Newslink July 2025

msagb.com

Newslink

The Voice of MSA GB

Issue 390 • July 2025

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Transport is again left

paying the price for

Government apathy

Colin Lilly

Editor,

Newslink

WITH the publication of the Government

Spending review in June the current ruling

party have shown that they are no different

to their predecessors. The department that

was squeezed hardest was the Department

for Transport. Governments have always

looked at transport as being a very minor

part of their roll.

Despite making some capital investments

in rail and city integrated transport system it

became clear the government would not be

throwing any money at one of the largest

transport concerns of the moment; the

driving test waiting list.

The Department for Transport has been

told to reduce its budget by five per cent

annually over the next three years.

Many politicians would argue that as the

DVSA and DVLA are executive agencies of

the Department for Transport they must sort

the problem out within their own financial

constraints. This may be fine if they were not

constrained by limits set by the DfT and

Parliament.

I fear the Government has backed itself

into a corner on this subject as to not only

improve the current position on waiting times

but to maintain that level of service. That will

require money which would normally be

recovered by test fees, however, to increase

fees while the service level is in its current

state would be difficult to justify. This is the

DVSA’s own form of Catch 22.

Billions of pounds will be invested in public

transport and its decarbonisation policies.

This will be of little use to those in the more

rural regions of the country. An investment of

a fraction of this amount would go a long way

to reducing the driving test backlog. Young

people living in rural areas are desperate to

obtain a licence to give them the freedom to

expand beyond their own area. At this time of

year young people are leaving school and

college and need the freedom a driving

licence gives them.

The current driving test backlog is putting

an unnecessary burden on their development

and future building.

These are just some of the human factors

relating to the inaction of government to

assist the DVSA. History does not change.

CONTACT THE EDITOR:

To comment on any of the articles in

Newslink, or to submit your own,

contact Colin Lilly, Editor, Newslink, at

editor@msagb.com

Welcome to your

digital, interactive

Newslink

See a pale blue box in any article or

on an advert? It it contains a web

address or email, it’s interactive. Just

click and it will take you to the

appropriate web page or email so you

can find more details easier.

You’ll also find these panels across

the magazine: just click for more

information on any given subject.

To get the

full story,

click here

How to access this

magazine

You can read Newslink in three ways:

Go online and read the interactive

magazine on the Yumpu website; or,

if you would like to read it when you

don’t have a mobile signal or WiFi,

you can download the magazine to

your tablet, PC or phone to read at

your leisure. Alternatively, a pdf can

be found on the MSA GB website, at

www.msagb.com

Follow the link

MSA GB sends

you to access

Newslink,

and then just

click Download

(circled above)

to save a copy

on your device

Last chance to grab an

Early Bird price for

MSA Conference and

90th anniversary

celebration

Book your place(s)

by July 7!

COVER STORY

A lifeline for

bikers: We talk to

the man behind a

charity that is

prioritising

mental health

within the

motorcycling

community:

Page 24

NEWSLINK n JULY 2025 03

Contents

13

24

18

30

32

Tackling the backlog

Waiting lists are now averaging over 22

weeks across the country - just short of

the maximum waiting time possible. Will

the new consultation paper on booking

tests offer significant solutions? – p 8

Tackling the backlog

A London ADI has voiced his fears that the

behaviour of some learners desperate to

secure an L-test could provoke a general

decline in road safety standards across the

country – p 10

Stop Drive now

Older models of the Citroen C3 and DS3

have been issued with a ‘Stop Drive’ order

– and that means they cannot be used on

a driving test until the work has been

rectified – p 12

Powys in PRIMEs biker boost

Welsh county starts to trial innovative

road markings in bid to reduce the

motorbike casualty figures... while road

safety officers reach out to Brighton’s

fast-food delivery riders – p 14

NASP: Keep us in the loop!

DVSA officials hear a heartfelt plea from

the ADI body as it calls for the agency to be

more open with communications - pg 16

BOOK YOUR PLACE AT THE

MSA GB 90th CELEBRATION

– LAST CHANCE TO GRAB

AN EARLY BIRD PRICE!

Full details - see page 6

Newslink

The Voice of MSA GB

The Motor Schools Association

of Great Britain Ltd

Head Office:

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White Colne, Colchester,

Essex CO6 2QB

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qualified ADIs throughout Great Britain by:

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Cheshire SK7 3AG

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Views expressed in Newslink are not necessarily those

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Although every effort is made

to ensure the accuracy of

material contained within

this publication, neither MSA

GB nor the publishers can

accept any responsibility for

the veracity of claims made

by contributors in either

advertising or editorial content.

©2025 The Motor Schools

Association of Great Britain

Ltd. Reproducing in whole

or part is forbidden without

express permission of the

editor.

04 NEWSLINK n JULY 2025


MSA GB Board

of Management

National Chairman &

Area 2 - East Coast Chair

Mike Yeomans

7 Oak Avenue, Elloughton,

Brough HU15 1LA

T: 07772 757529

E: mike.yeomans@msagb.com

AREA 1

Vice Chairman

Peter Harvey MBE

T: 01505 814823

E: peter.harveymbe@msagb.com

Area 1 – Scotland &

Northern Ireland

Chair: Steven Porter

18 Heron Place, Johnstone

PA5 0RW

T: 01505 345372 or

07747 600672

E: steven.porter@msagb.com

Area 3 – London & South East

Chair: Tom Kwok

52B Sutton Road, Muswell Hill,

London N10 1HE

07956 269922

E: tom.kwok@msagb.com

How MSA GB

is organised, in

four AREAS

AREA 4

AREA 2

AREA 3

Area 4 – West Coast & Wales

Chair: Arthur Mynott

9 Hagleys Green, Crowcombe,

Taunton TA4 4AH

T: 07989 852274

E: arthur.mynott@msagb.com

Keep in touch

If you have updated your address, telephone numbers or

changed your email address recently, please let us know

at head office by emailing us with your new details and

membership number to info@msagb.com.

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

on 01787 221020.

Follow MSA GB on social media

Just click on the icon to go

through to the relevant site


SPECIAL EVENT

Join us as we celebrate 90 years of

MSA GB

MSA GB 90th Birthday &

Training Event

July 25-26, 2025

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience as we celebrate

MSA GB’s 90th anniversary. This milestone event celebrates our

legacy as the longest-established association for ADIs and PDIs, with

opportunities for professional growth, learning, and networking.

Whether you’re attending for the training, the networking,

or our birthday celebrations, this is an event not to be

missed.

FRIDAY, 25TH JULY marks the start of the weekend, with

check-in from 3 pm. Guests can enjoy full access to the

hotel’s facilities (see right) before gathering for a buffet

dinner around 7.30 pm, an ideal time to meet your fellow

instructors, speak with exhibitors, and ease into the

weekend.

EARLY BIRD

PRICES

EXTENDED - BUT

THEY MUST END

JULY 7

A weekend of insights, networking, and celebration

SATURDAY, 26TH JULY, is dedicated to training and

development. From 10am to 3.30pm, the day will include

expert speakers, interactive workshops, and networking,

with lunch provided.

Speakers already confirmed include:

n Pauline Reeves (DVSA)

n Confident Drivers

n FBTC: Presentation topic - Making Tax Digital

n The Innovative Driving Education Academy

n The Honest Truth

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER –

90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

On Saturday night, we’ll come together for a special evening

event featuring dinner and entertainment to celebrate MSA GB’s

90th birthday. It’s a moment to reflect on the achievements of

the past, celebrate our community, and look ahead to the future

of driver education and road safety.



OUR VENUE

Village Hotel Coventry

Dolomite Ave, Coventry

Business Park, Coventry,

CV4 9GZ

Free use of swimming pool,

gym and other leisure

facilities

Superb bars and restaurant

Perfect base for exploring

Warwickshire for non-ADI

partners and friends

Booking options and prices

Whether you’re coming for just the Saturday or making a full

weekend of it, we’ve got options to suit everyone.

Last chance to book, so secure your spot at this superb event NOW.

Friday and/or

Saturday evening

Dinner B&B

EARLY BIRD PRICES

Single Occupancy - £85

Double Occupancy - £120

AFTER JULY 7

Single Occupancy - £95

Double Occupancy

- £130

Whole weekend

package

including Dinner, B&B and delegate

ticket for the Saturday Training Day

EARLY BIRD PRICES

Single Occupancy

(includes ticket for the training day) - £200

Double Occupancy

(inc. two tickets for the training day) - £270

AFTER JULY 7

Single Occupancy (includes ticket

for the training day) - £210

Double Occupancy (two tickets

for training day) - £280

Saturday only

day delegate

including morning coffee,

buffet lunch, and afternoon

tea on departure.

EARLY BIRD PRICES

- £35

AFTER JULY 7

- £45

Want to come?

Click here

to claim your

place!

Book by JULY 18

to secure

your places

Early Bird prices

must end JULY 7


News

Anger and frustration as L-test

waiting times crush learners’ dreams

THE DVSA distributed the following update

on the driving test crisis towards the end of

June; just in case you missed it, we are

publishing it here.

An update from DVSA

DVSA remains committed to reducing

driving test waiting times. The average

waiting time for a car practical driving test as

of the end of May 2025 is:

Great Britain (total) – 22.5 weeks

Wales – 19.1 weeks

Scotland – 21 weeks

England – 22.8 weeks

The average waiting time is the number of

weeks before only 10% of tests are still

available to book.

DVSA’s figures for average driving test

waiting times remain correct at the time of

publication. These are official statistics and

no other valid measures for driving test

waiting times exist.

Loveday Ryder, DVSA Chief Executive,

said: “We’ve been working tirelessly to bring

down the driving test waiting times. To help

tackle this, in December 2024 we announced

a new plan, on which we’re making good

progress.

“DVSA is currently running a consultation

on improvements we can make to the test

booking system, which will help us plan our

next steps.

“DVSA’s goal is to make booking a driving

test easier and fairer for everyone while

preventing excessive charges for learner

drivers. GOV.UK is the only official way to

book your practical driving test.”

MSA GB commented: “We are wholly

sympathetic to the challenges the DVSA

faces, but too many members are now

reporting growing frustration with the

system from among their pupils.

“June-August is always a busy time for

testing, as 18-year-olds heading off to

university try to get their driving licence

sorted before they leave home. It’s not

because they have a car to drive to their

university, rather that they fear the progress

they have made in learning to drive is likely to

be lost once they stop taking lessons.

“While some students will continue to

learn to drive while at university, many pause

their learning as they get to grips with their

new lives. However, this summer, as with the

previous one, those hopes of passing their

post before September look to be dashed.

“We know from members that in a

desperate bid to grab a test before they head

off, many are resorting to using test booking

bots and taking on tests many miles from

their homes: we had one member who

contacted us last week telling us that one of

his pupils was ‘having a holiday in Cornwall’

after securing a test in one of the county’s

test centres, and was heading off a few days

early to get some practice in on local roads.

“While this kind of behaviour isn’t ideal, it’s

hard to criticise too strongly, given what’s at

stake.”

When asked whether the DVSA plans will

make a difference, MSA GB said: “Unlikely,

though we await the outcome of the

consultation eagerly. Whatever its outcomes,

what we implore is that the DVSA acts with

speed: there is absolutely no time for further

delays.

“As Churchill was fond of saying, ‘Action

this day.’

What steps are the DVSA taking?

THE consultation on improving driving test

booking closes on July 23.

It is looking at who should be allowed to

book and manage driving tests, whether the

ability to swap tests between different

learners or change test locations should be

curtailed, and to consider other ways to

curtail the reselling of tests.

This is preferable, DVSA says, as it:

n stops the problem at its source rather

than just the symptoms

n would be more immediately effective

than enforcement after resales happen

n makes the system fairer for all learners

without creating additional regulatory

burden.

The changes proposed would make test

reselling practically impossible, while

preserving legitimate uses of the system by

learners and instructors.

Other measures introduced to help reduce

waiting times have included incentivising

examiners to conduct more tests, doubling

permanent training capacity for new driving

examiners – meaning more can start

carrying out driving tests sooner – and a

return to asking DVSA officials in other roles

(but qualified to examine) to carry out

practical driving tests

There is also a greater emphasis on

promoting the Ready to Pass? campaign, to

encourage learner drivers to be better

prepared for their driving test.

A change in the terms and conditions for

using the booking service to help prevent

anyone from selling tests at profit saw the

DVSA issue 350 warnings, 792 suspensions,

and closed 813 business accounts for misuse

of its booking service.

New terms and conditions for use of the

service driving instructors and trainers use

to book and manage practical driving tests

for their pupils has also resulted in sanctions:

DVSA has issued 73 warnings, 217

suspensions, and closed 358 business

accounts.

CONSULTATION

Want to have your say? Take part in the

consultation now – it closes on July 23.

Click HERE for details.



Tory former minister agrees that

private sector could be solution

NEWSLINK readers will recall that in our June

issue, long-time MSA GB member and

contributor Rod Came offered his views on

the current chaos in the testing world.

In his article he suggested that the time

was ripe to take organising L-tests off the

DVSA and hand it over to the private sector.

After all, Rod pointed out, the theory test is

administered and managed in a similar

fashion, to great success, and such a move

could help solve the current crisis.

He took his views to former Tory Minister

and current MP Greg Smith.

Here is the correspondence.

To: greg.smith.mp@parliament.uk

Dear Greg Smith

Until recently I was an ADI (Approved

Driving Instructor), having qualified in 1981. I

note from media reports that you have taken

an interest in the appalling lack of provision of

driving tests by DVSA.

The Theory and Hazard test for learner

drivers is outsourced to the private sector

and supervised by DVSA, as is car MoT

testing. Surely now is the time to privatise

provision of the practical driving test while

continuing to operate it under DVSA

supervision.

Provision of driving tests by government

was started in June 1935, 90 years ago; that

system no longer works and is ripe for a

change.

Yours sincerely

Rod Came

Greg Smith’s reply

Dear Rod,

Thank you for your email and for your

feedback.

I would very much welcome the private

sector’s involvement in helping to address

the backlog and wider problems plaguing the

industry if firms can demonstrate a sound

case to save the taxpayer money.

Thank you again for taking the time to

share your thoughts with me.

Kind regards,

Greg Smith

Member of Parliament for Mid

Buckinghamshire

News

London ADI fears L-test crisis could

damage Britain’s road safety standards

A high-profile ADI and instructor trainer from

London voiced the frustrations of many ADIs

when he was asked to write an opinion piece

for the Road Safety GB website.

In his article Sanjib Bhattacharjee BEM

outlined why the growing backlog of driving

tests is creating significant challenges for

learner drivers and future instructors.

In his article Sanjib described how the test

backlog was creating “significant challenges

for learner drivers and future instructors”,

impacting their mental health, financial

stability, and career progression.

As test waiting times stretch to 24 weeks

across the country, “aspiring motorists are

left frustrated, uncertain, and unable to move

forward in their journey towards obtaining a

licence... many are now in an extended

waiting period that comes with financial

burdens and mounting stress.”

But as an ADI trainer, Sanjib pointed out

that while the media spotlight was focused

mainly on learners, trainee instructors were

facing severe hardship. “They are facing

disruptions with their Part 2 test dates, which

have been rescheduled or relocated to

different test centres. This unpredictability is

preventing them from progressing in their

careers, worsening the existing shortage of

qualified trainers and contributing to a deeper

backlog.

“The situation has placed trainers in a

difficult position, where financial uncertainty,

professional instability, and job

dissatisfaction have become common

concerns.”

He points out too that many trainees are still

waiting for their final ADI Part 3 test, meaning

they cannot get on with the new career that

they may have invested heavily in.

Despite assurances from the DVSA “some

risk running out of their two-year

qualification period, meaning they may lose

their chance to complete the certification

process and become fully qualified

instructors.”

Cutting off the supply of new ADIs will

strain the availability of experienced trainers

in the future, said Sanjib, ultimately

exacerbating the delays that learners are

currently facing.

But away from the day-to-day problems

the shortages of L-tests was having, Sanjib

was also very concerned about whether the

delays were fostering negative behavioural

changes among young learners. “With

frustration growing, some individuals are

resorting to bargaining or seeking backdoor

methods to secure tests — practices that

may violate regulations and ethical

standards. If left unchecked, this mindset

could extend beyond the driving industry,

reinforcing attitudes that disregard rules and

fair procedures.”

Patience needed

He urges learners to try to be patient,

though accepting that it is hard to reassure

them that the situation will improve soon,

particularly as the driving examiner role was

so poorly remunerated. “I believe that

examiner salaries may not be sufficient to

attract and retain professionals in this critical

role. Raising wages and improving

employment conditions could encourage

more individuals to step forward as

examiners, ultimately reducing the

bottleneck in driving tests.”

“With frustration

growing, some

individuals are resorting

to bargaining or seeking

backdoor methods to

secure tests — practices

that may violate

regulations and ethical

standards. If left

unchecked, this mindset

could extend beyond the

driving industry,

reinforcing attitudes that

disregard rules and fair

procedures.”

“Until more effective solutions are

introduced, aspiring motorists and

instructors will continue to face

overwhelming uncertainty, financial hardship,

and setbacks in their professional journeys.”

Overall the crisis risks compromising

Britain’s road safety. “The UK consistently

ranks among the safest driving nations, but

instructor shortages and compromised

training standards could weaken its standing.

The lack of routine standards checks for ADIs

further raises concerns about teaching

quality, potentially affecting driver

competency in the long run.”

Finally, he points out the industry risks

becoming stuck in a negative spiral: “These

delays are creating a cycle that affects

everyone on the road – from learners

struggling to obtain their licence to

instructors unable to progress and trainers

facing career uncertainty.

“Without urgent intervention, the

consequences will extend well beyond the

test centres, impacting the broader driving

community for years to come.”

n You can read the entire article at

www.roadsafetygb.com


Private Healthcare

is Peace of Mind

No matter how fit and healthy we are, it is

inevitable that at some point in our lives we

will fall ill and need medical care. And when

illness does strike it is to the NHS that most

people will turn in seeking a diagnosis,

treatment and recovery.

The NHS has for some years been showing

signs that it, too, is not in the best of health. A

growing and ageing population is putting an

ever-increasing strain on staff and services.

Reports of underfunding, a shortage of medical

staff, noisy and overcrowded wards, cancelled

operations and long waiting times will be

familiar to everyone.

In England, long hospital waiting lists illustrate

the severe pressure that the NHS is under, with

a total waiting list of 7.4 million.*

Quick, private and convenient

Understandably, these lengthy delays are

causing additional stress for patients, undermining

their health and quality of life even

further. How many people do you know whose

physical health and mental well-being has

deteriorated from the anxiety of having to wait

months for a hospital appointment?

All this can be avoided by taking out private

health insurance. Seeing a doctor in private

practice used to be only for the wealthy, but

not anymore as the cost of private medical

cover is becoming more affordable.

A private medical plan delivers prompt access

to hospital consultants, thus avoiding lengthy

waiting lists. Patients can choose from an

extensive list of hospitals throughout the UK; if

they need to be admitted, they will have their

own private room equipped with TV and

telephone, and visiting is arranged to suit

patient and family. A quick, private and

convenient service that removes many of the

anxieties associated with NHS hospital stays.

Taking control of your healthcare

However, those interested in taking out health

insurance should not leave it too late. As we get

older our healthcare needs increase. Therefore,

as only some of the best health insurance

companies provide cover for pre-existing

conditions, the best time to invest in getting

private treatment for illnesses you may suffer

tomorrow – is today.

By acting now you can ensure your future

healthcare will not be dictated by NHS

bureaucracy and, just as importantly, you will

be able to benefit from the widest possible

cover.

Private health insurance cannot guarantee

good health, but it can ensure that when you

are feeling unwell you will quickly receive the

best possible care, when and where you want it.

The peace of mind that comes with that

knowledge cannot be underestimated and is

often the most important factor for people

deciding to take control of their healthcare

provision and “go private”.

For further information and a no obligation quotation contact HMCA by

telephone on 01423 799949 or visit the exclusive HMCA MSA GB website,

at https://www.hmca.co.uk/msa

© HMCA/S PLC (trading as Hospital and Medical Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members) is authorised and

regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:307587). HMCA/s PLC is a company registered in England, company

number: 01362094, registered office: Beech Hall, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0EA.

*Health & Protection, 10 th April 2025

https://healthcareandprotection.com/nhs-waiting-lists-drops-to-7-4m-as-slow-recovery-continues/


News

Popular driving school cars banned

from tests after recall notice issued

Stop drive issued for some

Citroen C3 and DS3 cars

A ‘STOP DRIVE’ recall has been issued across

Europe by Citroën for C3 and DS3 models, as

of Friday, June 20.

This is due to an issue with the airbag

system and includes all C3 and DS3 vehicles

built between 2009-2017 and some built

between 2018-19.

What do I have to do?

Citroën will issue advice directly to owners

of affected cars with guidance on getting the

issue repaired.

If you drive one of the affected models, you

should not continue to use it. This includes

using it for driving lessons or on a driving

test. You can check if your car is affected

using the Citroën online checker tool using

the cars Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Driving examiners and ADI examiners will

check any Citroën C3 and DS3 models

brought for test have had the necessary

repairs carried out using the Citroën safety

recall checker before taking them out.

If the recall checker shows the repair still

needs to be carried out, it will not be able to

be used on test.

Telling your pupils

The DVSA is contacting all candidates with

a car or instructor driving test to make them

aware of the recall, how to check if their car is

affected and what to do if it is.

If you or your pupils need to cancel a test

due to the recall you will not lose your fee if

you cancel your test within the 10 days short

notice cancellation period if you do this

before July 20.

The online application form for refund

applications is available now.

New provider for theory

test online payments

DVSA has made a small change to how it

takes theory test payments from June 24.

It is switching the provider which allows it

to take online card payments on Book

your Theory Test from 24 June.

The new provider is called GOV.UK Pay.

The payment screen will look slightly

different.

You do not need to take any action, but

you should tell your pupils about the

change. If they have used the service

before, they may notice a difference.

By DVSA moving to GOV.UK Pay, you

and your pupils will be able to choose to

use Apple Pay and Google Pay. Many

people will find this quicker and easier

than a standard card payment.

New T&Cs for L-test bookings

in bid to stamp out misuse

The DVSA has announced a further update to

its terms and conditions in the L-test

booking service that ADIs use to book and

manage driving tests for their pupils.

From July 1, any users who have had their

online accounts closed for booking violations

will no longer be able to swap test bookings

through DVSA’s customer service centre.

This follows the January 2025 update that

restricted the service to legitimate driving

instructors and their employers only,

prohibiting:

n booking tests for learners you do not

teach

n creating ‘placeholder’ bookings to swap

later.

These measures ensure driving tests are

fairly available to those who genuinely need

them. The DVSA has already issued 73

warnings, 217 suspensions, and closed 358

business accounts among ADIs who have

misused the service.

You must accept the updated terms and

conditions through your account to continue

using the service from July 1.

Consultation on improving car test booking

rules

The changes to service’s terms and

conditions are not connected to DVSA’s

consultation on improving car driving test

bookings rules, which closes on July 23.



Reminder: Scottish Government

to enforce its PVG scheme

IN PREVIOUS issues of Newslink we have

reminded Scottish members about the

arrival of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups

(PVG) Scheme, which has been introduced by

the Scottish Government.

The scheme, which became mandatory in

Scotland from 1 April 2025, includes anyone in

a regulated role working with children under

the age of 18 or protected adults in Scotland.

This group includes ADIs, so if you are a

training school or self-employed driver or

rider trainer working in Scotland you need to

be registered with the scheme.

You needed to have registered by June 30.

If you have not done so by now, you will not

New DTC for Reading

THE DVSA has opened a new, permanent

driving test centre for Reading.

The address for the new driving test centre

is: Pacific House, Imperial Way, Reading RG2

0TD. The first day of testing at the Pacific

House centre was June 26, with the previous

temporary location, the Holiday Inn in

Reading, used for the last time on the

previous day.

New examiners

Five full-time examiners will be employed

on the first day of testing, with a further two

in training. This compares with four examiners

at the old Elgar Road test centre.

This will contribute to DVSA’s plan to bring

waiting times down.

Parking and facilities

There is parking at the front of the building

be allowed to provide tuition to people under

the age of 18 or protected adults in Scotland.

If you are a self-employed ADI and need to

register, use this link:

LINK

If you are a training school, use this link

LINK

If your ADI re-registration is due now and

you are still waiting for your PVG scheme

reference number to come through, please

email the DVSA helpline at PADI@DVSA.gov.

uk or call our customer service centre on

0300 200 1122.

Make sure you include your ADI number in

the email and have it to hand when you call.

in the marked bays. Please arrive no more

than five minutes before your test time.

Candidates should wait for their examiner in

the main lobby on the ground floor of the

building.

However, while this is a new centre, the

DVSA has not confirmed in its media

communications whether the new DTC has

toilet facilities for ADIs and pupils. It is hoped

it does!

Tell your pupils

The DVSA is contacting the email

addresses attached to test bookings if the

test will now take place at the centre. ADIs

are advised to tell their pupils about the

change in venue, if they have booked their

own test.

The DVSA has thanked ADIs for their

patience while it worked to open the DTC.

AA boost for EV lessons

The AA Driving School has expanded its fleet of electric vehicles, as demand for EV lessons

continues to grow. Instructors joining the franchise can now choose from the Mini Aceman SE,

VW ID.3 Pro Hatch or BYD Dolphin Comfort – three popular EVs well-suited to driver training.

This move reflects growing demand to drive in electric vehicles ahead of the 2030 ban on

new petrol and diesel car sales. The AA Driving School says over 68,000 hours of EV lessons

were delivered in 2024 alone.

Emma Bush, managing director, said: “More and more learners will want to learn in an

electric vehicle as that’s all they will plan to drive.”

She added: “We’re here to help instructors build successful businesses and an important

part of that is offering a wide choice of vehicles to ensure they always meet rising consumer

demand.”

Bingo! Help to build

drivers’ post-test

resilience workshop

Date: Tuesday, July 22

Time: 7pm-8.15pm

Cost: £30 reduced to £22.50

for MSA members

Venue: Online

JOIN our friends at Confident Drivers as they

host a workshop that will help calm any new

drivers’ nerves after they pass their L-test.

This workshop is for you if:

You have noticed that some of your

students are scared of driving post test

You are looking for practical ideas to help

students prepare for driving solo

You would like a better understanding of

how students build resilience

This workshop will look at some potential

reasons that students might not feel ready to

drive alone after they pass their test and

some ways to help them build trust in their

driving ability and decisions. Plus some

resilience building ideas to help them feel less

worried when things don’t go to plan.

For more details and to book, CLICK HERE.


News

Powys primed to deliver major

safety boost to bikers

THE Welsh Government is to to trial new road

markings on a major road in Powys to reduce

collisions involving motorcyclists.

The markings, called Perceptual Rider

Information for Maximising Expertise and

Enjoyment – or PRIMEs – are designed to

help riders make better decisions when

approaching bends.

They were developed by Transport

Scotland, working with BEAR Scotland and

Professor Alex Stedmon, thanks to funding

from The Road Safety Trust, and have already

been hailed as a major success in Scotland

where supporters say they have transformed

motorcycle safety.

They are cited as having led to dramatic

improvements in rider behaviour, particularly

on left-hand bends, and led to major

improvements in safety.

Powys County Council has now confirmed

that, working in conjunction with the Welsh

Government, a trial of PRIMEs will be held on

the A483 at Glascoed Hall, south of

Newtown, and the Lower Crochan Farm,

north of Llanbadarn Fynydd.

The announcement is in response to the

council claiming that there was a “road safety

crisis” in the county.

Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for

legal and regulatory services, said: “This is a

vital step forward in tackling the

unacceptable number of serious accidents on

A road in Scotland with

PRIME markings

our roads. The PRIMES initiative is an

innovative approach that we hope will make a

real difference in protecting motorcyclists and

all road users in Powys.”

Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a

greener Powys, added: “We’ve seen far too

many lives lost or changed forever due to

road traffic collisions and a large proportion of

these involve motorcyclists. These trials are

part of our commitment to safer, more

sustainable travel in Powys. We’re pleased

the Welsh Government listened to our

concerns and acted on them.”

The PRIMES trial is one of several

recommendations made by the Powys

Strategic Road Safety Group in a report sent

to the minister in 2024, which includes

representatives from Powys County Council,

Dyfed Powys Police, the Welsh Government,

and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The group was established to identify

urgent actions to reduce fatalities and

serious injuries on Powys roads.

What are PRIMEs and how do they work?

PRIMEs (Perceptual Rider Information for

Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) road

markings are a series of three truncated

chevrons positioned on the approach to a

bend. They act as a visual cue for

motorcyclists, prompting them to consider

their speed, position, and braking behaviour

before entering a bend.

The markings consist of three truncated

chevrons that create a “gateway” effect,

guiding riders through the optimal path

through the bend.

PRIMEs utilise “nudge psychology,” subtly

influencing rider behaviour through

environmental design rather than direct

instructions or enforcement.

They are primarily used on left-hand

bends, as these are statistically more

challenging for motorcyclists to navigate

safely.

By encouraging riders to make safer

decisions, PRIMEs contribute to reduced

speeds, better positioning, and improved

control, potentially leading to fewer collisions.

Great takeaways as delivery riders

meet up with road safety teams

ROAD safety officers from Brighton & Hove

City Council, working in conjunction with

Sussex Police, used National Young Rider Day

(June 11) to pass on some great safety advice

to gig economy riders in the city.

The officers chatted to dozens of moped,

scooter riders and sub-125cc bike riders

about road safety, riding legally and

responsibly and bike maintenance.

All the riders delivered food for the city’s

restaurants and takeaways.

The council wants riders to minimise the

risks to themselves and others when

travelling around the city and reduce incidents

of illegal and anti-social riding.

Councillor Trevor Muten said: “The gig

economy is really valuable to the city, helping

to deliver food and groceries to our residents

and supporting our food retailers.

“But we know there are issues with safety

and anti-social riding. It’s vital riders keep

themselves and others safe and businesses

play their part in ensuring this.

“By engaging with riders and retailers, we

want to raise awareness of the risks and

ensure people are riding safely and legally.

They work hard but we want them to do so

responsibly, safely and considerately.”

PC Steve Bucksey, motorcycle casualty

reduction officer, said the emphasis was on

engagement and advice rather than

enforcement. “This engagement day was an

opportunity for us to speak with riders and

offer advice as well as listen to their

perspectives.”


News

NASP urges DVSA to keep

instructors in the loop

As part of the National Associations Strategic Partnership’s regular cycle of meetings

with DVSA, representatives from the three main ADI associations met with key personnel

from the agency to discuss core areas of concern or inquiry from members, as well as hear

updates on DVSA’s BAU delivery and other strategic developments.

Attendees:

DVSA: Lianne Parkinson, Amanda Lane, Colin

Stewart, Nick Taylor, Darren Russel, David

Mann, Richard Beresford, John Selbey,

Christian Oreschnick, Abigail Holland, Kim

Hughes

NASP: Carly Brookfield, (DIA), Peter Harvey

(MSA), Stewart Lochrie (ADINJC), Sara

Skinner (DIA), Olivia Baldock-Ward (DIA)

Meeting summary

Updated terms of reference discussion:

All agreed to keep the quarterly meeting

schedule with reactive meetings organised

as and when needed. NASP asked for the

two-hour meeting limit to be removed to

allow for flexibility.

Collaboration with communication teams:

DVSA emphasised the importance of

closer collaboration with NASP’s

communication teams to ensure alignment

and sight of newsletter articles and industryrelated

announcements.

DVSA suggested setting up regular

meetings with their media team to discuss

ongoing projects and share information early.

Early information and industry

announcements:

NASP emphasised the importance of

having early sight of information to avoid

being blindsided by DVSA announcements.

They highlighted past instances where lack

of early information caused issues. Better

co-ordination on industry-related

announcements is needed, ensuring that ADI

associations are informed in advance to

provide accurate information to their

members.

Driving test measures announcement:

NASP expressed surprise at the

announcement of new driving test waiting

times measures quoting Confused.com

instead of ADI associations.

DVSA agreed better collaboration with the

Department for Transport (DfT) is needed to

ensure that trusted stakeholders are used for

announcements and that ADI associations

have opportunities to review

communications in advance.

Monthly bulletin proposal:

NASP proposed the idea of a monthly

bulletin with metrics on testing and other

relevant information to be shared with

associations for inclusion in their newsletters.

They emphasised the importance of

providing useful and publishable data.

Demand for ADI tests:

NASP and DVSA discussed the high

demand for ADI tests, with a total hold list of

4,829 and significant numbers of Part 2 and

part 3 tests being delivered.

- Recruitment challenges: DVSA

highlighted the challenges in recruitment,

noting that the team is working hard but is

under headcount. They mentioned the

approval to increase the team by 11

headcounts to help meet demand.

- Performance data: DVSA shared

performance data, including the number of

tests delivered and the increase in test

delivery compared to the previous year. They

emphasized the team’s efforts to turn out

accelerated numbers.

- DBS checks: DVSA provided an update on

the consistently high demand for DBS

checks, with nearly 30,000 checks

conducted in 24/25. The demand has

continued to increase over the last few years.

- Tender process: DVSA is in the ongoing

tender process for a new contract for the

provision of DBS checks, which is timeconsuming

but necessary to ensure

continued service.

Quality of ADI candidates:

NASP and DVSA discussed the challenges

in managing the high volume of ADI

applications and the need for better quality

assurance processes.

They discussed the benefits of introducing

aptitude tests to weed out unsuitable

candidates.

- Legislation constraints: DVSA explained

the constraints of current legislation, which

requires allowing candidates to start the

process if they meet minimum criteria.

- Managing expectations: DVSA

emphasised the importance of managing

candidates’ expectations and ensuring

fairness in the application process.

They discussed the challenges of dealing

with high volumes and the impact on quality

output.

- Pre-screening of applicants: DIA has

scoped and developed a framework of

screening applicants that DVSA may be able

to use. DIA will share this with DVSA to review

and consider.

“The demand has continued to

increase over the last few years”



Support for ADI candidates:

NASP emphasised the importance of

providing support and training for new ADI

candidates. They highlighted the need for

ongoing CPD and collaboration with the

industry to ensure quality training.

- Quality of training: NASP discussed the

challenges faced by people wanting to

become an ADI, noting that some may not

currently be receiving adequate support.

They stressed the need for all who train ADIs

to take responsibility for training quality.

Review of ADI Code of Conduct:

NASP suggested reviewing the ADI Code of

Conduct to ensure it is fit for purpose and

addresses current industry challenges. They

proposed bringing suggestions to the next

meeting for discussion.

- Safeguarding: NASP mentioned the

importance of including safeguarding and

suitable relationships in the Code of Conduct,

reflecting current concerns and industry

standards.

Coaching guidance:

DVSA shared an initial draft coaching

guidance to support the campaign and asked

NASP for feedback on the concept and how it

could be received by the industry. NASP raised

concerns about linking the guidance to the

test and campaign as this might deter some

ADIs from using coaching.

DVSA explained they wanted to collect

insight first to better understand ADIs use and

understanding of coaching before progressing

this work any further. DVSA to share the draft

coaching questions and consider how to

broaden the campaign so messages start

earlier in the journey.

Foreign licence holders: NASP raised concerns

about the behaviour of foreign licence holders

and companies offering services to bypass

driving tests. NASP to share the evidence they

have with DVSA.

PVG reference number:

DVSA addressed the issue of ADI renewals

in Scotland requiring a PVG reference number,

which takes several weeks to obtain. DVSA

suggested ADIs in this situation should email

PADI@DVSA.gov.uk or call the customer

service centre on 0300 200 1122.

ADIs will need to include their ADI number in

the email or have it to hand when they call to

help with the renewal.

Personal communications with ADIs:

NASP and DVSA discussed the importance

“NASP and DVSA discussed the

high demand for ADI tests,

with a total hold list of 4,829

and significant numbers of

Part 2 and part 3 tests being

delivered... and the challenges

in managing the high volume

of ADI applications...”

of better communication with ADIs, especially

regarding investigations and prosecutions.

NASP emphasised the need to show

appreciation for ADIs’ efforts and provide

timely updates.

Actions:

Update terms of reference: two-hour

meeting limit to be removed to allow for

flexibility and DVSA to share the updated ToR

and a new action log.

DVSA to check with NASP if they want to

keep the planned meeting in diary for 3

September (online) and 10 November

(in-person) as is.

Aptitude test: DIA to share their proposed

screening framework and DVSA will review it

against the one that is currently on Safe

Driving for Life website.

ADI Code of Conduct review: Review the ADI

Code of Conduct to ensure it is fit for purpose

and consider any necessary updates by the

next NASP meeting in September. NASP to

bring their suggested changes to the next

meeting (NASP and DVSA)

Communication with DfT: DVSA External

Affairs team to work with DfT to ensure

influential and trusted stakeholders are given

the opportunity to provide DVSA with a quote

as part of announcements (DVSA)

Monthly bulletin: DVSA to consider creating

a monthly bulletin with metrics on driving

testing and other relevant data to share with

associations and franchises.

DVSA to gauge the level of interest in this

with the forum, type of content it should

include and what audience it should be tailored

for (DVSA)

Foreign licence holders: NASP to share the

evidence they have with DVSA on companies

offering services to bypass driving tests for

foreign licence holders

PVG Communications: DVSA to share the

follow up PVG communications with NASP in

advance of them being issued and give them

opportunity to feedback on the content of the

message

Highlight DVSA enforcement work: DVSA to

consider sharing more communications on the

enforcement work being done by the agency.


News

Norway wins 2025 ETSC PIN Award for

outstanding road safety progress

ETSC annual report shows

EU still falling well short of

2030 road safety goals

THE European Transport Safety Council

(ETSC) has awarded its prestigious 2025

Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) Award

to Norway, recognising the country’s

sustained commitment to road safety and

long-term success in reducing road deaths.

The announcement comes alongside the

publication of the 19th PIN Annual Report,

which reveals mixed progress across Europe

and a clear warning: the EU is significantly off

track to meet its target of halving road

deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

Norway: a model of vision and action

Norway remains Europe’s safest country

for road users, with just 16 road deaths per

million inhabitants in 2024, the lowest rate

among the 32 countries monitored by the

ETSC PIN programme.

This remarkable performance reflects

Norway’s long-standing adoption of a Safe

System approach to road safety and

continuous innovation in national and local

road safety policy.

The award recognises a wide range of

strategic initiatives:

n The National Plan of Action for Road

Safety 2022–2025 - “Towards Vision Zero”.

This features 179 concrete measures

across 15 priority areas, has a target of fewer

than 50 annual road deaths by 2030 and aims

for zero deaths by 2050.

n A newly launched BEST research

programme is strengthening evidence-based

policymaking and evaluating both existing

and emerging road safety interventions.

n Legislative reforms, such as the 2020

amendment to the Road Traffic Law, now

require in-depth investigations of all fatal

crashes and mandatory autopsies to support

crash analysis.

n Youth-focused safety reforms, including

stricter driver training, a double penalty

points system for new drivers, and targeted

communications campaigns, have reduced

deaths among young road users.

n Local innovation includes the Heart

Zones programme to ensure car-free areas

around schools, and the Traffic Safe

Municipalities certification scheme,

encouraging community-level road safety

leadership.

“Norway continues to show what’s

possible when a country commits to road

safety at every level – from government

strategy to local planning,” said Antonio

Avenoso, ETSC executive director. “Their

results are no accident; they’re the product of

clear targets, rigorous implementation, and

national ambition.”

Rest of Europe criticised: progress on road

safety ‘is still too slow’

While Norway sets a leading example, the

broader European picture is concerning.

According to the 19th ETSC PIN Annual

Report, road deaths in the EU27 decreased by

just 2% in 2024 compared to 2023.

Since the baseline year of 2019, deaths

have fallen by only 12%, far short of the 27%

reduction needed by now to stay on course

“Norway proves that road

deaths are not inevitable – they

are preventable. But every

country in Europe must now

follow their example...”

for a 50% cut by 2030.

Some countries have made significant

strides:

n Lithuania leads the way on reducing

road deaths with a 35% drop since 2019 and

is the only country to halve road deaths over

the last decade.

n Belgium, Poland, and Slovenia also report

reductions above 25% since 2019.

However, eight countries saw an increase

in deaths in 2024, including Switzerland and

Estonia. In total, 20,017 people died on

European roads in 2024, and serious injury

reductions continue to lag behind death

reductions.

The cost of inaction

The report calculates that around 23,800

lives have been saved since 2014 due to road

safety improvements. The estimated societal

benefit of these saved lives amounts to €60

billion. Yet, had Europe achieved the needed

6.7% annual reduction rate, an additional

49,600 lives could have been saved

corresponding to a benefit to society worth

€124 billion.

Time for renewed commitment to the Safe

System approach

To get back on track, the ETSC is urging both

EU institutions and national governments to

take stronger action and implement the Safe

System approach .

“Norway proves that road deaths are not

inevitable – they are preventable. But every

country in Europe must now follow their

example,” said Avenoso. “We know what

works. The real challenge is political will.

Without bold national and EU-level action,

thousands more lives will be lost

unnecessarily.”



Norway proves what’s possible: what are

the excuses of other European nations?

by Antonio Avenso

Executive Director,

European Transport Safety Council

AS we present the 19th edition of the ETSC

Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) Report,

we find ourselves at a critical juncture. We are

now almost halfway through the EU’s Road

Safety Policy Framework period for 2020–

2030. The collective goal of halving road

deaths and serious injuries by 2030, while

ambitious, remains both necessary and

achievable. But our latest findings are a

sobering reminder that the pace of progress

is far too slow.

Since 2019, road deaths in the EU have

decreased by only 12%. A reduction of more

than twice that amount would have been

needed by now to remain on track. The 2%

decline recorded between 2023 and 2024,

while welcome, is simply nowhere near

enough. In real terms, this means thousands

of deaths not prevented, families grieving

avoidable losses, and communities affected

by tragedies that could have been avoided.

Behind these statistics lie immense human

costs. But the numbers also point to

opportunity — and responsibility. They show

us where meaningful, life-saving

improvements have been made, and where

urgent action is still needed.

This report once again highlights a wide

disparity in outcomes between countries.

Road deaths per year, per citizen. The UK is now fifth

Some have taken bold steps and are reaping

the rewards. Norway, the winner of this

year’s ETSC PIN Award, has maintained the

lowest level of road mortality in Europe for

ten years in a row. Its current three-year road

safety strategy includes 179 action measures

in 15 priority areas.

Lithuania has halved road deaths since

2014 — an extraordinary achievement and a

testament to sustained political commitment,

strategic planning, and cross-sector

collaboration. Slovenia and Belgium have also

shown how targeted action, data-driven

policies, and infrastructure improvements

can deliver measurable results.

At the same time, some countries have

experienced significant setbacks. In

Switzerland, road deaths rose by more than

30% since 2019. In Israel and the Netherlands,

the numbers have also increased. These

trends are deeply concerning and must

prompt renewed national attention to road

safety.

Continued on page 20

Snapshots from across Europe

n Lithuania: Road deaths dropped from 267 in 2014 to 121 in 2024, a

55% reduction. Measures included a 44-point national safety plan,

speed cameras, strict drink-driving rules, and participation in the

EU Road Safety Exchange project.

n Slovenia: Recorded an 18% year-on-year reduction in 2024.

Effective actions included stricter enforcement, awareness

campaigns, and targeted support for older drivers.

n Belgium: Achieved a 37% reduction in road deaths since 2014 and

27% since 2019. Contributing factors include expanded

30km/h zones, separated cycle paths, and enhanced enforcement

technologies like ANPR cameras.

n Spain: Rural roads saw a post-COVID increase in deaths, while

urban areas benefited from lower speed limits, reducing pedestrian

(–16%) and cyclist (–26%) deaths.

n Ireland: Notable increases in young people’s deaths; those aged

16–25 accounted for

27% of all deaths in 2023–2024. Plans include

infrastructure and enforcement upgrades.

n Switzerland: Road deaths increased by 34% since 2019, signalling

a need for renewed political commitment.


News

Big strides forward for some nations, while others slip back

Relative change in

road deaths between

2023 and 2024.

Note the UK data

shows a slight

increase in road

deaths for 2024.

The annual number of

deaths in some

nations are small and,

therefore, subject to

substantial annual

fluctuations.

RANKING EU PROGRESS ON ROAD SAFETY

Continued from page 19

At the EU level, recent policy developments

offer both cause for encouragement and

concern. The revision of the Driving Licence

Directive, a central component of the

European Commission’s recent road safety

package, represents a missed opportunity in

some respects.

While the directive rightly updates many

elements to reflect evolving mobility needs, it

also introduces provisions that risk

undermining safety objectives — most

notably, allowing 15-year-olds to drive cars

and permitting 17-year-olds to drive heavy

lorries under certain conditions. These

changes appear at odds with the evidence on

young driver risk and the maturity needed

for safe operation of such vehicles.

And yet, we must also acknowledge the

positive developments. The Directive

introduces a probationary period for novice

drivers, enhanced training on reducing risks

to vulnerable road users, and improved

testing procedures. These are all steps in the

right direction.

Additionally, progress on the Cross-Border

Enforcement Directive and the new rules on

EU-wide recognition of driving disqualifications

will help close enforcement loopholes and

increase accountability on our roads.

Equally promising are the growing efforts

by Member States to collect and report data

on Key Performance Indicators — an essential

element of the EU’s road safety strategy. Key

Safety Performance Indicators, if

accompanied by effective measures to

improve these indicators and remove specific

risks, is a powerful way to improve safety.

What remains clear from this year’s report

is that the Safe System approach — centred

on shared responsibility, built-in safety, and

resilience to human error — must be more

than an aspiration. It must be the guiding

principle behind all road safety policy and

practice. This includes investing in safe

infrastructure, enforcing speed limits

effectively, supporting vulnerable road users,

and ensuring that serious injuries are

measured with the same rigour as deaths. It

should be applied at EU-level and across

local, regional and national government.

The EU has long been a global leader in

road safety. But leadership is not a static title

— it must be earned, renewed, and

reimagined. With just five years left to meet

our 2030 targets, the time for complacency

has passed. We call on all governments,

institutions, and partners to redouble their

efforts. Every kilometre of safer road, every

correctly worn seatbelt, every speed camera,

every drink-drive check, every protected

cycle lane — they all count.

The burden of road traffic injury falls

dispro-portionately on young people, the

elderly, pedestrians, and cyclists and the

disadvantaged in our society. Safe mobility

should be a fundamental right — not a

privilege that depends on where you live or

how you travel.

We hope this report informs, inspires, and

galvanises action. The road ahead is

challenging, but not uncertain. With evidence,

determination, and solidarity, we can deliver

a safer, fairer, and more humane transport

system for all.



IRELAND:

CONCERNING INCREASE

IN ROAD DEATHS AMONG

YOUNG PEOPLE

WHILE Ireland saw two consecutive years of

increases in deaths in 2022 and 2023, it was

encouraging to see a small decline in deaths

in 2024. Nonetheless, the trend of increasing

deaths in recent years is of great concern to

stakeholders in Ireland, and meeting the

2030 targets remains a significant challenge.

Monitoring of the findings of surveys and

Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) show

persistent engagement by drivers in all

dangerous behaviours that are known to

contribute to death and serious injury.

Of particular concern in both 2023 and

2024 is a notable increase in the share of

deaths among young people compared to

previous years. In 2023 and 2024 combined,

children aged 0-15 years represented 6% of

deaths, while young people aged 16-25

years represented over a quarter of all

deaths (27%).

The Department of Transport in

collaboration with stakeholders is now

working to finalise the Phase 2 Action Plan of

the government Road Safety Strategy which

will run from 2025 to 2027.

This will include measures in the following

key areas: safety enhancement to

sustainable transport infrastructure,

progressing implementation of divided

roads, implementation of the 2023 speed

limit review, expanding the capability of

camera-based enforcement, and

progressing proposals for an alcohol

interlock programme.

BELGIUM: FOCUS ON ENFORCEMENT

AND PROTECTING VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

ROAD deaths in Belgium decreased by 37% between 2014 and

2024. Between 2019 and 2024, the decrease was 27%. Belgium

has implemented several new road safety measures in recent

years, with a focus on improving the safety of vulnerable road

users and strengthening enforcement.

Some of the country’s large cities have extended the zones

where speed is limited to 30km/h, some to the entire city, such as

Brussels. The network of separated cycle paths has also been

extended.

The enforcement chain has also been improved. The processing

of fines is now largely standardised and additional resources have

been allocated to ensure that all fines are being processed. The

deployment of safety cameras, including section control cameras,

has increased. 5,000 Automatic Number Plate Recognition

cameras that can automatically read vehicle number plates are

now in use in Belgium. In 2024, the number of detections of speed

traffic offences increased by 500,000.

Penalties, such as driving bans for handheld mobile phone use

and combined recidivism (e.g. speeding and alcohol), contribute to

effective enforcement. During the BOB anti drink-driving

campaign, most police forces in Belgium conduct alcohol controls,

reinforcing the vital link between awareness and enforcement.


Towards your CPD

Update on van regs as licence dates

and weights make a difference

It used to be simple: if you had a car licence,

you could drive a van. But in recent years

changes to the licence regulations, combined

with vans becoming ever heavier, has

confused what used to be a simple picture.

So what are the rules today? The DVSA

issued a new update on June 10: here is the

latest position.

Check if you can drive a van

With a standard car driving licence you can

drive a:

n van up to 3,500kg

n zero emission electric or hydrogenpowered

van up to 4,250kg

If you passed your driving test after

January 1 1997

You might need to take extra tests before

you can:

n drive vehicles weighing between

3,500kg and 7,500kg

n tow a trailer with your van

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get 3 to 6

penalty points for driving without the right

licence.

Tax, MOT and insure your van

Your van must be taxed and MOT’d

annually when it reaches three years old.

SPEED LIMITS

Type of van Built up area* Single carriageway Dual carriageway Motorway

Van 30 mph 50 mph 60 mph 70 mph

Car-type van 30 mph 60 mph 70 mph 70 mph

Van and trailer 30 mph 50 mph 60 mph 60 mph

*The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs

show otherwise.

You can be fined up to £1,000 (£2,500 for motorway offences) and get 3 to 6 penalty points

for speeding.

For the MOT, your van will be classed as

either:

n class 4 if it’s up to 3,000kg design gross

weight (this include car-type vans)

n class 7 if it’s over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg

design gross weight

Insurance

You must have vehicle insurance to drive a

van. Check the level of cover you need and

tell your insurance company whether your

van is for social or business use, as this will

affect your policy.

You can get an unlimited fine and 6 to 8

penalty points for driving without insurance.

Speed limits

Vans have lower speed limits than cars and

car-type vans. See panel for details.

Weight limits and loading

Your van has a maximum it’s allowed to

weigh when loaded. This is called the ‘design

gross weight’, which you can find on your

van’s vehicle identification number (VIN)

plate. It’s sometimes known as the ‘gross

vehicle weight’ or ‘laden weight’, but means

the same thing.

What the weight limit includes

It’s the maximum the van is allowed to

weigh, including the weight of the:

n van

n driver and passengers

n fuel

n load

Check your van’s weight

You can check how much your van weighs

at a local weighbridge. Your van’s

performance and safety will be affected if you

overload it or its individual axles.

You can be fined up to £300 or get a court

summons if your van exceeds its maximum

permitted axle weight.

Secure your goods

Some vans don’t have a bulkhead. In the

event of an accident, the contents of your

cargo area could end up in the cab if they

aren’t secured properly.

Load your goods evenly throughout the

cargo area, with the heaviest items at the

bottom. Don’t overload the individual axles.

Use appropriate restraints to secure your

load, like netting and straps.

How long you can drive for

You must follow the rules on how many



hours you can drive and the breaks that you

need to take.

The rules that apply to depend on:

n the weight of your van

n the country you’re driving in

n what you’re using the van for

In the UK, If you drive a van for business for

more than four hours a day, you must follow

the Great Britain domestic rules on drivers’

hours. They outline your working hours and

the rest periods you must take. You can be

fined up to £300 for exceeding daily driving

limits.

Outside the UK

If you travel outside of the UK, you need to

follow the domestic rules for the countries

you’re visiting. Get this information from the

relevant embassies.

You must follow the assimilated rules if

you’re towing a trailer and the combined

design gross weight is above 3.5 tonnes, but

there are exemptions.

Tow a trailer

Check your driving licence information to

make sure you’re allowed to tow a trailer.

You must follow assimilated rules if your

combined van and trailer weight (sometimes

called the ‘gross train weight’) is above 3.5

tonnes - but there are some exemptions.

These rules:

n affect the number of hours you can drive

n require you to record your hours using a

tachograph

You must have a goods vehicle operator

licence for your van and trailer if:

nthe van and trailer are plated and the total

of their gross plated weights is more than

3,500 kg

n the total unladen weight of the van and

trailer combination is more than 1,525 kg

You don’t need an operator’s licence if your

trailer’s unladen weight is less than 1,020 kg

and you only carry your own goods.

Towing a trailer reduces the speed you’re

allowed to drive at.

Roadside checks for commercial vehicle

drivers

The police and DVSA officers can ask you to

stop at the roadside.

They have the power to carry out spot

checks on your van and issue prohibitions if

necessary.

A prohibition prevents you from driving

until you get a problem with your van fixed.

Police and DVSA officers can also issue

fixed penalties if you commit an offence.

MPs urge action as fake

ebikes on the rise

UNSAFE e-bike products linked to fires and

gig economy exploitation have prompted

MP to calls for stronger protections,

including online marketplace regulation and

scrappage schemes.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for

Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) said there was

a growing public safety and fire risk caused

by the widespread use of unsafe, illegally

modified e-bikes, referred to as ‘fake e-bikes’,

purchased through online marketplaces and

frequently used in the gig economy.

The call follows a detailed inquiry by the

APPGCW that took both written and oral

evidence from fire services, police, industry

bodies, gig economy workers, academics,

and regulators.

It finds that the UK’s lack of regulation

and enforcement around e-bike safety is

putting lives at risk, particularly among

delivery riders operating in low-paid,

high-pressure environments.

The report heard evidence that the

current food delivery systems are

comparable to the ‘sweated labour’ of

England’s 1840s industrial revolution and

that witnesses had “never seen people on a

daily basis as badly exploited as food

delivery riders”.

The APPGCW said it found e-bikes sold by

major online retailers with 40mph speeds

described as ‘for city commutes’, and a

2000W bike with a throttle pictured being

used on city streets; both are illegal.

Other online searches found unsafe

chargers and cables, both of which are

considered a fire risk by experts.

Other key issues identified included:

n A surge in battery fires caused by

unregulated e-bike conversion kits,

low-cost batteries, and poor-quality

imports.

n Exploitation of gig economy riders,

who are incentivised to use faster, often

illegal bikes to meet delivery targets.

n Online marketplaces selling unsafe

products with little or no oversight,

enforcement, or legal liability.

n Confusion for landlords, insurers, and

transport operators, leading to blanket bans

that affect users of legitimate e-bikes,

including disabled people.

Illegal ebikes seized by Cardiff Police in a

recent crackdown

The report made a number of

recommendations, including:

n Online retailers should immediately

withdraw unsafe e-bike items from sale.

n Making online marketplaces legally

accountable for unsafe listings.

n Working to create a governmentbacked

e-bike safety kitemark in order to

enable transport authorities and insurance

companies to confidently lift e-bike bans.

n Reinstating ‘worker’ status for gig

economy riders to guarantee rights and

protections.

n Ending the road-legal loophole that

allows illegal vehicles to be sold under the

guise of off-road use.

n Enforcing compliance from delivery

platforms. Require delivery companies to

run real-time compliance checks on the

bikes used by couriers.

n Equipping police with new, simpler

powers to seize unsafe e-bikes.

n Introducing a scrappage scheme for

dangerous bikes used by couriers, funded by

delivery companies.

Fabian Hamilton MP, chair of the APPGCW,

said: “This is a crisis hiding in plain sight. The

rise of illegal and unsafe e-bikes, often

bought online and used in the gig economy,

has created serious risks for riders, the

public, and the future of active travel.

“We need urgent action from Government

and industry to stop unsafe products

entering the UK and to protect those being

exploited while trying to earn a living.”


Mental Health Motorbikes

MHMB is keeping bikers

on the right road to

better mental health

The tragic death of a long-standing pal througth suicide prompted keen motorcyclist

Paul Oxborough to look for a way to help others who were going through a mental

health crisis. The result is a nationwide charity which has helped hundreds to find ways

to cope better with life’s stress and challenges, as Paul explained to Rob Beswick

THE motorbike community is a

tight-knit one that looks after its

members – and no group is doing

more than Mental Health Motorbike

(MHMB) to help riders when life’s stresses

and challenges get too much.

MHMB is a mental health charity run by

trained volunteers that’s dedicated to helping

motorcyclists who are struggling with mental

health issues.

It was formed in 2019 by Paul Oxborough

– better known as Oxo – and his friend Jay

Lucas in response to the sad death of a

mutual pal, Dale Caffrey.

Paul takes up the story: “Dale was a close

friend of ours, someone we’d known since we

were 11. But when he was 38 he took his own

life. I spoke at his funeral, and said I was

determined to do something to help others

who were struggling with their mental health

but didn’t feel they had anywhere to turn.”

It’s a sad fact that the most common single

reason for men under the age of 50 to die is

by taking their own lives, and men make up

around 75-80% of all suicides. Dale’s death

was just one of many tragic stories every

year, but it galvanised Paul and Jay into

action.

And from that pledge at the funeral came

the idea of creating a group focused on the

mental health of the motorcycling

community - and Mental Health Motorbike

was formed.

Today it has over 1,000 mental health first

aiders and 100 active volunteers on its books,

acting as its ‘mental health champions.’ All

have undertaken a comprehensive mental

health training programme to allow them to

reach out and support bikers who are

struggling to handle life’s challenges.

Paul explains: “I wanted to do something

when Dale died, and the more I thought about

how to help others with their mental health,

the more I thought about targeting one

group. I’m a passionate motorcyclist, I have

been since I was 14, and I knew how strong

the biker community is. It seemed a good

place to focus.”

Here to help: MHMB’s team of mental

health first aiders attend hundreds of

events where bikers will have a

strong presence every year

There’s no definitive evidence that bikers

struggle with their mental health more than

any other group, but Paul says he has enough

anecdotal evidence to suggest there may be

a link. “I’ve spoken to a lot of biker friends and

they’ve freely admitted to struggling with

their mental health. Is it linked to the risk

element of riding? I’m not sure. What I know

is that bikers can be a breed apart.”

He’s also ready to admit that the



community is possibly more neurodiverse

than the rest of society. “I meet a lot of

bikers who tell me they are autistic, or have

ADHD. [Research suggests that while only

one per cent of the population is classed as

autistic, people who are autistic represent 11

per cent of suicides]. Biking gives them a

release from that. When you are riding you

know you are vulnerable, and you have to

focus so hard: on the ride, on other road

users, the weather, the road conditions.

“But we’re in a natural state. We’re not

cocooned in a box like car drivers are, we’re

out in the open, in communion with nature. It

may be cold or wet but we feel the

environment around us and that freshens us

up and can create a clarity of thinking that

blows away our troubles.”

And once off the bike, the environment

changes; as soon as the helmet comes off,

bikers find other bikers to chat to. “We’ll ride

into a car park and as soon as we see another

bike we’ll be off having a look at it, chatting to

its owner, talking about the ride. Other bikes

are like a magnet to us.”

“We’ll ride into a car park and as soon

as we see another bike we’ll be off

chatting to its owner. Other bikes

are like a magnet to us.”

Continued on page 26


Mental Health Motorbikes

Continued from page 25

It’s this feeling of a community that MHMB

trades off. “You get a bunch of bikers

together and they’ll talk about biking, but

once those barriers are down there’s a safe

space in which trust is built. MHMB’s mental

health champions feed off that and facilitate

conversations in which people can be more

open about how they are feeling and whether

some of life’s challenges are becoming too

much for them.”

MHMB’s biggest areas of interaction occur

at biker events around the country. “If there’s

a bike event going on, you can bet we’ll be

there,” says Paul. “Last year our volunteer

teams attended 202 events at which we had

lots of interactions with fellow bikers. This

year we’re targeting getting to over 300.”

At each event the MHMB flags and banners

are proudly waved, with the stand manned

run by volunteers, some of whom have been

through their own mental health crisis and

come out the other side. “We have a strong

team of volunteers who are trained to lead

conversations. Often people will come over

and just talk bikes – we’re always happy

doing that! – but once they know they are in

a safe space, then the guards come down a

little and they start to open up about how

they are really feeling.

“They see the team from MHMB as being

just like them. We’re a rough and ready bunch

at times, all dressed in biker gear, but we’ve

loads of lived experiences we can bring to

bear to help people out, plus that training

which allows us to offer real support.”

The number of times MHMB has helped

people turn a corner in their lives are, Paul

says, “too many to count.”

“The number of people who tell us that an

MHMB intervention helped them come to

terms with the problems they were facing are

innumerable. We diarise some on our website,

but one always comes to mind for me.

“We were at the Overland event, and a

biker approached our stand to say that a

visitor hadn’t ventured out of his tent. We

popped down to check he was okay, and

invited him to the stand for a cup of tea and a

chat. He openly admitted he was thinking

about suicide. He was in a bad place.

“We chatted to him all weekend, kept

encouraging him, getting him to talk through

his feelings.

“He left us on the Monday and we knew

we’d done our very best to help him, but

weren’t sure whether we’d done enough.

“We were delighted when, six months

later, he popped up on our Facebook page

support group, offering advice to a fellow

rider who was struggling with their own

“We have a strong team of volunteers who are trained to lead

conversations. Often people will come over and just talk bikes –

we’re always happy doing that! – but once they know they are in a

safe space, then the guards come down a little and they start to

open up about how they are really feeling...”

challenges. Not only was he alive and well, he

was now looking to pass on the support we

had given him to others.”

The MHMB Facebook peer support page

group is a crucial part of its support network.

“It’s a really professionally moderated site

that is an open and safe space for people to

share their feelings. We have simple rules:

no-one will judge you, no-one will mock you

for how you are feeling, you are with friends.

We have lost count of the number of people

who have told us how the messages of

support and advice they received from the

MHMB community had helped them turn

their lives around.”

MHMB works with a number of highprofile

organisations active in the

motorcycling and road safety sector. “We are

in partnership with IAM Roadsmart, RoSPA,

Blood Bikes, the MCIA and the National

Motorcycling Museum, building programmes

to run alongside their usual work but always

with the focus on improving mental health.

We focus a lot on mindfulness techniques,

and on how to come to terms and handle

stressful situations, including bereavements.

“As we get older bikers face bereavements

and have health issues and retirement

creeping up on them. They can feel isolated,

with no-one to turn to, particularly if they

lose their partner or step away from work.

The Facebook page group is a great way for

our community to offer help, guidance and

support.”

MHMB is a national organisation, currently

split into 22 regions, each manned by a

co-ordinator who is supported by their team

of local volunteers. “They will attend local

biking events, races, trial shows, anywhere

where there will be a lot of bikers present.

We’re friendly, approachable and here to

support you. Next time you’re at a bike show,

look us up. We’ll probably be there, always

with a brew to hand.”

Mental Health Motorbikes is also always

looking out for new volunteers to help out.

“The mental health first aid training

programme is excellent. It’s online and takes

about 15 hours. It’s not about having prior

qualifications, rather it’s all about using your

own lived experiences to help others. The

training them gives you the skills to really

make a difference.”

To find out more about Mental Health

Motorbikes, including local contact points,

events they will be attending and how you

could volunteer, see

https://mhmotorbike.com



Road Safety Conference puts graduated

driving licences under the microscope

THE National Road Safety Conference (NRSC)

will be focusing on Graduated Driver Licensing

and novice drivers at its 2025 event.

NRSC 2025 will be held at Wyboston Lakes

Resort on 4-5 November. It is sponsored by

Jenoptik, Westcotec and National Highways.

More than 250 people have already

registered to attend the event, and 20

organisations have signed up to exhibit

alongside the conference.

Presentations in the GDL/novice drivers

session will be made by such well-known

road safety experts as Dr Ian Greenwood Dr

Elizabeth Box and Dr Ruth Madigan, with

topics to be covered including ‘Are we there

yet with Graduated Driver Licensing in

Britain?’, ‘The politics of young driver risk’ and

‘Exploring young people’s attitude to risk’.

There will also be a presentation by the

Safer Essex Roads Partnership, which has

been bringing this topic to life in the form of

drama for two years. Working with

Collingwood Learning, it has been delivering

theatre in education to pre and young drivers.

The two organisations are now working

together on how theatre and interactive

workshops can be used to explore the

concept of Graduated Driving Licensing.

Another interesting take on the topic will

be broached by Dr Simon Christmas, Simon

Christmas Ltd and Dr Shaun Helman, Chief

Scientist, TRL, who will look at ‘Equality in the

driving test: a mixed methods exploration of

gender differences in driving test

performance.’

Finally, Bani Anvari, Chair and Professor of

Intelligent Mobility, UCL & John Beckford,

Visiting Professor, Loughborough University

and UCL, will look at ‘Saving lives starts

young: quantifying safe and responsible

driving behaviour’; while Dr Maaike Esselaar,

Post-Doctoral Research Associate,

Manchester Metropolitan University, will

explore the use of hi-tech driving simulators

in an address on: ‘Can Visual Feedback

Improve Young Drivers’ Behaviour? A

Simulator Study’.

The provisional agenda for NRSC 2025

comprises 18 sessions across the Main and

Fringe programmes, along with four

workshops – following the record-breaking

the call for papers, which drew more than 90

submissions from practitioners and

academics interested in speaking.

The agenda will also cover Safe System/

Vision Zero, enforcement and education, AI

and road safety, and speed management).

A packed Fringe programme will review

fatal collisions, vehicle technology, quick wins

in road safety. For more information about

NRSC please contact either Sally Bartrum

(delegate registration) or Nick Rawlings

(agenda and exhibition etc) – both are

available on 01379 650112.


Towards your CPD

Look after the

small things...

ARECENT chat in a local test centre

lead me to believe that I’m not alone

in being frustrated when pupils ask

how many mistakes are they

allowed to make on their driving test.

I know there is supposed to be no such

thing as a silly question but, to me, this one

suggests a negative mindset.

It is similar to when I am asked “If I do that

on test, will I fail?” I reply, “What do you

think?” or “What could be the consequences

if you did that while you are driving on your

own?”

It is important to discuss how these untidy

faults can develop into more serious faults,

and I finish off by quoting a now retired SE ADI

after one of my check tests; she told my pupil

that is it easier to drive well than to drive

badly. This is something I take with me into all

my training sessions for learners,

experienced and potential driving instructors.

Focusing on doing things properly means you

concentrate on managing the risks involved

in everyday driving.

Attention to detail when teaching any

driver is essential because looking after the

small things (such as driving faults) means

reducing the risk of serious faults happening.

Whether this is pre- or post-test training,

it is important to include activities that

encourage all students to continue good

practice when they drive unaccompanied.

When dealing with qualified drivers, on a

company driving session, you are generally

not preparing them for a test, so they have to

be motivated to adapt safer driving practices,

which means they have to understand why

they are doing something new, enjoy doing it,

and know how to continue this new skill once

their training session is over.

Linking the Hazard Perception to practical

training is one way to encourage pupils to

keep up to date with following traffic.

Encouraging linking the mirrors to potential

hazards in front of you helps build up a picture

of the prevailing traffic conditions and can be

an effective way to manage risks because it

acts a prompt to check the mirrors.

One activity I often use, regardless of if it is

a learner or qualified driver, is to ask them to

comment on something that is happening

behind once a potential hazard has been

identified. For example, how close is the

following vehicle, what is the driver doing (are

they on their phone) or is there anyone about

to over or undertake? Potential hazards in

front could include road signs, brake lights,

cars waiting to emerge, oncoming traffic in a

‘meeting’ situation, pedestrians about to

cross the road or cyclists. If there is a lot

happening in front of you, the chances are

there is a lot happening behind you.

The danger is often not always what can be

seen but what can’t be seen, therefore being

aware of the position and speed of following

vehicles can reduce the risks that they could

pose. If learners are encouraged to check

their mirrors ‘every four seconds’ or before

every gear change they may not fully

understand why they need to check the

mirrors and instead look at the mirrors rather

than look in to them to see what is

happening. Remember; test candidates are

assessed on making ‘effective use of mirrors

and not simply looking at them.

In previous articles we have discussed

encouraging pupils to make observation links,

such as dustbins at the edge of the road (bin

lorry about) or smelling petrol or diesel

(potential slippery surface). If pupils can be

encouraged to check their mirrors when they



“If learners are encouraged to

check their mirrors ‘every four

seconds’ they may not fully

understand why they need to

check the mirrors and instead

look at the mirrors rather than

look in to them to see what is

happening. Remember; test

candidates are assessed on

making ‘effective use of mirrors

and not simply looking at them.”

make these links they will continue to be

aware of the potential risks from following

vehicles and adjust their speed and / or

position in good time and reduce the risk of

them becoming hazard to other road users.

A common mistake I remember from my

examining days was failing to make effective

observation before pulling up at the side of

the road. There may have been a mirror check

but the candidate often pulled up too quickly

when there was a closely following vehicle,

resulting in the following driver having to

brake heavily or swerve to avoid a collision. I

know we can argue that the vehicle behind

should not be following so closely, but that is

why we teach effective use of mirrors.

As I say to my pupils, “I haven’t taught

everyone, so who knows what they might

do?

OTHER areas to consider are when

pupils are driving at low speeds, often

below 10mph. For example, while

emerging (observation) from junctions,

during normal stops and while meeting

oncoming traffic. When waiting to emerge to

the right, it is important for pupils to watch

any vehicles approaching from their left and

turning right into the same road from which

you are about to emerge (so turning around

them).

It is very easy to keep looking left and

focus on passing traffic but there comes a

point where the car turning into the side road

enters a blind spot and it is easy to pull out

into the side of the turning car. It is therefore

essential that, as ADIs, we watch where our

pupils are looking and not just at the passing

traffic. A vehicle turning around you from the

main road into the side road you are emerging

from may have to stop for pedestrians, for

example, subsequently having to stop in your

path.

This is marked on the Standards Check

form as ‘Was the trainer aware of the

surroundings and the pupil’s actions?’ This is

where keeping up to date with your The ADI

Driving Test Data Report is a useful resource

to identify patterns in faults for your pupils

while on test.

Test candidates are sometimes asked to

pull up on the left and to ‘ignore the

driveways’ when doing so. This is because the

exercise they are about to perform is a

moving off exercise eg, an angle start, or hill

start or just that on this occasion the

examiner needs to pull them up for another

reason. It is important for candidates to know

that they should always pull up somewhere

convenient unless told otherwise, and when

they do they need to identify a suitable place

well ahead and not necessarily the first one

they see if there is closely following traffic (as

I highlighted earlier) and stop reasonably

close to the kerb, which is within a drain’s

width from the kerb.

When conducting mock tests make sure

you pay attention to detail and do not give

the benefit of the doubt to anyone.

Remember: It is easier to drive well than to

drive badly!

“We discussed encouraging

pupils to make observation

links, such as dustbins at the

edge of the road (bin lorry

about) ... if pupils can be

encouraged to check their

mirrors when they make these

links they will continue to be

aware of the potential risks”


Towards your CPD

‘No thanks,

they’re too dear’

When price becomes

the only conversation

in driving instruction

Driving instruction is not historically regarded

as a profession that is well paid, but with rising

prices for fuel, insurance and tuition cars,

inevitably lesson fees have had to rise sharply

in recent years. As a result average prices are

now well over £30 a lesson in much of the

country... but it’s a price point that often still

draws a significant reaction from the public.

TOM HARRINGTON investigates what’s behind

a rejection when price is the only factor in the

conversation

THE phone rings. A calm voice on

the other end asks, “Hi, how much

are your driving lessons?” You

respond with your carefully

calculated rate — fair, competitive,

perhaps even modest by industry standards.

There is a pause. Then: “No thanks, they’re

too dear,” followed by the click of the call

ending.

No follow-up, no discussion, just silence.

It’s a scenario many driving instructors have

encountered. But beneath this brief and

disappointing exchange lies a deeper issue

— the perception of value, the challenge of

pricing in a competitive market, and the

unfortunate truth that many people simply

do not understand what they are paying for

when they seek out a driving instructor.

Here I explore the broader issues this

raises about the perceived value of driving

instruction, the psychology behind pricing

objections, and what instructors or schools

might do to address this challenge.

The price objection: a surface-level judgment

Price objections are common in any

business, but they are especially sensitive in

the world of driving instruction. On the

surface, it seems like a simple matter: the

prospective customer deems the rate too

high and decides to look elsewhere. But this

objection often stems from a

misunderstanding of what goes into a driving

lesson. When a learner calls and asks only

about the price, they are reducing what

should be a comprehensive, structured, and

potentially life-saving education to a mere

transaction — one that they feel entitled to

bargain down or walk away from if the cost

exceeds their expectations.

What is a driving lesson really worth?

To understand why this situation is

problematic, we must explore what a learner

is truly paying for. A driving lesson is not just

an hour behind the wheel. It is:

n Professional expertise: Many

instructors have years, sometimes decades,

of experience. They have studied, trained,

passed rigorous tests, and are often required

to continue professional development.

n Vehicle maintenance and safety: The

dual-controlled car used in instruction must

be insured, taxed, fuelled, and kept in perfect



mechanical order — not to mention cleaned

and sanitised regularly.

n Teaching ability: Being able to drive is

one thing; teaching it effectively is another.

Instructors must know how to convey

complex ideas in simple, digestible ways,

adapting to different learning styles and

emotional needs.

n Risk management: The instructor is

legally and ethically responsible for the

safety of the learner, themselves, and other

road users. They must always remain alert

and anticipate potentially dangerous

situations.

n Support and planning: Instructors spend

unpaid time planning lessons, managing

bookings, updating logs, communicating with

students and parents, and keeping up with

changes in traffic law and testing

requirements.

When all of this is considered, it becomes

clear that a £30–£40 lesson (or local

equivalent) offers incredible value. The

problem is, many learners or their families

don’t see this — they see only the figure.

The economics of driving instruction

Driving instruction is often undervalued

because it is viewed through a distorted

economic lens. Unlike traditional schooling or

university education, it is not subsidised by

the state (in most countries), yet it provides a

crucial life skill — one that can significantly

affect a person’s independence,

employability, and safety.

Many learners call around local schools

comparing prices, treating the process like

shopping for a commodity, not a service.

They might find someone offering lessons for

£10 less per hour, but fail to consider what

they are sacrificing — such as the instructor’s

qualifications, the quality of the tuition, or

even the safety and condition of the vehicle.

Low-cost lessons may also mean hidden

compromises: shorter actual driving time,

rushed instruction, or a focus solely on

passing the test rather than developing

life-long driving competence. A poorly

trained driver may end up needing more

lessons overall — or worse, may pass the test

but be woefully unprepared for real-world

driving, which puts everyone at risk.

Communicating value before price

One common mistake in this brief phone

interaction is that the instructor never gets

the chance to communicate the value of what

they offer. This is understandable — the

prospective learner hangs up after hearing

the price. But what if the conversation could

be reshaped?

“By ringing around they might

find someone offering lessons for

£10 less per hour, but fail to

consider what they are sacrificing

— such as the instructor’s

qualifications, the quality of the

tuition, or even the safety and

condition of the vehicle...”

Instead of leading with price, a better

approach might be:

“We’re currently charging £X per hour,

which includes full use of our dual-controlled

training vehicle, a personalised learning plan,

and progress tracking.

“All our instructors are fully qualified and

have extensive experience helping learners

become safe, confident drivers — not just

test-passers.”

This kind of response reframes the service.

It begins to educate the caller on what they

are paying for, not just how much. It may not

change every caller’s mind — some will

always chase the lowest price — but it can

persuade the ones who are on the fence and

willing to listen.

Dealing with the hang-up

Still, many instructors won’t even get the

chance to say all that. The caller may simply

hang up after the price is stated. It’s tempting

to feel frustrated or defeated in these

moments. However, instructors should

recognise that not all business is good

business. A customer who sees price as the

only metric of value is unlikely to be a good fit

long-term. They may be late to lessons,

cancel frequently, or complain about minor

issues — because in their mind, you are “too

dear” from the start.

Instead of dwelling on these moments,

instructors can take proactive steps:

n Invest in a strong website: Include

testimonials, credentials, lesson structure,

and FAQs. This allows prospective learners to

educate themselves before calling.

n Offer a ‘value guide’ flyer: Email or hand

out a one-page sheet explaining what’s

included in the lesson price and why it matters.

n Introduce flexible packages: While single

lessons may seem expensive, package deals

(eg, 10 lessons for £350) can soften the initial

shock and encourage commitment.

n Educate your community: Use social

media to post informative content about the

importance of proper training, the dangers of

cutting corners, and what good instruction

looks like.

More than just a price tag

When someone hangs up the phone after

hearing a price, it’s not necessarily a

reflection of the quality of your service — it’s

more likely a reflection of their understanding

(or misunderstanding) of what driving

instruction entails. This offers an opportunity,

not a defeat. It’s a moment to consider how

instructors present themselves and what

they can do to reshape the conversation from

one of “how much?” to one of “how good?”

Ultimately, learning to drive is not just

about passing a test — it’s about acquiring

the skills, judgment, and mindset to share the

road safely with others for decades to come.

That’s not “too dear” — that’s priceless.


Area News

Rambling on again... about

Dutch-style roundabouts

John Lomas

West Coast

& Wales

Dutch roundabouts

I HAVE seen references to so-called

Dutch-style roundabouts a few times over

the years; there was a proposal for

something like it in South Manchester

which was promoted by one of the former

UK cycling champions – Chris Boardman, I

think.

However, I have recently seen pictures of

the new one in Hemel Hempstead. I’ve

tracked down some photos of it here: two

of them are CGI screen grabs from a video

explaining how to use it, and the other is a

screen grab of what appears to be a drone

shot of it actually in use.

First I will mention the CGI ones. The first

one clearly shows that the articulated lorry

is having to block the pedestrian and cycle

routes while giving way to vehicles on the

roundabout, as there is not enough room

planned into the roundabout’s design.

The second one shows that it is also

blocking traffic on the roundabout while

giving way to cyclists when exiting the

roundabout. The video shows an

articulated lorry but even a Cat C1 7500kw

lorry would be blocking the way in the

illustrated example, as would cars and

smaller vans towing trailers/caravans.

You will all be familiar with Highway Code

Rule 192: I wonder if the designers of this

roundabout are? (see panel below)

The drone shot, and also the video,

clearly show that the green surfaced cycle

route is marked as a clockwise gyratory

route. Absolutely nothing will persuade me

that cyclists, whether the ordinary people

or the Lycra-clad, helmet camera equipped,

brigade will go all the way round when

going from entrance A to exit B, or even

exit C. They will always take what they

perceive as the shortest route.

The use of cycle lanes and tracks has not

been made compulsory and I have found no

legislation making ‘Follow the Arrows’

compulsory for cyclists.

Rule 192: In slow-moving

and queuing traffic you

should keep crossings

completely clear...



A tale of three Magic Roundabouts

THAT could almost be the title of a modern opera, BUT I digress so

on with the story (writes John Lomas):

I have mentioned Swindon’s Magic Roundabout before in these

pages. It seems to have become a bit of a well-known tourist

destination that has put the town on the map. But it is also notorious

for striking fear into the hearts of motorists for more than 50 years.

However, it isn’t the only gyratory system in England which has traffic

travelling anti-clockwise round the central island while traffic further out

from the central island travels clockwise, and each entry/exit junction

has a mini roundabout.

There may be even more lurking around this sceptred isle, but I have

found two in the home counties, one in Hemel Hempstead and the other

in High Wycombe (I did actually use that one when I was doing the

Vehicle Concepts courtesy car job). I have found a couple of photos of

the pair: each is a screen grab from Google Earth, one is the over head

shot and the other is an example of the roadside approach signage.

The original: Swindon

Swindon is relatively small so the whole

thing is within view as you get there, but

although the signs show five roads one

is very lightly used as it is a No Through

Road. There is also a football ground car

park exit which doesn’t have a mini

roundabout as it enters the roundabout

anyway.

Big Brother:

Hemel Hempstead

The Hemel Hempstead has six roads but the trees

and other planting on the large central area make it

just look like you are approaching a mini

roundabout with signage opposite similar to those

you might see at a T junction.

High old time

High Wycombe is also

planted up with trees

though not as densely

so a view across the area

is more likely. High

Wycombe, like Swindon,

is a five-road junction.

What do ADIs and

pupils think?

It would be interesting to know

how local instructors and their

pupils view their particular

Magic Roundabout, especially if

they have also experienced

either or both of the others. I

suppose it is quite likely that

instructors from Hertfordshire

and Buckinghamshire may well

use both during their instructing.


Area News

Keeping track of pupil progress?

We’ve got an app for that...

Arthur Mynott

West Coast

& Wales

WHEN I returned to teaching learners again,

albeit part-time, I joined a local up-andcoming

driving school.

The owner is a friend and colleague whom I

have known for a few years, so much so that

when I ‘retired’ three years ago, I passed any

enquiries on to him.

Since I joined last September there are

now 13 instructors in driving school although

I am the longest serving instructor in the

group, having qualified 21 years ago.

The main difference between now and

when I stepped away from the profession is

that we use an App developed by GoRoadie

and every detail is entered on there: the

pupil’s details, terms and conditions, lessons

booked, progress, in fact every detail needed

for teaching and learning.

Now, while I consider myself to be fairly

adept at this sort of thing, I do struggle to

keep it completely up to date and quite often

forget to enter certain details or make sure it

reflects the absolutely latest position.

This is a far cry from when I ran my own

one-man driving school. Records were kept

on card by pen, in the car on the day of the

lesson. I had my own printed record card/

progress report for each pupil which they

bought with them on each lesson and

everything we covered that day was marked

on there and future lessons also booked.

I also had a rolling diary on A4 cards which

had four weeks’ worth of lesson slots on

them, each divided in to one-hour segments.

When one week of lesson slots had finished, I

cut that off to reveal another portion of card

underneath with the corresponding week in 4

weeks’ time, thus I could see four weeks of

lessons at any one time. I did use pen which

meant I also had a ‘Tippex’ tool in my car to

correct any change of lessons. I found this

worked extremely well for me and mistakes

were rare.

I do struggle with this App I am now using

and I’m learning bits as I go along but it does

seem a lot more complicated than what I

used originally,

Though it has to be said, I’m probably what

some would refer to as a bit of a dinosaur!

Diet update

That’s right, the diet is still underway!

Since my last update I’ve almost reached my target of

losing 2.5 stones in weight. The goal took a knockback

when I went on holiday to Cornwall in my caravan with

my dogs, sharing a pitch with my daughter and her

family.

What with a couple of hearty breakfasts, a Pizza night

and an Indian take away night (among other culinary

delights!) this resulted in a gain of 3.5lbs which I am

now gradually removing. Life does get in the way of

dieting sometimes but it is still going in the right

direction and I will hit the 2.5 stone mark soon.

Same job,

different weight.

Arthur pictured

presenting golf

trophies to

members of his

golf society, one

before the diet,

the other after

he began his

weight loss

campaign

Tyre heroes receive their plaudits at awards

The TyreSafe Annual Briefing 2025, held on

June 10 at the National Motorcycle Museum in

Birmingham, included the presentation of its

TyreSafe Awards 2025. These recognise

outstanding contributions to tyre safety

across various sectors.

Among the winners was the Lancashire

County Council Road Safety Team, which was

recognised for its comprehensive programme

of interventions, from free roadside

inspections and fleet safety toolkits to

bespoke training and council-wide TyreSafe

partnership.

Retailer of the Year was Merityre

Specialists, which was praised for conducting

over 20,000 free tyre safety checks in 2024,

achieved an 11% uplift in maintenance

services, and reached +1.4 million digitally.

The Road Safety Organisation of the Year

was RoSPA, which took the award got its

landmark inclusion of tyre safety in the

National Accident Prevention Strategy and

strong advocacy through national

committees.

Sophie Lyden of Westgate Tyres / Fresh

Drivers UK was named the Tyre Person of the

Year.


Area Events


Scotland is in for a CPD boost as

training seminar details revealed

IT IS that time again, when MSA GB Scotland

starts to think about your CPD, and what

better way to do this than attend the

Scottish Training Seminar this autumn.

The event will be held on Sunday, 2nd

November at our traditional venue,

Castlecary Hotel, Castlecary Road,

Castlecary, Glasgow, G68 0HD.

Though more details will be added as we

get closer to the event, we already have an

action-packed schedule with a few

confirmed guest speakers.

Gemma Collier will be discussing health

related matters

Mick Knowles, ORDIT trainer and cofounder

of Knowledgeable Instructor Training

will be delivering a talk

Pauline Reeves from the DVSA will be in

attendance

Peter Harvey MBE will keep us up to speed

with changes within the industry plus more.

The STS in 2024

Cost

Early bird cost until 30th September 2025

is only £45; and £55 thereafter.

Included is a two-course hot lunch with

regular tea/coffee breaks, plus all relevant

papers and a CPD certificate.

Make a weekend of it

Fancy making a weekend of it? We have

negotiated great room rates for those who

want to stay: £95 for single occupancy and

£130 for double occupancy, which also

includes breakfast!

To book your room please phone

Castlecary Hotel on 01324 840 233 and

quote booking reference “MSA Scotland/

Northern Ireland” to secure your special room

discount.

You Click can here secure for your place now by

clicking details HERE. and to book

Angus ADIs ready to

test the public again

Brian Thomson

As you may have spotted on an earlier

page, members of the Angus Driving

Instructor Association (ADIA) are holding

another of their Mock Driving Test days

in August.

The day is always great fun, and sees

members of the ADIA conduct mock

driving tests with members of the public,

assessing their driving against the

current standard required by the modern

L-test.

All participants pay a minimum fee of

£20 for the privilege of having their

driving critiqued, with feedback offered

to those whose standards may have

slipped in the years since they passed

their own proper test.

There are no penalties for failure, just

some good, well-intentioned advice and

guidance to help improve driving

standards.

Prizes are handed over to the winners

– those who scored fewest driver faults

during the assessment – though reports

from previous years suggest the biggest

‘prize’ is knowing the older drivers have

bragging rights back home when they tell

their teenage children ‘I aced it.’

As well as improving driving standards

and raising the profile for the region’s

ADIs, all proceeds from the day go to local

charities – so it’s a win-win-win all

round.

Area 4 plans exciting speaker line-up for conference

THIS NOVEMBER, join fellow driving

instructors for a day packed with insights,

inspiration, and updates that matter to your

career.

The MSA GB West Coast & Wales Area

Training Day and Conference is back, and it’s

happening on:

Monday 3rd November

at the

Holiday Inn, Birmingham (M6, Jun 7)

Doors open at 9.00 am, and what follows is

a day you won’t want to miss.

Here’s who you’ll be hearing from on the

day:

n Alan Gott, FBTC Accountancy Services

– Making Tax Digital: what it means for you,

and how to stay prepared

n Mike Newman and John Galloway, Speed

Of Sight – an extraordinary story of

resilience, inclusion, and empowerment

n Colin Stewart and John Sheridan, DVSA

– key updates and insights from the agency

shaping the industry’s future

n Mike Yeomans, National Chairman, MSA

GB – a look at the Association’s strategic

direction and member support

This is your opportunity to reconnect with

fellow instructors, ask real questions, share

experiences, and take away practical

knowledge you can apply immediately.

A two-course buffet lunch and

refreshments are included, giving you even

more time to network and build valuable

connections.

Book your place before 1st September for

early-bird pricing, £45 for MSA GB members

and £50 for non-members. After that, tickets

are £55.

Contact Arthur Mynott with any queries,

via arthur.mynott@yahoo.com

or 07989 852274

Click here for

details and to book


Membership offers

Get 10p off every litre of fuel

with special MSA GB deal

THE cost-of-living crisis is putting many

ADIs under considerable financial pressure,

and nowhere is it felt more than through

the rising cost of fuel.

So to help alleviate some of the burden

on our members, we’re thrilled to

announce a partnership with MOTIA,

which is the new name for Fuel Card

Services.

A Motia fuel card can provide huge

benefits to businesses that use vehicles

on a daily basis:

n Cutting fuel costs - save up to 10p per

litre and get a consistent price.

n Increased security - fuel cards are a

safer alternative to carrying cash and

eliminate fraud.

n Streamline admin - HMRC compliant

invoices, no receipts, one neat invoice and

a dedicated account manager.

n Tighter control of business expenses

- view transactions and reports online 24/7.

n Increased flexibility for refuelling

across a huge network.

n Fleet convenience - a quick and

convenient way for fleets to refuel.

There are a range of fuel cards available

on the market and for your business to

truly benefit from investing in fuel cards,

you need to choose the right one for your

businesses’ requirements.

MOTIA, the new name for Fuel Card

Services, offers a large choice from

leading brands such as BP, Shell, Esso and

UK Fuels, so you can decide which

networks you wish to include on your

business account.

Motia and MSA GB are helping to deliver

cost savings to members throughout the

country.

For more details and to obtain

a Motia fuel card through MSA GB,

go to our website by CLICKING HERE

MEMBER OFFER

What are the latest UK fuel prices?

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

supermarket, motorway and independent forecourts in the UK, according to data

compiled by the RAC. All prices are currently LOW... but that situation must be

kept under review, given the increasing tensions in the Middle East. Certainly if the

conflict between US/Israel and Iran was to broaden out, oil prices would climb

rapidly, affecting forecourt prices.

MEMBER OFFER

AlcoSense: Every ADI should have one handy

MSA GB has teamed up with leading supplier of personal

breathalyser kits AlcoSense to bring our members a

very special offer.

The AlcoSense kits give an instant and accurate

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

your/their system, and are particularly useful ‘the

morning after.’

Peter Harvey, MSA GB national vice chairman,

commented: “These are a quality product. They arrive

well packaged, with the required batteries, five

mouthpieces and full instructions. They are very easy to

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

country you are in depending on the legal limit there.

Once set up, the breathalyser gives a very clear reading

in traffic light colours, making it easy to follow.

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

drive. Amber advises you that alcohol is present but you

UNLEADED

DIESEL

UK average 134p 140p

Motorway 158p 165p

Supermarkets 130p 136p

More membership deals

- see pg 38-39

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

important to check what the limit is in the country you

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

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

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

any concerns you may have the morning after – or for

your pupils.”

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

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

But we’ve negotiated a special discount on the entire

AlcoSense range (except single-use disposables) of 10

per cent for members IF BOUGHT THROUGH THE MSA

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

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

options available.

Find the special members discount section of our

website by CLICKING HERE

36

NEWSLINK n JULY 2025

For For all the all the latest latest news, see see www.msagb.com

ADI groups and associations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

that it’s ‘you against the world.’

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

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

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

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

peter.harveymbe@msagb.com

Aberdeen and District Driving Schools

Association

Secretary: Derek Young

T: 07732 379396

E: derekyoungcreel@aol.com

Meets quarterly February (AGM), May,

August and November.

Cost £35 per annum

Angus Driving Instructors Association

Secretary: Frances Matthew

T: 07703 664522

E; francesmatthew@hotmail.co.uk

This group holds six meeting per year

(usually one week after the Scottish

committee meeting)

Cost £20 per year.

Aylesbury Vale Driving Instructors

Association

Chairman: Sue Pusey

T: 07780 606868

E: AVDIA@btinternet.com

Meetings are first Wednesday of every

month at Roman Park Hall, Sir Henry Lee

Crescent, HP18 0YT. 7.30pm start.

Guest speaker every other month,

refreshments provided.

Annual fee £30. First meeting free as try

before you buy.

Birmingham Approved Driving Instructors

Contact: Dave Allen

T: 07939 627493

E: Daveallen1999@googlemail.com

Coatbridge/Hamilton DIA

Chairman: Brian Lonnie

T: 07508011412

E: Brianlonnieadi@icloud.com

Meetings are held in The Coach House, 97

Main Street, Bellshill ML4 3DZ

Membership costs £20 per year.

Cornwall Association of Approved Driving

Instructors (CAADI)

Secretary: Rachael Lloyd-Phillips

E: rachael@oneandallsom.co.uk

This group meets via Zoom on the 3rd

Monday every other month at 7.30pm.

City of Dunfermline and District ADIs

Secretary: Gail Pilch

T: 07817 661450

E: dunfermlineadisecretary@outlook.com

Meetings are bi-monthly, at

Dunfermline Northern Bowling Club, Dewar

Street,

Dunfermline KY12 8AD

Glasgow & District Driving Instructors

Association

Contact: Bryan Phillips

T: 07989 339 646

E: bryan.phillips@hotmail.co.uk

Meet on the last Sunday of the month,

once every quarter, at

The Fort Theatre, Kenmuir Ave,

Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2DW.

Joining fee: £15 per year

Hinckley & District Driver Trainers

Association (HDDTA)

Chairman: Barrie Pates

T: 07914 408 739

E: haddta@yahoo.com

Hull and East Riding Driving Instructors

(HERDI)

Contact: Andrew

T: 07754542993

E: herdi.rsa@gmail.com

Lanark Driving Instructors

Secretary: Sandra Smillie

T: 07975 147150

Meet quarterly from March which is our AGM

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

contact Peter Harvey on peter.harveymbe@msagb.com

South Warwickshire Association

of ADIs (SWAADI)

Contact: Andy Thomas

T: 01926 717230 / 07900 673634

E: artommo@hotmail.com

We meet at 8.30pm every third Monday of

the month except August and December

(no meetings) at The Windmill Inn,

Tachbrook Rd, Leamington Spa CV31 3DD,

Rolls and snacks are available for a small

charge and membership is £25 a year and

includes a monthly newsletter and addition

to a WhatsApp group for local issues/

traffic updates, etc.

Swindon Driving Instructors Association

(Swindon DIA)

Contact: Sandra Jill Richens

T: 07795 006015

E: SJRichens@btinternet.com

Taunton Association Driving Instructors

See Facebook page – search ‘Taunton ADI

& PDI Forum’

Wirral Association of Professional Driving

Instructors (APDI)

Chairman: Brian Murray

T: 07810 094332

Secretary: Richard Gillmore

T: 07790 193138

E: wirral-apdi@hotmail.co.uk

W: wirralinstructors.co.uk

Meet monthly on the first Thursday of the

month (except January and August)

at Heswall FC, Brimstage Road, Heswall,

Wirral CH60 1XG

Further information and to join, please visit

the website.

Why join a local association?

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

NEWSLINK n JULY 2025

37

Benefits and discounts

Members’ discounts and benefits

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

website at www.msagb.com and click on the Member Discounts logo. To access these benefits, simply log in and

click on the Member discount logo, then click the link at the bottom of the page to allow you to obtain your special

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

Tyresafe and MSA GB: A crucial

partnership for tyre education

TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety charity, partners with the MSA GB, the

longest established trade association for driver trainers in GB, to promote tyre

safety education across the nation. This collaboration is a significant step towards

ensuring that the next generation of drivers understands the critical importance of

tyre maintenance. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both organisations,

TyreSafe and MSA GB are committed to making UK roads safer for all.

See msagb.com for more details.

Ford updates special

members’ offer

To get the full

story of the

discounts

available,

click HERE

Ford has partnered with MSA GB to offer exclusive

discounts on all car and commercial Ford vehicles.

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

and specification information. See the Members’ Benefits

page on the MSA GB website and follow the Ford link

for more details. Please note these discounts are only

available to MSA GB members and their immediate family

if they are members who pay annually.

ACCOUNTANCY

MSA GB’s Recommended

Accountancy Service, FBTC

offers a specialist service for

ADIs. It has been established

over 20 years ago and covers the

whole of the UK. The team takes pride in

providing unlimited advice and support

to ensure the completion of your tax return is

hassle free, giving you peace of mind.

MSA GB OFFER:: FBTC will prepare you for

Making Tax Digital and will be providing HMRC

compliant software to all clients very soon.

Join now to receive three months free.

ADVANCE DRIVING

AND RIDING

As the UK’s largest road safety

charity, IAM RoadSmart is proud

to partner with the Motor Schools

Association GB. Working together to promote

and enhance motorists skills on our roads.

MSA GB OFFER:: Get 10% off Advanced

courses; visit www.iamroadsmart.

com/course and use the code MSA10 at the

checkout or call 0300 303 1134 to book.

BREATHALYSER KITS

Protect yourself and your pupils with a

personal breathalyser. We’ve teamed up with

AlcoSense, the award-winning range of

personal breathalysers, to offer an exclusive

discount to all MSA GB members. A personal

breathalyser takes the guesswork out of

whether there’s residual alcohol in your

system (or that of your learner driver pupil)

the morning after the night before.

MSA GB OFFER:: 10% off any AlcoSense product

(excluding single-use disposables) – from the

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

Ultra (£249.00).

CAR AIR FRESHENERS / CANDLES

Mandles’ handmade scented

collections use quality ingredients

to ensure superior scent throw

from all its candles and diffusers.

Check our our website for further

details.

MSA GB OFFER:: Special discount

of 20% on all car air fresheners and refills.

CARD PAYMENTS

MSA GB and SumUp believe

in supporting motor vehicle

trainers of all shapes and sizes.

Together we are on a mission to

ease the operational workload of

our members by providing them with the ability

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

respective training centres. SumUp readers

are durable and user-friendly. Their paperless

onboarding is quick and efficient. Moreover,

their offer comes with no monthly subscription,

no contractual agreement, no support fees,

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

reader coupled with lowest on the market

transaction fee.

DISABILITY AIDS

Driving shouldn’t just

be a privilege for people

without disabilities; it

should be accessible for

all

and there’s never been an easier time to make

this the case! MSA GB members can take

advantage of BAS’s Driving Instructor Packages

which include a range of adaptations at a

discounted price, suitable for teaching disabled

learner drivers.

MSA GB OFFER:: Special Driving Instructor

Packages for MSA GB members.

FUEL CARDS

Save up to 10p per litre of fuel with a Motia

Fuel Card. Motia, the new name for Fuel Card

Services, offers a large choice from leading

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

you can decide which networks to include on

your business account.

n Save up to 10p per litre

n Increased security - fuel cards are safer

than carrying cash and eliminate fraud

n Streamline admin - HMRC compliant

invoices, no receipts, one neat invoice and a

dedicated account manager.

n Tighter control of business expenses - view

transactions and reports online 24/7

n Increased flexibility for refuelling across a

huge network.

n Fleet convenience - a quick and

convenient way for fleets to refuel.

MSA GB OFFER:: An MSA GB fuel card will

save you up to 10p per litre.

HEALTH / FINANCE COVER

The Motor Schools Association of Great

Britain has agreed with HMCA to offer discounted

rates for medical plans, dental plan, hospital

cash plans, personal accident plan,

travel plan, income protection

and vehicle breakdown products.

MSA GB OFFER:: HMCA can offer

up to a 40% discount off the

underwriter’s standard rates.

This is a comprehensive plan which provides

cash benefits for surgery and other charges.



PUPIL INSURANCE

Join the Collingwood

Instructor Programme and

refer your pupils for learner

insurance.

MSA GB OFFER:: £50 for your

first referral and £20 for all

additional referrals.

PSYCHOLOGY TRAINING

Confident Drivers has the only

website created especially for

drivers offering eight different

psychological techniques

commonly used to reduce stress and nerves.

MSA GB OFFER:: One month free on a monthly

subscription plan using coupon code.

PUPIL SOURCING

Go Roadie provides students

when they need them, with all

the details you need before you

accept. Control your own pricing,

discounts and set your availability

to suit you. Full diary? No cost!

MSA GB OFFER:: Introductory offer of 50% off

the first three students they accept.

TRAINING COURSES

Gates & Gibson is offering

all members a 10% discount

on two of it most popular workshops, How to

Manage Your Students and British Sign

Language for ADIs and PDIs, and access to a

30-minute Business Discovery Call FREE OF

CHARGE. The content of all three is tailored

precisely to ADIs’ needs.

MSA GB OFFER:: 10% discount to MSA GB

members. Add code: MSA10 at checkout on

the Gates and Gibson website,

https://www.gatesandgibson.com

QUICKBOOKS

50% Discount on two

packages for MSA GB

members

Quickbooks is offering an online

50% discount for MSA GB members on two of

their premium accounting packages:

Essentials Package for Small Businesses, to

manage VAT and income tax.

Plus their package for businesses managing

projects, stock, VAT, and income tax.

The packages are contract-free with no

cancellation fee. Contact our MSA GB

representative at Quickbooks - Ollie Nobes,

on: 07723 507 026 or email: Ollie_Nobes@

intuit.com quoting: **MSAGB**

Membership offer

Welcome, new ADIs

We’ve a special introductory offer for you!

Congratulations on passing your

Part 3 and becoming an ADI.

There’s an exciting career

open to you from today,

one that’s alive with

possibilities as you build

your skills, your client base

and your income.

But for all the excitement,

it can also be challenging;

who can you turn to if you’re

struggling to get over key driver

training issues to a pupil? Where can you go

to soak up advice from more experienced

ADIs? Who will help you if you are caught

up in a dispute with the DVSA? If the worst

happens, who can you turn to for help,

advice and to fight your corner?

The answer is the Motor Schools

Association of Great Britain – MSA GB for

short.

We are the most senior association

representing driving instructors in Great

Britain. Establised in 1935 when the first

driving test was introduced, MSA GB has

been working tirelessly ever since on

behalf of ordinary rank and file ADIs.

We represent your interests and your

views in the corridors of power, holding

regular meetings with senior officials

from the DVSA and the Department for

Transport to make sure the ADIs’ voice is

heard.

SPECIAL OFFER

Join MSA GB today!

SPECIAL OFFER: Join for just £60 with your

PI & PL insurance included immediately!

No joining fee - saving you £30

Call 01787 221020 quoting discount code

Newslink, or join online at www.msagb.com

We’d like you to

join us

We’re there to support

you every step of the way.

Our office-based staff

are there, five days a week,

from 9am-5pm, ready to

answer your call and help you in

any way.

In addition our network of experienced

office holders and regional officers can

offer advice over the phone or by email.

But membership of the MSA GB doesn’t

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

in trouble. We also offer a nationwide

network of regular meetings, seminars and

training events, an Annual Conference, and

a chance to participate in MSA GB affairs

through our democratic structure

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

membership magazine Newslink every

month, with all the latest news, views,

comment and advice you’ll need to become

a successful driving instructor.

You’ll also automatically receive

professional indemnity insurance worth up

to £5m and £10m public liability insurance

free of charge.

This is essential legal protection covering

you against legal claims ariving from your

tuition.


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Newslink July 2025

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