Drive Time Training - Latest News

The New Test

2010-10-08T06:04:00.003-07:00

The new Driving Test came into being on Monday last (October 4th) - see previous posts for full details.
Drive Time's first candidate for the new test passed on Tuesday and no real problems wewre encountered with the new format.
Just a reminder that Independent Driving will now apply to ALL DSA tests including the Part 2 Test of Driving Ability for Potential Driving Instructors.

The New Tset

2010-10-08T06:04:00.001-07:00

Mention in the Local Newspaper

2010-09-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Drive Time was mentioned in the West Briton this week (Thursday Sept 9th) in an article concerning the forthcoming changes to the driving test. Have a look at Page 16 to read the article.
It's all good publicity and I welcome the changes to the test which come into effect on October 4th.

Independent Driving

2010-08-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

As of October 4th the Driving Test will be changing to include a ten minute section called "Independent Driving".
The DSA hava statement as follows :
"During your test you will have to drive by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both, for about 10 minutes. It you are asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you will be shown a diagram to help you. It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you are going. "

Follow this link to the DSA's Facebook Page for more detailed information

Fleet Training

2010-07-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Martin has now completed the DSA Fleet Diploma and has been added to the DSA's Fleet Training Register.

Back On Line

2010-05-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

We have been without broadband for 5 weeks but are now back on line so apologies for not keeping the blog up to date.
I now have a brand new Renault Clio which is performing very well indeed - all pupils are very happy with it.
In two weeks time, I will be attending a course in South Wales to add a further qualification (hopefully) to my name - The Diploma in Fleet Driver Training. Will keep you posted as to how things progress.

Latest News from the DSA

2010-03-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

As reported earlier, as from April 6th pupils attending for their driving tests will be asked if they wish their instructor to accompany them on tests. The DSA have updated their promotional video on You Tube. Login to You Tube to watch the video.

In addition, the DSA have now changed the website for pupils booking both theory and practical tests. Pupils should now follow links to : www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/learnerandnewdrivers/index.htm

The Public Trust Driving Instructors

2010-03-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

Recent research undertaken by ICM asked some 2000 people to identify the tradespeople that they tust most. Driving Instructors came in 2nd place with 18% of the vote behind hairdressers with 26%. Interestingly, 42% trusted car salesmen the least ahead of builders & roofers (21%).

Diploma Presentation

2010-03-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

On Monday (March 8th) I attended the DIA (Driving Instructor's Association) AGM in Luton where I received my Diploma in Driving Instruction from Professor Peter Russell.

I sat the examinations ( 5 written papers) in May of last year (2009). The Diploma is awarded jointly by the DIA and the University of Middlesex.

Driving Test is 75 Years Old

2010-02-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

This year, the Driving Test is 75 years old, having been introduced in 1935. Today there are roughly 2000 examiners conducting some 60,000 driving tests across the whole country. Over the years, the Test has seen various changes. For example :

The introduction of parallel and bay parking exercises.
The Theory Test (including the Hazard Perception Element)
Introduction of the show and tell/safety questions.

Other changes, such as an independent driving element will be introduced over the next year or so.

Observers sitting in on Driving Tests

2010-02-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

As a result of the DSA's Learning to Drive Consultation, as from 6th April examiners will ask all candidates if they would like their instructor to sit in on their test. There are various benefits for instructors sitting in :
Instructors will gain a clearer idea about what is expected of their pupils on test and they will gain an insight into how the test is conducted. In addition, instructors will be able to learn test routes and locations for manouevres.
Candidates often fail to fully listen to the debrief (because they are either upset at having failed or are so excited at having passed that they don't listen to the explanation of any faults). They may also be unclear as to how, why or where a particular fault occured.
Examiners will get the chance to build a better working relationship with instructors.

It will obviously be up to the test candidate as to whether he/she wishes to have an observer present.
Further changes such as Independent Driving will be introduced into the Driving Test later this year.

Booking Driving Tests

2010-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder to all instructors that when your pupils book their theory or practical tests they should use the official DSA website ( www.dsa.gov.uk ). If pupils simply type into Google "Driving Theory Test Booking" as an example, other sites will be listed who will charge a premium for booking the test on your behalf. In effect they do nothing but pass on your details to DSA and charge you for that privilege.
If the tests cos more than £31 (Theory) or £62 (Practical) you have used the wrong site.

New Instructor Training Website now live

2010-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

The new Drive Time Instructor Training website is now live and up and running. There are a few minor alterations still to be made and some changes to the phtographic content will be made soon. We also still need to carry out full optimisation of the site and make it searchable on all the major search engines. Visit us on www.drivetimeinstructortraining.co.uk . I would welcome any comments or suggestions and if you are looking to train as a driving instructor, Drive Time is the training establishment for you.

Welcome to Drive Time Training

2010-01-20T12:45:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Drive Time Training blog. Drive Time is ahighly successful independent Driving School based in West Cornwall run by Martin Scane. The school has gained an enviable reputation in the area over the last two years and has now branched out into Driving Instructor Training and other useful services for existing or potential instructors.

My new website is currently under construction and should be live within the next four weeks. In the meantime, have a look at my existing website for learner drivers at http://www.drivetimecornwall.co.uk/ .

The new website will offer instructor training, remedial & "check test" training for existing ADIs, advice and marketing information and a website design service.

I will post on this blog when the new website is live.