SEPTEMBER NEWS
Posted 10 September 2020 — Anyone
Welcome to the first ‘Rear View’ update from The Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective
This is your shortcut to the headline news brought to you by theditc.co.uk. As ADIs we know that despite being interested and wanting to read that article in the latest magazine, time is precious and the test centre waiting room table isn’t currently in reach! We won’t delay you further…
DVSA
1st September
7th September
Now every Monday after that.
Test booking open for 18 weeks on 14th September.
The guidance from the DVSA can be found here
Local Restrictions
At the time of writing there were local restrictions in:
Bolton, Caerphilly, Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire
Unfortunately there does not appear to be a public list of which centres are facing restriction. We have asked NASP and DVSA if this is being addressed
The ADI NJC have raised the issue of instructors having access to toilet facilities and waiting rooms with the HSE. ADIs are classed as ‘Visiting Workers’. The DVSA response was “DVSA’s priority is to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Following engagement with driving instructors we made toilet and handwashing facilities available for any candidate, instructor or accompanying driver if requested.
DVSA is currently in discussion with HSE about the use of waiting rooms for driving instructors.”
The HSE response in full to the ADINJC can be found here
Instructor Challenges
Test bookings - With limited numbers registered for the Online Booking System there is no option but for you or your pupil to sit in the queue. The changes on 14th September will hopefully ease this.
Tests
We are hearing of tests refused due to inadequate mask use and ‘dirty’ (not visibly cleaned) vehicles. Please make extra efforts not so your pupils are not disappointed and you are not out of pocket.
Instructors are still facing challenges in adverse weather conditions. If you wish to raise this or other issues we recommend contacting your chosen national association and/or N.A.S.P. to raise it or we are happy to raise it for you (help@theditc.co.uk)
Scotland
Test booking - 7th September
Tests from - 14th September
On-hold test from lockdown will have an early invitation.
Scotland will only be booking 6 weeks ahead.
Podcasts
Here are some Podcasts you may not have discovered for those gaps between lessons:
DIPOD - The Driving Instructors Podcast - Episode 174 and Episode 147
Conferences/Expo
For obvious reasons this years physical meet ups are cancelled. If you have any for us to add to the list please get in touch.
ADINJC & Intellignet Instructor Expo 25th April 2021
COVID Resources
ADINJC Toolbox - If you haven’t explored this yet, it is well worth a look! Free to all via the website.
The DIA members can access the DIA Toolbox via the Academy
TOTUM PRO
The DITC ADI and PDI members qualify for the TOTUM student card (Formerly NUS Extra).
Visit the DITC hub with a picture of your Pink or Green Badge, or Part 1 Certificate if Pre-badge & click the TOTUM link on the menu.
To Qualify
To qualify you need to be studying or teaching for 3 hours per week.
IMPORTANT - The TOTUM offer ‘3 years for price of 2' ends at the end of September! So sign up now!
The card not only gets you access to the TOTUM deals, but also student rates at any service or place that you use restaurants, gyms, shops, etc.
The Collective’s goal is to unite instructors. We are focussed on networking and connectivity between PDIs, ADIs, Businesses, Services and those looking to join the industry. We are only as strong as our membership but have already developed benefits and value for our members. If you would like to subscribe to our membership (Just £6 a month) visit theditc.co.uk