National Associations Steering Group
On 17th December 2013 between 1000hrs to 1300hrs the Driving Instructors Association hosted the first teleconference for the National ADI Associations; this group is to be known as the National Associations Steering Group. (NASG)
Terms of reference for the NASG were discussed and agreement was made on the number of attendees from each association per meeting (exception for minute taker/s).
Each association would chair and host a meeting in turn, with teleconferences being chaired by the chair of the last face to face meeting. Membership of the Steering Group would be limited to National Associations that represent instructors that also had consultative status with DVSA. No large national driving schools could be members as they don’t represent instructors. (They represent their business interests at meetings), this also includes IAM and ROSPA. It was suggested that associations would have to prove membership of over 1000; this was dismissed as how do you prove it without producing a membership list; this could also breach the Data Protection Act.
The main topic on the agenda was to respond to the DVSA’s request to look at the current grading system and offer suggestions if any for change.
The history behind the current grading system stems from DSA requiring some method of gauging the time period between Check Tests for ADI’s of differing abilities. The only reason we currently know our grade is because one of the National Associations insisted that the information be given to the instructor. The Registrar has stated that all ADI’s no matter what their ability will undergo the new Standards Check once during the duration of their green badge; if however they are deemed to be unsatisfactory then they will be seen again but for the vast majority it will mean once every four years. So has the need for grades disappeared?
The general public has no idea that instructors are graded so again is there any point?
ADI motor insurance companies and some government contracts discriminate against perfectly good and knowledgeable ADI’s on the