Newslink June

msagb.com 

Newslink 

The Voice of MSA GB 

Issue 377 • June 2024 

A chance to set 

the agenda 

Does the election offer hope 

for road safety reform? 

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For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com 

Graduated driving licence plans 

need ADIs in charge for a change 

Welcome to your 

digital, interactive 


Colin Lilly 

Editor, 


Despite supporting the principle of graduated 

driving licences for many years, when the 

recent presentation to Parliament gave an 

increased prospect of it becoming law, was 

the driver training profession ready to 

respond? 

If we do not present a united approach, 

newly qualified drivers will face restrictions 

placed on their driving activities based purely 

on public demand rather than any logic or 

road safety knowledge. The end result may 

find a small improvement in crash statistics 

but not at the level anticipated. 

We know these young people and the 

manner in which they drive; we know where 

their weaknesses lie. They will pass a driving 

test but are they the full package? Are there 

gaps in their knowledge and experience? 

Can we force pupils to take training to fill 

these gaps? Of course not. 

Using our skills and experience we can put 

forward a programme that will fill these gaps, 

and with compulsory elements to the driving 

syllabus that are signed off by the trainer the 

driver may even have some restrictions 

removed from day one. 

Drink and drug limits are beyond our remit 

and therefore we must accept this. 

When it comes to passengers are they 

aware that their behaviour puts their own 

lives at risk? We see instances of loud music 

and passengers ‘bopping to the music,’ do 

new drivers know about the effects on 

vehicle stability? I would bet that the 

passengers behaving that way are not 

drivers themselves. 

It does seem harsh to put all the 

responsibility on the driver alone. They are 

not responsible for rear seat passengers not 

wearing seat belts but it is often the 

passengers who die. 

Other restrictions we can include in our 

training, and then there is Pass Plus to add 

more information and experience. ADIs need, 

as a body, to be ready when the matter 

returns to public discussion and arrive in 

Parliament again, as it surely will. 

We need to put a strong plan forward that 

will stop the public from thinking that driver 

training is in some way inadequate, and for 

that reason restricted driving licences are 

required for new drivers post-test. Rather, 

we need the public to realise that there is a 

responsibility on learners to take all the 

training that is available. 

For too long the driver training profession 

has been reactive to the actions of the DfT 

and DVSA. This is a time when we need to be 

proactive and formulate proposals relating to 

graduated driving licences, and promote 

them. 

The big debate: 

What do ADIs and road safety 

groups want from the political 

debate over the next four weeks? 

MP’s bill is lost... but is there 

scope for a new graduated 

driving licence bill in the new 

Parliament? 

Do ADIs have a plan for graduated 

driving licences? 

See from pg 12 

See a pale blue box in any article or 

on an advert? It it contains a web 

address or email, it’s interactive. Just 

click and it will take you to the 

appropriate web page or email so you 

can find more details easier. 

You’ll also find these panels across 

the magazine: just click for more 

information on any given subject. 

To get the 

full story, 

click here 

How to access this 

magazine 

You can read Newslink in three ways: 

Go online and read the interactive 

magazine on the Yumpu website; or, 

if you would like to read it when you 

don’t have a mobile signal or WiFi, 

you can download the magazine to 

your tablet, PC or phone to read at 

your leisure. Alternatively, a pdf can 

be found on the MSA GB website, at 

www.msagb.com 

COVER STORY 

The election debate: 

Can road safety and 

ADI groups influence 

the agenda as 

politicians go 

hunting for votes? 

See from pg 12 

Follow the link 

MSA GB sends 

you to access 

Newslink, 

and then just 

click Download 

(circled above) 

to save a copy 

on your device 

NEWSLINK n JUNE 2024 03

Contents 

24 

22 

35 

DVSA sets a limit on test swaps 

Latest bid to beat the bots sees a new limit 

placed on the number of times a candidate 

can swap L-tests. But what’s the limit? – 07 

Time turning in the debate over 

new driver restrictions 

It’s clear there is a growing clamour to 

restrict new drivers... and if it’s going to 

happen, ADIs should lead the debate – 08 

MSA GB webinar hears calls for action– 

but there’s no consensus as to what it 

should be from members - 16 

Pot hole misery 

Pot holes are everywhere - and a wet winter 

has given them chance to grow. Watch your 

tyres - and watch out for bikers – 10 


The Voice of MSA GB 

The Motor Schools Association 

of Great Britain Ltd 

Head Office: 

Peershaws, 

Berewyk Hall Court, 

White Colne, Colchester, 

Essex CO6 2QB 

T: 01787 221020 

E: info@msagb.com 

10 

ELECTION SPECIAL 

Will the politicians start thinking up ways to 

attract the driving vote? – From pg 12 

New Blue Light videos launched 

Guidance on how horse riders should respond 

to emergency vehicles, how to handle blue 

light bikes, and making the perfect 999 – 19 

From the unknown... to the known 

Steve Garrod offers some guidance on the 

lesson planning parts of Standards Check 

and the Part 3 exam – 20 

Newslink is published monthly on behalf of the MSA GB 

and distributed to members and selected recently 

qualified ADIs throughout Great Britain by: 

Chamber Media Services, 

4 Hilton Road, Bramhall, Stockport, 

Cheshire SK7 3AG 

Editorial/Production: Rob Beswick 

e: rob@chambermediaservices.co.uk 

t: 0161 426 7957 

Advertising sales: Colin Regan 

e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk 

t: 01942 537959 / 07871 444922 

Views expressed in Newslink are not necessarily those 

of the MSA GB or the publishers. 

36 

So what do we teach here? 

Same task, different junction. Who would 

have thought a right turn off a dualler could 

have so many variations? – 22 

Farewell, my handbrake...? 

The faithful handbrake is being phased out 

– to be replaced by parts that are more 

expensive, and more prone to fail – 24 

The CPD pathway 

Give your career a boost with some extra 

training – 28 

Although every effort is made 

to ensure the accuracy of 

material contained within 

this publication, neither MSA 

GB nor the publishers can 

accept any responsibility for 

the veracity of claims made 

by contributors in either 

advertising or editorial content. 

©2024 The Motor Schools 

Association of Great Britain 

Ltd. Reproducing in whole 

or part is forbidden without 

express permission of the 

editor. 

04 NEWSLINK n JUNE 2024


MSA GB Board 

of Management 

National Chairman & 

Area 2 - East Coast Chair 

Mike Yeomans 

7 Oak Avenue, Elloughton, 

Brough HU15 1LA 

T: 07772 757529 

E: mike.yeomans@msagb.com 

AREA 1 

Vice Chairman 

Peter Harvey MBE 

T: 01505 814823 

E: peter.harveymbe@msagb.com 

Area 1 – Scotland & 

Northern Ireland 

Chair: Steven Porter 

18 Heron Place, Johnstone 

PA5 0RW 

T: 01505 345372 or 

07747 600672 

E: steven.porter@msagb.com 

Area 3 – London & South East 

Chair: Tom Kwok 

52B Sutton Road, Muswell Hill, 

London N10 1HE 

07956 269922 

E: tom.kwok@msagb.com 

How MSA GB 

is organised, in 

four AREAS 

AREA 4 

AREA 2 

AREA 3 

Area 4 – West Coast & Wales 

Chair: Arthur Mynott 

9 Hagleys Green, Crowcombe, 

Taunton TA4 4AH 

T: 01984 618858 

E: arthur.mynott@msagb.com 

Keep in touch 

If you have updated your address, telephone numbers or 

changed your email address recently, please let us know 

at head office by emailing us with your new details and 

membership number to info@msagb.com. 

If you can’t find your membership number, give us a ring 

on 01787 221020. 

Follow MSA GB on social media 

Just click on the icon to go 

through to the relevant site 


News 

DVSA officials to speak at MSA GB summer meetings 

MSA GB London and South East is hosting a 

members meeting with senior local DVSA 

officials on Tuesday, July 16. Please note this 

is a re-arranged date, due to the Election. 

In attendance will be Peter Newell (DVSA 

ODM), accompanied by colleagues Craig 

Buckwald, Dora Phillips, Sehnaz Erdogan, 

Rebecca Janaway and James Brindley. 

They will lead a session of Working 

Together. This will be followed by a 

presentation by London Chair Tom 

Kwok (right), on Teaching 

Techniques. 

The meeting will start at 7.15pm 

and will be held at Manor Drive Methodist 

Church, Manor Drive, Whetstone, London 

N20 0DZ. The cost to attend is £10 for 

members. To book your place, please email 

Tom on Tom.Kwok@msagb.com, or call him 

on 07956269922. 

Alternatively you can book online via 

www.msagb.com 

n MSA GB West Coast & Wales has 

organised a meeting with the DVSA, 

to take place in Taunton. It was 

originally to take place in June but 

had to be rearranged due to the 

election, but keep an eye on the MSA GB 

website for the new date. Speakers will be 

Sue Robertson, DVSA ADI Area Manager, and 

Darren Russell, DVSA Deputy Registrar. 

We are also hoping to have LDTM/DEs 

from Taunton DTC in attendance. 

The meeting will start at 6.30pm and there 

will be a nominal charge of £5 to attend. 

Please book online in advance if possible, 

though the MSA GB website or by contacting 

Arthur Mynott (details on pg 31). 

This meeting is not just for those using the 

Taunton DTC. Anyone can attend from the 

MSA GB or wider ADI community. 

Driver CPC 

deadline looms 

The deadline for many professional drivers 

to complete their Driver Certificate of 

Professional Competence (CPC) training is 

September 9. 

To make sure your drivers can find 

training in time, operators have been 

encouraged to check which drivers’ CPC 

runs out this September, and to check that 

they have completed 35 hours of 

additional training well before the deadline. 

Why is demand so high for training every 

five years? 

2024 is the 15-year anniversary of 

Driver CPC for lorry drivers. When it was 

first introduced all lorry drivers had to get 

their driver qualification card by 

September 9, 2014. This means that many 

current cards will run out at the same time. 

So, every five years there are lots of 

drivers trying to complete their 35 hours 

of training at the same time. 

Data shows that lots of drivers leave 

their training until the last six months. In 

2019, there were, on average, five times 

more training hours done a month 

compared to the same time in the previous 

year 

If drivers don’t meet the CPC regs, they 

cannot drive professionally until they 

finish their training, and could be fined up 

to £1,000 for driving professionally 

without having a Driver CPC. 

All the details for drivers about what to 

do if they miss their training deadline are 

available on GOV.UK. 

More DTCs swap numbers under 

DVSA’s VOiP technology switch 

As part of its switch to VOiP technology, the 

contact telephone numbers for a further 160 

driving test centres have changed. The old 

numbers will no longer be active so please 

update your contact details. 

The contact numbers now display an 020 

code, which will appear as a London number. 

However, you will be connected directly to 

your local DTC, as usual. The numbers are not 

routed through DVSA’s contact centre. 

Please let your pupils know if they have a 

Exclusive MSA GB payment hotline makes it 

easier to keep on top of the admin 

Dear MSA GB member and colleague, 

While being a driving instructor does offer incredible 

flexibility, we understand that it can leave you time poor for 

those everyday admin jobs. 

So, to help make things easier when paying for your 

membership or booking tickets for our calendar of 

events, we’ve set up a dedicated payment line: 

01787 221299. 

This also means that our membership team are 

more available for answering member queries and 

resolving any issues you may be experiencing. 

Our membership team can still be contacted on: 

01787 221020. 

We look forward to taking your call. 

test coming up. It is particularly important 

that they can reach the DTC if bad weather is 

forecast. 

The full list of DTCs with new numbers can 

be found by clicking here. 

Click here 

for details 



DVSA sets new limit on test swaps to beat bots 

The DVSA has responded to the continuing 

problem of unscrupulous businesses using 

automatic ‘bots’ to book driving tests by 

announcing a new limit on the number of 

times L-test can be swapped. 

The DVSA said: “Since the waiting times for 

driving test have been high, we’ve seen 

a rise in the use of automated 

bots being used on the 

driving test booking 

service. This can result in 

the reselling of 

appointments, often at 

inflated prices. 

“We’ve continued to 

find ways to disrupt the 

systems used to access 

test bookings. One 

thing we have been 

looking to do is make it more 

difficult for people to misuse the booking 

system.” 

Changes to swaps online 

The DVSA added: “We know that the 

majority of ADIs swap tests responsibly to 

ensure that their learners are only put 

forward for their test when they are ready. 

“However, we can see from our data 

that some businesses are swapping 

tests at a very high rate and outside 

normal levels. 

“To ensure a level playing field 

for all customers, we are limiting 

the number of times a driving 

licence number can be used to 

swap a practical car test online. 

This will just be for car tests and 

will not affect motorcycle, theory 

or vocational tests. 

“Once a driving licence number has 

reached this limit for the number of swaps, it 

can only be swapped again by calling our 

customer service centre. A message will 

appear on the booking system if the limit is 

reached.” 

How many is too many... 

The DVSA is not revealing what its limit is, 

as confirming it “would allow those people 

who are misusing the system to work around 

this change. We will keep the limit under 

review and may change it depending on the 

effects we see from it being introduced.” 

However, it’s research found that 98% of 

ADIs who responded to its most recent 

survey swap five or fewer tests a month. 

MSA GB assumes that the limit would not 

inconvenience the vast majority of ADIs. 

n Help! I’ve been locked out of the system! 

See page 31 


News 

HMRC in push to get 

the tax done early 

Did you know... almost 300,000 customers 

submitted their tax return in the first week of 

the tax year? That’s nice and early... and the 

HMRC is now encouraging all self-employed 

ADIs to consider submitting theirs earlier 

than usual. 

Each year, a huge number of ADIs leave it 

until January before even starting to tackle 

their self assessment forms. 

But that is a stressful way of handling your 

affairs. Remember you can submit your Self 

Assessment tax return for 2023 to 2024 now 

and have peace of mind for the rest of the 

year. You have until the 31‌‌‌‌ ‌January 2025 to 

file your return and pay any tax you may owe, 

but there are many benefits to submitting 

your tax return early. You can find out sooner 

if you’re due a refund, pay in instalments to 

help with your budgeting, and get help if you 

can’t pay your Self Assessment tax. 

Early filing does not mean early payment 

Choosing to submit your tax return early 

does not mean you have to pay straight 

away. You will find how much tax you owe (if 

any) which does not have to be paid until 31‌‌‌‌ 

‌January 2025. 

There’s lots of hints and tips on GOV.‌UK on 

how to get your tax return done early. 

n MSA GB members should remember 

that they get preferential rates on tax affairs 

with FBTC Accountancy Services. 

DTC news 

MAIDSTONE DRIVING TEST CENTRE 

Maidstone Driving Test Centre will 

temporarily relocate between May 31 and 

July 10. If your pupils has a test booked it 

will still go ahead at the date and time 

arranged, but will now take place at the 

temporary location. 

The DVSA has contacted all candidates 

or test bookers affected by the change. 

The temporary move is to allow the 

refurbishment of the existing centre. 

The temporary test centre location is: 

YMCA Maidstone, Melrose Close, 

Cripple Street, Maidstone ME15 6BD 

Candidates should park in the allocated 

spaces in main car park to the right as 

they enter. They should meet examiners 

at the building entrance. There are toilet 

facilities and a café that accompanying 

drivers can use whilst they wait. 

Tide is turning in the push 

to restrict new drivers 

Colin Lilly 

Editor, 


As you may well have read elsewhere last 

month, another attempt has been made to 

take a bill through Parliament that would 

require new drivers to be regulated in their 

activities for a period after passing their 

driving test. 

We have a short report on the Bill in our 

election coverage on page 14, but in 

summary, the new bill was introduced to the 

House of Commons by Kim Leadbetter, 

Labour MP for Batley and Spen in Yorkshire, 

who brought the bill forward under the ‘Ten 

Minute Rule’. 

Under the Ten Minute Rule any MP can 

request the opportunity to propose a bill. If 

granted the MP has 10 minutes to make their 

case for the progress of the bill. 

During her proposal Ms Leadbetter 

mentioned the crash statistics surrounding 

new drivers, quoted some recent incidents 

and then proposed restricting the activities 

of recently qualified young drivers. She 

named some groups such as AA, RAC and 

PACTS as supporting her suggestion. 

At the end of Ms Leadbetter’s 10 minutes, 

the motion to support the bill was put to the 

MPs and was accepted without dissent. It 

therefore passed to the next stage. 

A second reading of the Bill was scheduled 

for 21st June, and in the meantime the 

proposed bill would be printed and made 

available to members. 

However, when, on 22nd May, Rishi Sunak 

called the General Election for 4th July, the bill 

was in effect dead. Perhaps the most 

frustrating aspect is that we never saw the 

contents of the proposal, just the briefest of 

outlines. For instance, we do not know 

exactly what restrictions would be in place. 

Will it rise again? The process of bringing 

the bill back to Parliament can be restarted. 

Kim Leadbetter could re-present the bill if 

she is re-elected. However, her majority at 

the last election was only 323 so re-election 

is by no means certain. The emergence of 

small and new parties can affect all 

constituencies. 

A number of MPs were named as 

supporters of the bill, but three of those are 

not standing again. 

Another stumbling block is that, whichever 

party goes on to win the next election and 

form a Government, it is likely that much of 

the first year of the next parliament will be 

taken up with new legislation from their 

manifestos, leaving little time for meaningful 

debate on smaller bills. Virtually all Private 

Members’ Bills that have gone on to become 

law have been introduced towards the latter 

end of an administration’s time in office. 

There is little doubt that, given the level of 

public support, the bill will return at some 

point in the future. It may need the 

Department for Transport to bring it forward 

as Government policy. 

Election coverage, plus more on graduated 

driving licences, from page 12 

Small drop in road deaths welcomed, but 

concern over rise in pedestrian deaths 

New official statistics estimate there were 

1,645 road fatalities in 2023, a decline of 4% 

compared to 2022. The provisional data also 

shows there were 132,063 casualties of all 

severities, a year-on-year decline of 3%. 

There were 29,643 killed or seriously 

injured (KSI) casualties, little change 

compared to 2022. 

In terms of different road user types, there 

were reductions in fatalities among car 

occupants, motorcyclists and cyclists. At 12%, 

the biggest percentage change compared to 

2022 was for motorcyclists. Car occupant 

fatalities fell by 5%, and cyclists 7%. 

There was, however, a rise in the number of 

pedestrian fatalities – up by 6%. 

Simon Williams, RAC’s head of policy, said: 

“While the slight decline in road users killed is 

welcome, the larger proportion of pedestrian 

fatalities should be a red flag to the 

Government, particularly since the Highway 

Code was changed only two years ago with a 

view to making the roads safer for the most 

vulnerable users. ” 


09

News 

It’s all down to pot luck! 

Road users left gambling on their safety as local authorities show 

huge variations in their response to repairing the highways 

Local authorities have been told to get their 

roads in order and fix potholes when they are 

informed abut them, and not wait until they 

cause a crash. 

The calls comes after analysis by the RAC 

and Channel 4’s Dispatches programme 

found wildly varying responses to demands 

for pothole repairs by councils. 

Of the 206 councils in Great Britain with 

responsibility for roads, 29% don’t have a 

public policy on fixing potholes. 

Of the rest, a third don’t have a specific 

policy relating to pothole depths, while 37% 

take a ‘risk-based approach’ to deciding 

which potholes to fix and how quickly. 

The RAC said this means the public could 

report a pothole when it is relatively small, 

“but find that nothing is done about it, leaving 

them frustrated while the potholes get 

bigger in order to merit repair”. 

Of the 35% of councils who say they will 

act only when potholes meet a set criteria, 

the most common depth stated is 4cm, 

though many councils expect potholes to be 

deeper before they act. 13 local authorities 

state only those that are at least 30cm wide 

and 4cm deep will get fixed. 

Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: “For 

a long time, we’ve advised the public to 

report each and every pothole they come 

across to their local authority, not least as a 

council can refuse to compensate for damage 

caused from hitting one if they can prove 

they didn’t know it existed. 

“But unfortunately, as this analysis shows, 

just reporting a road defect doesn’t 

guarantee it will get fixed. 

“In some cases, councils state a pothole 

needs to be sufficiently deep or wide to be 

considered for repair. This can be enormously 

frustrating for anyone who comes across 

one, reports it but then witnesses it get even 

bigger and more dangerous as it didn’t quite 

reach a council’s threshold for repair. 

“What’s just as bad is when a council 

provides no information on how they decide 

which road defects warrant their attention and 

which don’t. In these cases, drivers going to 

the effort of reporting potholes have no idea 

at all whether anything will ever happen.” 

He added: “There’s no doubting councils 

are in an incredibly difficult position when it 

comes to looking after their roads. 

“Despite the promise of more funds from 

central government, the fact remains that the 

sorry state of many of the country’s 

highways is something that has been many 

years in the making, and there are no quick 

fixes. 

“We believe there is an urgent need for 

Whitehall to provide fresh guidance to 

councils to bring about consistency when it 

comes to prioritising potholes and taking 

action to fix them.” 

The RAC wants the next Government to 

instruct councils to take a risk-based 

approach to deciding when road defects need 

attention. This would include publishing the 

criteria councils must use when assessing 

potholes – including how busy a road is, and 

how commonly it is used by cyclists – and 

recognise that just because a pothole may 

not meet certain depth and width 

measurements, it may nonetheless 

represent a hazard to road users. 

Wet winter creates more headaches for riders 

GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging 

motorcyclists to be alert to potholes and 

poorly-maintained road surfaces after it 

found that more roads than ever are in poor 

condition, posing a serious risk to riders. 

GEM is also warning of other safety 

hazards for riders on rural roads, where 

two-thirds of motorcycle fatalities occur. 

An exceptionally wet winter has left large 

amounts of mud and debris on road 

surfaces, compromising a rider’s ability to 

stop or change direction promptly. 

Recent data from the Asphalt Industry 

Alliance (AIA) shows that fewer than half of 

roads in England and Wales maintained by 

local councils are in a good condition, with 

36 per cent deemed adequate and 17 per 

cent poor. As the riding season gets into full 

swing, GEM is urging riders to protect 

themselves from the danger created by 

potholes, ruts and poor surfaces. 

GEM’s James Luckhurst said: “Potholes 

present risks for riders. If you’re not paying 

attention and you hit a deep enough 

pothole, you can easily lose control and 

falling off. Even in a less serious impact, you 

may damage your suspension and tyres. 

“Treat any rural road with respect, 

choose your speeds wisely, never exceed 

speed limits and avoid faster riders.” 


Failed to prepare? Prepare to fail! 


A new survey by the AA has lifted the lid on 

why candidates fail their theory test. 

A third found the hazard perception test 

the most daunting part, with that old 

teenager favourite, ‘I’ve not got enough time 

to revise’, the next biggest problem 

candidates found. The terminology used on 

the questions , knowing what to study and 

understanding road signs were the next 

three biggest challenges. 

15 per cent admitted they did not know 

when they were ready to sit the test but did 

so anyway. 

Besides issues with preparation, the 

psychological pressure of the test 

contributed to candidates’ anxiety levels, 

with nearly three-in-five adults who failed 

reporting being very nervous beforehand. 

A staggering two-thirds (67%) admitted to 

not adequately preparing for their tests. 

What was also clear was an overall lack of 

familiarity with the test itself: 47% confessed 

to entering their theory tests with little to no 

idea of what to expect. 

Failing was not something they wanted to 

brag about: two-fifths kept knowledge of 

their failure to all but a handful of people – 

and one-in-20 told no-one. 

Camilla Benitz, managing director of the 

AA Driving School, said: “Passing your theory 

test is a real milestone towards getting your 

full driving licence. These insights from 

those who struggled to pass 

highlight the importance of 

preparing properly. 

“Failing your theory test 

shouldn’t be a guilty secret 

that you keep from your 

friends and family; it is a 

tough test. But revising, 

taking mock tests and 

practising the hazard 

perception in advance will help 

you fly through.” 

The AA interviewed one theory test 

candidate for her views. Millie Gaston failed 

her theory test on the multiple choice 

section. While she felt she was unlucky with 

the questions, Millie admitted not preparing 

herself well enough. 

She said: “I wasn’t expecting to find it so 

hard. I didn’t tell anyone I was taking it the 

first time and in a way that made it harder 

because I didn’t talk to anyone about it. 

“With the hazard perception, I got too click 

happy. 

“All my friends were passing their driving 

test so there was a lot of chat about it, 

I think that added to the pressure.” 

She was put off rescheduling 

her theory test as she was 

desperate not to fail again. 

“I was so relieved when I 

finally did pass and could get on 

with booking my practical test. 

If anyone is struggling to pass, I’d 

just advise them to revise and 

practise taking mock tests so they 

know what to expect in the room. The 

atmosphere is quite intense so the more 

prepared you can be the better.” 

The AA has launched a new theory test 

app to tackle some of the issues raised in the 

survey and help candidates better prepare 

for their test. 


News: Election special 

Road safety and the election: 

Key issues and concerns 

grab politicians’ attention 

Rishi Sunak’s surprise decision to call a 

General Election for July 4 has created an 

opportunity for a number of motoring groups 

to push the road safety agenda into the 

spotlight. 

While the election debate will 

understandably focus on the usual key topics 

of the economy, the NHS, immigration and 

security, the chance to make a point to 

politicians and secure support for road safety 

initiatives will be grasped by many. 

Ironically, one potentially groundbreaking 

road safety initiative was one of the first to 

fall foul of the decision to end this Parliament 

early: a 10 Minute Rule Bill moved by Batley & 

Spen MP Kim Leadbetter, called the Motor 

Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill. 

The Bill, if voted through, would have 

introduced restrictions on new drivers in 

various ways, with the MP urging a 

widespread consultation on how these 

should be applied (see page 14, and pg 16-18). 

10 Minute Rule Bills rarely become law: 

indeed in the 79 years since the end of the 

Second World War, only 60 have, and 

virtually all of them are on small and 

uncontroversial issues. Ms Leadbetter’s Bill 

was markedly different, and would have had a 

huge impact on new drivers. 

What MSA GB wants... 

So what do road safety groups want from 

the election? 

Road safety groups are naturally keen to 

get their points of view over now that 

politicians are forced to listen to different 

voices in the run-up to the election. 

PACTS – the Parliamentary Advisory 

Council for Transport Safety – set out its 

manifesto – rather prophetically – before 

Rishi Sunak even called the election, which 

A soggy-looking Rishi Sunak 

calls a general election 

suggests someone at the organisation is 

either very well-informed, or very lucky. 

It pulled together 30+ road safety groups, 

including the RAC Foundation and the AA, 

RoSPA, IAM and Road Safety GB, but no-one 

from the ADI sector, interestingly enough, to 

back a four-point manifesto (see facing 

page). 

Its first priority is perhaps the most 

important, and one that all ADIs can get 

behind: Developing a National Road Safety 

Strategy 

It has been oft said that in 2010, when the 

Conservatives came into office at the head of 

a Coalition Government, they inherited a road 

safety landscape that placed the UK at the 

top of the world league table. 

However, in recent years the crown has 

slipped and though the UK’s status as a world 

leader in road safety remains, our preeminence 

does not. Now we regularly come 

fifth or sixth for road fatalities and KSI 

statistics in Europe, and the gap between 

ourselves and our closest rivals is narrowing. 

n We would like a new Government to consider 

compulsory CPD or at least an incentive from the 

DVSA to participate in CPD. For example, no Standard 

Check, with the DVSA relying just on TIP data and 

upskilling registered online with DVSA through its 

CPD option. 

n Consider graduated driving licences but we need to 

avoid restrictions on the licence. Perhaps a test pass 

provides a basic licence and then, by completing 

modules with an ADI to further validate a driver’s 

competence. Modules covered could include 

night-time driving, rural road observation and 

acceleration sense. Link this to the insurance 

industry to lower premiums. 

n Give more powers to the professional trainers 

(ADI) to sign off competencies. 

n Encouraging ADI trainers to include Vision Zero in 

the syllabus through its content being included in the 

practical test during question time. 

n Examine the mobile phone law, including the use of 

touchscreens and hands-free phone use. 

n Give the 7500kg back onto the driver licence 

n Road safety targets regenerated and recognise the 

assistance the driver training industry could give. 

Mike Yeomans, MSA GB 

National Chairman 

MORE ON ELECTION - SEE PG 14-15 



“There is no over-arching road 

safety strategy in the UK, and as 

the old saying goes, ‘if you can’t 

measure it, you can’t manage it’. 

This needs addressing...” 

Why is this? Many in the road safety 

community lay the blame squarely at the 

door of the Government for abandoning road 

safety targets. There is no over-arching road 

safety strategy, and as the old saying goes, ‘if 

you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it’. 

What MSA GB would like to see is a 

programme laid out that will return the UK to 

the top of the road safety tree, based on 

empirical evidence, considering best practice 

from within the UK and overseas, the 

creation of evidence-based targets and the 

adoption of robust safety performance 

indicators. 

We would also like to see a commitment to 

invest in the DVSA, including in its creaking 

booking system and frontline staff. 

Employing 250 new examiners on two-year 

contracts will not tackle the still worrying 

L-test waiting times; more staff are needed, 

and on a permanent basis. 

The MSA GB would also like to see a return 

to a serious debate on improving standards, 

both of ADIs, their pupils and the broader 

motoring public. As a priority we would ask 

for a new Pass Plus (Plus!), with real benefits 

to encourage post-test training. For ADIs we 

would like to see a new look at introducing 

compulsory CPD, and for the state to accept 

ADIs as the skilled professionals that they 

are, and bring them in to the tent when it 

comes to reforming the way we train and test 

learners. 

MSA GB members’ views 

John Lomas, Area 4: 

“We need a commitment that no matter 

what advanced level of autonomous 

vehicles is reached, even total 

autonomy; there will ALWAYS be a 

requirement for driver controls and a 

licensed driver positioned where the 

controls can be operated in an 

emergency. 

“This provision should be known as the 

Murphy Clause, after Murphy’s Law, 

which states: ‘Anything that can go 

wrong will go wrong.’ ” 

PACTS leads call for the 

next Government to 

adopt its four top priorities 

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for 

Transport Safety (PACTS) has coordinated 

a ground-breaking manifesto 

calling for immediate and strategic action 

to address the persistent issue of road 

fatalities and serious injuries in the UK. 

Its ‘Manifesto for Road Safety’ was 

developed through exhaustive 

consultations and support from more 

than 33 leading organisations. It outlines 

four strategic priorities for the 

government aimed at revolutionising road 

safety and significantly reducing fatalities 

and serious injuries on UK roads. 

These priorities are: 

1. Developing a National Road Safety 

Strategy – Implement a Safe System 

Strategy focused on prevention, 

protection, and post-collision response, 

coupled with evidence-based targets and 

robust safety performance indicators. 

2 Establishing a Road Safety 

Investigation Branch – An independent 

body modelled after existing 

transportation safety branches to 

analyse road incidents and provide 

actionable insights for preventing future 

tragedies. 

3 Introducing Graduated Driver 

Licensing – A progressive licensing 

system to support young drivers by 

limiting high-risk driving situations. . 

Countries like Australia, Canada, and New 

Zealand have supported young drivers 

through the transition to solo driving by 

initially limiting their driving in the riskiest 

situations, in particular carrying peeraged 

passengers. The evidence is 

compelling, with fatalities falling in the ge 

group by up to 40%. 

4 Adopting Advanced Vehicle Safety 

Regulations – Immediate implementation 

of the world-leading vehicle safety 

standards, mandating critical 

technologies such as Automatic 

Emergency Braking and Intelligent Speed 

Assistance. 

This ‘manifesto’ is a unifying call from 

the road safety community to all political 

candidates: prioritise these life-saving 

measures and act swiftly upon taking 

office. The safety of all road users hangs 

in the balance – let us choose a path that 

leads to zero road deaths and injuries. 

Together, we can transform our roads into 

safer spaces for everyone in the UK. 


News: Election special 

AA signs up for PACTS’ manifesto and demands 

action to help vulnerable young drivers 

The AA Charitable Trust has signed up to the 

Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport 

Safety (PACTS) campaign calling for 

immediate and strategic action to address 

the persistent issue of road fatalities and 

serious injuries in the UK (see pg 13). 

PACTS’ focus on a graduated licensing 

system is in line with the AA’s own Motoring 

Manifesto call to reduce road deaths by 

imposing restrictions on new drivers, such as 

restricting passengers for six months after 

passing their test. 

The latest national statistics show young 

drivers were involved in a fifth of all crashes in 

which someone was killed or seriously 

injured. 

Edmund King, director of The AA Charitable 

Trust, said: “We are delighted to support 

PACTS’ manifesto. It provides clear, 

pragmatic focus to tackle some of the 

biggest risks on our roads. 

“We urgently need the next Government 

to address the issue of young driver deaths. 

Imposing restrictions on things like carrying 

passengers in the immediate months after 

passing their driving test will help, not only by 

removing the distraction of passengers from 

the driver, but also in removing the risk of 

being the passenger in the car with a 

peer-aged driver. 

“We know young drivers face a 

disproportionate risk compared to older 

drivers. We are doing them a disservice by 

not ensuring the legislative framework 

supports their safety when they are at their 

most vulnerable as a driver.” 


Arthur Mynott MSA GB West & Wales: 

Before a driving licence is re-issued 

when a driver reaches 70, they have to 

take an assessment drive to confirm 

that they are still safe to drive. 

At the very least they should have a 

medical with a doctor to declare they 

are fit to drive, and have their eyesight 

checked. The current policy of asking 

drivers to self-certify is too open to 

abuse. Before anyone asks, I’ll be 70 in 

three years time and happy to do so! 

The chart shows how much young 

drivers are at risk on the road. However, 

it also clearly shows that contrary to 

the popular narrative, per miles driven, 

elderly women and men are just as 

much at risk 

RAC backed MP’s bill - and calls 

for it to be taken up post-election 

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis 

said his organisation had been in support of 

the Bill presented to Parliament by Kim 

Leadbeater MP on Graduated Driving 

Licences. 

“The tragic statistics speak for 

themselves,” Mr Dennis said. “Young drivers, 

especially men, are far more likely to be killed 

or seriously injured on our roads, so it’s high 

time a renewed focus was given to reducing 

casualties. Families up and down the country 

who have lost sons and daughters far too 

MP Kim Leadbetter, pictured speaking in the 

House of Commons, had hoped to introduce a 

new law placing restrictions on new drivers, 

through a backbench MP’s Ten Minute Rule 

Bill. The calling of the General Election has 

ended her hopes but the backing it gained 

from her fellow MPs has proved there is 

widespread support for a similar move in the 

future. 

soon are looking for something to change, 

and graduated driving licences could well be 

the answer. 

“Passing the practical driving test is the 

very first step in anyone’s driving career, but 

there remains so much more to learn to 

become a safe, proficient and confident 

driver. 

“We call on MPs to set the wheels in 

motion in creating legislation that has the 

potential to save lives.” 



What’s your plan after July 4? 

As this issue of Newslink was 

published the main political 

parties were yet to announce 

their transport policies. However, 

Newslink picked up some items 

that were of interest... 

The Conservatives go into this election with a 

vow to end ‘the war on motorists’. 

This is the catchy slogan dreamt up after 

their surprise by-election victory in Uxbridge 

and South Ruislip last July, which many 

pundits put down to voter dissatisfaction with 

Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ULEZ scheme . 

Last October the Government announced 

new rules restricting councils’ ability to 

impose 20mph limits, bus lanes and lowtraffic 

neighbourhoods (LTNs) in urban areas. 

“Our Plan for Drivers shows how this 

Government is backing motorists, ensuring 

they can enjoy smoother journeys, park more 

easily and no longer face oppressive traffic 

enforcement measures,” said a spokesperson. 

Labour responded with Shadow transport 

secretary Louise Haigh saying the Tories were 

out of touch with the reality facing drivers. 

“Labour’s plan means action on unfair 

petrol and car insurance costs, removing 

barriers so infrastructure improvements are 

actually delivered, reducing the traffic 

clogging up our roads and boosting the EV 

charge-point roll-out,” she said. 

Urban road safety initiatives may not be 

welcomed by some drivers, she added, but 

they were supported by many who live in 

towns and cities and were tired of their 

Road Safety GB has backed the PACTS’ 

manifesto. James Gibson, executive director 

of Road Safety GB, said: “Road safety 

organisations recognise that improving 

casualty reduction is complex and multilayered. 

This manifesto focuses on four key 

measures which aim to make a difference. 

“The road safety community is full of 

dedicated professionals who strive to work 

together to improve safety. Having strategic 

direction and national policy on key issues 

will be essential to make sustained progress 

going forwards.” 

neighburhood being used as a race track. 

“Motorists have to realise it is not just about 

them; it is about everyone being able to get 

around safely.” 

The Campaign for Better Transport says it’s 

time for politicians to embrace pay-as-youdriving, 

or ‘road user charging’, in cities, 

particularly London. Replace the Congestion 

Charge and ULEZ with a scheme where 

drivers are charged per mile was 

recommended. Charges would take into 

account vehicle emissions, location and levels 

of congestion. 

The London Assembly recognised pay-asyou-drive 

as a sensible, better and fairer 

alternative to the Congestion Charge seven 

years ago, but little has happened since. 

And as the charity pointed out, if the 

Government does not act soon, the amount 

of revenue the Exchequer pockets from 

motoring taxes will dwindle to a much lower 

level than previously - at which point there is 

a good chance a ‘pay as you go’ system could 

have to be introduced. 

Mike Hawes, head of the Society of Motor 

Manufacturers and Traders, wants incentives 

to buy electric vehicles – or sales will not pick 

up as expected. 

“There are no carrots for private buyers to 

purchase EVs. There’s demand from business 

users. With low benefit in kind tax, it makes 

good sense to buy an EV, but nothing for the 

private motorist 

“The two biggest obstacles to EV purchase 

are affordability and infrastructure. It was a 

good last quarter for EV roll-out and good 

chargepoint roll-out, but 80% was in London 

and the south-east.” 

Charities say a national road 

safety strategy is essential 

PACTS urges the incoming Government to 

prioritise these strategies within the first 100 

days of office. 

Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The 

Road Safety Trust, said: “Data shows that 

road casualty figures have plateaued over the 

last decade, something which we all 

recognise is unacceptable. 

“This manifesto aims to push road safety 

up the political agenda, highlighting the 

measures needed to strengthen efforts to 

achieve a road network with no deaths or 

serious injuries.” 


Colin Lilly, Editor, Newslink 

First, I would like to see a complete 

review of driver training and 

testing, including a logical approach to 

graduated driver licences. 

Second, the sort of policy I DO NOT 

want to see is any party pandering to 

those who would like to see a watering 

down of rules and those schemes 

designed for the safety of ALL road 

users. Any party that includes that type 

of policy will not get my vote. 

I think I will be changing my vote this 

time. 

Janet Stewart, MSA GB London 

and the South East 

I’d like to see the new Government 

move the dial forward on electric vehicle 

charge points, particularly making 

planning restrictions less onerous and 

more sensible. 

Rod Came, MSA GB member, London 

and the South East: 

After much thought I have come up 

with only one demand for our 

politicians, and that is to introduce 

COMPULSORY CPD for all ADIs and 

trainees. 

The qualification process may have 

improved over the years, but a 

one-hour check of ability every few 

years is hardly commensurate with a 

professional qualification. 

It is a poor reflection of the training 

standards provided when the pass rate 

for practical driving tests stubbornly 

remains around the 50% mark, a level 

that it has been at for decades. 

The standard of driver training provided 

by ADIs should be much higher and able 

to be proved to be so. 

I would urge the incoming Transport 

Minister, whoever that should be, to 

introduce Compulsory Continuing 

Professional Development as a matter 

of urgency. 

• What do you want to see the 

politicians say about road safety, driver 

training and motoring in general during 

this General Election ? 

Let MSA GB know, by contacting 

Newslink via editor@msagb.com 


News 

Graduated licences: 

time for action? 

An MSA GB webinar on 

Thursday, May 23, gave 

members a chance to chat 

to the MSA GB board and air 

their views on graduated 

driving licences. Here is a brief 

overview of the discussions. 

Though organised some weeks before, the 

MSA GB webinar on graduated driving 

licences gained more significance as it came 

just 24 hours after Rishi Sunak called the 

General Election, which could see the idea gain 

traction with some political parties and become 

a point of difference between them. 

The webinar found a general agreement 

that the current system, which goes from 

supervised learning to full freedom after 

passing an L-test, needed addressing; the 

crash statistics of new drivers alone was all 

the proof that was needed for that conclusion 

to be reached. 

But the hour-long chat highlighted that 

there is no consensus on what form this 

reform would take; there is clearly no single 

silver bullet that can help new and 

inexperienced drivers shift the dial on the 

risks they face on the road. 

Growing focus 

Peter Harvey, MSA GB national vicechairman, 

hosted the event. He said that 

there was a growing focus on graduated 

driving licences, and the debate in the House 

of Commons led by MP Kim Leadbeater on 

her Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New 

Drivers) Bill had further fuelled the interest 

(more on this on page 12 and 14). 

Peter pointed out that a number of other 

nations had successfully introduced 

graduated licensing. Indeed, Great Britain was 

one, with the New Drivers Act setting a lower 

level of penalty points for the newly qualified. 

It was a mild restriction, however. Estonia, 

as an example, had gone far further. Its test 

passes were for two years only, and a full 

licence was conditional on passing a further 

test. Failure to do so saw the original pass 

revoked. 

The way forward 

The debate considered a number of 

options, including restrictions on carrying 

passengers, night-time driving, engine size 

and compulsory further training. 

Each suggestion had supporters – and 

critics. 

Arthur Mynott believed a ban on night 

driving would give new drivers the chance to 

gain greater experience on the roads during 

the day before they take on more challenging 

roads at night. 

But restricting new drivers from being on 

the road at night would hamper those 

working in the night-time economy, and 

Susan, a rural ADI, pointed out that many of 

her pupils worked in the farming sector, for 

whom early (in darkness) starts and late 

finishes were part of the job. Any such 

restrictions would make their driving licence 

practically useless. 

One suggestion was to offer a permit to 

allow new drivers in qualifying employment 

sectors the right to drive at night, but that 

seemed to defeat the point of the entire plan; 

as Graham Feest out it, “if we’re bringing this 

restriction in on safety grounds, we can’t say 

some people don’t have to pay attention to 

them. You will lose support for the whole idea.” 

Colin Lilly said prohibition that did not 

include further training was the wrong 

approach. “Will a pause in their driving after 

passing their test in some areas really make a 

difference?” he asked. 

It was point backed up by MSA GB national 

chairman Mike Yeomans: “If we prevent new 

drivers from being on the roads at night for 

six months, when that period of restrictions 

is lifted they won’t magically be able to drive 

at night safely.” 

If anything, they may be worse, as at least 

immediately after passing their test, they 

may have some training in driving at night 

from their ADI to fall back on. 

Minimum training hours 

Another suggestion was for a minimum 

number of hours to be spent as a learner, but 

this would be hard to police and possibly 

breach one of the state’s ‘red lines’ on this 

issue: there is no appetite in Westminster to 

bar parents from teaching their children to 

drive. 

A minimum learning period based on ADI 

lessons would do just that, while a simple 

timeframe missed the point that many young 

people obtain a provisional driving licence on 

their 17th birthday but then don’t start 

learning to drive for some time afterwards. 



Pass Plus an an option 

Janet Stewart wanted to make more use of 

Pass Plus; perhaps within six months new 

drivers have to take six Pass Plus-style 

modules, she suggested, on night driving and 

rural roads. Peter Harvey said that the use of 

log books to record extra modules could be a 

solution, with ADIs signing off the training as 

completed. 

Mike Yeomans urged all ADIs to not fall into 

the trap of training learners to pass the test, 

and to go “beyond the national curriculum.” 

He was also keen that any further training 

be signed off by ADIs, and there was little 

enthusiasm in the webinar for asking the 

DVSA to take on more post-test 

qualifications. 

Graham Feest admitted that he had never 

been a big fan of GDLs but was moving slowly 

towards supporting them. His biggest 

concern was why placing restrictions without 

additional training would help improve road 

safety. 

However, he saw hope in how well driver 

improvement schemes had contributed to 

educating drivers on speeding. “We used to 

just catch people speeding, fine them and 

give them points, then send them on their 

way. We never did anything to change their 

behaviour,” he said. But now, “instead of just 

punishments, we can re-train and re-educate 

them over their driving habits. 

“Can we introduce a similar intervention for 

new drivers before they break the law or 

harm themselves?” 

Drink-drive limit 

Giving new drivers a lower drink-drive limit 

would be welcomed but it would cause some 

confusion; it could be seen as a signal from 

the state that a higher limit for experienced 

drivers proved some drinking and driving was 

acceptable, when the consensus was that no 

amount of alcohol was safe. 

There was also no mention of drugs: young 

people are, said one participant, more likely to 

be intoxicated by drugs than alcohol, so the 

lower limit for drink would achieve little. 

Restrict vehicle power 

An often suggested idea in this area has 

been to restrict the engine size of vehicles 

driven by new drivers. However, with modern 

1.0-litre cars so powerful – as one participant 

put it, more powerful than a 2.0-litre of a 

decade ago – for a restriction to be 

meaningful it would have to start that low, 

leaving no cars for new drivers to drive. 

It is also true that any restriction on engine 

size would not impact on electric cars and 

their ultra-fast acceleration from batteries. A 

policy could look very dated very quickly, in 

the light of EVs continuing growth. 

Carrying passengers 

Peter Harvey said the evidence suggested 

that when new drivers are alone in their car, 

their driving is generally quite safe, and it is 

the presence of their peers that pushes them 

to reckless behaviour. Should they be banned 

from carrying passengers? 

But if so, how could that work? Would it be 

on numbers of passengers… or the ages/ 

types of passengers? Why would giving a lift 

to your mum put you in a higher risk group? 

Other ideas 

Mike Yeomans said the success insurance 

companies had had with telematics and black 

boxes in cars was a good starting point for all 

new drivers, and needed more consideration. 

P-plates were an idea that had gained little 

traction over the years, with evidence 

suggesting they made other motorists 

aggressive towards new drivers. 

A ban on faster roads such as motorways 

flew in the face of the statistics which 

showed those roads to be safer than rural 

roads. 

Continued on page 18 


News 

Graduated licences: 

time for action? 

Continued from page 17 

Graduated driving licence debate in the past 

There was clearly a new focus on 

graduated driving licences. Peter Harvey 

recalled that proposals had been set before 

the Transport Select Committee in the House 

of Commons in 2002, but had been firmly 

rejected. 

However, in 2007 a similar idea had been 

accepted and was close to implementation 

when the then Secretary of State for 

Transport, Douglas Alexander, backtracked 

on the proposals. 

His reluctance to get involved had been 

repeated several times by his successors 

over the years, Peter said. “The UK 

Government is very reluctant to introduce 

restrictions or make things compulsory in 

this field,” he said. “The repeated comment I 

hear is ‘we don’t want to put an unfair burden 

on the public’.” 

What’s possible 

It is clear that we don’t re-visit driving 

skills in the UK once people have passed their 

test. Yet the vocational drivers’ CPC 

programme has been a success. Why can’t 

we make new drivers re-visit their skills in a 

similar way? 

One idea that is gaining traction is bringing 

in restrictions on new drivers for two years, 

but giving them the opportunity to have 

them lifted quicker by taking further training. 

“People would in essence be given a 

probationary licence but then look to take 

extra training to have the licence turned into a 

full one sooner,” he said. To calm fears that a 

two-stage had been introduced, after two 

years a probation licence automatically 

switched to a full one anyway. 

“It would be up to the individual driver to 

decide if they wanted extra training to allow 

them to access different options, such as 

night driving, or carrying passengers.” 

Such a scheme would be overseen by ADIs, 

who would sign off modules, possibly in a log 

book-style programme. 

The question politicians would have to ask 

was whether they could trust ADIs to 

oversee the scheme. Perhaps oversight 

could be entrusted to those ADIs at the top of 

the profession: “those at the top of the TIP 

programme, Standards Check Grade As, 

those who do CPD? That would give ADIs a 

carrot to expand their skills.” 

Who will enforce it? 

Steven Porter made the very good point 

that whatever was agreed, it was hard to see 

Douglas Alexander was just one Secretary of 

State for Transport who was tempted by a 

graduated driving licence scheme, without 

following through on the proposals 

how it would be enforced. “Police Scotland 

does not have the resources to employ traffic 

cops across the country; how would they 

keep an eye on this as well?” 

However, Peter Harvey countered by 

suggesting that most legislation carried a 

degree of enforcement, “and that is down to 

the state to handle.” He pointed out that the 

compulsory use of seat belts had not been 

universally supported, and that there was 

few police on the roads to enforce it, but the 

vast majority of drivers today wore a belt. 

“The publicity campaigns around the 

impact of crashes combined with occasional 

fines and penalty points seemed to do 

enough to encourage compliance in most 

cases.” 

Next step 

It was clear from the conversation that 

most ADIs are in favour of graduated driving 

licences in some degree, but feel that we 

need to carefully consider the options and 

consequences of any reform. 

Restrictions on new drivers without the 

intervention of further training was a poor 

solution to the problem.. 

“The vocational drivers CPC 

programme has been a success. 

Why can’t we make new 

drivers re-visit their skills in a 

similar way?” (left) 



New Blue Light videos look 

at police bikes and horses 

GEM Motoring Assist has added three new 

videos to its Blue Light Aware resource, to 

illustrate specific situations where different 

road users could be confused by emergency 

vehicles. 

The videos cover the following topics: 

n Emergency motorbikes, and what they 

need from road users (produced with the 

assistance of the Metropolitan Police and 

DocBike) 

n Specific advice for horse riders (created 

with, and approved by, the British Horse 

Society, with the assistance of the 

Metropolitan Police Mounted Section’s 

training school and Surrey Fire and Rescue) 

n Making a good 999 call following a road 

collision. 

The Blue Light Aware resource was created 

in 2011 to assist drivers by helping them 

identify solutions to a number of traffic 

scenarios involving emergency vehicles 

where confusion is frequently reported. 

A new generation of videos followed in 

2021, making use of short video animations, 

ideal for sharing on social media. 

In the videos, GEM presents a number of 

common situations where confusion can 

occur. There are sections on roundabouts, 

junctions, country lanes, motorways and dual 

carriageways, as well as specific advice for 

helping to maximise safety for those who 

need to work in potentially dangerous road 

environments. 

Gill Starkie, GEM road safety charity 

trustee, said: “Our team has been fortunate 

to enjoy the enthusiastic support of police 

forces, fire and rescue organisations and the 

British Horse Society in creating these three 

new videos. 

“We hope they will clearly illustrate specific 

situations where different road users could 

be confused or at higher risk.” 

The videos were launched at the 2024 

edition of Young Driver Focus. Following the 

event, they will be available via the Blue Light 

Aware library. 

“GEM is delighted to be sponsoring Young 

Driver Focus again. As a road safety and 

breakdown organisation, we wholeheartedly 

support any efforts to reduce risk for all road 

users. We have a proud history of working 

with partners to support innovative schemes 

and initiatives that can improve safety for 

young drivers.” 

“We hope they will clearly 

illustrate specific situations 

where different road users 

could be confused or at 

higher risk.” 

Fire chiefs’ week 

targets biker safety 

UK fire & rescue services will be engaging 

with motorcyclists next week, to reduce KSIs 

during peak riding season. 

Motorcycles make up around 1% of road 

traffic, but it is estimated in 2023 accounted 

for 20% of road fatalities and around 12% of 

road casualties in Great Britain. 

The 2024 National Motorcycle Safety Week, 

organised by the National Fire Chiefs Council 

(NFCC), will run from June 3-9 to try to 

reduce these statistics and improve safety. 

Services will be utilising an online toolkit to 

focus their efforts on reaching motorcyclists 

with safety messages, as well as signposting 

to courses and resources that will assist 

them to become safer riders. 

The week will have separate focuses on 

gig-economy and leisure riders. For gigeconomy 

riders, an online survey has been 

created. The survey aims to help the NFCC 

collect data to inform future campaigns. 

All available resources are hosted on the 

NFCC website, with some rider projects: 

Ridefree: This is a free online training 

course to be completed before taking moped 

or motorcycle compulsory basic training. 

The Enhanced Rider Scheme: The DVSA’s 

enhanced rider scheme checks motorcycle 

riding skills and provides training to help 

motorcyclists to improve. 

BikeSafe Workshops: This is a national, 

police-run motorcycle initiative aimed at 

working with motorcycle riders in a relaxed 

environment to raise awareness of the 

importance and value of progressing on to 

accredited post-test training. 

Biker Down: This Biker Down offers 

motorcyclists the ability to train in essential 

life skills, for free, and gain the knowledge to 

help them cope should they encounter or be 

involved in a road traffic collision. 

Election can’t stop race to get auto vehicles on roads 

The decision to call a General Election may 

have impacted on a number of Government 

billls, but one that is of great interest to ADIs 

made it through in time. 

The Government’s Automated Vehicles 

(AV) Act became law just before Parliament 

rose, meaning self-driving vehicles could be 

on our roads by 2026. 

First announced during the King’s Speech 

in November 2023, the new law is designed 

to help enable the safe deployment of 

self-driving vehicles. It will require selfdriving 

vehicles to achieve a level of safety 

at least as high as ‘careful and competent’ 

human drivers, as well as meeting rigorous 

safety checks before being allowed onto 

roads. The Government says this could lead 

to the number of deaths and injuries from 

drink driving, speeding, tiredness and 

inattention being ‘drastically reduced’. 

The act delivers a ‘comprehensive’ legal 

framework, setting out who is liable for AVs, 

meaning that drivers can be assured that, 

while their vehicle is in self-driving mode, 

they will not be held responsible for how the 

vehicle drives. 

For the first time, corporations such as 

insurance providers, software developers 

and automotive manufacturers can assume 

this responsibility. 


Towards your CPD 

From the unknown 

... to the known 

We spoke last month about risk 

management and hopefully 

dispelled some of the myths 

in that element, writes Steve 

Garrod. This month, we are 

going to look at the lesson 

planning part of the Standards 

Check and Part 3 ADI exam. 

A common question I am asked when asked 

to run a training session is “What is the best 

subject to teach?” 

This means that there is a wide gap in 

knowledge about client-centred learning and 

lesson planning. 

A useful phrase to remember is ‘We teach 

from the known to the unknown’, therefore 

your lesson should be an extension of the 

last one. 

An observation in any teaching 

environment should be a snapshot of a 

normal lesson, but we all appreciate the need 

to make sure that the essentials are covered 

and that our pupils continue to learn in a 

similar way to any other lesson which is not 

being observed. 

I have observed training sessions when the 

pupil is really not comfortable with the style 

of lesson being taught because it bears little 

resemblance to the usual lessons. 

Let’s look at the headings under the 

Lesson Planning section. Here we have a total 

of 12 marks available. 

Did the trainer identify the pupil’s goals and 

needs? The lesson, like any other lesson, 

should link to the last lesson and prepare for 

the next one. 

So, to start with, think about how previous 

learning can be fed into the new lesson. For 

example, if the last lesson dealt with turning 

left at junctions, which skills can be used for 

turning right? Not only does this help your 

pupil reflect on the last lesson, it also means 

you can discuss sharing responsibilities; for 

example, they may be happy to deal with 

their use of MSPSL while approaching a left 

turn but only the use of mirrors and signals 

while approaching a right turn, because the 

manoeuvre part of MSM is the new learning 

for today. 

This is where you may need to share 

responsibilities and agree on how best this is 

learnt. 

It is important that notes are recorded of all 

lessons to help both you and your pupil 

identify what has been learnt and what 

needs to be learnt or improved. Pupils have 



“An example of this could be an opportunity to 

deal with following direction signs. This is 

particularly useful at more complex junctions, 

such as those with traffic lights and roundabouts. 

When someone has to look for the direction on 

approach to a junction there is more chance of a 

mistake as there is a greater level of skill and 

concentration required.” 

more chance remembering what happened in 

their previous lesson if all lessons are started 

in this way. It is realistic to accept that they 

won’t remember everything that happened; 

after all, do you? 

Keeping notes helps you to remind them of 

the goals that were set at the end of the last 

lesson for today’s lesson (in the end of lesson 

summary). Encouraging learners to reflect on 

their performance during a lesson helps them 

to set their own goals. 

Here are some questions to help your pupil 

to interact. 

“What did we cover last time?” 

“What were the key things to remember?” 

“What do you feel went well?” 

“What do you feel you need to work on?” 

You will see that these open questions 

encourage pupils to think about previous 

lesson and often generate a two-way 

conversation to clarify any 

misunderstandings. 

Of course, the answer could be “I can’t 

remember” or “I don’t know”, but that could 

indicate that they were not fully engaged in 

their learning, so you may need to review the 

way you structure your lessons in a way that 

they are more likely to retain the information. 

It is important to consider that it will become 

obvious to an observer if the pupil feels 

comfortable answering and asking questions 

and it will indicate if this is a normal activity in 

all your driving lessons. 

Was the agreed lesson structure appropriate 

for the pupil’s experience and ability? 

This should naturally follow on from the 

recap. The structure is how the lesson time is 

managed. 

For example, it is reasonable to ask your 

pupil to begin the lesson where they left off 

last time, in other words, if you were working 

on turning left at junctions, ask them if they 

feel confident taking responsibility for this 

task as you drive to your training area. This is 

your opportunity to ask what help they feel 

they need for the right turns or more 

challenging left turns. 

It may be easier to think of the lesson in 

small building blocks. The smaller the steps, 

the more likely it is that the goals are to be 

achieved. The building blocks form a 

foundation for more complex tasks with less 

help from you (eg, from Q&A to the pupil 

explain what they are planning to do). 

As the lesson progresses, they should be 

able to take on more responsibility for their 

driving and learning, which it is why selecting 

a suitable training area is essential. 

Were the training areas suitable? 

Training areas should support the lesson 

structure, for example, with opportunities for 

more challenging tasks. Don’t fall into the trap 

of thinking of planning a training route. The 

problem with a route is that it is often 

followed to the end, even if something goes 

wrong and driving faults are made. A training 

area will allow you to return to specific 

situations to correct such faults or focus on 

the areas for development as agreed in the 

recap at the start of the lesson. 

An example of this could be an opportunity 

to deal with following direction signs. This is 

particularly useful at more complex junctions, 

such as those with traffic lights and 

roundabouts. When someone has to look for 

the direction on approach to a junction there 

is more chance of a mistake as there is a 

greater level of skill and concentration 

required. 

Common faults under this heading include 

areas being too easy or too difficult. If you are 

going to take an experienced driver, make 

sure it matches their ability! 

Was the lesson adapted, when necessary, to 

help the pupil work towards their learning 

goals? 

If you have a good knowledge of the 

training area, you are more likely to know how 

to adapt the lesson when driving faults are 

made. 

For example, if someone’s position is too 

wide on a left turn as they emerge from a 

side road, or clip the kerb, you should be able 

to either return to the same junction fairly 

quickly or continue on a left turn circuit for 

more remedial action. 

A common fault under this heading is not 

correcting faults and continuing with the 

lesson’s original objective, when the lesson 

should be adapted to correct identified faults. 

Remember… it is not a sign of weakness to 

change a lesson’s objective, but a sign that 

you are watching and supporting your pupil to 

help them to achieve their goals. 

Don’t leave it until you get the call for a 

Standards Check to think about how you plan 

your lessons. 

Be honest with yourself and take time to 

reflect on your lessons and make sure your 

lessons are always a grade A! 



So what do we teach here? 

OPTION 1 

Brian 

Thomson 

MSA GB Scotland 

So, I was out and about for a wee drive at the 

weekend and thought I’d put it to the reading 

experts in Newslink, how do you teach 

students how to turn right off a dual 

carriageway? 

Now, that statement from a driving 

instructor may seem strange, but look at 

some of the pics of junctions I took in my 

area, and consider the guidance to the 

motorist that is shown, and when it is shown. 

Why is it not consistent? Why is our road 

system so fragmented? 

The Highway Code’s view 

On checking the Highway Code, not a lot is 

said about dual carriageways, and certainly 

nothing about crossing them. 

When I take my students on to the dualler 

and ask them to perform a right cross, if 

there’s no Give Way lines at the end of the 

slip, I encourage them to drive as far forward 

as possible, sharp turn right and wait for a 

safe gap. 

This method allows traffic crossing from 

our right side to sit ‘driver’s door to driver’s 

door’ allowing both drivers full left-side 

vision along the part of the carriageway 

they’re crossing. 

The issue with the Give Way lines at the 

end of the slip is, as the car crossing from the 

right is waiting in the middle, we are in their 

zone of vision and when they move onto the 

carriageway when clear, car number 2 from 

the right is now crossing, blocking us off 

again. 

The newest dual carriageway in our area is 

the Aberdeen by pass, better known as the 

AWPR. It was opened only a few years ago 

and has no right-turn crossings, only left 

sliproads to underpasses or flyovers and in 

one stretch. You have to travel seven miles to 

be able to come back the same way if you 

miss your junction for whatever reason. 

Safer for the driving public, I suppose a 

nightmare for the emergency services ... 

there are winners and losers in most things. 

Give Way lines at the 

end of the slip road 

Below, a road with a green field 

OPTION 2 

Right pointing arrow half 

across the opening 



OPTION 3 

Right arrow before the 

end of the slip road 

Same junction as 

the photo left but 

a ‘free for all’ for 

positioning. 

OPTION 4 

Like Hovis bread, 

“Best of Both” at the 

one junction. Right 

arrow to turn in the 

middle of the 

opening. 

And the slip road 

coming towards us 

has the right arrow 

way back from the 

end of the slip. 

OPTION 5 

Well! Some days you get guidance, other 

days you get junctions like this 


Motoring feature 

The demise of the beloved and 

frequently misused handbrake 

Car designers are continually changing our vehicles, adding new technology and dispensing with 

equipment that’s no longer deemed necessary. We’ve ditched the window winder, the starter crank and 

the choke... so is the lever-operated handbrake the next part to go the way of the dinosaurs and shuffle 

off into obsolesence and history? Tom Harrington takes a look... 

You might be familiar with a well-known 

phrase that says ‘necessity is the mother of 

invention.’ Laws necessitate that cars must 

have some kind of handbrake – whether it is 

called a parking brake, handbrake, or an 

emergency brake – and it is often a simple, 

manually actuated handle located normally 

between a vehicle’s two front seats. 

Brakes may not be the sexiest part of a car 

to talk about, but they certainly grab 

attention if they fail at doing their job. Let’s 

face it, the importance of good working 

brakes in a vehicle is paramount. 

Early passenger vehicles were challenging to 

operate. And they were just as difficult to stop. 

One of the first braking systems used in 

the first passenger vehicles was the humble 

spoon brake. Invented over two hundred 

years ago, spoon brakes initially consisted of 

a lever with a wooden block attached to the 

end of it. When the vehicle’s operator, usually 

a carriage driver, wanted to stop, they would 

shift the lever, pushing the wooden block 

against the moving wheel, and hold it in place. 

This would effectively slow the carriage down 

until it stopped. (But not always: the first 

recorded road fatalities occurred on Harrowon-the 

Hill, Middlesex in 1898, when the 

spoked wheel gave way during braking. ) 

This method worked well in steampowered 

vehicles but became obsolete when 

the Michelin brothers started manufacturing 

rubber tyres to replace steel-rimmed wheels. 

The seemingly unsophisticated yet effective 

spoon brake is still in use today, just not in 

cars or powered vehicles. Spoon brakes are 

used on most bicycles. 

Interestingly, enough, older passenger 

vehicles with non-pneumatic wheels, such 

as San Francisco’s famous trolleys, also use 

brakes with some classic spoon brake 

configuration. 

How the handbrake works 

Most of us were introduced to the 

handbrake by pushing in a button and 

A spoon brake applied to the main 

wheel of a penny farthing 

‘yanking’ up a lever after coming to a halt – 

that’s why it was called the handbrake. Pulling 

on that lever caused a pair of cables to apply 

the rear brake pads or shoes (on drum 

brakes) to the car’s rear wheels. It is generally 

used to prevent the car from rolling forward/ 

backwards when it is parked. 

Go through the points below to understand 

the car handbrake working mechanism. 

n A metallic cable connects the lever to 

the rear brakes. 

n When you pull the parking brake lever, 

the cable squeezes the brake pads or brake 

shoes onto the discs or the drum to engage 

the rear brakes. 

n Some cars also come with separate 

discs and brake pads on the rear axle, 

specifically for the handbrake. 

n Modern automatic cars come with an 

electronic handbrake that works on the same 

principle. When you press/pull the parking 

brake button, it engages the electric motors 

that push the pads onto the discs. 

Operates only on the rear wheels 

Pulling up the handle operates a cable that 

activates the rear brakes, thus holding the 

rear wheels in place. That said, creativity is 

the father of invention, and for reasons that 

sometimes are not clear, designers will ditch 

the simple method of handbrake 

functionality. 

The persistent march of technology means 

we are seeing more electronic handbrakes 

these days, but whether it is innovative, or 

clever, or just plain crazy, there plenty of 

vehicles that nix the simple handbrake 

concept for something different. 

Electronic - More expensive 

Today, very few new cars have handbrakes, 

preferring parking buttons. The choice of new 

models with a manual handbrake has 

declined by 61% since 2019. This beloved car 

part appears to be being killed off. 

But electronic parking brakes are far more 

expensive to repair and here is why. Data 

from warranty provider MotorEasy shows 

that the average cost of repairing a faulty 

electronic parking brake is £831. Mending a 

manual handbrake costs on average £149 – a 

fifth of the price. Indeed, according to 

MotorEasy’s records, the most expensive 

parking brake repair cost it is ever paid out on 

is £2,005 to fix the system on a 10-year-old 

Range Rover. 

Electronic parking brakes entered the 

motoring world in 2001, and was first used on 

a BMW 7 Series. Two variations are available: 

In the more-traditional ‘cable-pulling’ type, 

an electric motor simply pulls the parking 

brake cable on the push or pull of a button 

rather than a mechanical lever or pedal in the 

cabin. 

A more complex unit arrived in 2003, and 

uses a computer-controlled motor attached 

to each of the two rear brake callipers 



A mechanic was working under a car 

when some brake fluid dripped into his 

mouth. At first, he spit it out, but he found 

that the aftertaste was not that bad. He 

continued working under the car when 

some more brake fluid found its way into 

his mouth. This time he swallowed. He 

really liked the taste of brake fluid! Soon 

enough, his co-workers found him 

drinking brake fluid from a cup in the 

workshop. “I don’t think that’s safe” a 

concerned co-worker pleaded. “You 

should not be drinking anymore brake 

fluid, dude” another said. 

“Don’t worry” the mechanic assured 

them, “I can stop anytime!”. 

referred to as the Motor on Calliper (MoC) 

system. 

As time has gone on, these systems have 

become more complex. Many car 

manufacturers now fit a parking brake that 

automatically engages when the vehicle is 

stopped and is released when the gas pedal is 

pressed, eliminating the need for the driver to 

operate a button. 

An extension of this system, known as 

hill-hold or hill-assist, prevents the vehicle 

from rolling back when moving-off on an 

uphill gradient. 

An electronic parking brake has no cable. 

When you pull up the electronic button on the 

centre console, it triggers a motor which 

moves the rear brake pads onto the rear 

wheels. It is usually accompanied by a 

whirring noise which is the motor doing its 

thing. 

Audi SUV ‘Running Away’ 

If you buy a new car from a showroom 

today, there is a very high chance it will not 

have a manual handbrake lever between the 

two front seats. Nine in ten new cars have 

electronic parking brakes. 

But that absence of a lever to pull is leaving 

some motorists in trouble. Recently, a 

motorist hit the headlines after their home 

security camera captured the embarrassing 

moment they forgot to engage the electronic 

parking brake on their Audi SUV, which 

subsequently rolled forwards off the 

driveway into the road. 

It seems that the subtle levers used makes 

no automatic electronic parking brakes easy 

to forget to engage. 

Is this the end of the old handbrake? 

It certainly looks that way. Not only are 

The old-fashioned but faithful 

handbrake... unappreciated, and 

now replaced by something five 

times more expensive to fix... 

nine-in-10 new cars snubbing it, but online 

motor retailer CarGurus found that 21 of the 

remaining models equipped with manual 

handbrakes were scrapped from showrooms 

during the calendar year. 

Proper use of … 

The proper/correct use of the handbrake 

has long been controversial with drivers – 

especially learners. Let us have a look at how 

the handbrake should be used. 

Apart from an emergency (ie, if the brakes 

have failed) the purpose of the parking brake 

is primarily to secure the vehicle when it is 

stationary, and for this reason it should be 

the one of the first steps to consider in your 

‘Cockpit Drill.’ 

However, once you are on the road it would 

usually be applied before selecting neutral 

after the vehicle has come to a stop. 

Selecting neutral before securing the vehicle 

with the parking brake leaves you vulnerable 

if another vehicle comes into the back (or 

front) or if you have stopped on a slope or are 

manoeuvring on a steep camber, for instance 

performing a turn in the road. 

A good way to remember the use of the 

handbrake is – first on when you stop and 

last off when you are about to move off. 

So, when should I use the handbrake? 

There are two types of ‘stationary’ or ‘stay’ 

as we sometimes say – these are long stay 

and short stay. 

Long stay might be at a road junction 

waiting to turn right with a long line of 

oncoming traffic to pass - or where the traffic 

lights you are approaching have just turned 

red and you know you will be there for a 

while. 

Continued on page 26 


Motoring feature 

Continued from page 25 

Long stay (Stop) (HBN): Handbrake/ 

Parking brake before neutral. Adopting the 

long stay principle immediately secures the 

vehicle from forces both without and within. 

It will also save wear on the clutch thrust 

bearings and linkage components such as 

cables and cylinder seals while reducing the 

fatigue of applying pressure on the brake 

pedal. 

Short stay (Stop) (GBH): Gear before 

Handbrake/Parking brake. Adopting the 

short stay principle sets you ready to go with 

only the parking brake to release. Short stay 

might be when you have just drawn up at red 

lights but you are confident they are about to 

turn green - or perhaps at a roundabout 

when you are waiting for two or three 

vehicles before you can go. You should adopt 

the short stay principle at pedestrian 

crossings! 

(How many times have you reminded your 

pupil not to apply the handbrake prematurely 

just before stopping on a hill? Ed.) 

In principle, advanced drivers are “planning 

to go but always prepared to stop.” 

If you have a ‘traditional’ handbrake with 

button in the end to release it, to apply, hold 

the hand grip, press the button and pull up the 

lever. As you raise it, you will feel resistance 

as the brakes are applied. When you feel the 

brakes are exerting sufficient force to hold 

the car, you release the button and the 

ratchet engages to hold the lever (and the 

brakes) in place. 

To release the brakes, you pull up the lever 

slightly, press the button to disengage the 

ratchet, and lower the lever. 

Other uses 

In manual and automatic transmission 

vehicles, the parking brake can also be used 

for various driving situations which require 

the vehicle to be momentarily stopped. 

For example, the brake can be engaged 

when moving off an uphill slope, as this allows 

the driver to hold the accelerator and clutch 

steady without the vehicle rolling backwards. 

It is not recommended to use the parking 

brake when the vehicle is in-motion, unless 

there is a problem with the main brakes, as 

this can lock the back wheels and cause a 

skid. 

This is known as a handbrake turn, which is 

often performed in street racing and 

rallying to initiate rear wheel drift. 

In the event of hydraulic brake failure, the 

parking brake can be used to slow a vehicle. In 

such cases, the lever should be slowly 

engaged to prevent locking up the wheels. 

Parking uphill/downhill 

When parking on an uphill gradient, apply 

the handbrake and it is recommended that 

the front wheels face away from the kerb. 

This would prevent the car from rolling into 

the roadway by using the kerb to block the 

front passenger tyre in the event of a parking 

brake failure. 

Similarly, on a downhill gradient, apply the 

handbrake and the front wheels should face 

the kerb for the same reason, and the wheels 

should face to the side of the road on which 

vehicles are driven on an unkerbed road 

regardless of orientation. 

In a manual transmission, leaving the car in 

first gear (or in reverse if pointing downhill) is 

also advised, as the engine will prevent the 

car from rolling if the parking brake fails. 

Not always necessary 

Remember, it is not necessary to use the 

parking brake every time you stop. Learner 

drivers are taught to apply the parking brake 

every time they stop because of the 

complexities of dealing with a multiplicity of 

considerations at an early stage in their 

driving career, but for advanced drivers there 

are many circumstances where this is quite 

unnecessary. For example, you usually apply 

the parking brake at traffic lights, on hills, 

Market Street 

San Francisco, 

where you 

appreciate a 

good 

handbrake... 

waiting to turn right and always at a pedestrian 

crossing but not always necessarily when 

manoeuvring on level ground or when stopping 

briefly at a ‘Stop’ sign. 

Conclusion 

When driving, pupils tend continuously ask 

their trainers when they stop: “do I need my 

handbrake here.” Some lazy trainers simply 

say “use your handbrake always when you 

stop” as it saves them explaining. 

However, good trainers will always explain 

this to their pupil and as a result, pupils will 

then be able to decide for themselves. 

As previously stated, the handbrake is only 

used when your vehicle comes to a complete 

stop and when parked. 

However, in the event of brake failure the 

handbrake can be used to slow or stop the 

car. While your parking brake is mainly used 

to hold your car in place, it can help you safely 

bring your vehicle to a stop in an emergency. 

Just keep in mind that it will not bring your 

vehicle to a sudden stop; it can just help you 

slowly bring it to a stop. 

And finally, please do not drive with your 

hand continuously resting on the handbrake, 

(It has happened. Ed.) as you need both hands 

on the steering wheel to steer a correct 

course and should an emergency occur. 



Private healthcare 

is peace of mind 

No matter how fit and healthy we are, it is 

inevitable that at some point in our lives we 

will fall ill and need medical care. And when 

illness does strike it is to the NHS that most 

people will turn in seeking a diagnosis, 

treatment and recovery. 

The NHS has for some years been showing 

signs that it, too, is not in the best of health. A 

growing and ageing population is putting an 

ever-increasing strain on staff and services. 

This is a problem exacerbated by the 

coronavirus pandemic. 

Reports of underfunding, a shortage of 

medical staff, noisy and overcrowded wards, 

cancelled operations and long waiting times 

will be familiar to everyone. 

In England, hospital waiting lists are longer 

than ever before, with a total waiting list of 

7.75 million people.* This is the highest 

number since records began and illustrates 

the severe pressure that the NHS is under. 

Quick, private and convenient 

Understandably, these lengthy delays are 

causing additional stress for patients, 

undermining their health and quality of life 

even further. How many people do you know 

whose physical health and mental well-being 

has deteriorated from the anxiety of having 

to wait months for a hospital appointment? 

All this can be avoided by taking out private 

health insurance. Seeing a doctor in private 

practice used to be only for the wealthy, but 

not anymore as the cost of private medical 

cover is becoming more affordable. 

A private medical plan delivers prompt 

access to hospital consultants, thus avoiding 

lengthy waiting lists. Patients can choose 

from an extensive list of hospitals throughout 

the UK; if they need to be admitted, they will 

have their own private room equipped with 

TV and telephone, and visiting is arranged to 

suit patient and family. 

A quick, private and convenient service 

that removes many of the anxieties 

associated with NHS hospital stays. 

Taking control of your healthcare 

However, those interested in taking out 

health insurance should not leave it too late. 

As we get older our healthcare needs 

increase. Therefore, as only some of the best 

health insurance companies provide cover for 

pre-existing conditions, the best time to 

invest in getting private treatment for 

illnesses you may suffer tomorrow – is today. 

By acting now you can ensure your future 

healthcare will not be dictated by NHS 

bureaucracy and, just as importantly, you will 

be able to benefit from the widest possible 

cover. 

Private health insurance cannot guarantee 

good health, but it can ensure that when you 

are feeling unwell you will quickly receive the 

best possible care, when and where you want 

it. The peace of mind that comes with that 

knowledge cannot be underestimated and is 

often the most important factor for people 

deciding to take control of their healthcare 

provision and “go private”. 

For further information and a no obligation 

quotation contact HMCA by telephone on 

01423 799949 or visit the exclusive HMCA 

Motor Schools Association of GB website 

here: https://www.hmca.co.uk/msa 

© HMCA/S PLC (trading as Hospital and Medical 

Care Association, HMCA and HMCA Members) is 

authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct 

Authority (FRN:307587). HMCA/s PLC is a 

company registered in England, company number: 

01362094, registered office: Beech Hall, 

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0EA. 

*The Telegraph 16th October 2023 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/ 

body/nhs-wait-list-private-treatment-backlogsurgery/ 

NEWSLINK n JUNE 2024 

27


Demonstrating CPD forADIs: 

A pathway to career insight 

Neil Wightman continues his 

look at the advantages to be 

gained from making sure ADIs 

are always looking to develop 

their professional skills: 

keeping up with the CPD! 

When engaging in Continuing Professional 

Development (CPD), it is not only important 

to actively participate but also to consider 

how to effectively display the acquired 

knowledge and skills. 

This article explores the significance of 

demonstrating CPD, particularly in the 

context of aspiring driving instructors who 

may be required to complete CPD hours 

before entering the profession. 

By exploring specific CPD activities, such 

as understanding the role of a driving 

instructor, observing lessons, learning about 

sponsorship, and answering preset 

questions, individuals can gain valuable 

insights into the profession and determine if 

it aligns with their career aspirations. 

The value of demonstrating CPD: 

Demonstrating CPD serves as a testament 

to an individual’s commitment to professional 

growth and development. It allows potential 

employers (franchisors) to assess an 

individual’s level of understanding and 

competence in a specific field. 

Moreover, highlighting CPD activities can 

provide insight into one’s passion, dedication, 

and suitability for a particular profession. 

CPD activities for aspiring 

driving instructors: 

1. Understanding the role of a driving 

Instructor 

One crucial aspect of CPD for aspiring 

driving instructors is gaining in-depth 

knowledge about the responsibilities and 

expectations associated with the role. 

This may involve researching the 

qualifications required, understanding the 

regulations and guidelines governing driving 

instruction, and familiarising oneself with the 

practical and theoretical aspects of teaching 

driving skills. 

2. Observing driving lessons: 

Sitting in on driving lessons can be a 

valuable CPD activity for prospective driving 

instructors. 

By observing experienced instructors in 

action, individuals can gain practical insights 

into effective teaching techniques, 

communication strategies with students, and 

the overall dynamics of a lesson. 

This first-hand experience helps aspiring 

instructors develop an understanding of how 

to deliver engaging and informative lessons. 

3. Learning about sponsorship: 

In some jurisdictions, becoming a driving 

“Demonstrating CPD activities offers several benefits... it provides 

a better understanding of the role and indicates a commitment 

which can enhance employability and open doors to career 

advancement opportunities” 



instructor requires sponsorship or 

mentorship from an experienced 

professional. Engaging in CPD activities that 

involve understanding the sponsorship 

process, the role of a sponsor, and the 

expectations involved can demonstrate an 

individual’s willingness to seek guidance and 

learn from experienced practitioners. 

4. Answering preset questions: 

CPD activities can also include answering 

preset questions related to driving 

instruction. 

These questions may cover topics such as 

road safety, teaching methodologies, legal 

considerations, and ethical responsibilities. 

Responding to these questions allows 

individuals to demonstrate their 

understanding of the profession, their ability 

to apply theoretical knowledge to practical 

situations, and their capacity for critical 

thinking. 

Benefits of demonstrating CPD for driving 

instructors: 

Demonstrating CPD activities like those 

mentioned above can offer several benefits 

to aspiring driving instructors. 

First, it provides a better understanding of 

the role, allowing individuals to assess if it 

aligns with their interests, skills, and 

long-term career goals. 

Second, it indicates a commitment to 

professional development, which can 

enhance employability and open doors to 

career advancement opportunities. 

Finally, it offers potential employers’ 

tangible evidence of an individual’s readiness 

to take on the responsibilities of a driving 

instructor. 

Conclusion: 

Demonstrating CPD is a crucial step in 

displaying professional growth and suitability 

for a specific career path. 

For aspiring driving instructors, engaging in 

CPD activities that provide insights into the 

role, such as understanding the profession, 

observing driving lessons, learning about 

sponsorship, and answering preset 

questions, can offer a comprehensive 

understanding of the demands of the job. 

By effectively demonstrating CPD, 

individuals can exhibit their competence, 

dedication, and passion for becoming 

successful driving instructors. 

This process is the way I believe it should 

begin to take. It’s my personal opinion but 

one I think could be good for the industry 

going forward. 

Fast cars stop walk to school 

New research released to coincide with 

Walk to School Week (May 20-24), has 

found that ‘unsafe driving speeds’ is the 

main reason why parents and carers don’t 

like walking their children to school. 

The survey, commissioned by Living 

Streets, asked parents/carers of 

5–11-year-olds about their attitudes 

towards walking to school. Mums were 

particularly worried about the safety of the 

roads around the school gates, with nearly 

a quarter (23%) saying they find it ‘very 

unsafe’. 21% said ‘unsafe driving speeds’ 

were preventing them from walking their 

children to school, while a lack of safe 

crossings and cars/vehicles parked on the 

pavement were cited by a quarter of 

parents/carers as problems. 

Parents and carers were also asked what 

benefits their child experiences from 

walking regularly. 

Respondents answered physical health 

benefits (76%), improved wellbeing (64%), 

DfT and DVLA look to change 

rules on historic cars 

The Department for Transport and the 

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency have 

launched a call for evidence around the 

existing policies and registration processes 

for historic, classic and rebuilt vehicles. 

The aim is to seek expertise and 

knowledge about whether these policies 

need updating to reflect evolving 

technologies that support the restoration 

and rebuilding of these much-loved 

vehicles. 

DfT and DVLA are both very keen to tap 

into a range of experience, views and 

research to help identify areas of potential 

change, while ensuring that road safety and 

quality time spent with family (62%) and 

improved road safety skills (58%). 

More than 280,000 children across the 

UK will celebrate 2024 Walk to School 

Week (20-24 May), organised by Living 

Streets. 

Families are encouraged to walk, wheel, 

cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the 

whole week to ‘see the big differences that 

come from small steps’, from healthier and 

happier children to fewer cars outside the 

school . 

accurate vehicle records on the national 

register remain a key priority. 

The call for evidence asks for evidence on 

a number of topics including: 

n historic/classic vehicles registration 

n rebuilt and restored vehicles 

n kit-built vehicles 

n vehicles converted to electric propulsion 

n Q registration numbers 

n the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

This call for evidence runs until 4 July 

2024 and you can respond by visiting the 

link below. It should not be affected by the 

election. 

https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9 

“The aim is to seek 

expertise and 

knowledge about 

whether policies 

need updating to 

reflect evolving 

technologies that 

support restoration 

and rebuilding...” 


Members’ section 

Get 10p off every litre of fuel 

with special MSA GB deal 

The cost-of-living crisis is putting many 

ADIs under considerable financial pressure, 

and nowhere is it felt more than through 

the rising cost of fuel. 

So to help alleviate some of the burden 

on our members, we’re thrilled to 

announce a brand-new partnership with 

FUEL CARD SERVICES. 

A fuel card from MSA GB partner, Fuel 

Card Services can provide huge benefits to 

businesses that use vehicles on a daily 

basis: 

n Cutting fuel costs - save up to 10p per 

litre and get a consistent price. 

n Increased security - fuel cards are a 

safer alternative to carrying cash and 

eliminate fraud. 

n Streamline admin - HMRC compliant 

invoices, no receipts, one neat invoice and 

a dedicated account manager. 

n Tighter control of business expenses 

- view transactions and reports online 24/7. 

n Increased flexibility for refuelling 

across a huge network. 

n Fleet convenience - a quick and 

convenient way for fleets to refuel. 

There are a range of fuel cards available 

on the market and for your business to 

truly benefit from investing in fuel cards, 

you need to choose the right one for your 

businesses’ requirements. 

FUEL CARD SERVICES offers a large 

choice of networks from leading brands, 

such as BP, Shell, Esso and UK Fuels, so 

you can decide which networks you wish 

to include on your business account. 

Fuel Card Services and MSA GB are 

helping to deliver cost savings to 

members throughout the country. 

For more details and to obtain a fuel 

card through MSA GB, go to our website 

at https://msagb.com/members/ 

member-discounts/ 

What are the latest UK fuel prices? 

The prices right are the latest available unleaded petrol and diesel averages 

across supermarket, motorway and independent forecourts in the UK, according 

to data compiled by the RAC. Prices correct at the end of April. Continuing 

instability in the Middle East, affecting both fuel output and transport through the 

Red Sea, risks causing further price rises. 

MEMBER OFFER 

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Motorway 170p 176p 

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MEMBER OFFER 

AlcoSense: Every ADI should have one handy 

MSA GB has teamed up with leading supplier of personal 

breathalyser kits AlcoSense to bring our members a 

very special offer. 

The AlcoSense kits give an instant and accurate 

snapshot of whether you – or your pupil – has alcohol in 

your/their system, and are particularly useful ‘the 

morning after.’ 

Peter Harvey, MSA GB national vice chairman, 

commented: “These are a quality product. They arrive 

well packaged, with the required batteries, five 

mouthpieces and full instructions. They are very easy to 

use, with a simple menu, and can be adjusted to suit the 

country you are in depending on the legal limit there. 

Once set up, the breathalyser gives a very clear reading 

in traffic light colours, making it easy to follow. 

“Green, as you would expect, tells you you are okay to 

drive. Amber advises you that alcohol is present but you 

are below the limit you entered at set up – though it is so 

important to check what the limit is in the country you 

use it. Red is pretty self-explanatory – Don’t drive. 

“The set is very compact, about the same size as a 

mobile phone but a little deeper. It is ideal for eliminating 

any concerns you may have the morning after – or for 

your pupils.” 

The Excel model costs around £100 and can be viewed: 

https://alcosense.co.uk/alcosense.html. 

But we’ve negotiated a special discount on the entire 

AlcoSense range (except single-use disposables) of 10 

per cent for members IF BOUGHT THROUGH THE MSA 

GB WEBSITE – from the entry-level Lite 2 (£44.99) to 

the top-of-the-range Ultra (£249.00), with other 

options available. Go to 

https://msagb.com/members/member-discounts/ 

to secure your member discount. 



ADI groups and associations 

MSA GB is proud of its long-standing links with many local ADI 

groups around the country. Many are small, dedicated to driver 

training in one city, town or even focused on a sole DTC, but all 

work tirelessly to improve the work of being an ADI. This can 

be in representing ADIs’ interests and views to your DVSA area 

manager, offering an ADI’s voice to local authorities and town 

planners, or by simply providing a network within which ADIs can 

find help and advice from their fellow instructors. After all, for 

many ADIs working as sole traders, being a driving instructor can 

be a lonely task: local ADI groups help stop it feeling quite so much 

that it’s ‘you against the world.’ 

In every issue of Newslink will be publishing a list of local ADI 

groups and associations. We will only publish those groups who let 

us know they are happy to be included in our list, so if you would 

like to see your details here, please contact Peter Harvey at 

peter.harveymbe@msagb.com 

Aberdeen and District Driving Schools 

Association 

Secretary: Derek Young 

T: 07732 379396 

E: derekyoungcreel@aol.com 

Meets quarterly February (AGM), May, 

August and November. 

Cost £35 per annum 

Angus Driving Instructors Association 

Secretary: Frances Matthew 

T: 07703 664522 

E; francesmatthew@hotmail.co.uk 

This group holds six meeting per year 

(usually one week after the Scottish 

committee meeting) 

Cost £20 per year. 

Aylesbury Vale Driving Instructors 

Association 

Chairman: Sue Pusey 

T: 07780 606868 

E: AVDIA@btinternet.com 

Meetings are first Wednesday of every 

month at Roman Park Hall, Sir Henry Lee 

Crescent, HP18 0YT. 7.30pm start. 

Guest speaker every other month, 

refreshments provided. 

Annual fee £30. First meeting free as try 

before you buy. 

Birmingham Approved Driving Instructors 

Contact: Dave Allen 

T: 07939 627493 

E: Daveallen1999@googlemail.com 

Cornwall Association of Approved Driving 

Instructors (CAADI) 

Secretary: Rachael Lloyd-Phillips 

E: rachael@oneandallsom.co.uk 

This group meets via Zoom on the 3rd 

Monday every other month at 7.30pm. 

City of Dunfermline and District ADIs 

Secretary: Gail Pilch 

T: 07817 661450 

E: dunfermlineadisecretary@outlook.com 

Meetings are bi-monthly, at 

Dunfermline Northern Bowling Club, Dewar 

Street, 

Dunfermline KY12 8AD 

Glasgow & District Driving Instructors 

Association 

Contact: Bryan Phillips 

T: 07989 339 646 

E: bryan.phillips@hotmail.co.uk 

Meet on the last Sunday of the month, 

once every quarter, at 

The Fort Theatre, Kenmuir Ave, 

Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 2DW. 

Joining fee: £15 per year 

Hinckley & District Driver Trainers 

Association (HDDTA) 

Chairman: Barrie Pates 

T: 07914 408 739 

E: haddta@yahoo.com 

Hull and East Riding Driving Instructors 

(HERDI) 

Contact: Andrew 

T: 07754542993 

E: herdi.rsa@gmail.com 

Lanark Driving Instructors 

Secretary: Sandra Smillie 

T: 07975 147150 

Meet quarterly from March which is our 

AGM 

South Warwickshire Association 

of ADIs (SWAADI) 

Contact: Andy Thomas 

T: 01926 717230 / 07900 673634 

E: artommo@hotmail.com 

We meet at 8.30pm every third Monday of 

the month except August and December 

(no meetings) at The Windmill Inn, 

Tachbrook Rd, Leamington Spa CV31 3DD, 

Rolls and snacks are available for a small 

charge and membership is £25 a year and 

includes a monthly newsletter and addition 

to a WhatsApp group for local issues/ 

traffic updates, etc. 

Swindon Driving Instructors Association 

(Swindon DIA) 

Contact: Sandra Jill Richens 

T: 07795 006015 

E: SJRichens@btinternet.com 

Taunton Association Driving Instructors 

See Facebook page – search ‘Taunton ADI 

& PDI Forum’ 

Wirral Association of Professional Driving 

Instructors (APDI) 

Chairman: Brian Murray 

T: 07810 094332 

Secretary: Richard Gillmore 

T: 07790 193138 

E: wirral-apdi@hotmail.co.uk 

W: wirralinstructors.co.uk 

Meet monthly on the first Thursday of the 

month (except January and August) 

at Heswall FC, Brimstage Road, Heswall, 

Wirral CH60 1XG 

Further information and to join, please visit 

the website. 

Why join a local association? 

Local news, local input – a local voice... 

If you want to see your local ADI group listed in this directory, 

contact Peter Harvey on peter.harveymbe@msagb.com 


Member offer 

MSA GB 

membership 

offer 

MSA GB has arranged a new 

membership special offer – a 

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Don’t be left in the lurch if 

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There are two simple and cost-effective 

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n Cover in any EU member state country 

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Again, the full UK & EU policies cover the 

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MSA GB vice-chairman Peter Harvey 

commented: “We like to think that MSA GB is 

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prepared for the wins and challenges that the 

life of a driving instructor brings. 

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L-driver’s test nightmare is an insight 

into the chaos of the booking system 

Arthur Mynott 

West Coast 

& Wales 

An instructor friend of mine shared an article 

on social media last week about a learner 

driver who happens to also be a journalist by 

the name of Lara Olszowska. Lara was 

struggling to book a driving test on line. 

Curious as to why, she rang the DVSA. 

There she was told that she had a black 

mark against her name on the system, as her 

details had been used to book and swap 

multiple tests, in all a total of 53 times, and as 

a result she could now only book a test over 

the phone. Lara said that that was wrong as 

she had only booked two tests since 2022, 

and she’d now like to book a new one. 

She was then asked if she had given her 

details to a third party booking service? She 

had done this with an intensive driving course 

company and “a guy my instructor knew” 

because every time she checked the DVSA’s 

online booking portal there were either no 

tests available nearby or months off. 

It transpired that ‘the guy my instructor 

knew’ had a full-time job which was 

programming bots to book tests for 

desperate learners! The bot programmer had 

been given Lara’s driving licence number, 

theory certificate number and home address 

and was able to book multiple tests in her name. 

The full article can be found at HERE: 

It’s well worth a read. 

What is the solution? 

It’s a story that feels like it is being 

replicated across the country, so what is the 

solution? I book all my tests for my pupils, 

and in the past I have occasionally used a 

booking app to find driving tests for them 

when tests were almost impossible to find. In 

those cases the pupils paid me the cost of 

using it, the same as it charged me; it was the 

only way at that time. 

I like to book all my pupils’ tests as it makes 

it easier to swap them if necessary, in 

agreement with them if they are not ready 

for their test date. 

I did have one pupil though who I shall refer 

to as ‘H’ who insisted on booking his own test 

and used the Testi App. They found a test for 

him in Thurso in Scotland and a couple of 

weeks later they found one in our test centre 

in Taunton, Somerset. Perfect. 

However, this test was cancelled by the 

DVSA at short notice and rebooked for about 

three weeks later, and ‘H’ informed me of this. 

We turned up at the allotted time which 

was slightly different from the normal times 

for Taunton but this was during the pandemic 

and test times were changed sometimes. Out 

came four examiners for the five cars there 

and ours was the unlucky one. An examiner 

did take H’s details and went back in to check 

on the system and it transpired that his test 

was at that time but the App had moved it 

back to Thurso, and the ‘H’ hadn’t noticed 

this, so we had about five minutes get from 

Taunton to Thurso, a distance of 676 miles! 

Needless to say I booked his next test for 

Taunton and ‘H’ passed first time, just like his 

older brother! 

West Coast & Wales meetings 

There is information below about a meeting 

wth the DVSA in Taunton, which I’d encourage 

members in this part of the world to attend. 

In addition, make a note now for our West 

Coast & Wales AGM, which will be held at the 

Mercure Bristol North, The Grange Hotel on 

Monday, 11th November. Speakers include 

John Sheridan, DVSA, and representatives 

from the emergency services. 

Contact: 

Arthur Mynott, 

MSA GB West Coast & Wales Chairman 

arthur.mynott@yahoo.com 

Tel 07989 852274. 

DVSA to join us at Taunton meeting 

MSA GB West Coast & Wales has organised 

a meeting with the DVSA in Taunton. 

However, the original date agreed fell within 

the Election Purdah rules, and had to be 

cancelled. We are currently rearranging the 

date with the DVSA for after July 4. 

The speakers are: 

n Sue Robertson, DVSA ADI Area Manager 

n Darren Russell, DVSA – Deputy ADI 

Registrar 

We are also hoping to have LDTM/DEs 

from Taunton DTC in attendance. 

It’s hard to believe but this will be the first 

face-to-face meeting with the DVSA in our 

locality for almost five years, and it would be 

great to see as many instructors as possible. 

I’m sure many of you will have questions to 

ask our speakers and this will be the ideal 

opportunity to get your voice heard. 

There will be a nominal charge of £5 to 

attend. Keep your eye on the MSA GB 

website for the rearranged date, and book 

online in advance if possible, though the MSA 

GB website or by contacting me. 

This meeting is not just for those using 

the Taunton DTC. Anyone can attend. If you 

would like to bring a colleague who is not a 

MSAGB member they will be most welcome. 

A lot of work has gone into organising this 

so please attend if you can. The DVSA now 

has a policy of only attending if there are at 

least 30 people in the audience, so let’s take 

advantage of this opportunity. 

Arthur Mynott, 

arthur.mynott@yahoo.com 

Tel 07989 852274. 


Area views 

So, it turns out Big Brother 

is watching you! 

Janet 

Stewart 

London & the 

South East 

One of the poorly secured 

loads, as collared by a 

police officer in an HGV 

Is secretive filming of bad or 

illegal driving a breach of civil 

liberties, or a good way of 

enforcing better standards? 

Nine years ago an initiative was launched to 

give police officers a better chance of 

spotting road traffic violations – they were 

put into HGVs. In the first two years they 

caught more than 4,000 dangerous drivers in 

respect of 5,000 offences. The greatest 

number were stopped for mobile phone use, 

followed by not wearing a seatbelt and not 

being in proper control of the vehicle. 

It worked with the officer riding in the HGV 

filming the offending behaviour and notifying 

a following police car, which then effects the 

stop. 

In Northants earlier this year the Police 

were using an HGV cab on the M1. The super 

cab had a de-restricted speed limiter so that 

it could reach the national speed limit for a 

car, rather than for a truck. 46 drivers and 12 

passengers were caught not wearing 

seatbelts, 46 for mobile phone use, 26 driving 

without due care and attention, four 

exceeding the speed limit and five vehicles 

were seized with no insurance. 

In addition, 20 drivers were stopped for 

illegal window tints and number plates. Six 

were reported for insecure or dangerous 

loads and six more for abnormal loads – one 

of whom was stopped approaching a slip road 

going onto the M1 (see picture). 

One driver was using his phone while 

driving a mobile crane. He did not have a 

movement order or an escort vehicle for the 

crane, which he was driving from Essex to 

Yorkshire. One driver was fined an additional 

£200 for making an obscene gesture when 

he realised he was being filmed (he had not 

known who was behind the camera!) 

A developing trend over the last few years 

has been for members of the public to send 

dashcam footage to the police. This has 

resulted in a lot of prosecutions and may 

have made a number of us a little more 

careful about our behaviour on the road. 

This vigilante-style justice has caught on. 

Earlier this year a single cyclist was 

responsible for the prosecution of a large 

number of drivers for using their phones 

while the car was stationary but the engine 

was running. 

There are very few level crossings in my 

part of the country but, from my travels in 

Sussex, I am very much aware of how long 

one can be stopped in a queue when more 

than one train is passing. In these situations 

no-one is going to move until the barrier goes 

up again and nearly all the drivers in the 

queue will have a good view of when this is 

likely to happen. 

In the scenario just mentioned, several 

drivers were looking at their phones while 

stationary to check if they had any 

messages, and maybe, also to send a text. 

Regrettably (or not?) they had their engines 

running and ONE cyclist filmed the lot of them. 

In one of my cars (the old diesel) the 

engine cuts out when stationary. Does that 

make a difference if I pick the phone up? 

Should it? 

(Editors’ note. Many cars with Stop/Start 

will, under certain conditions, restart prior to 

the clutch being depressed. Drivers have 

been known to move forward when the 

opportunity occurs before putting the phone 

down. Safe rule is ignition off before phone 

use.) 

I have been talking to a lot of people about 

the issue of being recorded/filmed and then 

possibly prosecuted (persecuted?) If you are 

stopped by a liveried police car or caught by a 

Gatso camera then, I suppose, it’s a fair cop. 

But there are questions about the use of HGV 

police and civic-minded cyclists. 

Is such undercover filming an infringement 

of my civil liberties? 

The courts are over-loaded, as we know, 

so isn’t this just making the situation worse? 

Or is this a good way of enforcing better and 

safer driving standards? 

One of the women I spoke to (married to an 

ex-traffic cop) said that if she was stuck in 

traffic she would have to phone or text ahead 

to say that she was going to be late. A driving 

instructor said the same thing (shock, 

horror!). My T&Cs give me 15 minutes grace. 

So what did we do before we had mobile 

phones; it is not all that long ago? 

I did not conduct a proper survey but the 

majority were in favour of anything that 

would contribute to road safety, as long as 

people were made aware that these things 

were happening. 

The last person I spoke to said he was fine 

with anything that was done as long as 

no-one was being paid for telling all, eg, there 

was no reward for a reporting cyclist. 

So, is all this a war on the motorist, or a 

sensible way forward for road safety? 

Contact: 

Janet Stewart, 

MSA GB London & the South 

E: janetslittlecar@btinternet.com 

T: 07989 852274. 



The secrets of the dual clutch 

gearbox... minus a key detail 

John Lomas 

MSA GB 

West Coast 

& Wales 

Dual clutch gearboxes 

It is some years now since vehicles with 

dual clutches started to appear. When they 

did I, no doubt along with most of you, just 

accepted that there was some method 

whereby two clutches acted together, but I 

hadn’t done any research into the whys and 

wherefores. 

However, I have recently looked up a 

vehicle which had one fitted to some of its 

model variations and not others. While doing 

this I clicked on a link that took me to a Wiki 

page explaining the operation and layout of 

them. 

Lo and behold, there is a nice explanatory 

drawing, which might be useful for 

instructors who like to show such things to 

suitable pupils. And then my forever prying 

eagle eye spots something missing. 

What is missing from the diagram? 

Would your pupil spot it? 

Is there a reasonable excuse for the item 

being missed out? 

(The answer is... well, it’s at the foot of the 

page, underneath the diagram. Don’t cheat, 

and see if you can work it out before looking!) 

Using Google images 

Last month I mentioned using this handy 

weblink, https://images.google.co.uk/ if 

you see a picture you can’t ID yet are keen to 

do so. 

A thought that struck me later was that it 

can actually save you money. 

Many online sales sites have been shown 

to FAIL TO REMOVE crooked sellers from 

their sites even after they have been told 

about scam adverts. Often these scams are 

centred around offering goods for ultra-low 

prices, and draw people in who fail to ask the 

question, ‘it’s too good to be true’. 

So, if you are looking to buy a big ticket 

item on-line and particularly if it is located 

where you can’t easily view it, then enter the 

picture of the item into the Google images 

site. You might have to download the picture 

to your pictures folder first then paste or drag 

and drop into Google Images. Once there it 

should show you other examples of the item, 

and you can then check the price on any 

previous examples. It may also come up with 

news items suggesting that the item has 

been a particularl favourite of the scammers. 

You can then decide if you think it is now 

being used fraudulently. 

Nursery routes 

I have noticed recently, on PDI advice 

pages on FB, a lot of aspiring ADIs asking for 

help in finding nursery routes. 

I will give them an element of excuse if 

they are not working around their own local 

neighbourhood. However, over 44 years of 

instructing I must say that whenever I moved 

area, from Bristol to East Lancashire for 

instance, I just looked at maps for estates 

which had loops of roads. These tended to be 

pre-war or ‘50s to early ‘60s builds. Later 

estates tended to have just a spine road with 

cul-de-sacs off them, suitable for 

manoeuvre lessons but not ‘ab initio’. 

I also did this when I first started before I 

got my Green Folder with my certificate in it. 

Dual clutch 

gearboxes 

(We didn’t have those plastic windscreen 

badges back in those days). 

While up north I had a number of occasion 

when I needed to work up to 40 miles or so 

away from my local area, and I just used the 

same method to find a suitable area for 

lessons, with the proviso of being able to shift 

to another area if it turned out to be 

unsuitable. 

Didn’t the vast majority of you have the 

same experience? Or was I somewhat 

strange in NOT asking others where to go? 

The same sites have many people who 

having passed Part 1 are now asking for 

advice on trainers for part 2. 

Why on earth, if they are interested in 

becoming a road safety professional, haven’t 

they already, before even starting their part 1 

studies, done something about moving their 

driving standard beyond the barely adequate 

DVSA basic standard? 

Contact: John Lomas 

T: 0779 609 1767 

E: johnstardriving@hotmail.com 

bristoljackaroo@gmail.com 

For some reason I can’t fathom, there is no reverse gear shown 


Area views 

Best foot forward as ADIs ditch the car 

and tackle the Glasgow Kilt Walk 

Bryan 

Phillips 

MSA GB Scotland 

Sunday, April 28: for most it was just a usual 

Sunday, a day of worship or a day of rest, but 

not for ADIs Nicola MacKay, Stacey Robin and 

myself as we set out on The Big Stroll 14-mile 

section of the Glasgow Kilt Walk, along with 

my friend James. 

I was walking for The British Heart 

Foundation charity, something close to my 

heart (bah-bum), and I raised a rather 

impressive £450 for the charity. 

Stacey was walking for Time to Talk, which 

is a newly formed men’s mental health group 

based in Motherwell, South Lanarkshire, 

while James was walking for Cancer Research 

following the recent death of his mother-inlaw. 

Nicola? She just came along for the 

banter! 

The walk started at Clydebank shopping 

centre and finished in Balloch Park next to 

Loch Lomond. We set off at 9am and it took 

just over five hours to complete, but any 

aching muscles were eased by the real buzz 

in the air as everyone had a different story for 

doing the kilt walk. Charity was the main 

driving force, and those tramping the streets 

and paths were raising thousands for lots of 

different organisations. 

Along the way there was different places 

for pit stops, for much-needed loo breaks, to 

rest the feet, get the blisters covered up and 

refuel on an array of different drinks and 

snacks, all provided for free by Lidl, one of 

the major sponsors of the event. 

At the finishing line we got the opportunity 

to get some finishing line photos and were 

rewarded with a hot meal and then a free 

train ride back to Clydebank to collect the car 

before heading home. 

Next year we might be brave and sign up 

for ‘The Mighty Stride’, which is 23 miles long 

leaving from Glasgow Green and finishing at 

the same spot, Balloch Park. 

I am saying that just now but I’m not sure 

my feet will be up for it! 

Bryan with pal James, and above, 

with fellow ADI Nicola 

“It took just over five hours to complete, but any aching 

muscles were eased by the real buzz in the air as everyone 

had a different story for doing the kilt walk....” 



“Next year we might be brave and sign up for ‘The Mighty Stride’, 

which is 23 miles long, leaving from Glasgow Green to Balloch 

Park... but I am saying that just now, though I’m not sure my feet 

will be up for it!” 

“Stacey was walking for Time to Talk, 

which is a newly formed men’s mental 

health group based in Motherwell” 

James, Bryan, Stacey and Nicola at the 

completion of the The Big Stroll 

Aitchoo! Hay fever is 

getting worse 

Hay fever sufferers should think twice 

before getting behind the wheel, says road 

safety and breakdown organisation GEM 

Motoring Assist. 

Scientists have warned that pollen from 

many plants is present in the air for more of 

the year these days, thanks to temperature 

rises caused by climate change. 

GEM says it’s more important than ever 

for drivers affected by seasonal allergies to 

check their medicines carefully before 

getting behind the wheel, and to be aware 

of the possible adverse effects these 

drugs can have on their driving. 

GEM road safety adviser James 

Luckhurst said: “Scientists point to two 

main changes as the planet warms. First, 

the allergy season is lasting longer. 

Second, pollen levels are increasing. 

“This is bad news for the estimated 15 

million-plus hay fever sufferers in the UK, 

who now face longer periods dealing with 

unpleasant allergy symptoms such as 

sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and 

coughing. 

“GEM is keen to ensure that drivers with 

hay fever understand that some remedies 

can affect their ability to drive safely. They 

could cause tiredness, dizziness or 

grogginess, as well as compromising a 

driver’s vision and reaction time. 

“We recommend you check with your 

GP or pharmacist, and you have a careful 

read of any warnings contained on the 

labels of the medicines you plan to take. 

“The same road traffic laws apply to 

medicines as to illicit drugs. So, if your 

driving is impaired and you cause a collision, 

you risk prosecution and the loss of your 

licence.” 

GEM’s safety checklistGEM says any 

driver likely to experience hay fever should: 

n Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a 

medicine could affect your ability to drive. 

Be particularly careful if you are using a 

medicine for the first time. 

n If you do experience potentially 

dangerous side effects from a medicine, 

don’t drive. Organise a taxi or a lift from a 

friend if you need to travel. 

n If you find a particular medicine is 

making you sleepy, consider asking if there 

is a non-sedating alternative available. 

n Check with your pharmacist if you 

plan to use an over-the-counter drug. 

n Get your doctor or pharmacist to 

explain any risks. 


Members’ discounts 

Members’ discounts and benefits 

MSA GB has organised a number of exclusive discounts and offers for members. More details can be found on our website at 

www.msagb.com and click on the Member Discounts logo. To access these benefits, simply log in and click on the Member 

discount logo, then click the link at the bottom of the page to allow you to obtain your special discounts. 

Please note, non-members will be required to join the association first. Terms and conditions apply 

Access to a replacement dual 

control car after a crash 

EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR MSA GB MEMBERS 

MSA GB has arranged to provide members with a replacement dual controlled car when 

things don’t quite go to plan. 

If you lose your dual-controlled tuition car in a crash, MSA GB’s new partnership will have 

you back on the road and teaching in no time. 

Our exclusive agreement will supply a replacement vehicle to you should the need arise 

– at no cost. Contact 07914 275539 for more details. 

Ford updates special 

members’ offer 

Ford has partnered with MSA GB to offer exclusive 

discounts on all car and commercial Ford vehicles. 

Take a look at the Ford website www.ford.co.uk 

for vehicle and specification information. See the 

Members’ Benefits page on the MSA GB website 

and follow the Ford link for more details.. 

Please note these discounts are only available to 

MSA GB members and their immediate family if they 

are members who pay annually. 

ACCOUNTANCY 

MSA GB’s Recommended 

Accountancy Service, FBTC 

offers a specialist service for 

ADIs. It has been established 

over 20 years ago and covers the 

whole of the UK. The team takes pride in 

providing unlimited advice and support to ensure 

the completion of your tax return is hassle free, 

giving you peace of mind. 

MSA GB OFFER:: FBTC will prepare you for 

Making Tax Digital and will be providing HMRC 

compliant software to all clients very soon. 

Join now to receive three months free. 

ADVANCE DRIVING 

AND RIDING 

As the UK’s largest road safety 

charity, IAM RoadSmart is 

proud to partner with the 

Motor Schools Association 

GB. Working together to promote and 

enhance motorists skills on our roads. 

MSA GB OFFER:: Get 10% off Advanced courses; 

visit www.iamroadsmart.com/course and 

use the code MSA10 at the checkout or call 

0300 303 1134 to book. 

BREATHALYSER KITS 

Protect yourself and your pupils with a 

personal breathalyser. We’ve teamed up with 

AlcoSense, the award-winning range of 

personal breathalysers, to offer an exclusive 

discount to all MSA GB members. A personal 

breathalyser takes the guesswork out of 

whether there’s residual alcohol in your 

system (or that of your learner driver pupil) 

the morning after the night before. 

MSA GB OFFER:: 10% off any AlcoSense product 

(excluding single-use disposables) – from the 

entry-level Lite 2 (£44.99) to the top-ofthe-range 

Ultra (£249.00). 

CAR AIR FRESHENERS / CANDLES 

Mandles’ handmade scented collections use 

quality ingredients to ensure superior scent 

throw from all its candles and 

diffusers. Check our our website 

for further details. 

MSA GB OFFER:: Special discount 

of 20% on all car air fresheners 

and refills. 

CARD PAYMENTS 

MSA GB and SumUp believe 

in supporting motor vehicle 

trainers of all shapes and sizes. 

Together we are on a mission to 

ease the operational workload of 

our members by providing them with the ability 

to take card payments on-the-go or in their 

respective training centres. SumUp readers 

are durable and user-friendly. Their paperless 

onboarding is quick and efficient. Moreover, 

their offer comes with no monthly subscription, 

no contractual agreement, no support fees, 

no hidden fees – just the one-off cost for the 

reader coupled with lowest on the market 

transaction fee. 

DISABILITY AIDS 

Driving shouldn’t just be a 

privilege for people without 

disabilities; it should be 

accessible for all and there’s never been an easier 

time to make this the case! MSA GB members 

can take advantage of BAS’s Driving Instructor 

Packages which include a range of adaptations at 

a discounted price, suitable for teaching disabled 

learner drivers. 

MSA GB OFFER:: Special Driving Instructor 

Packages for MSA GB members. 

FUEL CARDS 

Save up to 10p per litre of fuel with Fuel Card 

Services. Fuel Card Services offers a large 

choice of networks from leading brands, such 

as BP, Shell, Esso and UK Fuels so you can 

decide which networks you wish to include on 

your business account. 

MSA GB OFFER:: An MSA GB fuel card will save 

you up to 10p per litre. 

HEALTH / FINANCE COVER 

The Motor Schools Association of Great 

Britain has agreed with HMCA to 

offer discounted rates for medical 

plans, dental plan, hospital cash 

plans, personal accident plan, 

travel plan, income protection 

and vehicle breakdown products. 

MSA GB OFFER:: HMCA only offer 

medical plans to membership groups 

and can offer up to a 40% discount off the 

underwriter’s standard rates. This is a 

comprehensive plan which provides generous 

cash benefits for surgery and other charges. 

To get the full story of the 

discounts available, see 

www.msagb.com 

38 NEWSLINK n MAY 2024


PUPIL INSURANCE 

Join the Collingwood 

Instructor Programme and 

refer your pupils for learner 

insurance. 

MSA GB OFFER:: MSA GB OFFER:: £50 for 

your first referral and £20 for all additional 

referrals. 

PSYCHOLOGY TRAINING 

Confident Drivers has the only 

website created especially for 

drivers offering eight different 

psychological techniques 

commonly used to reduce stress and nerves. 

MSA GB OFFER:: One month free on a monthly 

subscription plan using coupon code. 

PUPIL SOURCING 

Go Roadie provides students 

when they need them, with all 

the details you need before you 

accept. Control your own pricing, 

discounts and set your availability 

to suit you. Full diary? No cost! 

MSA GB OFFER:: Introductory offer of 50% off 

the first three students they accept. 

QUICKBOOKS 

50% Discount on two 

packages for MSA GB 

members 

Quickbooks is offering an online 

50% discount for MSA GB members on two of 

their premium accounting packages. 

Essentials Package For small businesses 

working with suppliers. Manage VAT and 

Income Tax with up to three users. 

Plus For businesses managing projects, 

stock, VAT, and Income Tax. Up to five users. 

The packages are contract-free throughout 

with no cancellation fee. This exclusive 

member offer can only be secured by 

contacting our MSA GB representative at 

Quickbooks - Ollie Nobes, on: 07723 507 026 

or email: Ollie_Nobes@intuit.com quoting: 

**MSAGB** 

To get the full story of the 

discounts available, see 

www.msagb.com 

Membership offer 

Welcome, new ADIs 

We’ve a special introductory offer for you! 

Congratulations on passing your 

Part 3 and becoming an ADI. 

There’s an exciting career 

open to you from today, 

one that’s alive with 

possibilities as you build 

your skills, your client base 

and your income. 

But for all the excitement, 

it can also be challenging; 

who can you turn to if you’re 

struggling to get over key driver 

training issues to a pupil? Where can 

you go to soak up advice from more 

experienced ADIs? Who will help you if you 

are caught up in a dispute with the DVSA? If 

the worst happens, who can you turn to for 

help, advice and to fight your corner? 

The answer is the Motor Schools 

Association of Great Britain – MSA GB for 

short. 

We are the most senior association 

representing driving instructors in Great 

Britain. Establised in 1935 when the first 

driving test was introduced, MSA GB has 

been working tirelessly ever since on 

behalf of ordinary rank and file ADIs. 

We represent your interests and your 

views in the corridors of power, holding 

regular meetings with senior officials 

from the DVSA and the Department for 

Transport to make sure the ADIs’ voice is 

heard. 

SPECIAL OFFER 

Join MSA GB today! 

SPECIAL OFFER: Join for just £65 with your 

PI & PL insurance included immediately! 

No joining fee - saving you £25 

Call 01787 221020 quoting discount code 

Newslink, or join online at www.msagb.com 

We’d like you to 

join us 

We’re there to support you 

every step of the way. 

Our office-based staff are 

there, five days a week, 

from 9am-5pm, ready to 

answer your call and help 

you in any way. 

In addition our network of 

experienced office holders and 

regional officers can offer advice over 

the phone or by email. 

But membership of the MSA GB doesn’t 

just mean we’re there for you if you’re 

in trouble. We also offer a nationwide 

network of regular meetings, seminars and 

training events, an Annual Conference, and 

a chance to participate in MSA GB affairs 

through our democratic structure 

In addition, you’ll get a free link to our 

membership magazine Newslink every 

month, with all the latest news, views, 

comment and advice you’ll need to become 

a successful driving instructor. 

You’ll also automatically receive 

professional indemnity insurance worth up 

to £5m and £10m public liability insurance 

free of charge. 

This is essential legal protection covering 

you against legal claims ariving from your 

tuition. 

NEWSLINK n MAY 2024 39

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