Did You know That?

The information contained in these pages should not be taken out of context. The information may become outdated by decisions and changes made by The Driving Standards Agency.

Over the next few months revisit this web site, there will be advice for new Instructors on the accompaniment of their Pupils to the Driving Test Centre.

                       

 Things you should knowwhen accompanying your first pupil to the Driving Test Centre

      November 2008

1. Check all your lights including Brake Lights before setting out for the Test Centre. Examiners often see defective Brake Lights when they are out on the previous Test.
2. Ensure that you have all the relevant documents when you pick up your pupil.                  
3. Check the date on the letter of appointment.
4. Check that you are about to go to the correct Test Centre.
5. Check the Time of the Test, particularly as and when the new Super-centres are  introduced, the timing of the Tests are likely to be staggered to accommodate the larger number of Examiners going out on Test.

      

     December 2008

6. Check that you have both parts of the pupil's Driving Licenceand that the Licence is valid.  Or check that the pupil has suitable photo ID as well as the old Licence.
7. Check that the Theory Test Certificate is valid.
8. Check that your tyres are serviceable and that they are properly inflated.

     9.  Check that your Road Fund Licence is in-date.

     January 2009

10. Check that there are no fumes from the exhaust or otherwise getting into the car.
11. Check that the seats and safety belts are clean and serviceable.
12. Check that there is an interior mirror for the use of the Examiner and that it is serviceable with no broken surround that exposes a glass edge. (Health and Safety)
13. Check that there are no pens or other sharp objects protrudingfrom the air vents. It is not in your own best interests to have dangerous items protruding from air vents, but when providing a vehicle for a Driving Test it again, becomes a matter of Health and Safety that these items are removed.
14. Check that there are no objects, sharp or otherwise, in holders fixed to the back of Sun Visors as when the visor is folded down this, again, becomes a Health and Safety issue as it could cause head or facial injuries.

    February 2009

15. Check that the positioning of any mobile phone or holder does not affect, in any way, the deployment of Air Bags in the event of an accident.
16. Check that the dual Controls are correctly fitted and adjusted so that they will work effectively. The Pedals of the Dual Controls should be fitted with rubbers to prevent injury to the ankles and legs of an Examiner in the event of an accident.
17. If your vehicle is one of those that have, (contrary to normal practice), dashboard lights which illuminate to tell the driver that all onboard systems are working correctly, your pupil should be briefed accordingly with references to the owners Handbook, as the Examiner may terminate the Test if he/she thinks that the  lights are warning of an imminant onboard systems failure.
18. Approximately 20 minutes before the Test piriod make sure that your route passes a suitable facility. Insistence is a good policy.  Examiners just love waiting whilst your pupil has to depart to the  toilet before the the pupil can 'sign on the dotted line'.
19. Make sure that 'L' Plates face front and rear not skywards

   March 2009

20. Make sure that 'L' Plates are not placed in windows either front           or back as this contravenes the Construction and Use Regulations.  It may also obstruct the Examiner's vision.
21. Make sure that the white surround of any 'L ' Plate has not been           reduced in size below 7" x 7" Again this contravenes the  Construction and Use Regulations.
22. Make sure it is your own ADI Certificate, which is displayed in the           windscreen.
23. Make sure that both back seats are available for Supervision as,           not only will the Examiner undergo regular Check Tests, but his immediate superior will also be subject to Check Tests of His or  Her Supervision skills. It is, therefore, quite possible that all four seats in the car will be taken up.
24. As has been said earlier, do not conduct Eyesight Tests using           vehicles parked outside the Test Centre. It rather defeats the objective of why the Eyesight Test is conducted! The Examiner conducts the Eyesight Test on the grounds of Health and Safety before entering a vehicle with a driver of unknown ability. The Examiner will take the view that you should have conducted the Eyesight Test when training of your pupil commenced, not at the end of that training! Clearly his or her opinion of your professionalism will not have been enhanced.

  

   April 2009

   'At the Test Centre'

25. Never, under any circumstances arrive late for a Test, if necessary Park just around the corner to ensure prompt arrival.
26. Do not park in an Examiners Parking Space or next to an Examiner's private car.
27. If you are parking at the side of the road outside the Test Centre, make sure that the school car is parallel to the kerb and approximately 9" from the kerb.
28. Make sure that the car does not obstruct a driveway and is at least 10 metres from any junction and is not parked on a yellow line, (I kid you not. As a Driving Examiner, I have commenced a Driving Test on many occasions, from a Double Yellow Line)!
29. When parking the car, do not park close to any motorcycles that may be about to undertake a Driving Test at the Centre. If there are a group of motoercycles close to the Centre they may be taking consecutive Tests and the Examiner may need to follow any of them. Keep well away.!

    May 2009

30. When parking the car, itshould not be necessary to give your pupil any tutition at this late stage. Nor should it be necessary to steer the car for the pupil whilst parking. To do so, really impresses an Examiner coming back from the previous Test!
31. Never park outside the Test Centre more than 15 minutes before the Test Time as you will block the parking places for the  returning Examiners from the previous Test.

    In the Waiting Room

32. Make sure that your pupil is seated in the Driving Test Centre waiting room 5 minutes before the Test appointment time.
33. Ensure that any licences and Theory Test Certificates are removed from any envelopes and are clearly visible. Licences should be  opened out. Do not expect the Examiner to open them out as there could be concealed Bank Notes inside.
34. The first name basis that is offered to the candidate does not necessarily extend to the Instructor. It should be regarded as a device to put the candidate at ease.

    June 2009

35. By all means exchange brief pleasantries with the Examiner but do          not let it intrude on the smooth conduct of the Test.
36. If you are intent upon accompanying the Test as a silent observer, it is for your pupil to request that their Instructor accompanies the Test. The contract is between The Driving Standards Agency and the Candidate.
37. If you have prompted the pupil to request in the waiting room that you accompany the Test and the pupil does not ask, you should not intervene or accompany them outside, it may be that the pupil does not wish you to be present. It could also follow that the pupil does not wish to confront you with it. If you were to intervene, the Examiner would have no choice but to confront the candidate by asking if they wish you to be present. (clearly, this might change in the light of DSA's attempts to force the Instructor to ride in the back against their will!!)
38. If you do accompany a Test, you must take no part in the Test. You should not speak at any time unless specifically addressed by the Examiner. You should not make any noise or gesture that might be interpreted as prompting the pupil. If you were to do so, the Examiner's instructions are clear, that he or she should terminate the Test due to your interference.
39. When the Examiner leaves the waiting room make sure that you remain within close hailing distance until the car disappears round the first corner. You may be required to provide assistance to open a 'bonnet' or change a wheel. Do not step forward until invited to do so.

    July 2009

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