Since we launched our 5 year strategy in 2017, we’ve been working to become a digitally-enabled organisation. We want to provide modern, efficient and sustainable technology to support a mobile workforce and build brilliant digital services for our staff and customers.
Part of this work is developing a way to capture driving test electronically, using a tablet in the car rather than using a paper marking form (called a DL25). This will improve the way our examiners work and provide driving test candidates with a modern service using up-to-date technology.
Although this blog post is a bit longer than normal, I thought it was important to explain more about why we’re doing this, the benefits for candidates and how it will work during tests.
Providing staff with the right tools to do their job
Part of the agency’s focus over the past year has been providing our staff with the tools to do their jobs in a modern way. You may have seen we developed a search app tool for our enforcement officers, to give them immediate access to the data they need at the roadside.
A typical day sees examiners delivering a maximum of 7 driving tests. The current process requires them to spend a lot of time filling in test and candidate information on the DL25. They also have to record an overview of what happened on the previous test before the next one is conducted.
We wanted to make this process more efficient and our examiners lives easier. The new app, accessed on a tablet, prepopulates candidate and test information automatically from the booking and allows an overview of the previous test to be completed quickly and easily.
It will also provide them with immediate access to their testing schedule and highlight any specific needs the candidate might have let us know about when they booked their test. This will better prepare the examiner before meeting the candidate, to know how to help them.
An electronic version of the DL25
Examiners will conduct the test in exactly the same way as with the current paper form but will record it electronically on the app.
Capturing test results electronically will remove the need for almost 2 million test forms to be scanned each year and speed up notification of the result to DVLA, cutting the time taken for successful candidates to receive their full driving licence.
Developing the app
The app is being developed in line with Government Digital Service standards. This means making the electronic process simple to use for everyone and constantly improving it through ongoing user feedback.
So far, the prototype version of the app has received very positive feedback from examiners. We’ve also held small trial sessions with potential candidates, who’s feedback has also been really positive.
Introducing the app on tests
To begin with, we’ll only be using the app to carry out car driving tests. We’ll deliver a small number of tests, taking on board any feedback from the examiners and candidates, before increasing its use. We’ll continue to ask for feedback, from you and your candidates.
Over time, we’ll be looking to roll out the use of the app to all other test categories, including ADI tests.
Examiners are not accompanying drivers
I want to remind you of the difference between examiners using technology during a test, and instructors doing so during in a driving lesson.
Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations prohibits the use of technology if you are supervising a provisional licence holder. During a driving lesson, the instructor is supervising the learner and must therefore be in control of the vehicle at all times.
Regulation 16(9) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations also means that the driving test is the only time a learner driver does not require the supervision of an accompanying driver, as they are under test conditions.
Minimising driver distractions
Examiners will use a privacy screen to make sure that the candidate is not distracted during the test.
The tablet will also be securely held in a portfolio wallet used by the examiner. We’ve also locked down all other functionality so that the app is not communicating during the test.
The way the test works isn’t changing
I want to reassure you the way the driving test is assessed will not be changing. The duration of the test will also stay the same.
You should continue to prepare your pupils in the way you do now.
Candidates on test
Currently, when a candidate arrives to take their test, our examiners ask them to sign the residency and vehicle insurance declarations on the paper DL25.
Once the app has been rolled out, candidates will do this on the examiner’s tablet instead. The declarations will still be the same.
Providing candidates with a summary test report
Before the test starts, the candidate will also be asked to confirm how they would like to receive their summary of the test. The summary will:
- confirm the outcome of the test
- list any driving faults during the test (in order of severity)
- include information about getting further training
- give information about booking another test if they were unsuccessful
The candidate will have the option of receiving their summary by email or a paper copy by post.
They will also be able to choose if the summary is sent to the email address used when booking the test, or to an alternative that they provide to the examiner on the day. If the candidate chooses for the summary to be sent by post it will be sent to the address held by DVSA. To reduce potential for fraud, the examiner will not be able to enter an alternative postal address on the day.
If you book tests for your candidates
So, if you book tests for your pupils, you will need to consider which email address you use to do this. Under GDPR rules, you should not receive their test summary without their consent, as it is not your personal information.
Reducing the opportunity for fraud
Earlier in the blog post, I mentioned the search app used by our enforcement teams.
This app is also being made available to our examiners to help them check the identity of the test candidate and make sure the vehicle presented for test has a valid MOT.
You can find out more about how the search app works, in our blog post on Moving On.
Next steps
We’ll let you know more as we get closer to delivering live tests on the tablet.
If you have any questions on how the tablets will work, or might affect your candidates tests, please let me know in the comments.
88 comments
Comment by Andy Thomas posted on
The above states that only the address held on file can be used for postal summaries. Sometimes the candidate has recently moved address, so currently they can send off their certificate to change the address. How would notification be sent by post with this new system, bearing in mind the risk of fraud if sent to the wrong address.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Andy,
In this circumstance, the candidate will need to request to have their summary sent via email.
Comment by Andy Thomas posted on
And if they have no email? All eventualities must be covered
Comment by Norman Corke posted on
Am I right then that there will be no verbal feedback on the day? are you not concerned that this will lose the personal touch which is so important in the relationship between ADIs and the examiners?
Regarding the use of tablets by instructors, under a recent high court judgement, as long as you are not using a "device in communications mode" you can use a tablet to mark a simulation test to help prepare the pupils, as long as you can show you are in control.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Norman, the candidate will still receive a verbal debrief at the end of the test, which we encourage their instructor to listen too. Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations prohibits the use of technology if you are supervising a provisional licence holder. During a driving lesson, the instructor is supervising the learner and must therefore be in control of the vehicle at all times.
Comment by Norman Corke posted on
Thank you for your response which has now left me even more confused. You stated "(Construction and Use) Regulations prohibits the use of technology if you are supervising a provisional licence holder." that would therefore mean the use of the sat nav is illegal, which we both know it isn't. Sorry to split hairs over this point, however I do totally agree with your most important comment that we must at all times be aware of our surroundings and in control. However if we (ADIs) are not able to accurately simulate the test, due that will put the nervous pupil under more pressure?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Norman, the use of sat nav in a vehicle is specifically allowed by section 109(1)(b) of the Construction and Use regulations. When using a sat nav during a lesson or test, it should be set up and positioned safely while the vehicle is stationary, with the engine turned off. The way the test works isn’t changing, you should continue to prepare your pupils in the same way.
Comment by Norman Corke posted on
Which version and section(s) of the regulations are you referring to here because as an ex-police officer I am now totally confused by your replies. Someone also raised the question of cameras with sound, why are you so against it when it would give your examiners so much protection in their decisions, it's a question that is so constantly asked by pupils. I want to improve the standard of driving in this country but am not sure that using ipads is the answer, I think the scheme used in several countries when the recently passed pupil is limited to the speed, power of vehicle and in some countries time of day for the first twelve months would be a far better method of improving road safety and saving lives.
Comment by Norman Corke posted on
Which version and section(s) of the regulations are you referring to here because as an ex-police officer I am now totally confused by your replies. Someone also raised the question of cameras with sound, why are you so against it when it would give your examiners so much protection in their decisions, it's a question that is so constantly asked by pupils
Comment by Stevie Hicks posted on
Am myself not impressed with this move as very recently after 17 years as an ADI had to experience an examiner pointing a finger at me with a room full of candidates and other ADI's of the examiner telling me not to sway my pupil in allowing me to listen in at the end of his driving test, i quietly bit my lip as up until that moment i had never experienced being spoken to in the manner i was spoken at on that day,
Having watched the manner in which this particular examiner presents herself, i am of the opinion she would be better suited as a roadside Police Traffic Officer as that is how she talks down to the candidates.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Stevie, you can make a complaint by emailing customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk with more information about what happened. We encourage all instructors to attend the debrief at the end of the test, so they can work with their pupil to address any faults raised by the examiner.
Comment by Stevie Hicks posted on
Complaint was raised Olivia and only the second time since 2002 that i have had to raise a concern of examiner attitude but, nothing came back not even a confirmation of receipt.
Comment by Zorica Sapic posted on
Hi Stevie,
I am afraid you are not alone when you say an examiner pointed their finger at you. I've had a similar experience with a young female examiner who shouted at me when I approached the car to listen to the debrief. I told her the pupil wanted me to listen to debrief which she clearly said at the beginning but the examiner in a shouty voice and waving her hand at me insisted that I should approach the car at the end of the test only if she invites me to as the learner driver might have changed their mind and did not want me there. On this particular instance the learner did not change their mind and actually wanted me to listen to the debrief. When I drove the learner home I felt shook up, my stomach was knotted into pieces and even the learner commented as to how the examiner was totally out of order. I am a grade A instructor and have been an instructor for 34 years. The examiner in question is about 30 years old and as far as I am aware not long qualified as an examiner. I think the power must have gone to her head.
Comment by Stephen Hicks posted on
Hi Zorica.
Sounds like the same examiner to mine with crisp ironed trousers, struts around as if about to take on a military mission, watch's all that everyone else is doing except looking after her own candidate, strops off at the end of the test as if it were the most frightening experience of her life.
Not worried about my pupils as only present them when they are ready but, nerves on the actual day of the test can create all sorts of weird unseen ever before developments, such as clipping a kerb that probably has not happened since being corrected on very first moving off and stopping lessons, i have in past cancelled a pupils test with 10 minutes to spare, as in my hard earned professional opinion my pupil although ready is unfit to drive due to nerves.
Such a pity that one examiner can cause so much unrest in a test centre when all the instructors waiting with pupils are more worried about a particular examiner calling out a pupils name, then before even getting out of the car park, pupil is a total bag of nerves because they have been talked at as if a 12 year old child and are realising the "one" is sitting next to them on test.
Comment by Fay Kerr posted on
Will the app use the familiar DL25, or will the presentation change?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Fay, the DL25 will be changing slightly and we'll share what this will look like with the industry soon.
Comment by Lawrence Ringshaw posted on
Hi,
Will we see a usable paper version of the DL25 form from the DVSA that we can download and use for client mock tests?
Thanks
Lawrence.
Comment by Martin Norry posted on
When adding a clients details to a booking, on the candidate booking form, can a provision for the clients email be made available.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Martin, thanks for your suggestion, I'll pass this onto the team. Thanks Olivia
Comment by Martin Norry posted on
Hi Olivia
Thank you
Comment by Don Harris posted on
A concern on the safety aspect.
What is the screen on your tablets made of:
1. Will it reflect sunlight and possibly dazzle the driver?
2. What size is the screen, looking at your promotional picture, I assume it will be roughly A4 in size?
3. In the event of an accident will it break and cause sharp edges to possibly be in the cabin and cause injury to the candidate or accompanying passengers?
4. If the answer to 3. is yes, will the dvsa be accepting responsibility for any injuries therein caused?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Don,
The tablet screen size is around 11" inches tall. The tablet will be housed within a wallet, held securely. It will also have a privacy screen which will make sure the driver is not dazzled by the screen. Thanks, Olivia
Comment by Tim posted on
Sitting with a candidate after an unsuccessful test will be a bit awkward without a test report to work through.
We'll see, though
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Tim, the candidate will still be given a debrief at the end of the test which we encourage instructors to listen in to.
Comment by Stephen Dix posted on
Not having a copy of the form after a failed test will be a huge hinderance to giving pupils SMART feedback which is important in the education process. The examiners don't always cover every point on the form during feedback. An email isn't always instantaneous. Not every pupil brings their phone or tablet to a driving test and therefore can't forward on the email of their result or even view it themselves. We can't read an email whilst in the car with a pupil on the move. We need the form to work through the points. Does this mean that the examiner will be content to sit for several minutes at the end of each test whilst we instructors write down all the faults marked on the tablet? Similarly, now the pupil and instructor will have to stay in the test centre car park with access to WiFi to read the email to assess the summary form, this will congest the car park for the next test bookings. This will be time consuming and counter productive. I'm happy to embrace technology but this has been thought through in a one-sided manner.
Comment by Stu posted on
On a number of occasions a candidate has been asked to make their signature on the declaration match more closely to the one on their provisional licence. Signing electronically, in my experience, is not very accurate. In order to check this, will the candidate be asked to provide a sample signature on paper and if so, what security measures are proposed to dispose of these samples?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Stu, they won’t be asked to provide it on paper, but they may be asked to provide it more than once on the app - the previous attempt will be deleted. The signature is only required to be a true likeness.
Comment by Stu posted on
Thanks for the swift reply Olivia. After they’ve been asked a number of times and the examiner still isn’t happy with the likeness, what will happen then?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Stu, the process of identification isn’t changing, if the identity of the candidate can’t be ascertained then the test will be terminated however this is very extreme. The licence will have a photograph as well as the signature. The candidate will be using a stylus which will provide more accuracy than using a finger to sign.
Comment by Steve whipp posted on
What happens if the tablet malfunctions or the battery goes flat?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Steve, there will be a paper back up if needed.
Comment by Peter [BMF] posted on
How will this be used on a motorcycle test?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
The digital test report has initially been developed and will be released for category B car tests. Other categories, including motorcycles, are currently under development and will be released in due course along with appropriate communications.
Comment by Mark Coulburn posted on
Will candidates still receive a pass certificate at the end or will this be posted or emailed with DL25 summary
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mark, they will still receive a pass certificate.
Comment by Mark Camburn posted on
Hi I am right in thinking when you start using the iPad it all goes to plan. Will you need test Centre’s anymore. The examiner could meet the pupils at Tesco or Morrison and start the test from their. Saving the DVSA lots of money.
Comment by Helen posted on
At the end of the test the instructor would be able to look at the paper copy of DL25 while the test is fresh in the pupil's mind. This facility will be lost. Can pupils take a picture of the screen to show instructors?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Helen, the pupil won't be able to take a photo of the screen. However if they choose to receive their test summary by email it should arrive almost instantaneously. We also encourage instructors to attend the debrief at the end of test.
Comment by Jon Stevenson posted on
Great job, long overdue.
I would like a change in the law to allow us (ADI's) to use the app when conducting mock tests - after all, we present the candidate for test so we know best when to be an "observer" rather than an "instructor."
You say - "The examiner is trained to allow the candidate to demonstrate their ability to drive whilst making sure the candidate does not put themselves or other road users at risk." - We do this everyday, all day and because of that, I would argue we are better trained to make this judgement.
I won't hold my breath however, it's taken long enough to get our pupils on the Motorway!!
Comment by Glyn Williams posted on
I think this may have been covered above but for clarity, will we (the instructor) be able to receive the DL25 equivalent so that we can maintain our own records of test results - something that I have always done with my students consent, to ensure monitoring of my own performance during tutoring.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Glyn, under GDPR you would need the candidate to consent to share this with you. This will also be covered in the debrief at the end of the test.
Comment by David posted on
Perhaps a sanitised version of the report could be sent to the ADIs email. for example instead of the name of the candidate something along the lines of:
Report for test conducted on 12/09/2019 at 14.00pm.
This would allow the ADI to know which of their candidates each email applies to without breaking the GDPR rules.
Comment by Stuart Mead posted on
"We’ve also locked down all other functionality so that the app is not communicating during the test."
Does this mean the Summary Test Report will be sent by e-mail after the examiner returns to the office, or will they be able to e-mail the report at the end of the test? How quickly will the student receive their report?
The current paper report is useful to help the student and instructor immediately reflect on their performance during the test. Will this no longer be possible?
If the report can be viewed immediately after a test, it will likely be on a mobile phone. Is consideration being given to the layout of the report to make it mobile friendly? (Replicating the current paper form layout will not be helpful).
Will you also consider asking the student to allow a cc copy of their report to be sent by e-mail to their instructor?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Stuart,
The test summary will issue after the debrief and before the examiner returns to the centre so the email should be almost instantaneous. The candidate will be able to share this with the ADI if they wish to do so. The test summary has been designed to be user friendly and is not a copy of the test report marking sheet, it is a summary based on the faults committed.
Comment by Andrew Higgins posted on
The App should have information in Plain English. It also should be fully accessible in British Sign Language to meet the duty under the Equalities Act 2010.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Andrew, the app is a digitised version of the current paper based test report and process. The app has been subjected to an independent accessibility audit and Government Digital Services Standards ensure that the service is suitable for all users.
Comment by Andrew John Higgins posted on
Hey Olivia, So does this mean it DOES have BSL? meeting the needs of Deaf BSL users under the equalities Act 2010? If it does'nt have, youve been failed by your independent access auditor!
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi, The app is a digitised version of the current paper test report and process, therefore the delivery of the test for a candidate with a hearing impairment, will not be impacted. Introducing the app may improve their experience as they have the option of getting the summary of the test emailed directly to them.
Comment by Andrew Higgins posted on
Hiya Olivia what if the instructor is a BSL user. Guidance notes, help, and other information should be accessible in BSL. A government recognised language. For clarity, I'm not specifically talking about the candidate here. I mean the app user!
Comment by Richard Starkess posted on
I book most tests for my students, this allows me to control my diary, I also hold the right to change a test when needed for the good of the student or should a problem occur.
Do I need to provide written confirmation to every examiner at the beginning of each test in order for the report be sent through to my email?
Is the DVSA going to provide a WiFi link for ADI's to receive this data at point of use or is it expected that we have a data link to receive the report quickly?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Richard, the candidate will be asked by the examiner at the start of their test whether they would like their report to be sent to the email the booking was made from. If the candidate is happy with you receiving their report they can continue with this email address. However, they may wish to change it to their own email address. Under GDPR, this information is their personal data and it is their right to decide whether to share this with anyone else. Instructors can still attend the debrief at the end, where the candidates performance on test will be discussed.
Comment by teehan posted on
Thanks Olivia
All that information was vary helpful
Comment by Richard Starkess posted on
Thanks Olivia, as long as a verbal agreement is OK I can gain permission from my students prior to the test, any who do not wish me to have a copy can use their own email address to book the test so saving time on the day.
Comment by Rod posted on
HI
I wonder if you have asses how the examiner's job and test results would be affected/ improved by the use of this app if so then, would the examiners have time to take less or extra tests per day ? Also , the question is should the app's use affect the examiner's performance what would happen then?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Rod, examiners will continue to carry out 7 tests per day. All candidates are assessed to the same level and the result of their test is entirely dependent on their performance on the day.
Comment by Sid malik posted on
Being the son of a driving instructor for 30 years+ I feel that the driving test needs more than a tablet to make the test quicker and smarter. Each driving test should be under the management of a recording device. This may not go down to well with the examiners as their decision could be challenged, however I have heard of many candidates who have had complaints of the decisions made by the examiners during their driving test. Camera (s) in the vehicle should be placed and be on record for each test. A simple and cheap way for the candidate to have a fair test. Currently it is the word of the examiner that is final and the candidate has no evidence to back themselves up.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi, the purpose of the app is to digitise the current paper based test report and process. The introduction of the app will not alter the conduct, control or assessment of the driving test. Candidates receive a debrief at the end of each test along with a copy of the test summary. Driving instructors and / or accompanying drivers are encouraged to accompany the driving test and be present for the debrief.
Comment by Angus McFarlane posted on
I think this is a great idea.
I suppose I ought to try and keep up with everyone else and try to find something negative to say about, so... it's about time, and it's long overdue.
I'm sure any minor problems will get sorted out, and I think I, at least, will be able to live with the fact that it isn't EXACTLY the same as what has been happening for the last 50 years (which plenty of people have moaned about over the years anyway).
If I need to see a copy of the result sheet, I will ask my pupils - 99.999% of whom live at/have access to a registered address and/or use email. I think I'd be able to remember to advise the remaining 0.001% in advance that they could use MY email address instead.
Good luck with it. It's the way forward.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Thanks for your feedback Angus
Comment by Ruth Wallace posted on
Regarding the comment, "Under GDPR, this information is their personal data and it is their right to decide whether to share this with anyone else"
Yes, Instructors can attend the debrief at the end, but would it be professional for an instructor to 'prompt' pupils (who are often in a whirl having just been for test) to give the OK, because they may neglect/not understand/forget to say YES to 'share' the DL25 info with their instructor at the time the examiner asks.
(And in a verbal debrief pupil & instructor has to try remember what the examiner said rather than actually being able to accurately capture the test markings for instructors own personal record/reporting purposes).
It would be better to have allow the pupil to option to give GDPR approval to 'Share my Test Marking Sheet with my Instructor' option at the time of booking the DVSA appointment and to nave a nice and clear field where to add the instructors email address at the time of booking.
This would help to save instructor and pupil stress on the test day!
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Ruth, the examiner will confirm the email address that the candidate has chosen to receive the test summary on, at the beginning of the test during the introduction and identity checks. As the test summary is a reflection of the candidate’s test, they are entitled to, and responsible for, forwarding it on to their driving instructor if the wish, at any point after receiving it.
Comment by Haydn Jenkins posted on
again I see DVSA rushing ahead with no thought to those who are computer illiterate, most systems require you to be able to read, in order to use you digital by default systems, not every candidate is able to communicate digitally
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Haydn, at DVSA, we believe that inclusive, accessible services are better for everyone.
We’ve worked closely with our internal Staff Enablement Group and conducted an independent accessibility audit/usability testing with Driving Examiners and Candidates to ensure everyone can use the updated service, including people with disabilities or other legally protected characteristics.
We’ve also made sure that assisted digital support is in place for people who don’t have access to the internet or lack the skills or confidence to use it.
Comment by John Curtis posted on
When the candidate receives a copy of their Driving Test Report (DL25B) in the form of an email or letter, will they also still receive a copy of the The Driving Test Report Explained(DL25D)
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi John, the candidates test summary will provide the same explanation as before, however it will contain a summary of the faults rather than a complete test report.
Comment by Janet Lambert posted on
How will examiners be marking the report? Stylus or finger touch? Personally, I'm pretty useless at texting and often touch the wrong letter, or if scrolling, accidentally "type" an incorrect letter, or make some kind of mark (or if I'm really lucky highlight entire paragraphs!!). My concern is that driver faults could be marked by accident when scrolling/looking for the sections on the form, resulting in more minors faults being recorded than actually occurred.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Janet, the examiner will be using a stylus. They have been trained to use the tablet and will be familiar with where the faults are located on the screen. They also have the option to remove faults if they are accidentally selected. The electronic DL25 form has been designed so that the examiner won't need to scroll up and down when carrying out a test.
Comment by Richard posted on
Finally the end to carbon copy paper! This has been years overdue. Very happy to see it being introduced and the DVSA catching up with modern technology.
The only negative issue i can see is not having that physical copy of the test report in my hands for the private feedback i always do with the pupil after the examiner has left and we are away from the DTC car park.
If you can sort this by emailing a copy immediately after the test then this would work.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Richard, the candidate should receive their summary report by email almost instantaneously, at the end of the test.
Comment by Grant posted on
This seems like a great idea, making the examiners work easier and saving paper. I’m sure any niggles Will soon be tided up in due course.
There are apps already in us for ADI’s simulating the dl25 paper copy however we can’t legally use them as we are in a supervisory role,
Does this mean that the examiner’s role will be as an observer and therefore they should not inter fear with the candidates drive, for example if the examiner see’s that the candidate is about to pull into traffic and have an accident then they will let them.
If the examiner does intervene then their role has now temporarily changed and they shouldn’t have technology as a distraction in just they need to intervene.
I’m confused as to their specific role/job title .
Regards
Grant
Changing lanes driving school
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Grant, Regulation 16(9) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations means that the driving test is the only time a learner driver does not require the supervision of an accompanying driver, as they are under test conditions. The examiner is trained to allow the candidate to demonstrate their ability to drive whilst making sure the candidate does not put themselves or other road users at risk. This is not the same as being an accompanying driver. The examiner is required to exercise their judgement and will take whatever reasonable course of action is required to resolve a situation where safety is compromised, therefore if an examiner intervenes in a way that is ‘reasonable’ they have discharged their duty of care.
Comment by Grant posted on
Thanks for your reply
Comment by James Love posted on
If Instructors are booking the tests I think it will be useful to be able to input both the instructor email and canidates email, thus cancellation notification can be sent to customer and candidate but the summery test report can then just go to the candidate.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Thanks for your feedback James.
Comment by Jack Woodward posted on
At last an instructor that seems to have a bit of common sense and not trying desprately to find anything, anything, negative. Next this will some how be linked with the reverse on the opposite of the road!
Comment by Wakeel Effendi posted on
Will the instructors be able to download and use that app for MOCK tests?
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi, instructors won't be able to use the app.
Comment by Stephen Brown posted on
I think the summary test report should be able to be sent to both the Candide and the ADI.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Stephen, thanks for your feedback. As the summary report consists of the candidate's personal information, only they will receive this. They can share this with their instructor.
Comment by Robert whitlow posted on
Hi Olivia ,
If an examiner marks a duplicate test sheet he can’t change the result , but you’ve said in your comments that the examiner can change the mark on the tablet in there hands, this allows the examiner to change the result at the end of the test if he or she wishes to do so , would it not be better / fairer if the examiner is made to flag the mistake instead , and explain why or how the so called mistake was marked in a separate information box on the form , the mistake could make the difference between a pass or failure .Saying that ,I have found in my experience that a majority of examiners record a fair test and result. Your new system and trials should be looking into the possibility of a dishonest examiner changing the test result for his own reward !!
Comment by Julia Zouch posted on
I book all my pupil's tests and use my email. That way I have instant notification if DVSA moves a test without having to rely on a pupil remembering to tell me. I forward the information to the pupil. I keep a record of test results as a way of enabling me to monitor my own strengths and weaknesses. This new system has advantages, but it does concern me that I may not be able to accurately record faults following a test, and that any pupils who have failed may not be in a state to hunt for an email to share with me at the time. They certainly won't bother to forward it later! Technology has a lot of uses (the trainer booking system is wonderful) but it does make some aspects more difficult. Will this system be used on ADI Part 2 tests?
Comment by David M Finnegan posted on
Am I correct that the present system examiners do not know if the student on test has had test failures in the past. If so will this change in the digital recorded system?
Thanks David
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi David, you are correct. This will not change.
Comment by David posted on
Thanks Olivia your a STAR
Comment by Gary Fossey posted on
All for the use of tablets and the benefits they bring. I also totally agree with all the comments requesting the facility for candidates to agree to the test report email being emailed to the instructor and especially at the same time as agreeing to the instructor sitting in the back at the outset of the test. For example, Pupils will not only forget but, I'm sorry to say, delete it or not want to have to go through turning their phones on and open an email immediately following a test fail. They are always happy , in my experience,to pass the test report to the instructor and many, I'm afraid to say, don't want to hang onto it when both having a copy of the email might facilitate pupils studying it when they feel more positive. It would be better for all concerned, including the DVSA, and if the pupil agrees to it for the instructor to be able to do this. Maybe candidates should be asked to choose whether to tick boxes to indicate whether they wish for the instructor to receive a copy of the report email (maybe linking with the instructor email held via a the government gateway from their badge number possibly encouraging instructors to l eave their badge in the car) and whether they want the instructor to sit in the car and/or be in on the debrief (seemingly the other related issue which could be dealt with herein providing additional added value) at the end before they're able to sign the form? The DVSA talk about consulting with and listening to their stakeholders and, especially since I've deliberately waited a bit to reply, this seems to be the only significant issue for instructors and something which would be fairly straightforward to achieve technically.
Comment by Terry jones posted on
Hi, I have only one thing, when a pupil signs the declaration it is a form of an ID check for there licence, now if this is now signing with a digital pen or figure, the signature will look completely different, how is this being controlled, regards Terry.
Comment by Olivia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Terry, the candidate will be able to use a stylus to sign their name.
Comment by Matthew Leeden posted on
Hi,
I have a question regarding the use of tablets to aid the examiners, that isn't approrpiate to ask on this public forum. Is there an email address that I can use to send my question rather than the generic customerservice email address?
Thanks,
Matthew