Passing your test is only the beginning
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ED PARGETER'S LETTER (CM 24 June) rightly points out that there are varying degrees of standards across the training industry regarding driver training and that this is partly reflected by the standard of LGV driving. Yes, there will always be variance of standards, but I feel he is missing a point and is unfairly treating some non-Driver Standards Agency (DSA )registered driving instructors and training schools. The point being the actual driving test and standards required to pass it.
Every training company is governed by these standards and, in turn, trains pupils to achieve them for them to pass the test. This is what the individual or company wants, and that is all that they are willing to pay for. I have yet to come across any person or company willing to pay circa £5,000 for a four-week course to he trained in making them a good driver. All they are interested in is getting through the test as quickly as possible for the least amount of money. I am afraid that this situation and the test criteria dictates what standard of driving is achieved, not the instructors.
If an individual passes his test with either a DSA-reOstered instructor or non-DSAregistered instructor and gains a few minor errors, is the candidate who passed with the DSA-registered instructor of a better standard? No. only continuous training after the test will achieve that. For example, how many times has a car driver been told just after they have passed their car test (with a compulsory registered instructor) -now you will begin to learn to drive-. Surely this also applies to LGV drivers.
My instructors are DSA-registered as this was a requirement of the funded work I do. I do not consider that this makes them better instructors because they were good before. It's down to the training company to control these standards.
So, until the bar is raised substantially in the requirements to pass the LGV driving test, then the driving standards will remain the same. Roger Deaville Director, Transed Training