B+E, ADI or not?
If you have read the minutes of the National Associations Steering Group teleconference you will be aware that the NASG are trying to get the DVSA to amend the 2006 Road Safety Act to encompass B+E (car and trailer).
The current act states that B+E will be outside the need to use a qualified ADI.
"extending regulated instruction to all types of vehicles: at present only driving instructors for certain types of vehicle are regulated (motor cars, motorcycles); regulation of paid driving instruction will be extended to other categories (minibuses, buses, lorries)."
Over the past five years B+E testing has increased by 49.26%, which we are told is providing around 1% of the DVSA's business. As can be seen from these DVSA figures, B+E is a growing market as the current trend shows, so DVSA income will continue to steadily grow in this area. Regulation is imperative to ensure not only those attaining their B+E licence, but also other vulnerable road users continue to be safe on UK roads.
Total tests Conducted
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
Following the legislation in 1997 the take up of B+E tests was insignificant but as new generations are without the ability to tow a substantial trailer the market will continue to grow in an unregulated arena with no guarantees as to the quality of that training.
It is not only the unregulated instructor, there is also no CRB checks on unqualified instructors. Whilst we realise that most wanting to obtain their B+E will not fall in the young and vulnerable category they should be protected from any unscrupulous characters.
Many ADI’s have invest time and money into diversifying there business into the B+E area only to be undercut on tuition price by those who are not regulated.
So should B+E training be conducted by ADI's only, let us know what you think?