WIREDGOV

A new framework setting out the key competences expected of driving instructors and motorcycle trainers has been published today by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

The National Driver/Rider Training Standard(tm) sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding required to deliver driver and rider training programmes for cars, light vans and motorcycles, both before and after a candidate has passed their test.

The standard sets out what instructors need to be able to do, and the knowledge they need to have, in order to deliver effective learning that will help people to become and remain safe and responsible drivers. This covers areas such as devising effective lesson plans, understanding different learning styles and needs, and giving clear instructions and constructive feedback. The document builds on DSA's existing National Driving and Riding Standards that help to define safe and responsible driving and motorcycling.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"The driver and rider training industry has a vital role to play in making sure that Britain's roads remain among the safest in the world.

"The publication of this standard will help to ensure that all drivers acquire the right skills, knowledge and attitude to use our roads safely."

The DSA has developed the National Driver/Rider Training Standard(tm) in collaboration with the driver and rider training industry, and will continue to seek feedback from trainers to ensure the standard remains relevant and up to date.

DSA Chief Executive Rosemary Thew said:

"I want to thank the driver and rider training industry for their input in to the development of the standard. This document contributes to the work the DSA is doing to modernise the industry, and is an important step towards improving the way people are taught to drive and ride."

The publication of the standard fulfils the commitment made in the Government's Strategic Framework for Road Safety to specify national standards for professional instructors, and will help to inform ongoing discussions around the modernisation of the driver and rider training industry.

The National Driver/Rider Training Standard(tm) can be found on the DSA website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/dsa-national-driver-and-rider-training-standard/

DSA 38-11


Notes to editors

1. DSA promotes road safety through setting standards for drivers, riders and trainers; testing drivers and riders fairly and efficiently; maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors, Large Goods Vehicle Instructors, Fleet Trainers, Driving Instructor Trainers and Post Test Motorcycle Trainers; supervising Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for learner motorcyclists; and driver education and the provision of learning resources.

2. DSA is a trading fund with planned income of £195 million in 2011/12, largely funded through test fees and revenue from other road safety initiatives. It delivers tests from over 400 practical driving test centres and 158 theory test locations.

3. DSA employs around 2,600 staff, of which just over 1,800 are driving examiners. In 2010/11 DSA conducted over 1.8 million practical tests (of which 1.6 million were car tests) and around 1.6 million theory tests. At the end of 2010/11 there were around 47,000 people on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.

4. DSA has an image library at flickr.com/photos/dsagovuk which is free for use by press and news media. However, you must acknowledge DSA Crown copyright.

Contacts:

DSA Press office
Phone: 0115 936 6135
nds.dsa@coi.gsi.gov.uk