Why Join DSA’s Voluntary Register of Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driving Instructors?

Posted on September 24th, 2010 by admin, under Driving Instructor.

Holding a category C driving licence may be a good asset as it opens up plenty of job opportunities. If you feel for some reason that trucking is not good for you, or you lost your job due to the recession, or you retired, this post should be of interest to you. Why not look at the idea of starting a career of LGV driving instructor?

Why bother?

Driving training is a tricky business indeed. While driving instructors for category B licence face lengthy and costly qualification process, the category C (or C+E) licence is all LGV driving instructors need to teach others to drive. Rather odd, isn’t? LGV driver operates vehicles that weight up to 44,000 kgs. Talk about safety with anyone who simply holds a truck driving licence being able to teach others to drive these monster vehicles. Nevertheless the Department of Transport is quiet about making LGV driving instructor qualification compulsory. So why bother?

However, if you are set to start up a sustainable and rewarding business, you’ll be better off being on the DSA’s Voluntary Register of Large Goods Vehicle Driving Instructors. Firstly, many driving schools providing LGV driving courses have it as a requirement for their driving instructors. Secondly, your prospect learners can get suspicious over the lack of qualifications. And, thirdly, the Register gets you noticed among unqualified competitors. It is an investment that would pay back fortunes.

How to join the Register?

In order to apply for DSA qualification, you should hold the following category licences:

• C1 – medium-sized goods vehicles
• C1+E – medium-sized goods vehicle with trailer
• C – rigid large goods vehicles
• C+E – articulated LGVs or LGV/trailer combination

A candidate should not have been disqualified from driving within four years prior to application.

To initiate application process candidates should obtain a starter pack from DSA for £6.99. Starter pack includes application form, notes for guidance and theory test questions.

Large goods vehicle instructor qualifying process consists of a three-part examination: theory test, practical driving test and test of instructional ability. Candidates are expected to pass all three tests within one year with a maximum of three attempts at each qualifying test.

Theory test is made up of multiple choice questions and hazard perception element. The hazard perception test is carried out on computer and assesses candidates’ ability to react to developing road hazards. Part two of the examination will assess your driving ability. DSA examiner will ask you to perform several exercises at a test centre site. Your practical driving test will also include independent driving following directions from DSA examiner. The most important part of the entire examination process is part three, the test of instructional ability. Your examiner will assess how good you are at teaching pupils. During the test, the examiner will take on a role of a pupil and will evaluate how skilled you are at giving instructions, correcting driving errors and dealing with a learner’s nervousness.

Once you have passed your examinations and paid registration fee, your name will appear on the LGV Instructor Register. You will also receive a certificate of registration as a proof that you have qualified as LGV driving instructor.

Below are test fees charged by DSA:

Theory test – £64.63

Practical driving test – £139.83

Test of instructional ability – £139.83

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Making Sure Your Test Vehicle Is Suitable

Posted on August 24th, 2010 by admin, under Driving Instructor, Driving Test.

Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has issued a notice on using space saver tyres on the learner driver cars during the practical driving test. The notice was prompted by increasing number of complaints from candidates whose test didn’t go ahead because their cars were fitted with space saver tyres. That also means they lost their driving test fee.

While it’s become a common feature for modern car manufacturers to use space saver tyres, Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) guideline clearly states that the tyre cannot be fitted to a leaner driver car. Following DSA notice we feel it necessary to remind all driving instructors and their pupils of essential vehicle safety requirements at the driving test.

1. Vehicle recall 
   DSA may prevent a candidate from taking practical driving test when the car is subject to a manufacturer recall or safety notice. If the recall occurs, the car automatically becomes unsuitable for the test unless a candidate provides evidence showing the test car has been checked and rectification is not necessary. If you car does need remedial work, you should rebook your driving test.
2. Electronically operated parking brakes 
   It is one of the key driving skills to be able to coordinate the gas, clutch and parking brakes control, which a candidate should demonstrate on the driving test. Electronically operated parking brakes make it much easier to handle so the test cars with electronic handbrakes are not suitable for the test.
3. Space saver tyres 
   You should ensure the test vehicle is fitted with the same size tyre on the same axle and that tyres are not speed rated. No space saver tyres permitted!

A test car should also be fitted with a speedometer that measures in mph and km/h, L-plates on the front and rear, a passenger head restraint, an interior mirror and seatbelt for the examiner.

Good luck on your driving test!

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