Driving Instructors Branch of Unite the Union June 2013 | Page 9

ADI’s see any code of practice as a hindrance to the day to day running of their businesses many of which have successfully run their business for longer than the DSA has been in existence.

The business dealings of ADI’s are outside the remit of the DSA.

The DSA already have place the term ‘fit and proper’ this covers everything that is currently being mentioned in the latest draft CoP.

Green Paper

On the 27th March 2013 we were invited to the Department for Transport at London for a briefing. Due to the very short notice, none of our representatives were able to attend, however we have received a report on the meeting via the ADINJC representative Mr Stuart Walker. The areas that are to be including in the forthcoming green paper could be;

Minimum learning period – log books

Possible curfews

Education in schools (DfT say very unlikely to be added to the national curriculum)

Engaging parents/employers/stakeholders in the learning process

Resources for enforcement and detection (concerns)

Practical impact, social and economic influences

Raising the value of ADI's – possibly to fill the gap as driver safety not likely to be taught in schools

Communication issues and tackling uninformed opinion

Scepticism even if evidence did prove that a GDL works, that insurance premiums wouldn't begin to fall

Improvement to the driving test – suggestions included; no test routes and extending independent driving to 20 minutes

Use of vehicle technology both future and present

Use of telematics both pre and post-test and in private practice (If used to enforce must be mandatory)

Extending new driver act to 3 years – pros and cons

Use of re-education rather than punishment during that 3 year period

Impact of greater restrictions increasing illegal drivers who opt out of the system

Concerns over increased cost of learning to drive.