[Article] New standards for driving instructors

Victor

http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0619/driving.html

New standards for driving instructors
19 June 2006 16:58

The Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, has announced new standards for driving instructors.

A new register of approved instructors is to be set up and administered by the Roads Safety Authority.

By 2008, all new and existing instructors will have to sit a test qualifying them to teach learner drivers.

The Minister said it will now be harder to become an instructor.

http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=7650&lang=ENG&loc=1887

Cullen to Regulate Driving Instruction Industry - Consultation Process begins
19 June 2006

Today, (Monday, 19th June 2006), Transport Minister, Martin Cullen announced that he will be regulating the Driving Instruction Industry in order to maximise the contribution driving instruction makes to road safety. As a first step in this process, the Minister launched a consultation document to engage the key stakeholders in discussion to determine and agree the most appropriate form and structure for the regulation of the industry. He has given responsibility for the regulation of driving instruction, including the development and oversight of the register of approved driving instructors to the Road Safety Authority.

Minister Cullen said, "At present there is no formalised system of setting and monitoring standards for driving instruction. It is not a requirement for a person who wants to become a driving instructor to have a minimum standard of driving competence or a proven ability to give instruction in order to become a driving instructor. The quality of instruction available to learner drivers impacts critically on the competence of those drivers as road users and this in turn impacts on the safety of our roads. It is in the interests of both driving instructors, learner drivers and the wider public that this should be changed."

The consultation document sets out proposals for the formal regulation of the industry and invites stakeholders to submit views on the proposals over the next twelve weeks. The final scheme of regulation will take account of the submissions received during the consultation period.

In relation to the objective for the consultation process Minister Cullen said, "The outcome of this process will give a high degree of confidence both to the learner driver and to the driving instructor with regard to the quality of instruction. In brief what is proposed in the document is that from 1 July 2007 all new entrants to the industry must be approved and registered before being allowed instruct. In relation to existing driving instructors they must be approved and registered by 1 July 2008. Approved driving instructors will have a comprehensive knowledge of driving theory, a high level of driving competence and of equal importance, a proven ability to pass this expertise to the novice driver. "

Commenting on the launch Mr. Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said, "The Road Safety Authority is delighted to be jointly launching this, its first consultation document with the Department of Transport. Developing the required standard for recognition as a driving instructor is a key organisational change which is set out in the Government's current Road Safety Strategy. It is certainly something the industry itself has been seeking."

He added, "Ensuring the availability of good quality driving instructors to train new drivers is vital and will assist in developing improved standards of driving. Once regulations are in place it will be prohibited to provide driving instruction for reward by persons not holding an instruction certificate. The introduction of Approved Driving Instruction also paves the way for further initiatives."

Concluding Mr Brett said that "The Board of the Road Safety Authority see this as a priority issue and are keen to have as much input from stakeholders and the public as possible to ensure that the roll out of ADI systems are the best possible for the industry and for drivers."

When driving instruction becomes regulated, a person who wishes to practise as a driving instructor must firstly, prove that they are of good repute and are tax compliant. They must then pass a theory test after which they must pass a practical driving test. Having passed these two tests, they must, within a six month period of passing stage two, undergo a test of instruction ability. Where a person passes this three-stage exam his or her name will be entered on the register. All approved driving instructors will be required to renew their registration every two years.

Motorcycle instructors will be registered and will also be able to apply to be certified as approved instructors for the delivery of basic training for motorcyclists. Minister Cullen expressed his view that he would like to see the introduction of compulsory basic training for motorcyclists and he said that a separate consultation on this issue will be undertaken shortly.

The consultation document is available online on the Department's website at www.transport.ie and at the Road Safety Authority's website at www.rsa.ie . The closing date for the receipt of submissions is September 8 2006.

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