Learners can vet driving instructors

A NEW SYSTEM of grading driving instructors will help learner drivers choose the best possible tutor. The new system awards driving instructors a simple A or B grade or a fail should their ability not meet the required standard.

All qualified driving instructors have their standards of teaching checked at least once every four years to ensure they deliver the right training to new drivers. The new system will allow learners and the parents of young drivers to see how good any instructor is before entrusting their learning to an individual instructor.

To achieve an A grade, a driving instructor must achieve an 85% pass or higher, while the B grade is attained for 60- 79% passes. Anything below this is a fail and the new system simplifies the previous grades of 1 to 6.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s Chief Executive Alastair Peoples said: ‘The new standards check will enable qualified driving instructors to better demonstrate their competence to deliver effective training. A high level of tuition can make a real difference in helping new drivers to become safe and responsible and the grading structure will make it easier for learners and parents to identify the best instructors.

‘Most driving instructors are grade 4 on the current structure, which means that they have demonstrated sufficient competence to remain on the register. I want all instructors to strive to achieve the new A grade. I also want to work with the industry to identify ways that we can help top grade instructors to promote the higher level of competence that they have worked hard to achieve.’

By Press Association reporters