Guildford<br />
story, more can be found at https://<br />
tinyurl.com/bus-lanes and members in<br />
MSA GB Area 3 London and the South East<br />
could offer their thoughts, perhaps.<br />
But what struck me was a point made in<br />
a stout defence of bus lane enforcement by<br />
an officer from Surrey County Council.<br />
The section in italics is a direct lift from<br />
the Guildford Dragon website. The part in.<br />
bold italics is highlighted by me.<br />
From: An SCC spokesperson (SCC =<br />
Surrey County Council)<br />
In response to: Is SCC Using Minor Bus<br />
Lane Infringements to Raise Income?<br />
“The bus lane in Onslow Street, Guildford<br />
operates 24/7 so should not be used by<br />
unauthorised vehicles (ie, those that are not<br />
a bus, minibus, or licenced Hackney Carriage<br />
taxi) at any time.<br />
“In 2023 a bus lane enforcement camera<br />
began operating in Onslow Street, issuing<br />
warning letters and Penalty Charge Notices<br />
(PCNs) to unauthorised vehicles driving in<br />
the bus lane. Prior to this, in 2022, bus lane<br />
enforcement camera signs were put up. The<br />
PCNs (fines) are intended to be a deterrent<br />
against driving in the bus lane and not a<br />
means of raising income.<br />
“Driving in the bus lane includes having at<br />
least two wheels over the solid white line<br />
denoting the edge of the lane. However, it is<br />
permitted to turn across the lane to access<br />
side roads or private property/driveways,<br />
and to drive in the bus lane in the event of an<br />
‘emergency’ eg, to avoid a broken down car<br />
or move out of the way of an emergency<br />
vehicle.<br />
“Representations and appeals can be<br />
made against any PCNs that are issued for<br />
driving in the bus lane and these will be<br />
considered by the council or Traffic Penalty<br />
Tribunal on a case-by-case basis to ensure<br />
fair and consistent enforcement of the<br />
The Guildford Dragon, which has been<br />
covering the story<br />
restrictions in place.”<br />
Interesting: I’m not sure this advice in bold<br />
is correct, unless Surrey has its own bye laws<br />
covering it. Certainly I am under the<br />
impression that examiners would fail a<br />
candidate on test who followed the above<br />
‘advice’. If you are travelling on a road with a<br />
bus lane in operation and you are aware of<br />
emergency vehicles using ‘blues and twos’<br />
coming up behind you, I used to tell my pupils<br />
to let them use the bus lane as they are<br />
allowed but you are not. It’s advice in the<br />
same vein as do not go through red lights to<br />
clear a path for an emergency vehicle.<br />
In the case of the broken down vehicle, I<br />
would endeavour to overtake it on the<br />
opposite side if physically possible.<br />
Maybe I have been wrong all these years<br />
but I know <strong>Newslink</strong> has carried many an<br />
article about bus lanes and their misuse by<br />
both, drivers and authorities.<br />
I am reminded of an incident when traffic<br />
wardens booked an accident involved scooter<br />
and rider (ambulance in attendance) on the<br />
bus lane/bus stop just outside the MSA’s old<br />
office on Wellington Road North.<br />
Whether they are useful or not, bus lanes<br />
always seem to attract controversy!<br />
Wellington Road<br />
North, outside the<br />
old MSA GB offices,<br />
where a traffic<br />
warden once<br />
over-stepped the<br />
mark ...<br />
20 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
What have you spotted on the motorway?<br />
Colin Lilly<br />
Editor<br />
MSA GB <strong>Newslink</strong><br />
Forget the Beast of Bodmin; drivers could<br />
soon have another creature to distract them<br />
on West Country roads.<br />
The National Highways is currently trialling<br />
a robot dog to carry out surveys on its road<br />
network. The dog – nicknamed Spot – was<br />
developed by Boston Dynamics for use in<br />
geophysical surveys. The four-legged robot<br />
is equipped with cameras and a Leica lidar<br />
tracker. Alongside National Highways, BAM<br />
Ritchies and AECOM are also participating.<br />
Initial trials were caried out at the National<br />
Highways Development Centre at Moretonin-the-Marsh,<br />
Gloucestershire, with the first<br />
live trials alongside the M5 in Somerset.<br />
The robot will be used to gather<br />
information from locations that are difficult to<br />
reach. These include steep banks, culverts,<br />
and under bridges. It is able to give a safe<br />
cost-effective option where it would be risky<br />
for human assessors or require costly safety<br />
equipment or disruptive traffic management.<br />
The regulations call for regular physical<br />
inspections. It is hoped that using Spot will<br />
reduce the need for employees conducting<br />
close physical inspections.<br />
The site for the live trial was St. Georges,<br />
just north of Junction 21 (Weston-super-<br />
Mare). At this point, the M5 is elevated to be<br />
above the main railway line to the south west.<br />
The resulting embankments are steep and<br />
lightly wooded. Recently a team working on<br />
renewing part of the railway bridge noticed<br />
some defects in the ground surface. The<br />
robot was used to take a thorough look at the<br />
area.<br />
There is one aspect the trial did not reveal,<br />
which is the possible distraction to drivers.<br />
The robot was trialled on an embankment<br />
below the motorway surface level and<br />
therefore out of drivers’ eyelines. It does<br />
make you wonder what affect Spot could<br />
have on some drivers. Perhaps after trials at<br />
or above road level the safety aspects may<br />
need to be reviewed.<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 21
Towards your CPD<br />
CPD: it’s not a wish-list item any more,<br />
it is a must-have for professionals<br />
Neil Wightman<br />
MSA GB<br />
AREA 2 NORTH EAST<br />
In the February issue of <strong>Newslink</strong>, I wrote<br />
about why I thought the day was coming<br />
when Continuing Professional Development<br />
(CPD) would be mandatory for ADIs, so that<br />
as instructors we are accountable. I want to<br />
look further into the benefits of CPD.<br />
The first benefit from CPD is that it ensures<br />
your capabilities keep pace with the<br />
standards of others in the same field. This is a<br />
very important aspect of how things change<br />
rapidly within the driver training industry,<br />
mainly one-sided.<br />
CPD is a process that involves acquiring<br />
and developing new skills, knowledge and<br />
competencies to ensure that professionals<br />
stay up-to-date with the latest standards<br />
and developments in their field. While CPD is<br />
primarily a personal responsibility, it is<br />
important for professionals to engage with it<br />
to maintain and enhance their capabilities.<br />
CPD helps professionals keep pace with<br />
the standards of others in the same field by<br />
providing opportunities for learning and<br />
growth. By participating in CPD activities<br />
such as attending workshops, conferences,<br />
training programmes, or pursuing further<br />
education, professionals can acquire new<br />
knowledge, learn about emerging trends and<br />
best practices, and develop new skills.<br />
Engaging in CPD activities also allows<br />
professionals to stay current with<br />
advancements in their field and ensures that<br />
their capabilities remain relevant and<br />
competitive.<br />
This is particularly important in fast-paced<br />
industries or those undergoing rapid<br />
changes, such as technology, healthcare, or<br />
finance. By continuously updating their skills<br />
and knowledge, professionals can adapt to<br />
evolving standards, technologies, and<br />
practices, and maintain their professional<br />
standing within their industry.<br />
Moreover, CPD also promotes professional<br />
networking and collaborations. By attending<br />
conferences or workshops, professionals<br />
have the opportunity to connect with peers,<br />
experts, and thought leaders in their field.<br />
These interactions allow for the exchange of<br />
ideas, sharing of experiences, and learning<br />
from others’ expertise, further enhancing<br />
professional capabilities and staying aligned<br />
with industry standards.<br />
In summary, CPD is a vital process that<br />
ensures professionals stay updated with the<br />
latest standards and developments in their<br />
field. By engaging in continuous learning and<br />
development, professionals can enhance<br />
their capabilities, remain competitive, and<br />
meet or exceed the standards of others in<br />
their industry.<br />
By recording your CPD you can then<br />
demonstrate your commitment to the<br />
profession and to your own development.<br />
This is only my view to the first benefit.<br />
“The first benefit is CPD<br />
ensures your capabilities<br />
keep pace with the<br />
standards of others in the<br />
same field”<br />
22 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
MSA GB ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23<br />
MSA GB Annual Report 2022-23<br />
Mike<br />
Yeomans<br />
National Chairman<br />
MSA GB<br />
Dear member<br />
I am delighted to present to you the<br />
association’s Annual Report for the<br />
year 2022-23. Long-standing<br />
members will recall that previously,<br />
this report had been a standalone<br />
publication.However, once again we<br />
thought it easier and more efficient<br />
to use the digital format and include<br />
it in this issue of <strong>Newslink</strong>.<br />
On these pages you’ll find all the<br />
information you need about the<br />
association’s year, as well as details<br />
of how we are looking to reorganise<br />
the association to ensure it is a<br />
better fit for the times we live in.<br />
If you have any questions about<br />
this report, please contact either<br />
myself or your area representatives<br />
(see panel on page 5).<br />
The MSA GB Board<br />
The MSA GB Board of Management<br />
is made up of the elected<br />
representatives from each of the<br />
areas and nations of Great Britain.<br />
At a meeting held prior to the<br />
national AGM, the Board elects a<br />
National Chairman and Deputy<br />
Chairman. The Board met several<br />
times during the year under review,<br />
once on a face-to-face basis,<br />
however mainly online for<br />
convenience and to help reduce our<br />
carbon footprint.<br />
Board of Management (directors)<br />
n Chairman: Mike Yeomans<br />
n Vice Chairman: Peter Harvey<br />
n Steven Porter (Scotland)<br />
n Arthur Mynott (West Coast<br />
& Wales)<br />
n Mike Yeomans (East Coast)<br />
n Tom Kwok (London &<br />
the South East)<br />
Board members were paid an<br />
attendance allowance of £100 for<br />
each half-day during which they<br />
were engaged on MSA GB national<br />
business.<br />
Administration<br />
The Board appoints staff to<br />
administer the association. CJAM<br />
Associates continues to manage its<br />
day-to-day running from its head<br />
office in Colchester.<br />
The association has continued to<br />
use several external organisations to<br />
assist with various tasks including<br />
legal advice, publishing, IT, printing<br />
and accountancy.<br />
Finance<br />
The Board would like to thank the<br />
accounting team at CJAM Associates<br />
Ltd for their help and assistance in<br />
producing this year’s accounts. They<br />
are printed on pages 31-33 and will<br />
be published as usual on<br />
www.msagb.com<br />
Membership League<br />
The MSA GB Recruitment league<br />
table is based on net percentage<br />
membership growth/retention over<br />
the year and awards the Ron<br />
Feltham Memorial Cup to the best<br />
performing area.<br />
Congratulations to MSA GB East<br />
Coast who head the table for the<br />
year under review (see table, next<br />
page).<br />
MSA GB Scotland won the John<br />
William Parker Memorial Cup as<br />
runners-up in the membership<br />
growth retention table.<br />
This year the Ian Scoular Shield for<br />
recruiting the most new members<br />
in the area was shared by MSA GB<br />
East Coast and Scotland.<br />
Subscriptions<br />
The association continues to provide<br />
information, representation, services<br />
and support to members at a<br />
subscriptionwithin the financial<br />
reach of all ADIs.<br />
MSA GB membership<br />
subscriptions have not risen since<br />
August 2017. The standard fee for<br />
cheque, debit or credit card payers<br />
remains at £70.<br />
There is still a discount for those<br />
members opting to pay by direct<br />
debit and we are encouraging more<br />
to sign up to the direct debit system.<br />
The Board is considering an<br />
increase in subscription rates this<br />
financial year and will keep<br />
members informed.<br />
Publications<br />
The Board has once again decided<br />
to keep our flagship membership<br />
magazine, <strong>Newslink</strong>, in a digital<br />
format, to ensure a regular flow of<br />
information to members.<br />
The board made the decision to<br />
continue the excellent services of<br />
Chamber Media Services (CMS) to be<br />
our official publishers of <strong>Newslink</strong><br />
Continued on page 24<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 23
MSA GB ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23<br />
Recruitment Tables<br />
Recruitment/Retention<br />
Winner, the Ronald Feltham Memorial Cup<br />
East Coast<br />
Runner Up, the John William Parker Memorial Cup<br />
Scotland<br />
We continued to publish our excellent<br />
monthly membership magazine,<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong>, in a digital format<br />
New members recruited<br />
Winner, the Ian Scoular Memorial Trophy<br />
East Coast and Scotland (joint)<br />
Continued from page 23<br />
and other publications in a digital<br />
format this financial year.<br />
Copies of <strong>Newslink</strong> are hosted on<br />
the Yumpu digital media website<br />
from where members can read the<br />
latest news and features in an easily<br />
accessible format, or download a<br />
copy. A copy is also made available<br />
on the MSA GB website.<br />
The Board would like to place on<br />
record its sincere thanks to our<br />
publishing team for all their hard<br />
work. A special thanks, too, to all our<br />
advertisers who have continued to<br />
maintain their support for our<br />
publications, and to all our<br />
contributors and editors from the<br />
areas and nations of the MSA GB<br />
who work so hard to make <strong>Newslink</strong><br />
such a great read.<br />
Digital media<br />
The Board has continued to review<br />
the MSA GB brand to ensure it is<br />
fully integrated into the digital<br />
marketplace.<br />
The Board remains keen to<br />
maintain access to MSA GB<br />
information and services across a<br />
wide variety of platforms.<br />
Our website – www.msagb.com<br />
– has continued to be popular with<br />
members. The site is regularly<br />
updated, and the Board of<br />
Management has had it totally<br />
renewed and updated during this<br />
financial year.<br />
The MSA GB App has proved to be<br />
very successful for all instructors and<br />
is available to download at either<br />
Google Play or App Store, to ensure<br />
that the correct current information<br />
is with our members as soon as its<br />
possible.<br />
Some parts of the App are<br />
available only to MSA GB Members,<br />
however, non-members have the<br />
opportunity to join via the App if<br />
they so wish.<br />
To download the app, search on<br />
either the Google Play or the App<br />
Store.<br />
Social media<br />
The association continues to be<br />
active across a variety of social media<br />
platforms and we continue to<br />
expand our ‘likes’, ‘followers’ and<br />
‘friends’ year on year.<br />
Email<br />
With our continued expansion in the<br />
digital marketplace, it is even more<br />
important we have your up-to-date<br />
contact information. The Board<br />
requests members to help<br />
themselves by ensuring they keep<br />
MSA GB informed by letting us know<br />
if you change your email address or<br />
your telephone number.<br />
Contact us at info@msagb.com or<br />
01787 221020.<br />
Emails and our App continue to be<br />
a popular way through which<br />
information is passed on to<br />
members and other driver trainers.<br />
Organisations<br />
The MSA GB has continued to be<br />
members of the Parliamentary<br />
Advisory Committee on Transport<br />
Safety (PACTS) and the Royal Society<br />
for the Prevention of Accidents<br />
(RoSPA).<br />
MSA GB representatives have<br />
attended various, meetings and<br />
seminars in digital format, spoke at<br />
numerous events to promote the<br />
MSA GB and kept instructors<br />
informed at local events wherever<br />
possible, through what has proved<br />
to be extremely difficult times for<br />
everyone in the driver training<br />
profession.<br />
EFA<br />
During the year under review, MSA<br />
GB has continued its membership of<br />
the European Driving Schools<br />
Association (EFA). Representatives<br />
from MSA GB attended delegate<br />
meetings on a virtual platform.<br />
National Associations<br />
Strategic Partnership (NASP)<br />
The major driver trainer<br />
representative bodies have<br />
24<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
continued to collaborate through<br />
NASP to work on behalf of the<br />
profession and tackle the many<br />
complex issues affecting the driver<br />
training industry during the<br />
pandemic.<br />
MSA GB takes its turn on a<br />
rotational basis to chair NASP and<br />
has worked closely with the DVSA,<br />
DfT and other Government bodies<br />
over the past year, ensuring<br />
members received up-to-date<br />
information on the current situation<br />
regarding issues within driver<br />
training and testing, particularly the<br />
lengthy L-test waiting times and<br />
industrial action.<br />
It is pleasing to note that the DVSA<br />
has introduced a number of new<br />
measures in a bid to reduce the<br />
L-test waiting times across the<br />
majority of the country.<br />
Annual Conference<br />
Unfortunately, the MSA GB’s<br />
National Annual Conference and<br />
Training Day 2023 had to be<br />
cancelled due to a lack of bookings.<br />
In its place the MSA GB board held a<br />
very successful online conference, at<br />
which we were joined by Peter<br />
Hearn, the DVSA’s Operations<br />
Director North, along with<br />
representatives from Tri-Coaching,<br />
Confident Drivers and HMSA. All<br />
gave excellent, informative<br />
presentations that were enjoyed by<br />
a large digital audience.<br />
Members’ Insurance<br />
MSA GB still holds Public Liability<br />
Insurance in the sum of £10,000,000<br />
and Professional Indemnity<br />
insurance in the sum of £5,000,000<br />
for the MSA GB and for MSA GB<br />
members engaged in any driver<br />
training that they are qualified to<br />
deliver.<br />
The current policy is provided by<br />
Hiscox and expires on 29th June<br />
<strong>2024</strong>; MSA GB will renew this policy<br />
on the due date or purchase a new<br />
policy with similar cover.<br />
Leading the MSA GB<br />
Presidents of the Council of The<br />
Motor Schools Association<br />
1935-1939 J Woodhouse-Oakley<br />
1939-1946 Activities suspended<br />
1946-1955 Col H Atherton<br />
1955-1957 C Tetlock<br />
Chairman of the Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain<br />
1957-1958 H Sands<br />
• The Public Liability Insurance<br />
protects members where a third<br />
party makes a claim, caused by the<br />
negligence of a member, for<br />
personal injury or damage to<br />
property, not belonging to the<br />
member, when outside the car.<br />
• The Professional Indemnity<br />
Insurance covers MSA GB members<br />
in case of action taken against them<br />
by a third party for professional error,<br />
negligence, or omission in the<br />
professional advice they give to the<br />
public.<br />
Call MSA GB on 01787 221020 or<br />
see www.msagb.com<br />
Advice<br />
During the year under review there<br />
has been a increased demand from<br />
members for help and to receive<br />
advice on a wide variety of matters,<br />
not least how to handle the<br />
extremely long waiting times for<br />
driving tests across the country.<br />
In Memoriam<br />
As ever, this Annual Report<br />
acknowledges a number of<br />
members and friends who have died<br />
in the year under review.<br />
Chairmen of the Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain Ltd<br />
1958-1960 S A Pearce<br />
1960-1963 A M Clare<br />
1963-1967 F Spencer-Tucker<br />
1967-1973 Capt G E Melville<br />
1973-1975 K Leigh<br />
1975-1978 R Matthews<br />
1978-1980 B E Rogers<br />
1980-1982 C Westaby<br />
1982-1989 Mrs E L Blair<br />
1989-1995 R T Feltham<br />
1995-2023 P J Harvey MBE<br />
2023- M Yeomans<br />
Our deepest sympathies go out to<br />
their families, colleagues and friends.<br />
The Future<br />
The MSA GB Board of Management<br />
is committed to providing members<br />
with the best possible information,<br />
representation, services, and support<br />
to help members prosper personally,<br />
professionally and commercially.<br />
They have introduced many<br />
exclusive discounted services for<br />
members and will continue to add<br />
to those available at www.msagb.<br />
com<br />
The MSA GB Board of<br />
Management will do all it can to<br />
continue to help and offer advice to<br />
members during the years ahead.<br />
On behalf of the MSA GB Board of<br />
Management, Mike Yeomans, <br />
Board Chairman<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 25
MSA GB ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23<br />
Trophies, awards and<br />
honorary members<br />
Every year MSA GB awards a number of trophies to its areas, nations and members. Over the years, the<br />
areas these awards covered have changed, but we have decided to continue recording those past<br />
achievements as a mark of respect for those members who worked so tirelessly for the association in<br />
years gone by.<br />
Regional recruitment trophies<br />
Regional recruitment trophies are awarded to the area/nation with the best net percentage membership growth/<br />
retention over the year in review. From 1984 the winning area/nation received the North West Salver; this was replaced<br />
in 2011 with the Ron Feltham Memorial Cup.<br />
North West Salver<br />
1984 North West<br />
1985 North West<br />
1986 North West<br />
1987 West Midlands<br />
1988 West Midlands<br />
1989 Eastern<br />
1990 East Midlands<br />
1991 Western<br />
1992 Greater London<br />
1993 Scotland<br />
1994 North East<br />
1995 Scotland<br />
1996 Eastern<br />
1997 Western<br />
1998 South Wales<br />
1999 South East<br />
2000 South Wales<br />
2001 North East<br />
2002 East Midlands<br />
2003 South Wales<br />
2004 Greater London<br />
2005 East Midlands<br />
2006 South East<br />
2007 Scotland<br />
2008 Scotland<br />
2009 Western<br />
2010 South Wales<br />
Trophy retired<br />
Ron Feltham Memorial Cup<br />
2011 East Midlands<br />
2012 Scotland<br />
2013 Scotland<br />
2014 Greater London<br />
2015 Eastern<br />
2016 North East<br />
2017 South East<br />
2018 Scotland<br />
2019 East Midlands<br />
2020 Scotland<br />
2021 South East<br />
2022 Scotland<br />
2023 East Coast (Area 2)<br />
Ian Scoular Memorial Shield<br />
Introduced in 2016, this is awarded to<br />
the area or nation with the most new<br />
members recruited over the past year<br />
2016 Scotland<br />
2017 North West<br />
2018 Scotland<br />
2019 Scotland and South East (joint)<br />
2020 Scotland<br />
2021 South East<br />
2022 North West<br />
2023 East Coast and Scotland<br />
& Northern Ireland (joint)<br />
Runners-Up Cup<br />
The Runners-Up trophy is awarded to the area that comes second in membership, based on the criteria as<br />
outlined on facing page. Introduced in 1994, it was originally known simply as the Runners Up Cup. This trophy was<br />
retired in 2005, to be replaced the following year by the John William Parker Memorial Cup.<br />
Runners’-Up Cup<br />
1994 South Wales<br />
1995 Western<br />
1996 South Wales<br />
1997 Eastern<br />
1998 Western<br />
1999 Western<br />
2000 Western<br />
2001 North West<br />
2002 South East<br />
2003 East Midlands<br />
2004 Eastern<br />
2005 Scotland<br />
Trophy retired<br />
John William Parker<br />
Memorial Cup<br />
2006 West Midlands<br />
2007 West Midlands<br />
2008 North West<br />
2009 Eastern<br />
2010 West Midlands<br />
2011 North East<br />
2012 Eastern<br />
2013 Western<br />
2014 South Wales<br />
2015 Greater London<br />
2016 Scotland<br />
2017 East Midlands<br />
2018 Western<br />
2019 West Midlands<br />
2020 Greater London<br />
2021 North West<br />
2022 North West<br />
2023 Scotland & Northern Ireland<br />
26<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
MSA GB Member of the Year<br />
1983 Richard Woolnough Eastern<br />
1984 Matt Blair Scotland<br />
1985 Pip Pilcher South East<br />
1986 John Palmer Greater London<br />
1987 Jon Gross West Midlands<br />
1988 Fiona Hutchinson Scotland<br />
1989 David Dunlop Kidd North West<br />
1990 Doug Ollerenshawe Greater London<br />
1991 Terry Charnock North West<br />
1992 Jim Fegan Scotland<br />
1993 Brenda Ross Greater London<br />
1994 Roy Norman Eastern<br />
1995 Paddy Irving North East<br />
1996 Linda Harrington South Wales<br />
1997 Tricia Owen West Midlands<br />
1998 Neil & Christine Peek Eastern<br />
1999 Terry Cummins South East<br />
2000 Peggy Hutchings Western<br />
2001 Clive & Muriel Snook Western<br />
2002 Roy Appleby North East<br />
2003 John Gough Eastern<br />
2004 Ron Feltham Greater London<br />
2005 Allan Edwards South East<br />
2006 Lew Lambert Eastern<br />
2007 Denise Simpson North East<br />
2008 Tom Kwok Greater London<br />
2009 Doug Andrews Eastern<br />
2010 Ian Scoular Scotland<br />
2011 Alex Brownlee Greater London<br />
2012 Mike Longbottom North West<br />
2013 Cos Antoniou Greater London<br />
2014 Bob Butterworth North East<br />
2015 Dave Pepperdine East Midlands<br />
2016 Arthur Mynott Western<br />
2017 Ralph Walton West Midlands<br />
2018 Cheryl Andrews Greater London<br />
2019 Terry Pearce West Midlands<br />
2020 Janet Stewart Greater London<br />
2021 Bryan Phillips Scotland<br />
2022 Neil Palmer South East<br />
Editor of the year<br />
Our Editor of the Year award is presented to the regional/national editor<br />
whose contributions to MSA GB publications deserved special recognition.<br />
Harry Sands Memorial Trophy<br />
1985 John Lepine North West<br />
1986 Bob Matthews Scotland<br />
1987 Phil Whitehead Eastern<br />
1988 Denis Phillips South East<br />
1989 Norman Gregg Greater London<br />
1990 Mike Collins West Midlands<br />
1991 Eric Verity Greater London<br />
1992 Peter Pritchett Western<br />
1993 Stewart Izat Scotland<br />
1994 John Lomas North West<br />
1995 Denis Griffin West Midlands<br />
1996 Jill Callaghan Eastern<br />
1997 Jill Callaghan Eastern<br />
1998 John Lomas North West<br />
1999 Denis Phillips South East<br />
2000 Lionel Jordan Greater London<br />
2001 Denis Phillips South East<br />
Trophy retired<br />
Denis Phillips Memorial Trophy<br />
2002 David Pepperdine East Midlands<br />
2003 Colin Lilly Western<br />
2004 Rod Came South East<br />
2005 Mark Harford Scotland<br />
2006 Terry Pearce West Midlands<br />
2007 Alex Brownlee Greater London<br />
2008 Mike Bassett South East<br />
2009 Tony Phillips Greater London<br />
2010 Tony Phillips Greater London<br />
2011 Phillip Jones & Mike Yeomans North East<br />
Trophy retired<br />
Jon Gross Memorial Trophy<br />
2012 Colin Lilly Western<br />
2013 John Lomas North West<br />
2014 Rod Came South East<br />
2015 Terry Pearce West Midlands<br />
2016 Rod Came South East<br />
2017 David Pepperdine East Midlands<br />
2018 John Lomas North West<br />
2019 Alex Brownlee Greater London<br />
2020 Karen MacLeod Scotland<br />
2021 Guy Annan Western<br />
2022 Brian Thomson Scotland<br />
Honorary Members of MSA GB<br />
1985 Pat Murphy MBE<br />
1985 Connie Murphy<br />
1992 Pip Pilcher<br />
1992 David Dunlop Kidd<br />
1992 Bob Matthews<br />
1994 Gerry Regan<br />
1994 Bob Williams<br />
1995 Betty Blair<br />
1998 Hywel Kirkhouse<br />
1998 Ron Feltham<br />
2002 James Fegan<br />
2006 David Rogers<br />
2008 John Myers<br />
2008 Terry Charnock<br />
2009 Carol Lepine<br />
2014 John Lomas<br />
2017 Roy Appleby<br />
2018 Karl Satloka<br />
2019 Rod Came<br />
2019 John Lepine MBE<br />
2020 Colin Lilly<br />
2020 Rod Tipple<br />
2020 Robert Baker<br />
2020 Steven Sentence<br />
2022 Constantine Antonio<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 27
MSA GB ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23<br />
MSA GB Area representatives<br />
MSA GB is run by its Board of Management, which is made up of the elected representatives<br />
from each of the areas of Great Britain<br />
Area 1 – Scotland & Northern Ireland<br />
Steven Porter<br />
18 Heron Place, Johnstone PA5 0RW<br />
T: 01505 345372 or 07747 600672<br />
E: steven.porter@msagb.com<br />
Area 2 – East Coast<br />
Mike Yeomans<br />
7 Oak Avenue, Elloughton, Brough HU15 1LA<br />
T: 07772 757529<br />
E: mike.yeomans@msagb.com<br />
Area 3 – London & South East<br />
Tom Kwok<br />
52B Sutton Road, Muswell Hill, London N10 1HE<br />
07956 269922<br />
E: tom.kwok@msagb.com<br />
Area 4 – West Coast & Wales<br />
Arthur Mynott<br />
9 Hagleys Green Crowcombe, Taunton TA 4 2AH<br />
T: 01984 618858<br />
E: arthur.mynott@msagb.com<br />
Area 1 – Scotland & Northern Ireland Committee<br />
Chairman: Steven Porter<br />
E: steven.porter@msagb.com<br />
T: 07747 600 672<br />
Dept Chair, Editor & Glasgow Branch:<br />
Bryan Phillips <br />
E: bryan.phillips@hotmail.co.uk<br />
T: 07989 339 646<br />
Vice Chair:Alex Buist<br />
E: alexbuistabuistjuslearn@aol.com.<br />
T: 07966 366410<br />
Committee:<br />
Peter Harvey<br />
E: peter.harveymbe@msagb.com<br />
T: 01787 221020<br />
Aberdeen Driving Schools Group:<br />
Derek Young<br />
E: derekyoungcreel@aol.com<br />
T: 07732 379396<br />
Treasurer & Angus Driving Instructors Group:<br />
Brian Thomson<br />
E: brianthomson1306@gmail.com<br />
T: 07775 727603<br />
Secretary & Lanark & District Instructors Group:<br />
Judy Hale<br />
E: Judy@wundawheels.co.uk <br />
T: 07834 539692<br />
Inverurie Driving Instructors Group:<br />
Alan Gray<br />
E: alan@agdrivingacademy.co.uk<br />
T: 07814 059597<br />
Area 2 – East Coast Committee<br />
Chairman: Mike Yeomans<br />
E: mike.yeomans@msagb.com<br />
T: 07772 757529<br />
Deputy Chairman/ Area Treasurer: Paul Harmes<br />
E: admin@paulharmesdrivingschool.co.uk<br />
T: 07743 232864<br />
Vice Chair: Karl Satloka<br />
E: karl48@btinternet.com<br />
T: 07885 325115<br />
Secretary: Yasmin Ajib<br />
E: yasmin0786@hotmail.co.uk<br />
T: 07879 041247<br />
Editor and editorial co-ordinator: Andrew Burgess<br />
E: fleetcardrivertrainer@gmail.com<br />
T: 07754 542993<br />
Social Media Contact: Neil Wightman<br />
E: neilwightman1@sky.com<br />
T: 07812 364761<br />
28<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Area 3 London and<br />
South East Committee<br />
Chairman & Treasurer:<br />
Tom Kwok<br />
E: tom.kwok@msagb.com<br />
T: 07956 269922<br />
How MSA GB<br />
is organised, in<br />
four AREAS<br />
Deputy Chairman:<br />
Alex Brownlee<br />
E: eyedriveschool@gmail.com<br />
T: 07836 763603<br />
AREA 1<br />
Secretary:<br />
Ari Ahmed Kawani<br />
E: ariahamed@live.co.uk<br />
T: 07774 545333<br />
Editor:<br />
Janet Stewart<br />
E: janetslittlecar@btinternet.com<br />
07900 881756<br />
AREA 2<br />
Committee:<br />
Terry Cummins<br />
E: terence.cummins@<br />
btinternet.com<br />
T: 07719 697881<br />
AREA 4<br />
Cheryl Andrews<br />
E: cheryland85@hotmail.com<br />
T: 07884 073565<br />
Ruth Kingsley<br />
E: ruthk4ds@gmail.com<br />
T: 07941 982005<br />
Pankaj Desai<br />
E: pkdesai36@gmail.com<br />
T: 07958975127<br />
Area 4 West Coast and Wales Committee<br />
Chairman: Arthur Mynott<br />
E: arthur.mynott@msagb.com<br />
T: 07989 852274<br />
Deputy Chairman: Chris Truesdale<br />
E: arc.angel@live.co.uk<br />
T: 07803 580885<br />
Vice Chairman North:<br />
Graham Clayton<br />
E: Graham.clayton4@virginmedia.com<br />
T: 07710 541462<br />
AREA 3<br />
Treasurers:<br />
NorthGeoff Capes<br />
E: geoff.at@btopenworld.com<br />
T: 07976 965372<br />
SouthNick Tapp<br />
E: niktapp@hotmail.co.uk<br />
T: 07900 900678<br />
Editor: John Lomas<br />
E: johnstardriving@hotmail.com<br />
T: 07796 091767<br />
Vice Chairman South: Colin Lilly<br />
E: cglilly@btinternet.com <br />
T: 07768 367056<br />
Secretary: Kris Ford<br />
E: kristhebizz@aol.com<br />
T: 07977 778259<br />
Committee: Mike Buggins<br />
E: mikebuggins@gmail.com<br />
T: 07763 553045<br />
Pat Rowell<br />
T: 07850 484227<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 29
MSA GB ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23<br />
Useful numbers<br />
MSA GB<br />
Enquiries: 01787 221020<br />
Payments Line: 01787 221299<br />
DVLA<br />
Driver enquiries 0300 790 6801<br />
Vehicle enquiries 0300 790 6802<br />
Road Safety Organisations<br />
IAM RoadSmart 0300 303 1134<br />
RoSPA 0121 248 2000<br />
PACTS 020 7222 7732<br />
MSA GB Recommended Insurers<br />
Breakdown, Health Cover, etc.<br />
HMCA 01423 799949<br />
MSA GB Recommended Accountants<br />
FBTC 0344 9842 515<br />
MSA GB Breakdown Insurance partner<br />
Telematicus Services<br />
https://msasmartgreendrivers.loroinsurance.com/<br />
CONTACTING THE DVSA<br />
Customer booking service<br />
Theory & Practical Tests: 0300 200 1122<br />
When you call DVSA’s customer service centre, make sure<br />
you use the fast-track service. It’s easy to use and it’ll save<br />
you time!<br />
FOR ADI USE ONLY: Call 0300 200 1122<br />
When the voicemail activates, dial 25. You will be<br />
answered and asked for your ADI reference number.<br />
If it is not an ADI calling the operator won’t accept the<br />
call. Please note, you should not give this information to<br />
pupils or members of the public.<br />
If you wish to email and your question is ADI/PDI<br />
related, you should email PADI@dvsa.gov.uk<br />
or if a general enquiry, contact:<br />
customer.services@dvsa.gov.uk<br />
If you would like to receive a copy of your driving test fault<br />
analysis date, it is now available online using the link here:<br />
https://tinyurl.com/yvw4mtml<br />
if you have a theory test enquiry email:<br />
theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk<br />
Thank you, from the Chairman<br />
I am proud to be associated with the<br />
Motor Schools Association of GB, in<br />
the role of Chairman of the board of<br />
management.<br />
This association has given me<br />
guidance through my many years as<br />
an ADI. To have been selected as the<br />
National Chairman last year was a<br />
privilege.<br />
My thanks go to my vice chairman<br />
Peter Harvey MBE, for his constant<br />
guidance and assistance during my<br />
first year as Chairman, supported by<br />
an awesome team of Area Chairs and<br />
their committees.<br />
This association has the best interests<br />
of all its members at heart; we<br />
pride ourselves in the fact that we<br />
are all ADIs working for instructors.<br />
All our committees, chairmen, and<br />
associated groups are volunteers.<br />
We welcome instructor groups to<br />
join us as associates throughout the<br />
year, to help share in our successes<br />
and to help build better futures for all<br />
working ADIs throughout the UK and<br />
those working abroad.<br />
It is a pleasure to represent the<br />
profession wherever we visit and with<br />
whom we negotiate on our members’<br />
behalf.<br />
Mike Yeomans<br />
MSA GB<br />
National Chairman<br />
30<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Financial report<br />
The Motor Schools<br />
Association of<br />
Great Britain Ltd<br />
Report to the directors on the<br />
preparation of the unaudited<br />
statutory accounts of The Motor<br />
Schools Association of Great<br />
Britain Ltd for the year ended<br />
30 November 2023.<br />
In order to assist you to fulfil your<br />
duties under the Companies Act<br />
2006, we have prepared for your<br />
approval the accounts of The Motor<br />
Schools Association of Great Britain<br />
Ltd for the year ended 30 November<br />
2023 which comprise of the Income<br />
and Expenditure Account, the<br />
Balance Sheet and the related notes<br />
from the company’s accounting<br />
records and from information and<br />
explanations you have given us.<br />
As a practising member firm of the<br />
Association of Chartered Certified<br />
Accountants, we are subject to its<br />
ethical and other professional<br />
requirements which are detailed at<br />
http://rulebook.accaglobal.com/<br />
This report is made solely to the<br />
Board of Directors of The Motor<br />
Schools Association of Great Britain<br />
Ltd, as a body, in accordance with<br />
the terms of our engagement letter<br />
dated 30 November 2023.<br />
Our work has been undertaken<br />
solely to prepare for your approval<br />
the accounts of The Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain Ltd and<br />
state those matters that we have<br />
agreed to state to the Board of<br />
Directors of The Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain Ltd, as a<br />
body, in this report, in accordance<br />
with the requirements of the<br />
Association of Chartered Certified<br />
Accountants as detailed at<br />
http://www.accaglobal.com/<br />
factsheet163.<br />
To the fullest extent permitted by<br />
law, we do not accept or assume<br />
responsibility to anyone other than<br />
The Motor Schools Association of<br />
Great Britain Ltd and its Board of<br />
Directors as a body for our work or<br />
for this report.<br />
It is your duty to ensure that The<br />
Motor Schools Association of Great<br />
Britain Ltd has kept adequate<br />
accounting records and to prepare<br />
statutory accounts that give a true<br />
and fair view of the assets, liabilities,<br />
financial position and surplus of The<br />
Motor Schools Association of Great<br />
Britain Ltd. You consider that The<br />
Motor Schools Association of Great<br />
Britain Ltd is exempt from the<br />
statutory audit requirement for the<br />
year.<br />
We have not been instructed to<br />
carry out an audit or a review of the<br />
accounts of The Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain Ltd. For<br />
this reason, we have not verified the<br />
accuracy or completeness of the<br />
accounting records or information<br />
and explanations you have given to<br />
us and we do not, therefore, express<br />
any opinion on the statutory<br />
accounts.<br />
CJM Associates Ltd<br />
Members’ funds<br />
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under<br />
section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.<br />
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.<br />
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with<br />
respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.<br />
The accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies<br />
subject to the small companies regime. The income and expenditure account has not been delivered to the Registrar<br />
of Companies.<br />
Mike Yeomans, Director<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 31
MSA GB ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23<br />
Financial report<br />
Income and Expenditure Account<br />
for the year ended 30 November 2023<br />
YE 30 November 2023 YE 30 November 2022<br />
£ £ £ £<br />
Income<br />
Membership subscriptions income 98,440 99,404<br />
Membership subscriptions joining fees 1,665 930<br />
Conference income (7) 2,404<br />
Regional meetings income (252) 1,335<br />
Member supplies income - -<br />
EFA Income - -<br />
99,846 104,073<br />
Cost of sales<br />
Member Supplies 412 -<br />
Conference expenditure 5,877 3,457<br />
Sales/Member Commissions 1,293 1,694<br />
Gross surplus<br />
(7,582) (5,151)<br />
92,264 98,923<br />
Administrative expenses<br />
Wages and salaries - -<br />
Association management 30,000 35,586<br />
Staff training - -<br />
Staff pension costs - -<br />
Rent - -<br />
Rates - -<br />
Equipment hire - -<br />
Board, committee and regional expenses 14,628 10,640<br />
Power, light and heat - -<br />
Property repairs and maintenance - -<br />
Insurance 21,829 22,461<br />
Website costs - 65<br />
Computers and software costs 1,987 1,926<br />
Travelling expenses 2,180 7,298<br />
Postage, courier and delivery charges 593 845<br />
Professional subscriptions 1,929 3,769<br />
Legal and professional fees 1,059 35<br />
Accountancy 3,013 3,330<br />
Bank charges 2,377 2,841<br />
Credit card charges 1,100 803<br />
Printing and stationery - -<br />
Telecommunications 565 698<br />
Advertising (38) 500<br />
Sundry expenses 208 15<br />
Donations - 50<br />
Depreciation 2,031 581<br />
Loss on sale of tangible assets - -<br />
(83,461) (91,442)<br />
Operating deficit 8,803 7,481<br />
32<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
YE 30 November 2023 YE 30 November 2022<br />
£ £ £ £<br />
Investment revenues<br />
Bank interest received 110 1<br />
110 1<br />
Other gains and losses<br />
Amounts written off fixed<br />
asset investments - -<br />
Gains on sale of fixed<br />
asset investments - -<br />
Change in fair value of financial assets<br />
measured at fair value through<br />
profit or loss - (1,895)<br />
- (1,895)<br />
Surplus/(Deficit) before taxation 8,912 5,586<br />
Taxation - -<br />
Surplus/(Deficit) for the period 8,912 5,586<br />
BALANCE SHEET<br />
Fixed assets<br />
Investments (633) 32,230<br />
Office Equipment 3,703 5,734<br />
3,070 37,964<br />
Current assets<br />
Trade debtors 981 1,117<br />
Prepayments 10,148 10,755<br />
NatWest business account 60,998 49,643<br />
NatWest deposit account 32,976 30<br />
PayPal Account 421 1,101<br />
105,524 62,645<br />
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year<br />
Trade creditors (14,592) (15,499)<br />
Other creditors (2,905) (2,925)<br />
Accruals (3,000) (3,000)<br />
Corporation tax - -<br />
(20,497) (21,424)<br />
Net current (liabilities)/assets 85,027 41,221<br />
Total assets less current liabilities 88,098 79,185<br />
Reserves<br />
Income and expenditure<br />
account b/fwd 79,185 73,599<br />
Result for the period 8,912 5,586<br />
88,098 79,185<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 33
Members’ section<br />
MSA GB<br />
membership<br />
offer<br />
MSA GB has arranged a new<br />
membership special offer – a<br />
new breakdown insurance<br />
partnership with trusted<br />
partners Telematicus Services<br />
Limited (t/a Smart Green<br />
Drivers).<br />
Don’t be left in the lurch if<br />
your car breaks down<br />
MSA GB has arranged a great new<br />
membership offer – comprehensive but<br />
cost-effective breakdown insurance cover<br />
from Telematicus Services Limited.<br />
There are two simple and cost-effective<br />
levels of cover for you to choose from.<br />
Telematicus Services Limited (t/a Smart<br />
Green Drivers) provides breakdown cover for<br />
cars, vans and motorcycles at pocketpleasing<br />
prices. However, just because it<br />
costs less than you think, doesn’t mean they<br />
cut any corners and still offer quality, reliable<br />
and trustworthy breakdown cover for all.<br />
Full UK cover<br />
Telematicus Services Limited’s highquality,<br />
low-cost breakdown solution covers<br />
the whole of the UK, and is specifically<br />
designed for the motorist who wishes to be<br />
covered in every eventuality.<br />
What’s included<br />
n No excesses or call out charges.<br />
n For vehicles up to 9 years old<br />
n Home Start.<br />
n Cover for punctures and flat tyres.<br />
n Cover anywhere throughout the UK<br />
n Includes hire car, overnight accommodation<br />
and onward travel options.<br />
n Unlimited callouts during the year of policy.<br />
n Over 3,000 recovery agents nationally.<br />
Telematicus Services Limited policies cover<br />
the vehicle, not the individual, meaning<br />
whoever is driving the vehicle at the time of a<br />
breakdown is eligible to call for assistance.<br />
Cover on holiday, too<br />
For ultimate cover, Telematicus Services<br />
Limited’s Full UK & EU policy has it all.<br />
Providing the same great benefits and<br />
coverage as that of its full UK Cover, but with<br />
the added surety of European travel, it makes<br />
for a complete policy.<br />
What’s included (in addition to the above)<br />
n Cover in any EU member state country<br />
plus Switzerland and Norway.<br />
n Includes extended hire car, overnight<br />
accommodation and onward travel options.<br />
n Unlimited callouts during the term of the<br />
policy<br />
Again, the full UK & EU policies cover the<br />
vehicle, not the individual, meaning whoever<br />
is driving the vehicle at the time of a<br />
breakdown is eligible to call for assistance.<br />
MSA GB vice-chairman Peter Harvey<br />
commented: “We like to think that MSA GB is<br />
the association that never sleeps, as we<br />
continually work to enhance our membership<br />
package, so you always feel supported and<br />
prepared for the wins and challenges that the<br />
life of a driving instructor brings.<br />
“We think this breakdown cover from<br />
Telematicus Services Limited t/a Smart<br />
Green Drivers will give you peace of mind<br />
without the cost usually associated with<br />
cover of this kind, and at a special discount<br />
price for members.”<br />
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?<br />
A full set of frequently asked questions can<br />
be found at their website, accessed by<br />
clicking the panel below.<br />
Click here<br />
for details<br />
To access your breakdown offer please follow<br />
this link.<br />
Click here<br />
for details<br />
34 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Get 10p off every litre of fuel<br />
with special MSA GB deal<br />
The cost-of-living crisis is putting many<br />
ADIs under considerable financial pressure,<br />
and nowhere is it felt more than through<br />
the rising cost of fuel.<br />
So to help alleviate some of the burden<br />
on our members, we’re thrilled to<br />
announce a brand-new partnership with<br />
FUEL CARD SERVICES.<br />
A fuel card from MSA GB partner, Fuel<br />
Card Services can provide huge benefits to<br />
businesses that use vehicles on a daily<br />
basis:<br />
n Cutting fuel costs - save up to 10p per<br />
litre and get a consistent price.<br />
n Increased security - fuel cards are a<br />
safer alternative to carrying cash and<br />
eliminate fraud.<br />
n Streamline admin - HMRC compliant<br />
invoices, no receipts, one neat invoice and<br />
a dedicated account manager.<br />
n Tighter control of business expenses<br />
- view transactions and reports online 24/7.<br />
n Increased flexibility for refuelling<br />
across a huge network.<br />
n Fleet convenience - a quick and<br />
convenient way for fleets to refuel.<br />
There are a range of fuel cards available<br />
on the market and for your business to<br />
truly benefit from investing in fuel cards,<br />
you need to choose the right one for your<br />
businesses’ requirements.<br />
FUEL CARD SERVICES offers a large<br />
choice of networks from leading brands,<br />
such as BP, Shell, Esso and UK Fuels, so<br />
you can decide which networks you wish<br />
to include on your business account.<br />
Fuel Card Services and MSA GB are<br />
helping to deliver cost savings to<br />
members throughout the country.<br />
For more details and to obtain a fuel<br />
card through MSA GB, go to our website at<br />
https://msagb.com/members/<br />
member-discounts/<br />
MEMBER OFFER<br />
What are the latest UK fuel prices?<br />
The prices right are the latest available unleaded petrol and diesel averages<br />
across supermarket, motorway and independent forecourts in the UK, according<br />
to data compiled by the RAC. Prices correct at the end of January. Continuing<br />
instability in the Middle East, affecting both fuel output and transport through the<br />
Red Sea, risks causing price rises in the coming weeks.<br />
UNLEADED<br />
DIESEL<br />
UK average 144p 152p<br />
Motorway 157p 176p<br />
Supermarkets 142p 152p<br />
MEMBER OFFER<br />
AlcoSense: Every ADI should have one handy<br />
MSA GB has teamed up with leading supplier of personal<br />
breathalyser kits AlcoSense to bring our members a<br />
very special offer.<br />
The AlcoSense kits give an instant and accurate<br />
snapshot of whether you – or your pupil – has alcohol in<br />
your/their system, and are particularly useful ‘the<br />
morning after.’<br />
Peter Harvey, MSA GB national vice chairman,<br />
commented: “These are a quality product. They arrive<br />
well packaged, with the required batteries, five<br />
mouthpieces and full instructions. They are very easy to<br />
use, with a simple menu, and can be adjusted to suit the<br />
country you are in depending on the legal limit there.<br />
Once set up, the breathalyser gives a very clear reading<br />
in traffic light colours, making it easy to follow.<br />
“Green, as you would expect, tells you you are okay to<br />
drive. Amber advises you that alcohol is present but you<br />
are below the limit you entered at set up – though it is so<br />
important to check what the limit is in the country you<br />
use it. Red is pretty self-explanatory – Don’t drive.<br />
“The set is very compact, about the same size as a<br />
mobile phone but a little deeper. It is ideal for eliminating<br />
any concerns you may have the morning after – or for<br />
your pupils.”<br />
The Excel model costs around £100 and can be viewed:<br />
https://alcosense.co.uk/alcosense.html.<br />
But we’ve negotiated a special discount on the entire<br />
AlcoSense range (except single-use disposables) of 10<br />
per cent for members IF BOUGHT THROUGH THE MSA<br />
GB WEBSITE – from the entry-level Lite 2 (£44.99) to<br />
the top-of-the-range Ultra (£249.00), with other<br />
options available. Go to<br />
https://msagb.com/members/member-discounts/<br />
to secure your member discount.<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 35
Members’ section<br />
New membership service: Find My Local<br />
MSA GB Instructor directory launched<br />
Cut through the competition<br />
by advertising your skills on<br />
MSA GB’s own ADI directory<br />
With the DVSA (https://tinyurl.com/<br />
4b3t9a9e) reporting a 24 per cent increase in<br />
the number of new driving instructor<br />
registrations in 2022/2023, compared to<br />
2020/2021, our industry is set to become<br />
even more competitive as driving instructors<br />
do battle to gain the attention of those<br />
wanting to learn to drive.<br />
To help MSA GB members cut through the<br />
industry noise and raise their profile, we’re<br />
delighted to announce the launch of our<br />
online ‘Find My Local MSA GB Instructor’<br />
directory, which will be proudly displayed on<br />
the MSA GB home page and on the MSA GB<br />
App.<br />
Once live, this new directory will be easily<br />
accessible by the public, who can use our<br />
simple search engine to source a driving<br />
instructor in their local area, who suits their<br />
learning needs.<br />
For MSA GB members it couldn’t be simpler<br />
to input your details and make sure you stand<br />
out from the crowd. We’ve included several<br />
opportunities for you to highlight any special<br />
skills or teaching experience that you may<br />
have, for example teaching pupils with<br />
disabilities or those who are particularly<br />
anxious drivers.<br />
To upload your profile onto the MSA GB<br />
directory, all you need to do is:<br />
n Log into the Member Area<br />
n Look to the left of the page and scroll<br />
down until you see three blue arrow tabs.<br />
n Click on the tab - ‘Add Directory listing’<br />
n You will then be taken to the following<br />
page:<br />
n Input your details and upload your photo<br />
(adding your photo is optional)<br />
n Once you’ve inputted all your details,<br />
check that all your information is correct<br />
n Tick the box if you agree to share your<br />
details on the website. Please note if you do<br />
not tick the box your details will not appear<br />
on the on the Find My Local MSA GB<br />
Instructor directory.<br />
n Click submit – and your done!<br />
This is just one of the many fantastic<br />
benefits that MSA GB members get to enjoy<br />
with their membership, which also includes:<br />
n PI & PL Insurance cover totalling £10<br />
million.<br />
n Legal & Technical Advice<br />
n Member Representation<br />
n Access to a wealth of exclusive<br />
information and downloadable resources<br />
n Member Discounts<br />
n Our monthly digital industry magazine<br />
- <strong>Newslink</strong><br />
n Comprehensive driving school cover.<br />
We hope registering is a straightforward<br />
process, but if you need any assistance, or<br />
have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact<br />
our membership team on info@msagb.com<br />
or 01787 221 020<br />
36 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
ADI groups and associations<br />
MSA GB is proud of its long-standing links with many local ADI<br />
groups around the country. Many are small, dedicated to driver<br />
training in one city, town or even focused on a sole DTC, but all<br />
work tirelessly to improve the work of being an ADI. This can<br />
be in representing ADIs’ interests and views to your DVSA area<br />
manager, offering an ADI’s voice to local authorities and town<br />
planners, or by simply providing a network within which ADIs can<br />
find help and advice from their fellow instructors. After all, for<br />
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
many ADIs working as sole traders, being a driving instructor can<br />
be a lonely task: local ADI groups help stop it feeling quite so much<br />
that it’s ‘you against the world.’<br />
In every issue of <strong>Newslink</strong> will be publishing a list of local ADI<br />
groups and associations. We will only publish those groups who let<br />
us know they are happy to be included in our list, so if you would<br />
like to see your details here, please contact Peter Harvey at<br />
peter.harveymbe@msagb.com<br />
Aberdeen and District Driving Schools<br />
Association<br />
Secretary: Derek Young<br />
T: 07732 379396<br />
E: derekyoungcreel@aol.com<br />
Meets quarterly February (AGM), May,<br />
August and November.<br />
Cost £35 per annum<br />
Angus Driving Instructors Association<br />
Secretary: Frances Matthew<br />
T: 07703 664522<br />
E; francesmatthew@hotmail.co.uk<br />
This group holds six meeting per year<br />
(usually one week after the Scottish<br />
committee meeting)<br />
Cost £20 per year.<br />
Aylesbury Vale Driving Instructors<br />
Association<br />
Chairman: Sue Pusey<br />
T: 07780 606868<br />
E: AVDIA@btinternet.com<br />
Meetings are first Wednesday of every<br />
month at Church of the Holy Spirit,<br />
Camborne Avenue, Aylesbury, HP21 7UE.<br />
7.30pm start.<br />
Guest speaker every other month,<br />
refreshments provided.<br />
Annual fee £30. First meeting free as try<br />
before you buy.<br />
Birmingham Approved Driving Instructors<br />
Contact: Dave Allen<br />
T: 07939 627493<br />
E: Daveallen1999@googlemail.com<br />
Cornwall Association of Approved Driving<br />
Instructors (CAADI)<br />
Secretary: Rachael Lloyd-Phillips<br />
E: rachael@oneandallsom.co.uk<br />
This group meets via Zoom on the 3rd<br />
Monday every other month at 7.30pm.<br />
City of Dunfermline and District ADIs<br />
Secretary: Gail Pilch<br />
T: 07817 661450<br />
E: dunfermlineadisecretary@outlook.com<br />
Meetings are bi-monthly, at<br />
Dunfermline Northern Bowling Club, Dewar<br />
Street,<br />
Dunfermline KY12 8AD<br />
Glasgow & District Driving Instructors<br />
Association<br />
Contact: Bryan Phillips<br />
T: 07989 339 646<br />
E: bryan.phillips@hotmail.co.uk<br />
Meet on the last Sunday of the month,<br />
once every quarter, at<br />
The Fort Theatre, Kenmuir Ave,<br />
Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2DW.<br />
Joining fee: £15 per year<br />
Hinckley & District Driver Trainers<br />
Association (HDDTA)<br />
Chairman: Barrie Pates<br />
T: 07914 408 739<br />
E: haddta@yahoo.com<br />
Hull and East Riding Driving Instructors<br />
(HERDI)<br />
Contact: Andrew<br />
T: 07754542993<br />
E: herdi.rsa@gmail.com<br />
Lanark Driving Instructors<br />
Secretary: Sandra Smillie<br />
T: 07975 147150<br />
Meet quarterly from <strong>March</strong> which is our<br />
AGM<br />
South Warwickshire Association<br />
of ADIs (SWAADI)<br />
Contact: Andy Thomas<br />
T: 01926 717230 / 07900 673634<br />
E: artommo@hotmail.com<br />
We meet at 8.30pm every third Monday of<br />
the month except August and December<br />
(no meetings) at The Windmill Inn,<br />
Tachbrook Rd, Leamington Spa CV31 3DD,<br />
Rolls and snacks are available for a small<br />
charge and membership is £25 a year and<br />
includes a monthly newsletter and addition<br />
to a WhatsApp group for local issues/<br />
traffic updates, etc.<br />
Swindon Driving Instructors Association<br />
(Swindon DIA)<br />
Contact: Sandra Jill Richens<br />
T: 07795 006015<br />
E: SJRichens@btinternet.com<br />
Taunton Association Driving Instructors<br />
See Facebook page – search ‘Taunton ADI<br />
& PDI Forum’<br />
Wirral Association of Professional Driving<br />
Instructors (APDI)<br />
Chairman: Brian Murray<br />
T: 07810 094332<br />
Secretary: Richard Gillmore<br />
T: 07790 193138<br />
E: wirral-apdi@hotmail.co.uk<br />
W: wirralinstructors.co.uk<br />
Meet monthly on the first Thursday of the<br />
month (except January and August)<br />
at Heswall FC, Brimstage Road, Heswall,<br />
Wirral CH60 1XG<br />
Further information and to join, please visit<br />
the website.<br />
Why join a local association?<br />
Local news, local input – a local voice...<br />
If you want to see your local ADI group listed in this index,<br />
contact Peter Harvey on peter.harveymbe@msagb.com<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 37
Area News<br />
Love your motors?<br />
Leonardo da Vinci may<br />
have been their dad<br />
Janet<br />
Stewart<br />
London & the<br />
South East<br />
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci had ideas<br />
about helicopters. That is the big thing that<br />
everyone knows about him, in addition to<br />
his quality frescos and paintings.<br />
But cars? Yes, indeed, he had a few light<br />
bulb moments for cars, as well as musical<br />
instruments, a mechanical knight,<br />
hydraulic pumps, reversible crank<br />
mechanisms, finned mortar shells and a<br />
steam cannon.<br />
Leo’s car is not a car as we know it but<br />
more a sort of self-propelling cart. The<br />
machine was powered by two symmetrical<br />
springs and had a balance wheel to ensure<br />
a smooth motion. There was something<br />
similar to a differential to accommodate<br />
comfortable cornering and the cart could<br />
be made to follow a programmed path.<br />
There is a replica in the Clos Lucé near<br />
Château d’Amboise. Of course, it works!<br />
Now, it just so happens that I had a<br />
friend whose sister was married to the<br />
owner of the Filching Manor Motor<br />
museum in Sussex, and a very special car<br />
was brought to Amersham (just up the<br />
road from me) for an event.<br />
The car was an 1896 German model<br />
made by Benz and I wonder if I might have<br />
been more comfortable on da Vinci’s<br />
self-propelling cart, of approximately 400<br />
years earlier.<br />
I was privileged to ride through town in it.<br />
I say “privileged” but I could not wait for it<br />
to be over – it was just about the most<br />
uncomfortable thing I have ever sat in/on.<br />
NO suspension, solid tyres, and part of<br />
Amersham High Street is cobbled!<br />
It was only another 12 years until the<br />
next big thing – the Model T Ford - which<br />
you could have in any colour as long as it<br />
was black. By the 1930s motoring had<br />
become quite popular and the world<br />
became familiar with the internal<br />
combustion engine. And there it stayed for<br />
quite a long time; milk floats were the only<br />
things on the road that were electric, and<br />
maybe that should have struck people as<br />
odd or made them wonder why the rest of<br />
the road traffic wasn’t electric.<br />
In 1974 we saw the arrival of the Aston<br />
Martin Lagonda – very smart indeed! By<br />
this time the motor car was definitely a<br />
fashion accessory. Who could forget the<br />
excitement about the Ford Capri and the<br />
Jensen Interceptor? And now we have cars<br />
such as the Lexus with more bells and<br />
whistles than you can shake a stick at.<br />
There were experiments with LPG which<br />
seem to have come to nothing and, of<br />
course, the big questions now are about<br />
electric and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles.<br />
I won’t bang on about it but I look<br />
forward to getting into my first self-driving<br />
pod (which I hope will also fly) if I live long<br />
enough. And, yes, I did choose Lagonda<br />
and Lexus because I like the alliteration.<br />
Contact: Janet Stewart,<br />
MSA GB London & the South<br />
janetslittlecar@btinternet.<br />
com<br />
Tel 07989 852274.<br />
Janet Stewart is an Executive<br />
Member of the Institute of<br />
Master Tutors of Driving<br />
Leonardo’s self-propelling cart. More comfortable,<br />
possibly, than the Mercedes-Benz (the yellow AM 11)<br />
on display. Below, a more sophisticated vehicle, the<br />
Aston Martin Lagonda.<br />
38 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Experienced professional to<br />
lead safeguarding course<br />
Paul Harmes<br />
MSA GB Area 2 Deputy Chairman<br />
MSA GB Area 2 (East Coast) is hosting a<br />
safeguarding training event on April 4.<br />
To be run online, it will start at 10am and<br />
run until 3pm, with a break in the middle at a<br />
suitable time for lunch.<br />
The discounted cost to MSA members is<br />
£45 and to non-members £70.<br />
All participants will receive a safeguarding<br />
certificate for completing Level 1 and a work<br />
booklet. The course counts as CPD, too.<br />
Safeguarding is how we can protect<br />
children, young people and vulnerable adults<br />
from abuse or neglect by the actions, or lack<br />
of actions, of another person. In order to<br />
safeguard and protect persons from abuse or<br />
neglect, we need to learn how to identify<br />
vulnerable individuals and take necessary<br />
steps to stop abuse and neglect.<br />
This qualification is suitable for all persons<br />
and will provide an understanding of<br />
safeguarding which can be used in a<br />
workplace, activity group or any instance<br />
where a person comes into contact with<br />
children or adults at risk.<br />
The qualification provides learners with the<br />
knowledge to identify a safeguarding<br />
concern, record a disclosure and report to the<br />
appropriate person.<br />
TO ENROL<br />
Click here to enrol<br />
on the course<br />
When you enrol we will need your full name<br />
and email address to send you the joining link,<br />
which will be sent nearer the event.<br />
About our course leader<br />
The course will be lead by Neil Wightma.<br />
Neil is a driving mentor who is dedicated to<br />
helping individuals achieve their full potential.<br />
As an ORDIT (Official Register of Driving<br />
Instructor Training) registered instructor<br />
trainer, Neil is recognised for his expertise<br />
and qualifications in training driving<br />
instructors.<br />
Furthermore, Neil is a safeguarding<br />
instructor, which indicates his commitment<br />
to ensuring the safety and well-being of his<br />
students.<br />
Safeguarding instructors play a crucial role<br />
in educating driving instructors about child<br />
protection, vulnerable adult safeguarding, and<br />
other related topics.<br />
Neil takes pride in his work and is<br />
passionate about assisting others in reaching<br />
their highest potential.<br />
Hope to see you there.<br />
ADI training to teach pupils with Special Needs<br />
6 Hour Courses, Online One-To-One Training for Driving Instructors<br />
From communication problems to behavioural difficulties, these courses are designed to help you as<br />
a driving instructor. Learn to support all your pupils, in your car, all the way to test!<br />
Courses available:<br />
n Introduction to Neurodiversity in Your Car<br />
n Introduction to the Autistic Spectrum<br />
n Introduction to ADHD<br />
n Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia<br />
and Irlen’s Syndrome<br />
n Anxiety and Confidence Building<br />
in Lessons<br />
n Anxiety and the Driving Test<br />
n Communication and Special Needs<br />
n Setting and Achieving Goals with<br />
Neurodiverse People<br />
n Sensory Sensitivity and Related Issues<br />
n Neurodiversity and the Driving Test<br />
n Improving Low Self-Esteem<br />
n Challenging Situations and Special Needs<br />
Learn all about a subject in SIX hours! No matter where you are, you can learn<br />
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Delivered by Dr Julia S. A. Malkin, MBE<br />
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What Julia’s<br />
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Contact Julia for further details and to book via 07761 064 694 or julia.mbe2011@gmail.com<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 39
Area News<br />
ADIs, 1950s/60s style – and not<br />
a headerboard in sight<br />
John Lomas<br />
MSA GB<br />
West Coast<br />
& Wales<br />
1<br />
Old School? (Photo 1)<br />
I found this photo on Facebook and a<br />
poster suggested it might be Swindon – on<br />
Victoria Road to be precise. The pointed L<br />
Plates appear to pre-date 1970 (ADI<br />
Compulsory Registration) – in fact the<br />
registrations suggest late ‘50s/ early ‘60s<br />
but I don’t know how frequently instructors<br />
changed their cars back then.<br />
I have confirmed the RAC Reg suggestion<br />
(see photo 2). This was a scheme run by the<br />
Royal Automoblie Club to approve some<br />
driving instructors and I believe it was in<br />
operation at a similar date to the Motor<br />
Schools Association of Great Britain’s own<br />
registration scheme, which I covered during<br />
the series I wrote to coincide with the MSA<br />
GB’s and the Driving Test Diamond<br />
Anniversary Year.<br />
Odd Sign (photo 3)<br />
I seem to be collecting these odd signs.<br />
This month’s contribution, again from<br />
Facebook, is/was in Dorset. I haven’t found it<br />
on Streetview but it is surely somewhere<br />
near the Red marker on the Google Map’s<br />
view (photo 4). The reason why it was<br />
brought to the attention of the poster were<br />
the mileages quoted: who ever needed a<br />
mileage chart in half miles?<br />
The person posting it wondered why it was<br />
so pedantic. Other than, possibly, the<br />
Ringwood distance, it would surely do no<br />
harm to have whole mile distances?<br />
By the way, that’s not a decimal point<br />
before Winchester’s distance; it is actually<br />
the result of a stone or air rifle pellet impact<br />
(and it did remind me of the story in<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong>’s August issue on the shot-up<br />
roadsigns of Crete).<br />
M6 Visibility v Speed<br />
In February’s issue, Janet Stewart<br />
mentioned driving back from Scotland on a<br />
beautiful moonlit night, sticking to 70mph but<br />
asking herself, on an empty road, why?<br />
2<br />
3<br />
I did that once in the Lune Valley, just<br />
south of Tebay services. It was a beautiful<br />
clear night, nice moon, at least seven or eight<br />
street lights visible, but barely 100ft visibility<br />
at ground level because of low-lying fog.<br />
Fog or mist can form in dips around rivers<br />
– which is what had happened in this case.<br />
You won’t be surprised to learn that other<br />
cars were just belting past me.<br />
It’s not the first time I’ve seen those<br />
conditions. I have even been overtaken in fog<br />
by ‘Battenbergs’. Even on clear nights watch<br />
out for mist/fog near rivers.<br />
Drivers’ eyesight<br />
Again from February’s issue, the story<br />
about a campaign in Scotland to get older<br />
drivers to have regular eyesight checks<br />
caught my attention. When I was teaching I<br />
4<br />
usually found that spectacle wearers were<br />
much more aware of deterioration in their<br />
sight than non-glasses users; I include<br />
contact wearers in this as well.<br />
I assume that the devolved transport<br />
40 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
6<br />
5<br />
powers held by the Scottish Government do<br />
not include changing the regs around<br />
eyesight – though as the article basically was<br />
saying ‘check your sight’, perhaps it’s not a<br />
case of needing new regulations, just proper<br />
application of existing ones.<br />
As an aside, the DVLA sent me an eyesight<br />
reminder in my latest car tax notification.<br />
Visible through the window after removal of<br />
the letter was the advice panel shown in<br />
Photo 5. Nice touch, that.<br />
Another envelope recently received had<br />
the message “Is your address correct? If not,<br />
please notify us”<br />
Only problem, of course, is that if it hadn’t<br />
been correct, I wouldn’t have received it in the<br />
first place.<br />
Driving offences while NOT driving<br />
I am sure you are aware that it is possible to<br />
be arrested for being in or close to your car<br />
while ‘under the Influence’ if you are in<br />
possession of the keys. It would then be your<br />
responsibility to PROVE you had no intention<br />
of actually driving. Many people have, over<br />
the years, fallen foul of this aspect<br />
of the law.<br />
But it got me wondering about<br />
underage or unlicensed family members<br />
being asked to get stuff from a car which is<br />
parked on the road outside your house or<br />
nearby.<br />
What would their defence look like if a local<br />
PC happened to be passing at just that time,<br />
spotted the clearly underage youngster with<br />
car keys entering a car? Would he/she<br />
suspect them of being about to drive? Would<br />
they have to prove, as in the case of the<br />
drink-(non)driver, that they had no intention<br />
of driving?<br />
Has anyone had experience of just such a<br />
scenario?<br />
Would the ADI Registrar consider that<br />
sending such a person to fetch something<br />
from the car constitutes an offence worthy of<br />
consideration with reference to your ADI<br />
status?<br />
Sat Nav followers, regardless!<br />
We have all heard about people who follow<br />
the SatNav regardless of the obvious signals<br />
not to do so, such as No Entry signs, Weight<br />
and/or Height warning signs, etc, even to the<br />
extent of getting physically jammed at<br />
narrow spots or low bridges.<br />
I do hope that those very same people<br />
don’t purchase a Toyota bZ4X, as being<br />
advertised at the moment.<br />
The advert clearly implies that it can be<br />
driven along a river and then down a vertical<br />
waterfall!<br />
A screen grab of the waterfall can be found<br />
at photo 6 above.<br />
CONTACT<br />
John St C Lomas, West Coast<br />
& Wales MSA GB<br />
Tel 07796 091767<br />
johnstardriving@hotmail.com<br />
bristoljackaroo@gmail.com<br />
Regulator launches investigation as National Highways misses targets<br />
An investigation has been launched into<br />
National Highways because its<br />
“performance has dipped in a number of<br />
areas”, a regulator has announced.<br />
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said it is<br />
conducting the inquiry because potential<br />
risks it identified in a report in July 2023<br />
have “materialised”, relating to issues such<br />
as the delivery of major schemes and<br />
management of assets.<br />
National Highways runs motorways and<br />
major A roads in England.<br />
Targets relating to issues such as delays,<br />
efficiency, roadworks, user satisfaction and<br />
safety are all unlikely to be met.<br />
The regulator is also concerned about the<br />
delivery of projects in the second road<br />
investment strategy (RIS2), which runs from<br />
2020 to 2025 and includes schemes such as<br />
the A303 Stonehenge tunnel and the Lower<br />
Thames Crossing which have been delayed.<br />
ORR director of planning and performance<br />
Feras Alshaker said: “National Highways has<br />
generally delivered well for road users, but in<br />
recent months we have become concerned<br />
that its performance has dipped in a number<br />
of areas and issues are recurring.<br />
“We are opening an investigation now to<br />
help ORR and National Highways achieve a<br />
common understanding of what is causing<br />
the current dip in performance.<br />
Steve Gooding of the RAC Foundation,<br />
said: “Drivers up and down the country will<br />
have experienced roadworks on the major<br />
routes run by National Highways, and in one<br />
sense that’s a good sign: we can all see<br />
money is being spent on this vital network<br />
which the country relies on.<br />
“However, as motorists get caught up in<br />
the disruption they will want reassurance<br />
that the works are being carried out as<br />
quickly and cost-effectively as possible.<br />
“The promise of great journeys tomorrow<br />
should not come at an unacceptable cost for<br />
drivers today.”<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 41
Area News<br />
Get your macks out, it doesn’t<br />
look like it will ever stop raining<br />
Arthur Mynott<br />
MSA GB<br />
West Coast & Wales<br />
This month I thought I would talk about<br />
something different to driver instruction, but<br />
in a way it does affect our industry to a<br />
certain extent, and that is the weather.<br />
I’m sat here writing this in the second half<br />
of February looking at the rain pouring down<br />
outside. It’s been raining for most days here<br />
in the West Country since the beginning of<br />
last October and I’m starting to wonder when<br />
it will begin to dry up.<br />
My local golf course has been shut for a lot<br />
of that time and I’m seriously thinking I’m<br />
beginning to suffer from withdrawal<br />
symptoms! I suppose in a way that we are<br />
paying for the long hot dry spell we had last<br />
summer.<br />
There has been quite a few roads closed<br />
around here at various times because of<br />
flooding and one road in particular, the A361,<br />
has been closed by way of floodgates a few<br />
times already this winter. These were<br />
installed after severe flooding in 2014. I<br />
remember this well and you probably all saw<br />
the videos on the news programmes,<br />
especially the ones showing the then Prince<br />
Charles visiting the village of Muchelney in a<br />
boat!<br />
By Easter Monday that year the floods had<br />
receded and Marie and I went for a drive to<br />
see how things were improving. We first went<br />
through Langport (there is a clue in the name<br />
because it used to be a port before the land<br />
was drained!) to Muchelney along the same<br />
road that Prince Charles floated down in a<br />
boat and that was fine and the village hadn’t<br />
flooded at all, it was just the roads in and out<br />
of it that had flooded.<br />
We then travelled to Bridgwater through<br />
the village of Moorland (again the clue is in<br />
the name, ‘Moor’land) and almost the entire<br />
village was affected. There were carpets<br />
hanging out of the windows drying, ruined<br />
furniture and electrical goods stacked up in<br />
the gardens, and some occupants were living<br />
Photo Somerset Gazette<br />
in caravans on their driveways. It was a very<br />
sorry sight and we really felt for them.<br />
There were a lot of questions asked as to<br />
why it was so bad that year as it never used<br />
to flood like that, even when there was a lot<br />
of rain in other years. The main reason was<br />
that the regular dredging of the rhynes (a<br />
local name for drainage channels) had not<br />
been carried out on a regular basis since the<br />
Environment Agency took over the<br />
responsibility in 1990. Prior to that it was<br />
overseen by local agencies who saw that the<br />
rhynes were dredged when necessary, this<br />
also included dredging the rivers flowing<br />
through the area in to which the water was<br />
pumped by several pumping stations.<br />
Before becoming a driving instructor I<br />
worked as a herdsman on a farm which<br />
backed on to one of the moors. The cows<br />
used to graze the fields in the moor in the<br />
summer months but were moved back<br />
The sodden<br />
village of<br />
Muchelney<br />
back in 2014.<br />
Increased<br />
periods of<br />
heavy rain<br />
have made<br />
flooding a<br />
more common<br />
occurence in<br />
some parts of<br />
the country,<br />
to devastating<br />
effect<br />
nearer the farm before winter. If a<br />
lot of rain was forecast the<br />
aforementioned pumps were<br />
turned on to lower the water level<br />
in anticipation so the area did not<br />
flood. It just goes to show the<br />
advantage of things being<br />
controlled on a local level rather<br />
than in some head office over a<br />
hundred miles away!<br />
I hope you liked this article, and<br />
it makes a change from reading<br />
about test waiting times,<br />
Standards Checks, the DVSA, etc, and the<br />
weather does affect our work to a certain<br />
extent.<br />
On another note, please let me know of<br />
any meetings you would be interested in<br />
attending in your area or any speakers you<br />
would like, this could be face to face meetings<br />
or video ones. We are here for you and your<br />
input is valuable to us<br />
Looking forward to seeing many of you<br />
later this month in Telford and hope that the<br />
sun will shine when playing golf the day<br />
before (Friday, 22nd <strong>March</strong>) with The Driving<br />
Instructors Golf Association at the Wrekin<br />
Golf Club.<br />
Contact:<br />
Arthur Mynott,<br />
MSA GB West Coast & Wales Chairman<br />
arthur.mynott@yahoo.com<br />
Tel 07989 852274.<br />
42 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
Plenty of lessons to be learned<br />
at South East meeting<br />
Bob Page<br />
MSA GB London<br />
& South East<br />
Bob Page<br />
The latest meeting for MSA GB members and<br />
ADIs in the South East – again organised by<br />
Terry Cummins – took place at St Peter and<br />
Paul’s Church in Hastings.<br />
The first speaker was a well-known figure<br />
to MSA GB, Alan Hiscox from the British<br />
Horse Society. He highlighted figures on<br />
horse and rider deaths, which are still far too<br />
high, and emphasised the need for more<br />
awareness on how we share our roads safely.<br />
He also highlighted the need for wider<br />
publicity to get these messages out to the<br />
public, which is something the whole road<br />
safety industry could benefit from.<br />
It was mentioned that not all riders follow<br />
guidelines and BHS is committed to educating<br />
all road users. If you haven’t seen it before,<br />
check out the BHS website at https://www.<br />
bhs.org.uk<br />
Next up was Jo Chapman from drink/drive<br />
awareness organisation Aspire. This is a<br />
family business operating nationwide to<br />
educate those who have broken the rules.<br />
Successful attendees can receive up to a 25<br />
per cent reduction on their driving ban, but<br />
this is not automatic. The course covers all<br />
aspects of alcohol use and we all heard some<br />
enlightening facts we can pass on to our<br />
pupils. One drink is not one unit!<br />
For more information contact<br />
jo@aspirecourses.co.uk.<br />
Laurence Brand of Hastings DTC had<br />
information about our new test site as the<br />
current one is pretty much condemned. We<br />
are moving to the Hastings Centre on the 4th<br />
<strong>March</strong> and although details are not confirmed<br />
he is expecting six bays and some signage.<br />
No doubt some co-operation from<br />
instructors will be needed, and I will post<br />
again when we have all the details.<br />
Alan Hiscox from the British Horse Society<br />
Some welcome refreshments were taken,<br />
thanks to the committee, before London &<br />
the South East Chair Tom Kwok took to the<br />
floor to speak on lesson planning. I could go<br />
over some of the details but instead I will<br />
simply say I would thoroughly recommend<br />
attending one of Tom’s presentations. They<br />
are always lively and enlightening with lots of<br />
Q&A as well as thought-provoking on<br />
subjects we all thought we knew all about.<br />
Thanks to those who attended and<br />
hopefully see you at the next one.<br />
All action from Tom Kwok<br />
Jo Chapman<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 43
Members’ discounts<br />
Members’ discounts and benefits<br />
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<br />
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<br />
bottom of the page to allow you to obtain your special discounts.<br />
Please note, non-members will be required to join the association first. Terms and conditions apply<br />
Access to a replacement dual<br />
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EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR MSA GB MEMBERS<br />
MSA GB has partnered with AI Insurance Solutions Limited to provide members with a<br />
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Our exclusive agreement with AI Solutions Ltd will supply a replacement vehicle to you<br />
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Ford updates special<br />
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Ford has partnered with MSA GB to offer exclusive<br />
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44 NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com<br />
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PUPIL SOURCING<br />
Go Roadie provides students<br />
when they need them, with all<br />
the details you need before you<br />
accept. Control your own pricing,<br />
discounts and set your availability<br />
to suit you. Full diary? No cost!<br />
MSA GB OFFER:: Introductory offer of 50% off<br />
the first three students they accept.<br />
QUICKBOOKS<br />
50% Discount on two<br />
packages for MSA GB<br />
members<br />
Quickbooks is offering an online<br />
50% discount for MSA GB members on two of<br />
their premium accounting packages.<br />
Essentials Package For small businesses<br />
working with suppliers. Manage VAT and<br />
Income Tax with up to three users.<br />
Plus For businesses managing projects,<br />
stock, VAT, and Income Tax. Up to five users.<br />
The packages are contract-free throughout<br />
with no cancellation fee. This exclusive<br />
member offer can only be secured by<br />
contacting our MSA GB representative at<br />
Quickbooks - Ollie Nobes, on: 07723 507 026<br />
or email: Ollie_Nobes@intuit.com quoting:<br />
**MSAGB**<br />
To get the full story of the<br />
discounts available, see<br />
www.msagb.com<br />
Membership offer<br />
Welcome, new ADIs<br />
We’ve a special introductory offer for you!<br />
Congratulations on passing your<br />
Part 3 and becoming an ADI.<br />
There’s an exciting career<br />
open to you from today,<br />
one that’s alive with<br />
possibilities as you build<br />
your skills, your client base<br />
and your income.<br />
But for all the excitement,<br />
it can also be challenging;<br />
who can you turn to if you’re<br />
struggling to get over key driver<br />
training issues to a pupil? Where can<br />
you go to soak up advice from more<br />
experienced ADIs? Who will help you if you<br />
are caught up in a dispute with the DVSA? If<br />
the worst happens, who can you turn to for<br />
help, advice and to fight your corner?<br />
The answer is the Motor Schools<br />
Association of Great Britain – MSA GB for<br />
short.<br />
We are the most senior association<br />
representing driving instructors in Great<br />
Britain. Establised in 1935 when the first<br />
driving test was introduced, MSA GB has<br />
been working tirelessly ever since on<br />
behalf of ordinary rank and file ADIs.<br />
We represent your interests and your<br />
views in the corridors of power, holding<br />
regular meetings with senior officials<br />
from the DVSA and the Department for<br />
Transport to make sure the ADIs’ voice is<br />
heard.<br />
SPECIAL OFFER<br />
Join MSA GB today!<br />
SPECIAL OFFER: Join for just £60 with your<br />
PI & PL insurance included immediately!<br />
No joining fee - saving you £25<br />
Call 01787 221020 quoting discount code<br />
<strong>Newslink</strong>, or join online at www.msagb.com<br />
We’d like you to<br />
join us<br />
We’re there to support you<br />
every step of the way.<br />
Our office-based staff are<br />
there, five days a week,<br />
from 9am-5pm, ready to<br />
answer your call and help<br />
you in any way.<br />
In addition our network of<br />
experienced office holders and<br />
regional officers can offer advice over<br />
the phone or by email.<br />
But membership of the MSA GB doesn’t<br />
just mean we’re there for you if you’re<br />
in trouble. We also offer a nationwide<br />
network of regular meetings, seminars and<br />
training events, an Annual Conference, and<br />
a chance to participate in MSA GB affairs<br />
through our democratic structure<br />
In addition, you’ll get a free link to our<br />
membership magazine <strong>Newslink</strong> every<br />
month, with all the latest news, views,<br />
comment and advice you’ll need to become<br />
a successful driving instructor.<br />
You’ll also automatically receive<br />
professional indemnity insurance worth up<br />
to £5m and £10m public liability insurance<br />
free of charge.<br />
This is essential legal protection covering<br />
you against legal claims ariving from your<br />
tuition.<br />
NEWSLINK n MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 45