The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) launched the Voluntary Registration Scheme for Fleet driver trainers on 22 April 2002. Fleet driver trainers are Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) who specialise in providing training to fleet drivers of cars and vans. The scheme follows the work of a group involving DSA, employers, risk-managers, insurers and trainers, and in consultation with interested parties.
Background
The Government's Road Safety Strategy: Tomorrow's Roads - Safer for Everyone announced that DSA would introduce such a scheme to set standards for instructors who specialise in providing this type of training, and help raise the profile of the training on offer to fleet drivers and their employers.
It would be part of the Agency's wider role in improving road safety by ensuring higher standards of instruction for different types of driver and rider - in particular, modernising the qualification and registration arrangements for all classes of professional driving and riding instruction. The registration scheme should be seen in the wider context of efforts to improve work-related road safety announced in the Strategy.
Registration
Registration can be obtained by either of the following options:
- by successful completion of a DSA three part entrance examination which includes a multiple choice theory test, a practical test of driving ability and a practical test of instructional/coaching ability - candidates have 12 months from the date of passing the practical test of instructional/coaching ability to register on the scheme.
- by having successfully completed one of the DSA "accredited" training courses following commencement of the scheme on 22 April, 2002 - candidates have 12 months from the date of completing their training to register (the accredited training courses are detailed in the Notes for Guidance included in the starter pack)
DSA examination
If you are taking the DSA examination you must take and pass all three parts in the above order and must complete the whole qualifying process within one year. The one year period starts from the date of your first attempt at the theory test. If you are unable to complete the process within this time, you must start from the beginning and pass each part again if you wish to join the Register.
You have a maximum of three attempts at each of the qualifying tests. If you do not pass in the three attempts you must wait until the end of your one year period before you can apply to re-start the qualification process, starting with the theory test. You should complete a further application form at this point. This should be requested from the Fleet Register Section at DSA, Nottingham.
The qualifying tests are very demanding and you are advised not to apply until you are thoroughly prepared for them. If you are in doubt about your application being accepted, or intend to take a training course, it is recommended that you contact DSA first.
As this is currently a voluntary scheme, tests are conducted to suit demand and are not carried out on a daily basis.
How to apply to be on the Register
If you wish to join the Register, you should obtain the starter pack containing an application form Fleet 1, the Notes for Guidance, and the theory test question bank. Please read the Notes for Guidance before applying.
The starter pack should be requested in writing, accompanied by a payment of £6.99 (cheque or postal order only) from:
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Register of Fleet Driver Trainers Section
Driving Standards Agency
The Axis Building
112 Upper Parliament Street
NOTTINGHAM
NG1 6LP
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If you are applying and intend to take the DSA qualifying tests you should complete the application form enclosed in the Notes for Guidance and return it to DSA at Nottingham with the fee for the theory test and the processing fee. You will need to indicate at which test centre you want to take the theory test. You will be told the time and date of your test once your application has been processed.
Applying after qualifying on a DSA accredited course
If you are registering having already qualified on one of the DSA accredited courses, complete the appropriate section of the application form and submit it with the registration fee, the processing fee, two passport type photographs and supporting documentary evidence of the course completed ie certificates etc.
DSA accredited courses
Passing one of the training courses assessed by DSA qualifies you to join the Register without the need to take the DSA examination. The content and validation processes meet agreed fleet trainer skills and knowledge criteria. You must apply to DSA within 12 months of passing the accredited course.
The current list of instructor training course providers can be found in the fleet driver trainer starter pack, which can be obtained from DSA’s Fleet Driver Trainer Register Section (address above).
Search the DSA Fleet Accredited Course database