Senior representatives of DVSA & NASP met to discuss various issues and this is a summary of the agenda and topics discussed.
Meeting summary
Training licence process and compliance: As part of an ADI services updatethe current state of trainee licences, compliance with training requirements, and the challenges around repeated trainee licence applications was discussed, with actions identified to improve monitoring and communication with sponsors and trainees.
ADI register: DVSA provided up-to-date figures on the number of individuals on the register and the volume of trainee licences issued noting a steady increase in overall numbers but highlighting concerns about the high number of trainee licence holders and part 3 test cancellations.
Repeated trainee licence applications: The group discussed the issue of some PDIs (Potential Driving Instructors) extending their time on trainee licences by repeatedly applying, often cancelling tests, and using the system to prolong their earning period without qualifying, with DVSA explaining the impact on appeals and administrative workload.
Compliance monitoring and reminders: DVSA advised ona new process where the team sends reminders to trainees who have not completed the required 20 hours of additional training within six months, aiming to increase compliance and ensure training standards are met before issuing subsequent licences.
Sponsor responsibilities and communication: All agreed on the need for clearer communication to sponsors about their responsibilities, including sending targeted emails and updating forms to ensure sponsors are aware of their obligations in supporting trainees and maintaining training standards.
System limitations and future improvements: DVSA acknowledged the limitations of the current legacy system in tracking and managing trainee licence data, noting that improvements are planned as part of the broader work being done to improve the booking system, which should enhance both internal workflows and external compliance monitoring.
Code of practice and guidance review: Further discussions were had regarding the usage and effectiveness of the ADI code of practice, and the ADI register guide, and how to make all guidance more accessible and mandatory for all instructors.
Usage data and accessibility: Web traffic data shows high usage of the ADI register guide but low engagement with the code of practice, prompting discussion on consolidating both documents to improve visibility and compliance.
Content format and engagement: The group discussed potential varied content formats, such as videos and webinars, to cater to different learning preferences and to ensure ongoing engagement with the guidance throughout an instructor’s career.
Enforcement and standards checks: DVSA provided an update on current and planned enforcement actions, recruitment, increasing standards checks, and improvements in data accuracy and communication with instructors.
Communication: DVSA is exploring additional ways to communicate with instructors whose driving test data indicates potential issues, encouraging self-reflection and improvement ahead of possible standards checks.
Engagement calls and support: DVSA confirmed that engagement calls are still offered to instructors ahead of standards checks, providing an opportunity for discussion and support.
Contact information and area management: Updates were provided on refreshing contact lists for area managers and ensuring that instructors have clear channels for support and queries, with changes to area boundaries in London to balance workloads.
Recruitment update: Recruitment is ongoing for ADI examiners, with nine candidates through the assessment stage and 12 more to be assessed to fill all 16 advertised positions. Successful recruits once they have passed the six-week residential course[DM1] , will be able to conduct Part 2 and Part 3 tests alongside standards checks, with final deployment decisions to be made next year. Further recruitment anticipated in 2027 to maintain capacity for driver services.
Reporting illegal instructors – new online form: DVSA demonstrated a prototype of a new online form for reporting illegal driving instructors, explaining its features, data handling, and the process for managing submitted intelligence.
Data handling and back-end processing: DVSA explained that work is ongoing and explained the process for sanitising and grading incoming intelligence, ensuring data protection and safe handling, and outlined how reports are processed for potential investigation or enforcement action.
User Engagement and Form Optimization: The team discussed the risk of users abandoning the form due to its length, with plans to monitor drop-off points and consider adaptive questioning to streamline the process for different types of reporters.
Feedback and Future Improvements: Suggestions were made to improve the user journey, provide clearer signposting to check instructor legitimacy before reporting, and ensure that the form and process are regularly reviewed and updated based on user feedback and operational needs.
Communications and stakeholder engagement: DVSA discussed ongoing and planned communications initiatives, including a new ADI bulletin, survey response rates, and strategies for improving engagement and feedback from instructors and associations.
ADI bulletin development: A draft template was shared for a monthly or bi-monthly ADI bulletin to provide regular updates, statistics, and regulatory reminders to instructors. NASP suggested content contributions from the associations and cross-government.
Survey participation and analysis: All reviewed and discussed the response rate to the recent working as a driving instructor survey, discussed possible reasons for disengagement, and considered collaborative efforts with associations to increase participation and gather more representative feedback.
Update on changes to the booking system consultation: NASP asked DVSA when the outcomes of the changes to the driving test booking system consultation would be announced. DVSA advised that they are working towards a date for publishing the outcome of the consultation.
Actions
Code of practice safeguarding section: Make an immediate change to the current code of practice to address the safeguarding wording risk before the full rewrite is completed. (DVSA)
Investigation process guidance: Review and consider adopting the approach of other regulators (e.g., GMC, FCA) to provide public-facing guidance on investigation processes, including what will and will not be investigated. (DVSA)
Reporting illegal driving instructors form: Consider adding adaptive questioning to the reporting form so that learners and ADIs are asked relevant questions based on their role. (DVSA)
Reporting illegal driving instructors form: Ensure the reporting form journey includes a step to check if the instructor is a qualified ADI before submitting a report, to reduce unnecessary investigations. (DVSA)
Updated ADI Manager areas: Share the latest list of ADI Managers and a map of the areas with NASP. (DVSA)
Driving examiner recruitment: DVSA to share latest update on driving examiner recruitment with NASP
Future meetings: Agree dates for future DVSA and NASP quarterly meetings (one meeting in person and others can be virtual). (DVSA and NASP)
