Newslink October 2021

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News DVLA survey finds drivers blind to eyesight regulations Fewer than half of motorists surveyed by DVLA know they must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away in order to drive safely. The agency has found that just 48.5% of drivers it surveyed were aware of this essential eyesight requirement, and now it is calling on drivers to ensure they take the 20-metre number plate test and meet the minimum eyesight standards before getting behind the wheel. The call to action is part of the agency’s Number Plate Test campaign, which aims to remind drivers that the test is an easy way to regularly selfcheck their eyesight. It also reminds them they should have their eyes tested at least every two years or as soon as they notice any changes to their vision. The number plate test is quick and easy to take, and DVLA is offering examples of how to measure the 20-metre distance, which it says is the same as five car lengths, or the width of eight parking bays. The agency is urging anyone with concerns about their eyesight to visit their optician for an eye test. Glaucoma UK said it supported the DVLA’s vital call to drivers to check their eyesight. Its head of support services, Joanna Bradley, said: “Everyone should have regular eye tests, at least every two years, so that your optician can check the health of your eyes. Many people may have seen changes to their vision over the past year and may have missed a test due to the pandemic. We’d urge anyone with concerns not to delay getting tested as their vision could get worse. “We support the DVLA’s Number Plate Test campaign and its crucial safety message, and we hope this will raise awareness of the importance of regular testing among the public.” More at https://www.gov.uk/drivingeyesight-rules Delays hit opening of theory test centres Two of Scotland’s new theory test centres have been hit by delays to their opening. The centres in Edinburgh and Stirling were meant to open last month but will now not be welcoming their first candidates until later this month (October). Reed in Partnership, which is carrying out tests on behalf of DVSA in Scotland, said the new venues were not ready. Candidates with tests booked for last month in these sites should have received a replacement slot at an alternative centre. If your pupil cannot make the new appointment offered to them, they can choose a new date, time and location by visiting: www.gov.uk/change-theory-test. They will need their booking confirmation reference and driving licence number to do this. Trainer bookers will need to cancel and re-book their candidates through the trainer booker service and will be emailed directly about this requirement. End of road coming for physical licences Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed plans to move provisional cards online, saying to do so would be ‘fairer, greener & more efficient’ thanks to ‘exciting new post-EU freedoms’. The DVLA is aiming to launch an app that will also spell the end for paper test certificates and bring MOTS into the modern age with digital certificates and booking systems. In future, drivers will carry their licence on their mobile phone. If successful, full driving licences could be digitalised too, although plastic licences will still be available to those who require them. The DVLA currently issues more than 10 million licences a year and holds records for more than 49 million driving licence holders. It confirmed in its Annual Report that 2024 was the target date for digital provisional licences, stating: ‘We will introduce a digital driving licence for provisional drivers and also start to build a customer account facility. This will ultimately give our customers personalised, easy and secure access to a range of services.’ However, it promised to ‘build services that are digital by desire – with digital services that are so good that people will choose to use them, making their transactions faster, simpler and with a lower carbon footprint.’ 32 A reminder that motorists driving on the continent can no longer travel under the old GB sticker. All UK-registered vehicles must now display a UK sticker to be legal. HMRC change to Making Tax Digital HMRC has made an important change to its guidance about Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax. The new rules now state: ‘Self-employed businesses and landlords with annual business or property income above £10,000 will need to follow the rules for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from 6 April 2024.’ NEWSLINK n OCTOBER 2021
Geoff Little honoured at IMTD annual awards For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com The Institite of Master Tutors of Driving (IMTD) held its Annual General Meeting last month, at which it presented a number of awards to members. The annual ceremony spotlights the achievements of some of the country’s leading driving instructors, but this year there was also special recognition for those whose efforts during the pandemic had helped keep the profession informed and on the road during some very difficult times. One particularly moving award saw MSA GB’s own national deputy chairman, Geoff Little, presented with an award for his Exemplary Contribution to the IMTD over many years. The joint winners of the IMTD Coronavirus Pandemic Award were the National Associations Steering Partnership (NASP), of which MSA GB is a member, and Sue Duncan. Other awards were as follows: New Driver Initiative Award Driving for Better Business IMTD Leading Organisation Award The TTC Group Driver Trainer of the Year Neil Wightman Highly Commended: Rob Cooling IMTD Training Industry Award Tri Coaching Partnership Highly Commended: Airport Driving School (Kieran Hynes) IMTD Coronavirus 19 Pandemic Award Sue Duncan & NASP Highly Commended Red Driving School Chris Bensted Richard Rawden Chairman’s Recognition Award Andrew Love Lifetime Achievement Award Barbara Trafford Geoff Little receives his award from the IMTD’s Graham Feest Neil Wightman Sue Duncan Andrew Love Lynne Barrie with RED Driving School’s CEO, Ian McIntosh, accepting the pandemic response award on behalf of NASP The line-up of Highly Commended members, flanked by Karl Satloka and Graham Feest TTC Group NEWSLINK n OCTOBER 2021 33
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Page 36 and 37: Q & A with Janet Stewart Former MSA
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