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https://despatch.blog.gov.uk/2021/10/06/adi-standards-checks-your-data-and-parameter-questions-answered/

ADI standards checks: your data and parameter questions answered

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Driving instructors, Driving test, Feature

Hi, I’m Laura Great-Rex, I work for the enforcement directorate at DVSA. For those of you that don’t know me, I started my career as a driving instructor before joining DVSA to specialise in the Agency’s ADI-related work. Like you I am passionate about improving road safety.

Leading the ADI team during the pandemic gave me an opportunity to look at how we could innovate and improve the service we deliver and support consumers through a lifetime of safe driving. I’ve used my experience to help create a new service that has been designed to support driving instructors and help them to develop and improve.

In my blog post I want to explain more about the parameters and the data we are now using to help us to prioritise standards checks, what this means for you and how you can benefit from this.

But first… thank you

I know that the pandemic has been a difficult, uncertain time for you and your businesses. I know how hard you are working to meet the demand for lessons and prepare your pupils for their tests.

Everyone at DVSA appreciates the role you are playing in helping the driver training industry and indeed our nation, to build back better.

Now for the data bit  

I know some ADIs are concerned that candidate test results are a rather blunt tool to use to decide who needs a standards check.

Having been an ADI myself I know that every pupil is different but I also know that ADIs specialise in adapting their training to suit each customer. So, when an ADI presents a candidate for a driving test, whatever the journey they have been on to reach the point of being test ready, they are, in an ADI’s professional opinion, ready and safe to drive independently. Whilst we don't expect an ADI to have 100% pass rate (we all know nerves can play a part on the day) there is a pattern to the standards presented by higher performing ADIs and those that regularly present a lower standard.

I want to reassure you that the data we are using to prioritise goes beyond a simple pass or fail result. During lockdown when standards checks had to be suspended, my team analysed thousands of pieces of data to create 4 parameters.

  1. Driver Faults This is set at an average of 5 or more
  2. Serious Faults This is set at an average 0.5 or more
  3. Physical Intervention by a driving examiner (ETA P) This is set at 10% or more.
  4. Pass Rate Nationally it has been at around 46% for many years (this is all tests not just those presented by ADI’s). Currently it is 51.6%. We have set the parameter at 55% or below. The average pass rate achieved by ADIs who have presented candidates for test, displaying their badge (certificate) is currently 52%. This clearly shows that those using a professional instructor drive to a higher standard but we can and should expect this and more from professional instruction. We want to raise training standards and I’m sure you agree 55% should be a minimum achievable professional standard.

We’re using the analysis of this data to prioritise standards checks. It is true that, to create a level playing field, we need you all to display your certificates to help us prioritise those ADIs that need some extra support. I believe if everyone supports this approach we can help pinpoint major concerns and recurring patterns fairly and reliably and let the majority of excellent ADIs get on with the business of instructing.

To help give you confidence in the process and our intentions you can watch a video for more information on how we made some of the above decisions.

Your report, your development

Find out how to request your ADI driving test data report.

You can also request a standards check if you email PADI@dvsa.gov.uk detailing the reasons why.

My reassurance

There are 4 other important things I want to explain to help put your mind at ease.

  1. The engagement call is voluntary, we developed it with support from a group of ORDIT instructors and NASP. It will be offered once you have confirmed your standards check date. Our ADI examiners will give you a call to arrange. They will send you a copy of your ADI analysis report by email too, so you can discuss it during the engagement call.
  2. If you don’t want the call that is ok, it is not linked to your standards check outcome at all. It’s an opportunity for some continued professional development (CPD), a conversation that will help you reflect and point you in the right direction for further support or guidance if you need it. We will then send you a record of the engagement call (questions, notes and links to useful guidance) as a reminder
  3. This call is designed to help ADIs reflect on their own performance and contribution to road safety standards. You can ask any questions or share any concerns you have about the standards check itself with your ADI examiner on this call too. The only thing our examiner cannot do is provide any technical training. You should consult an ORDIT trainer for that.
  4. The standards check assessment itself has not changed and the number of attempts should you need them remains at 3.

Find out more

We have published additional guidance about your standards check and what it means. We have also emailed a letter from our ADI registrar to all ADIs on the register on 6 October 2021.

If you have further questions, please speak to a local ADI examiner. Alternatively the ADI Enforcement Manager for the area will have their name and telephone number available in your local driving test centre.

Other useful information

We’ve developed information and resources I hope will support your development and help you help your pupils make their test count.

The top 10 reasons people fail the driving test

We’ve published the top 10 reasons for failing the driving test which you can use to help your pupils understand the common faults and knowledge and skills they need to work on to pass first time and how our examiners assess how safely they are driving.

You can read more on the common reasons people fail their test.

Keep a record of your pupil’s driving lessons

You can use our form (sometimes called the driver’s record) to track your pupils' progress as they learn to drive.

The records allow you to:

  • easily check what your pupils need to know by grouping together key skills
  • include new stages of learning so your pupils can reflect on their lessons

You can download it from GOV.UK.

Your pupils can also record any extra practice they do so using a free form at GOV.UK. They can then talk to you about their experience in their next lesson.

Helping your pupils who fail

We know failing a driving test is extremely disappointing and your pupils will feel frustrated if they fail and have to wait longer for another test.

To help pupils who fail their test, we have published guidance which explains the driving test report.

You can use this with your pupils to better understand the results of their test, and get the information you need to help them better prepare for their next test.

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84 comments

  1. Comment by Philip Robinson posted on

    Thanks for this informative page. Very clear and easy to understand.

    • Replies to Philip Robinson>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Thank you for taking the time to read this - we're glad this has been helpful to you.

    • Replies to Philip Robinson>

      Comment by Ian Iveson posted on

      Hi my concerns are regarding learners boking a practical driving test before they are ready, and without the cooperation of their driving instructor. Under the present system, a learner when booking their practical test on line, is asked to provide their instructors number. If we display our licence, the number is visible, so it can be used without them asking for it. If that person then attends the test, without their instructor, or their agreement that they are ready, and the person fails, is our number then used by the dvsa, to assess our skills, of competence, under this new idea you are bringing in???? I have a strict policy with any of my learners, of not letting them book or use me/my vehicle unless i feel they are at the required level, and tell them so. Some have then left and gone on to take the practical test, their result unknown to me. Another reason why i do not have too many clients taking their practical test.

      • Replies to Ian Iveson>

        Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

        Hi Ian The ADI’s PRN is captured only at test if the ADI’s certificate of registration is present. It is not captured from the booking.

  2. Comment by Richard Lane posted on

    I only do fleet training as an ADI therefore I don’t have any driving test data so how will this new system affect me?

    • Replies to Richard Lane>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Richard You will still be called for a standards check once within your four year registration period if you don’t teach learners.

  3. Comment by Paul Darwen posted on

    I am not presently instructing as I have taken a full time job in lockdown but I am keeping my badge , as I won't have any recorded data how will this affect my standards test and when I shall be called for a test

    • Replies to Paul Darwen>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Paul If you don’t teach learners you should expect to be called for a standards check once within your four year registration period.

  4. Comment by Tim Clayton posted on

    This explanation is very welcome. I like the varied language, between “customer”, “student”, etc. But the enforcement “side” of our mutual mission still carries a strong air of authority (as it must have, but NOT expressed so bluntly).

    I’ve long believed the term “examiner” unnecessarily reminds pupils (or rather, our “clients”) of school, and very formal, often unhappy and quite recent experiences.

    This gets in the way of demonstrating their driving ability, and even learning or development. For us ADIs, too.

    In place of “examiner”, why not “assessor”; rather than “enforcement”, why not “quality assurance” (or something shorter and less hackneyed)?

    But overall, excellent big step in a helpful direction. And of course it’s needed.

    The key fact missing from the original publication about the 4 triggers, which might have avoided misunderstanding or criticism, was the “52%” figure.

    • Replies to Tim Clayton>

      Comment by Paul Jackson posted on

      Well put Tim
      They should take note and adjust their bombastic manner.

      • Replies to Paul Jackson>

        Comment by Tim Clayton posted on

        Thank you, Paul. I’d never really thought of DVSA, or DSA, as bombastic: others will rightly feel different. But I DO think that many large organisations fall into rather impersonal language. (Maybe that’s what Orwell and other political fiction writers spot, and portray).

        It’s around do with relative size of the two parties in the relationship: I saw the same working 20 years in the C. of E.

        Our 1:1 teaching can be nicely balanced when we’re both in a front seat of what’s effectively a small room. It’s like a cinema date! A government agency trying to address 40k people, whose livelihoods depend on what they say, is not. (It’s like a tricky political rally!)

        A regional approach may help, similar to examiners’ Q&A surgeries at test centres, perhaps by funded collaboration with local ADI associations.

        And I’m happy to be told (such as by my wife) that I focus too much on exact words. So most ADIs and learner drivers may not be fussed with DVSA’s choice of nouns. On hearing a song, I’ll infer things from the lyrics; my wife just responds emotionally to the tune!

        If learners and instructors do both, we all benefit from maximum positive engagement.

  5. Comment by Andrew Leonard posted on

    So what happens to defensive driving consultants such as myself who do not teach learners at all? We will have a nil pass rate so bearing in mind I got an A on my last check test, will I be penalised and made to take a check test more frequently then say a learner ADI who got a B on his/her check test? Thanks.

    • Replies to Andrew Leonard>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Andrew If you don’t teach learners you should expect to be called for a standards check once within your four year registration period.

      • Replies to Julia (DVSA)>

        Comment by Andrew Leonard posted on

        Thanks Julia. Regards Andrew.

  6. Comment by Gary M Talbot ADI posted on

    3 of the flags I agree with, emphatically not the 5 driving fault one, try telling a pupil who passed with 5 on the sheet first time when 15 is a pass that their instructor has done a poor job and that test flags them up, not happy with that criteria at all.

    • Replies to Gary M Talbot ADI>

      Comment by Darren posted on

      I agree. I had a pupil on a first time test at a very busy time of day as only time we could get before going to University. Passed with five faults and I've hit a trigger!

      • Replies to Darren>

        Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

        Hi Darren One test is not an average, even if your overall average is five driving faults per test, that is one parameter and you would not be prioritised for a standards check with one parameter, you would be presenting a great overall standard.

    • Replies to Gary M Talbot ADI>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Gary Currently the average number of driving faults on all tests presented by ADIs is below 5.

      If all your pupils pass with a higher average this would be a good result - yes you would have one parameter but overall your training standards would be great. And with only one parameter we would not be looking to prioritise you.

      So no need to be concerned for your pupils, if they are all passing just with a higher average number of driving faults you are doing a good job.

  7. Comment by Matthew Haynes posted on

    I am horrified by these changes. I have read what you have said about special needs; And in a perfect world you are right. But; logically I should now be selective over my students and only take on students who are “natural” drivers. These changes are badly though through. I have specialised in special needs, anxious and slow to learn students. I must now rethink this.

    • Replies to Matthew Haynes>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Matthew Every pupil is different but ADIs specialise in adapting their training to suit each customer. So when an ADI presents a candidate for a driving test, whatever journey they have been on to reach the point of being test ready, they are, in an ADI’s professional opinion, ready and safe to drive independently.

      • Replies to Julia (DVSA)>

        Comment by Katie posted on

        All the responses and explanations about special needs customers fail to consider the fact that these pupils will be much more prone to and affected by nerves on the day of the test. So whilst they are test ready in lessons this doesn't always seem the case on the day of the test. I think this guidance risks deterring ADI's from working with these pupils when these are customers that really benefit from having specialist support.

        • Replies to Katie>

          Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

          Hi Katie As we said earlier, every pupil is different but ADIs specialise in adapting their training to suit each customer. So when an ADI presents a candidate for a driving test, whatever journey they have been on to reach the point of being test ready, they are, in an ADI’s professional opinion, ready and safe to drive independently.

      • Replies to Julia (DVSA)>

        Comment by Tim Clayton posted on

        Very well put, imho. 🙂

  8. Comment by Mr Timothy Lavelle posted on

    Thank for the help

  9. Comment by Paul Coombs posted on

    I have been an since 1980.
    I haven't taught learners since 1987. I am ADI and Fleet trainer and teach defensive and advanced driving. How will I be assessed

    • Replies to Paul Coombs>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Paul The assessment has not changed, you will still have a standards check once within your four year registration period

  10. Comment by Mohamed posted on

    Thanks that information
    It's very clear and fair Thanks
    Mo

  11. Comment by Jeremy Fox posted on

    I have been an ADI for 34 years and for every Check Test (remember those?) I got a grade 6 and on my last Standards Check I got an A with a perfect score, it was the first perfect score the Supervising Examiner ADI had awarded. Are all these just a waste of paper now?

  12. Comment by Mervyn Walker posted on

    How does the DVSA propose to deal with ADI's that operate solely in the fleet and post-test training sector? I have not presented a candidate for test in the last 10 years or so as this is the business model I have chosen to persue. My last standards check was scored 51/51 grade A

    • Replies to Mervyn Walker>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Mervyn If you don’t teach learners you should expect to be called for a standards check once within your 4 year registration period.

  13. Comment by Pamela Mitchell posted on

    The report is explained very well. Thank you. However my analysis report has a test missing. I have been informed by the DVSA saying that this cannot be included. I have presented all tests in my tuition vehicle with my badge visible. Fortunately my results are above the 4 triggers even without the missing test but I wonder how many other reports are not correct. I think it is reasonable to suggest that we should be measured against accurate information.

    • Replies to Pamela Mitchell>

      Comment by Mark McMullen posted on

      Hi Pamela,

      I raised the same concern last night, I requested a test report 2 weeks ago and received it yesterday with 2 passes missing.

      Same as you, it didn't effect my triggers. However, if this isn't based on accurate data the whole enterprise is a fail.

      I suspect the core data is very inaccurate.

      The moderator didn't think my opinion was worthy of posting apparently.

      Mark

      • Replies to Mark McMullen>

        Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

        Hi Mark Since the introduction of the new digital capture of the driving test, the core data is very accurate and not susceptible to scanning errors. However, sometimes examiners find it difficult to see certificate numbers due to the positioning of the certificate

  14. Comment by Darren James Kerr posted on

    I recently completed my 6th Standards Check, which I voluntarily requested as I only presented two pupils for test this year due to lockdown and I only work part time. My last four Checks I received two grades of six on the old Check Test and two A's on the new test. If I continue to present pupils for test and don't hit any of the triggers will I still need to do a Standards Check every four years? As I see no point in established ADI's being continually tested who have healthy Standards Check scores and who don't hit triggers on Learner Driving Tests.

    • Replies to Darren James Kerr>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Darren This is the principle of the new Test Information Program. If ADI’s are consistently presenting better prepared candidates we will not be prioritising them. However, if we do not have sufficient information to base that decision on ADIs should expect to be called within their registration period.

  15. Comment by Alan Melton posted on

    I feel this puts pressure on ADIs. To pass with less than 5 driver faults is a bit ridiculous why not just lower the limit if driver faults if this is the case? What if a client fails with more than 5 faults?? Also at present we are not allowed accompany on test. How are we sure the examiner has been correct with a fault?
    I had one instance last week where my client picked up a driver fault for not being able to switch the main beam on even after explaining she had to turn the engine on for this which examiner said no you don’t. I’ve a Renault Clio.
    Maybe if we were able to observe tests then I would feel happier. Though it’s a breach of the data protection act if you do not ask to use the data I believe?

    • Replies to Alan Melton>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Alan We are prioritising ADIs who currently meet all 4 parameters, so a single test is highly unlikely to result in an ADI with an otherwise high standards from reaching the parameters.

  16. Comment by Derek Wormald posted on

    Thank you for taking the time to clarify the situation with regards to the new system on reviewing ADI’s relating to check tests. I strongly believe many instructors understandably miss understood the way it would work. Myself included.

    Derek
    Wormald adi

  17. Comment by John Williams ADI posted on

    What is the DVSA doing to ensure that data held against our PRN is accurate? What action is taken against examiners who incorrectly record an ADI's PRN number? Will an ADI be able to appeal incorrect data?

    • Replies to John Williams ADI>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi John Please can you discuss your queries with your local ADI manager (LDTM).

  18. Comment by Frank Campbell posted on

    This change is long overdue. Too many instructors have presented pupils not ready for test . The standard test can't pick up behaviour of instructors on lessons.
    It is possible to find ways to achieve this and remove instructors who's standards are poor.
    The training of instructors can be below standard. DVSA oversight not good enough.

  19. Comment by Christopher posted on

    considering changing career as my anxiety can't handle this

  20. Comment by Christopher Mitchell posted on

    Thank you for the clarification and the additional information.

    I have recently asked for my DVSA statistics. The data I received was for a 2 year period, and not the 12 month data that you have specified. As a result, the data that you say you are using, is not visible to myself. It would be useful if we had the same vision of our data that the DVSA are using.

    • Replies to Christopher Mitchell>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      We are only issuing 12 months of data since 12 August2021. Going forward only 12 months rolling data will be issued

      • Replies to Julia (DVSA)>

        Comment by Jason Underwood posted on

        Hi. Can you confirm that all adi.s statistics are been looked at from August 2021.?
        I.m unsure when it's been looked at from.
        Thankyou Jason

        • Replies to Jason Underwood>

          Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

          Hi Jason They are looked at on a rolling 12 months – the data goes back 12 months from when the report is run, which is updated weekly.

      • Replies to Julia (DVSA)>

        Comment by Christopher Mitchell posted on

        Thank you. I will re-apply for my data.

  21. Comment by Norman Clayton posted on

    What is wrong with the old method. Grade A every 4 years and Grade B every 2 years.
    I have been an instructor for 36 years and I say its about time some work is done to improve relations with ADI!s and the DVSA instead of us feeling its them against us.

    • Replies to Norman Clayton>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Norman The standards check has not changed - the prioritisation of ADIs has. We want the ADIs that are delivering a consistently high performance to continue unhindered. This means we may not see some ADIs during their current registration period. This is irrespective of grade and based on the outcomes of their training standards during the past twelve months.

      To support ADIs further, we have introduced an engagement call, an opportunity to work together more closely, to offer advice and where to access further information prior to taking a standards check.

  22. Comment by Jane Burnhill posted on

    Thank you for email and this link to gain more information on what the enforcement officers are looking at to help increase the pass rate to 55%.
    Can you tell me why a student who turns up-to test in their own car, but who booked the test under their instructors ADI number, why that test result is still logged against an ADI badge? Whilst most of us welcome a pass from these students. Some of us may well have declined taking a student to test, but they’ve ignored an instructors advice and gone anyway in their own car. Is there a way to delete our ADI number from any bookings that we feel are not ready, but we know student is going ahead anyway?

    • Replies to Jane Burnhill>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Jane If a student turns up in their own car, unless your certificate is displayed in that vehicle, the outcome is not linked to your PRN.

  23. Comment by John Bell posted on

    Good evening,

    As a new comer to the business, I do find it unusual that the debrief conducted by an examiner (especially in the presence of the PDI/ADI does not go through the context and circumstances of every minor fault.

    Seems an area that needs to be revisited in the critique. I personally believe it would contribute to the drive to increase standards.

    If it’s worthy of a fault, it’s worthy of an explanation.

    I have already drawn this view to the attention of Loveday Rider during a communication on another matter. I respectfully requested she consider this matter.

  24. Comment by Mark McMullen posted on

    I requested a Test Analysis Report a couple of weeks ago to assess its accuracy and it arrived today. I compared it to a spreadsheet I created myself covering the last 8 years.

    My badge has always been on display on tests.

    The information from 6th Oct 2020 till now is incorrect. The number of tests and number of candidates on the report are under reported. Two candidates and tests (passes) are missing. This obviously makes the statistical triggers less reliable.

    I haven't been able to identify specifically the missing tests which will effect the driving fault calculation. The average pass rate is down by 5% compared to reality.

    Two missing passes may not sound like much but over such a short sampling period of just one year this could become significant and be the difference between some triggers on or off.

    Regarding the triggers themselves. Given that this was sold as a way to help increase first time passes and reduce waiting times - why is the first time pass rate not included in the report ?

    My customers are predominantly female. Since there is a historical difference between the male and female pass rate, about 7% - why are there no normalising adjustments to the pass rate figures reflecting this? Same could be argued for age for example.

    I do like the idea of a system like this to reward instructors doing a good job.

    However my biggest concern is how weak this is in the following scenario. 5 candidates. 4 first time passes. One candidate, fully independent on lessons, takes 4 attempts to pass due to test anxiety. That single candidate can activate all the triggers single-handedly. A first time pass figure or a pass rate by candidate figure could compensate for this.

    I think at the moment the test report is indeed a blunt tool but it has potential to be very useful for instructors if it were refined more, and the data was accurate of course.

    • Replies to Mark McMullen>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Mark With regard to your biggest concern, we are working with driving examiners to ensure they capture the PRN on every test where the certificate is displayed. Your local ADI Manager will work with you to understand why your details are not being captured correctly and you can also discuss the issue of missing tests with them.

  25. Comment by Andy posted on

    I am more than happy with the new system to monitor ADI’s performance and very much support it.

    However, even though my ADI badge is always fixed to my windscreen in a very prominent position and very easy for examiners to read. My ‘test analysis report’ is still wrong, there is lots of tests and data missing from my last twelve months report of tests conducted. And I know this is the same case for thousands of ADI’s.

    You encourage ADI’s to clearly display their badge and be proud of it. But even though I am doing that, the information is still not being recorded correctly.

    Going forward, how can you reassure us that this problem will be resolved?

    • Replies to Andy>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Andy. Thanks for your message and support for the new system. We are working with driving examiners to ensure they capture the PRN on every test where the certificate is displayed.Please speak to your local ADI Manager -they will work with you to understand why your details are not being captured correctly.

  26. Comment by Martin Matthews posted on

    Sorry, I’m still somewhat confused. You tell the General Public that 15 DF’s is acceptable for a Driving Test, but then tell us ADI’s that anything over 5 DF’s is not acceptable. Will this not lead to ‘unnecessary conflict’ between ADI and Client?

    In terms of improving driving standards would it not be better to reduce the number of acceptable DF’s within the Driving Test to 10 negating the need to include it as a trigger point?

    Also, the apparent need for ‘curtailing’ a Driving Test when a Serious or Dangerous fault occurs also has an impact on the potential number of DF’s during a test, as the amount of driving minutes and therefore DF’s can be quite variable and unequal from ADI to ADI.

    • Replies to Martin Matthews>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Martin 15 DFs is acceptable, we have never said anything over 5 is not acceptable.
      To determine the parameters we have used the averages of all ADIs on the register so if your average is above this but all your candidates are passing, that’s great and keep up the good work! Yes it would be one parameter, but you would not be prioritised for a standards check.

      There is no plan to reduce the number of driving faults for test candidates.

      The parameter is currently set at 5 as this is the average for all ADIs. If this average increases in the future we will adjust this parameter to match the average.

      • Replies to Julia (DVSA)>

        Comment by Martin Matthews posted on

        Thanks for your reply Julia. No, you haven’t used the word ‘unacceptable’, it just feels like it. Just had a very very nervous Customer pass her test with 12DF’s. She was beside herself with joy which was great to see as it meant so much to her. For me, I’m now thinking that it’s not really what the DVSA want, which takes the edge off the joy of seeing my Customer pass. Thank you.

  27. Comment by William Ashton posted on

  28. Comment by Derek posted on

    Rushed in and very unfair, the them and us culture is back again..
    Part 2 candidate at South Yardley, he took some training with me, he was ‘test ready’ his favourite manoeuvre was the reverse park (Parallel Park) he said “I can do that one with my eyes shut” he demonstrated all the manoeuvre’s to a high standard.. He went on test, only to return within 10 minutes, he was asked to carry out the reverse park and ‘messed it up’ due to his nerves taking over, “I just lost it Derek, my nerves got the better of me, This is a full licence holder, not a learner.. So how can it be right that if a perfectly competent learner suffers form nerves on the day (and they all do to varying degrees) be attributed to the instructor..

    • Replies to Derek>

      Comment by Tim Clayton posted on

      I think the DVSA’s point, reasonable enough, is that we instructors should include helping candidates to master their emotions (including nervousness about / during the test) by role-play, discussion, referral to third-party sources, visits to live test centres, informal scored assessments, having colleague ADIs conduct mock tests, watching others do tests, etc. I agree that extended scrutiny at close hand by a stranger is presently a necessary artificiality, but our coaching should cover self-reflection and techniques for handling a driver’s various emotions.

  29. Comment by Steve posted on

    If my student books a test using my ADI number and then take their test in their own car is that test recorded against my ADI number even though I didn't present them?
    A local driving examiner said it is !

    • Replies to Steve>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Steve If a student turns up in their own car, unless your certificate is displayed in that vehicle, the outcome is not linked to your PRN.

  30. Comment by Steve Curtis posted on

    Is all information you collect in line with GDPR?

  31. Comment by Stuart posted on

    I think this could be a good way forward only if the dvsa opens up its stats and allows instructors to quickly access all their test results and to see all the data including pass rates at different test centres and with different examiners. The problem surely at the moment with implementing this now is at the present time instructors are not allowed to sit in and witness the test and are not even given a quick debrief as to why the learner has failed.

    • Replies to Stuart>

      Comment by Tim Clayton posted on

      I do find it a disadvantage that I can’t currently accompany tests, but support the reason why. But I do find all my local examiners speak to me separately after they’ve left the car, or invite me to listen at the window on the candidate’s side (again, to minimise infection). I suggest you ask them to.

  32. Comment by Katie posted on

    If my tests are consistently above the standards set out here will I still have a standards check every 4 years or will it just be if I fall below the standards (which could be much longer than 4 years)?

  33. Comment by Graham Varroll posted on

    Firstly thanks for the explanation. You mention, the parameters are significant, whether the candidate passed or failed, given that they return to test centre (covid rules) after a serious fault, then a full assement of the test, can't be achieved. I also agree with Tim Clayton, the term 'enforcement' is dreadful.

    • Replies to Graham Varroll>

      Comment by Tim Clayton posted on

      Such terms do, regrettably, remind me of George Orwell’s infamous dystopia. But such disquieting allusions might not afflict younger readers 🙂

  34. Comment by Kevin posted on

    You say the pass rate has been at 46% for many years. What explains the sudden rise to ~50%+?

    I would argue this has been as a direct result of tests taking place on quieter roads, either during periods of lockdown or as society and business begins to return to an element of normality. This is clearly demonstrated by the reduction in driving faults, serious faults and ETA/P situations. To suddenly mandate a 55% pass rate based on one years data is clearly not representative of any previous history.

    Driving Faults : 5.39 to 5.93 (previously published over last six years on covering letters for ADI test data requests). I imagine this has reduced in the past year due to early terminations.
    ETA/P: has reduced from 14% to 11% in the last year (again quieter roads will likely be a factor here)
    Serious faults: normally around the 0.8 mark

    Although pass rate is not the only criteria and I do, as a whole, agree with the other parameters, I do feel this trigger point should be revisited.

    Will you confirm this data will be revisited and reviewed accordingly.

    Additionally I’ve now received my requested test data. It says I’ve carried out 20 tests with 17 candidates. I’ve had 24 tests with 20 candidates. As there could be small margins in “triggering” the criteria (I am marginal on two of the criteria) what can be done to remedy this because if you are using a data-based approach, I would expect this data to be correct otherwise what confidence can I actually have. My badge is present on all tests.

    • Replies to Kevin>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Kevin. Thank you for your comments. Please discuss your issues with the missing tests with your local ADI manager.

      • Replies to Julia (DVSA)>

        Comment by Kevin posted on

        I will do so, but according to who I spoke to yesterday at the ADINJC Expo, a few missing tests isn’t a big deal (it is). I don’t see what a local TCM can do unless this is down to inaccurate recording but there are checks in place for this via digital recording which is supposed to reduce inaccuracies. I would imagine any driving examiner is able to read a series of numbers and translate those onto an iPad correctly.

        Could you address the other points raised however in relation to the criteria please.

        • Replies to Kevin>

          Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

          Hi Kevin 51.6% is the current pass rate. Please discuss your queries on test data with your local ADI manager.

  35. Comment by John Allard posted on

    I don’t disagree with the principle here, but we driving instructors do not necessarily have access to the relevant information. Our students can choose to exclude us from the debrief, and the test report is not sent to the instructor.
    How can we know or even challenge our scores if we have no official notification of results on each test?

  36. Comment by Dean Thomas posted on

    I have been called for a standards check, according to your information I have been called up because I have a 50% pass rate I was under the impression you had to flag 2 of the 3 criteria to get a check test ??

    Even if not I have had 3 people pass in their own cars as shown on my facebook, instagram and twitter with photo evidence this would put my pass rate at over 62% add to the fact I have had more passes since then would put me nearer the 75-80% mark.

    Why do I have to do a standards check when I am meeting and exceeding the standards needed simply because a student wishes to take the test in their own car (which is their right) and simply put the DVSA have inadequate ways of recording the data required properly. The long and short of it is that I am having to prove my performance when indeed it is yours that is not upto standard.

  37. Comment by Imran Asghar posted on

    Hi, can I rent my duel control car for driving Test ? If pupiles have not learned from me. Will it affect my standards check?? Would u please clarify???

    • Replies to Imran Asghar>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi Imran If you are renting your car out to another instructor, the vehicle needs to be insured. You don't need to have your badge in the window, If needed we will be able to check details against the registration number of any vehicle presented for test. If you are renting out the car to a member of the public, you will be referenced against the test. Depending on how the candidate performs, this could affect your Standards Check score.

  38. Comment by John Allard posted on

    Hmm, still no information on how we should obtain information about test results if our student does not consent.
    How can we manage a situation without access to the data?

    • Replies to John Allard>

      Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on

      Hi John You wold discuss it as part of the learning contract you have between yourselves when you first embark on tuition. It would be unusual if you have taught a student for them to not want to give you a copy of their test result. If they have come from another instructor following an unsuccessful driving test and there is no report available, then you would have to rely on your Q&A techniques.

      Electronic reports have been available for sometime now, nothing should have changed with regard to how you manage the flow of the information between yourself and your pupil.

  39. Comment by nadeem posted on

    dvsa should give warning first before auditing our previous 12 months. they should start considering the 12 months period from the day the new rules come into action. how you can announce something now and started counting 12 months from last year.