Observer on Driving test

T he DSA have decided to introduce the 'observer on test'initiative sooner than the
original planned start date of October 2010 to April 2010.  The intention is that examiners will ask candidates
at the start of the test if they want their driving instructor or another observer (who could be a parent, guardian or friend who has accompanied them to the test centre and is preferably the person who taught them to drive to sit in.  Examiners will
then ask candidates if they want their instructor present for the test result and debrief.

This allows candidates to take advantage of all the opportunities available to support their ongoing learning and development, but leaves the final decision with them.

In 2008 to 2009, 18,000 instructors accompanied pupils on 81,000 tests at the request of the candidate.  From April, these figures are expected to rise.

Instructors will still have the chance to decline the request but this would clearly show a lack of support for the pupil and reduce the chance of helping where able.