The National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) had its latest meeting with the DVSA. The discussions focussed mainly on the recovery from lockdown and how the DVSA is attempting to reduce the expected waiting times for tests.

There is a lot of useful information here, though we will have to see how this all works out once the Covid restrictions are lifted. However, proactive actions are already being taken to address the inevitable problems. These include increased number of theory test centres, more driving examiners coming on stream and more test centre waiting rooms opening up.

The roadmap

Earlier this week, the DfT/DVSA confirmed their suggested road plan out of lockdown. This is dependent on government assessment of the pandemic. This can be viewed here.

There had been some confusion on B+E testing and training. However, it has now been confirmed that this category may start back on 12th April (all of the dates dependent on the PMs announcement due on 5th April).

NASP/DVSA meeting

The following are the main points from the NASP meeting with the DVSA.

Difficult times

Loveday Ryder the new CEO of DVSA, said, she appreciated how much the ADI community has struggled and was under no illusions how difficult the current situation is.   She understands and wants communications to be empathetic and recognises that there have been a number of losses among ADIs and driving examiners.  The plan is to move forward safely and steadily, recognising that there will be pressure from the public to recover rapidly.

Several driving examiners have been volunteering at vaccination centres.  The rapid increase in people being vaccinated will help the situation, as a large number of examiners are over 50 and should be vaccinated by mid-April, similarly a large number of ADIs.  The government’s new target of all over 18s by the end of July is very welcome.

Theory Test Recovery

NASP asked about the recovery plan for theory & Practical tests, the backlog of theory tests is currently 380,000.  DVSA has been working with Pearson View before the new service launch in September, and the provision of 10 additional temporary theory test centres will help contribute to an  extra 110,000 more tests per month when theory testing restarts.  The aim is to clear the backlog by the end of August.  The new booking system opens in July for September bookings.

Driving Test Recovery

There is currently around a 420,000 backlog on practical tests, with an average of 20 weeks waiting time.

DVSA is working with PHE and HSE to review procedures.  195 test centre waiting rooms were opened before lockdown, there will be an additional 27 when tests resume and another 27 following.  There are 49 that may not be possible to use, and 58 sites without waiting rooms.  There are 16 across the estate with no toilet facilities.

The target is to recover the backlog in 12 months, after the return to 7 tests a day.  DVSA stated everything would be done to achieve this and it was important for everyone to feel that it was getting better.

Face coverings

there are no current plans to legislate for compulsory mask wearing in England.  DVSA will be sending out further communications on the importance of face coverings and cleaning and ventilation.  The numbers of tests carried out can only be increased if there is confidence that examiners are sure it’s a safe environment. Scotland & Wales have compulsory face coverings.

Communication

More emphasis on the top 10 reasons for failure and clearer guidance when candidates get their results.  DVSA is encouraging anyone who is warranted to return to testing and are buying back annual leave to increase capacity.  New examiners are being recruited, and ways of increasing the number of tests per day are being investigated.  IT improvements should also help to automate examiner scheduling.  Improvements have been commissioned and money allocated to redevelop systems next year.  LR said she would like to work with NASP to get input.

DVSA said, it is hoped there will be more active engagement between ADIs and candidates, it will be open and transparent, DVSA will share what it’s doing to recover test backlogs and give information on progress.  A lot of effort will be put into planning and communications, early engagement with NASP, to make communications stronger.  LR will be writing to introduce herself to ADIs and will invite them to give feedback on what DVSA is doing and why.  There will be virtual events, and a behaviour change campaign to encourage better preparation to pass, and a new Safe Driving for Life website with new materials.

DfT’s Learning to Drive Project

There was an update on this project and the pilot that is about to be started.  There will be 3 focus groups – the first will follow the normal instruction route with no added input; the second will follow a modular programme with in-car learning and assessment; the third the modular programme via in-car and online learning and assessment.

It’s aimed to have the digital platform ready by the end of Q1 2021.  If successful it will be followed by a possible 2nd pilot.  Recruitment for the project has been delayed because of lockdown.  The results will be shared with DfT, the funding sponsor, with regular updates,  and  that the curriculum is not currently consistently delivered in the same way.  There are key core modules, and a student is expected to pass one before moving on to the next.

DVSA asked about the timing of modules in relation to the theory test, HPT and practical test.  The timeline is currently being worked on.

New Safe Driving for Life website

DVSA stated they were working on developing a new Safe Driving for Life website and full details will be sent to every instructor as it progresses.

Standards Check

There was some discussion about the standards check and whether it would be reinstated at the same time as driving lessons and testing start back, DVSA stated their main priority would be to concentrate on L tests with Part 2 & Part 3, there would also need to be some standards checks conducted, for those who had been missed, or were needing to be seen, as well as for ORDIT registrations.

Introduction of Reverse Park exercise in public car parks

DVSA suggested that in the future they would conduct a trial on doing the reverse park exercise away from the test centre as is done at the moment. Instructors will be notified as and when the trial will begin.

Crystal Report

NASP suggested that the crystal report could be used more and sent out half yearly, it was stated that people don’t have much faith because of the history and the old system of recording faults on paper DL25s, though new ADIs don’t know the history. Many ADIs don’t see test summaries if a student doesn’t pass them on after the test, and it would give instructors confirmation of what driver errors occur on tests and could possibly include in future training.

Mock Testing

DVSA stated, they felt it was now more important than ever for ADIs to conduct mock tests to help clear the backlog, it gives ADIs a better understanding of criteria and evidence for any additional training, an insight to test procedures, and help to overcome nerves.  DVSA suggested the benefits include more first time passes, which in turn lead to cost savings for the pupil and lower waiting times.  DVSA would support NASP in delivering a clear message to instructors.  It is important to remember in mock tests to simulate the same as on a live test, by not instructing or helping when on a mock test as the examiner does not, and that ADIs should explain the reasons for recommending a deferral of the test if the pupil is not ready so that they appreciate the reasons and benefits.