DVSA Consultation on Minimum Learning Period & Hours – so what does it mean?
The Government to get themselves out of a diabolical situation of having a six month waiting period for a practical driving test are looking at various methods to reduce the waiting time which include a consultation on a minimum learning period and a minimum amount of supervised hours. In the consultation they are considering,
- introducing a minimum number of supervised practical driving hours
- creating a mandated learning syllabus
- the ways that any required learning could be conducted
So what are “supervised hours”? Anyone over the age of 21 and held their driving licence for a period of 3 years or more can supervise a learner driver so having a minimum of hours with a supervising person is in our opinion nonsense as learners that feel they of test standard will get their parents or friends to sign off the hours. What should happen is that a fully qualified Approve Driving Instructor, who is not only capable of teaching properly but will have the experience to sign off hours completed, should be the only people to sign off hours, much like an MOT tester deal with an MOT.
A mandated learning syllabus is not a bad idea but it needs to have the input of driving instructors who are aware of what is needed to drive safely and independently, they will of course have a great view of real life driving not just a get ready for test view.
There are a few people capable of teaching a learner driver in the correct way but on the whole only a driving instructor who goes through an incredibly lengthy training programme knows how to teach someone on the correct manner and hopefully can instil the need to drive in a safe manner for life. A driving instructor will not cut corners and has the knowledge to help someone get over the inevitable nerves whilst learning to drive.
You can read the whole thing here Introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers (category B driving licence) – GOV.UK