Blog and News
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“Holiday!” Testimonial
Posted by adisupportservices on Mon 2 Aug, 2010
Would like to say a big thank you to all at ADI support. I have been on holiday and they have dealt with everything, all those things we have to do late at night or upset family because still working. Diary has been sorted and tests booked. Have been sent updates so I know what’s been going on. It’s been the first time… since I started as an instructor that I’ve not worked while I’ve been away. Thank you again D x
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Important Driving Test Changes ; October 2010
Posted by adisupportservices on Thu 29 Jul, 2010
Driving Test Changes !!
This information was published by the DSA on June 9th 2010 and explains the forthcoming changes to the driving test…
From 4 October 2010, learner drivers will be tested on independent driving as part of the practical driving test.
During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. To help candidates understand where they’re going, the examiner may show them a diagram.
It doesn’t matter if candidates don’t remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Test Fee’s
The length of driving tests and test fees will not change when independent driving is introduced in October. Driving test fees can be found on the directgov web site.
Manouvres
From October, car test candidates (category B) will have to complete one reversing manoeuvre rather than two. The manoeuvre will be selected at random by the examiner from:
- turning in the road
- reversing around a corner
- reverse parking (either on the road, or into a bay)
An emergency stop exercise will still be conducted on one in three tests.
Special Needs
DSA already has procedures to identify special needs and disabilities when tests are booked online or over the phone. The examiner then knows which type of special needs the candidate has so reasonable adjustment can be made.
For independent driving this could be asking the candidate which method they prefer for the section – in other words, following signs, or a series of directions (a maximum of three) which are supported by a diagram approved by the British Dyslexia Association. In some cases this will be shortened to just two directions.
DSA recognise there are many ways of developing perfectly road-safe coping strategies in order to navigate from A to B and is satisfied that examiners will manage the situation accordingly. Independent driving is a significant road safety addition to the practical driving test but will not prevent candidates from holding a licence.
DSA is determined that no member of society should suffer detriment due to any change we introduce.
Non English Speaking Candidates
Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who speak little or no English and they’ll be able to manage the situation accordingly.
For example, sometimes this will include writing place names so it is clear to candidates where they are being asked to drive to. To help all candidates, when asked to follow a series of verbal directions the examiner can show a diagram, so that they can picture the route they’ve been asked to take.
Just as currently, the candidate can have an interpreter along with them on their test if they wish. Since 6 April 2010 ADIs have been able to act as an interpreter for their own pupils.
Routes and Candidates
If the candidate goes off-route during the independent driving section, the examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with the independent driving section wherever possible. The test won’t be terminated.
If the candidate looks like taking a wrong turning, the examiner will control the situation as they do now and preferably step in before the candidate goes off route. If that’s not possible, the examiner will help the candidate get back on route as soon as possible by guiding them with normal directions.
Independent driving is not a test of the candidate’s orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route, but does not commit a fault, there’s nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances at the time – as usual. There is no change to assessment.
There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, ‘There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please’ and then, ‘Now, carry on following the signs to ………’
If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and, just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you’re going.
Independent driving is designed to test the learner’s ability to drive unsupervised and make decisions without guidance and in unfamiliar contexts. DSA is therefore taking the opportunity to review the appropriateness of current route publication practices.
The independent driving section of the test is approximately 10 minutes when you will be asked to drive making your own decisions. A sat nav gives directions in much the same way as the driver trainer, or the examiner, so it’s not appropriate to use for independent driving.
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June Update - More Great News!
Posted by adisupportservices on Sat 26 Jun, 2010
ADI Support now has 5 Driving Schools operating throught their own individual Freephone number - and having the unique ADI Support service package for their Customers and their School.
Does it make a difference ?
We have converted over 80% of all new Pupil leads
Free Test Bookings are up over 60% in the past month
Our latest “new” ADI has doubled her business ( both Hours and ££ Income) in the first month with ADI Support. Brilliant work from the ADI Support team..
Looking forward to meeting up with the guys and girls in Basingstoke tomorrow for a nice pub-lunch…..
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Great start to our new Service
Posted by adisupportservices on Sat 29 May, 2010
We have just set up our first individual “Freephone Number” service for one of the Driving Schools already using the ADI Support service! All calls taken by our team are answered in the name of the
Driving School - all leads answered immediately, no lost business, great service for pupils, a truly professional service for YOUR business ……. as Jon told me “My very own office”! Why not call for more information of how we can help you take the next step forward -
Additional Service from ADI Support
Posted by adisupportservices on Fri 21 May, 2010
Following enquiries and requests from Instructors, ADI Support are now pleased to offer an exciting additional service that will make a huge difference to any Driving School.
We can now provide a unique Freephone 0800/0845 number for your Driving School which diverts all calls directly into the ADI Support office, enabling our team to answer your calls in the name of your Driving School.
This will give your Driving School the “edge” over your local competition, with a professional team answering your calls each day - 6 days a week. This will ensure that new pupil leads and recommendations, as well as your existing pupils can call your Driving School and speak to someone (rather than an answer machine!) - greatly increasing the chance of converting those extra lessons - all whilst you are teaching.
Added to the standard ADI Support Service - this now offers your Driving School the complete service.
For more information, give ADI Support a call, or leave your details on the contact form - we will get back to you within 12 hours.
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Editorial in National Adi Newsletter
Posted by adisupportservices on Fri 21 May, 2010
‘Proof is in the Pudding’ with ADI Support!
The Driver Training Industry’s leading online diary
management service is going great guns in improving the business levels of all those instructors who have opted to take up this exceptional service.
Instructors who have had the foresight to take up the ADI Support services have experienced amazing results:
78% of all new pupil leads are converted onto diaries
How many pupils do you lose because you can’t answer the phone?
18 Lost pupils reactivated in one week
Do you get the time to chase these lost pupils up?
FREE DSA Test booking/rearranging service
Why not let someone else deal with the DSA either on the phone or online?
86% of all test passes are booked onto Pass Plus
Have problems up-selling Pass Plus? Let the professionals sell it for you
And those are just a few of the benefits of using this phenomenal service.
ADI Support also do business reviews :One recent review delivered an additional 172 hours being
booked onto one instructors diary ;6 lost pupils regained; 4 Pass Plus courses booked;
5 practical driving tests booked with lessons to test;
6 Theory tests booked with study advice provided.
A complete service that allows you time to relax
when you’re not teaching …
and all for ONLY £20 per week –less than an average lesson to have your very own
Personal Assistant!
TAKE THE 3 WEEK FREE TRIAL–WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE? -
Test
Posted by adisupportservices on Thu 20 May, 2010
This is a test
