The vosa dept of the government merged with the Dsa making the newly ( and not very catchy) titled dvsa. The driver vehicle standards agency.

In line with vosa practices all testers must be qualified technicians.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced a new qualification for its vehicle inspectors

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is putting its vehicle inspectors through a new training and assessment programme which is quality assured by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Successful achievement of the programme will see vehicle inspectors receive the Institute of Road Transport Engineer’s [IRTE] industry recognised irtec Licence and IMI Awards QAA certification.
DVSA is aiming to provide its inspectors with highest quality education and training that is recognised throughout the industry.
DVSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples said:
My vision is that our vehicle inspectors will set the industry benchmark. We are investing in the future of our staff and training them to a very high standard.
The industry has always valued the professionalism and integrity of our inspectors and, with the new qualifications, they will deliver a first class service to our customers.
As we continue to expand our network of Authorised Testing Facilities, our inspectors will be more highly skilled than ever before and well equipped to meet the needs of a demanding industry.
Steve Nash, CEO at the IMI said:
Our relationship with IRTE to drive forward the irtec licence scheme within the sector has gathered momentum in the last 18 months. Not only have we seen engagement from the major manufacturers in the sector, we have also demonstrated that the irtec licence provides a significant return on training investment through our research.
The DVSA commitment further demonstrates the value and credibility of the irtec licence within the sector and beyond.
Ian Chisholm, Head of Operations and Communications at IRTE’s umbrella organisation SOE (Society of Operations Engineers) says:
Through assessing and licensing road transport technicians on their skills and knowledge, irtec’s objective is to raise standards across the sector and thereby improve vehicle maintenance and road safety.
As the agency responsible for setting, testing and enforcing vehicle standards across Great Britain, DVSA shares a common goal of promoting rigorous industry standards for vehicle maintenance.
In putting their vehicle inspectors forward for irtec licences, DVSA is making a commitment to ensuring a standardised level of skills and knowledge among its testers, and is making a commitment to promoting overall vehicle safety and compliance across the road transport industry.

A great piece of news from the dvsa.

Learner drivers to pay less for theory tests

The cost of the driving theory test will be cut by 25%, saving learner drivers over £100 million over the next 9 years.
The fee for a car driving theory test will fall by £6 in October this year, taking the cost of a test from £31 to £25, with a further drop of £2 in October 2015.

Theory test fees for motorcycles and other categories of vehicle will also be reduced. The changes have been confirmed following a public consultation.

Passing the savings onto our customers

DVSA Chief Executive, Alastair Peoples, said:

“By agreeing new contract arrangements for the delivery of theory tests we have secured significant cost savings, and it is right that we pass these savings on to our customers. We want to make sure that we continue to keep pace with customers’ needs and deliver services in a way which is both convenient and cost effective.”

Award for safety for the hpt

The hazard perception part of the driving theory test has been recognised with a national road safety award.

The hazard perception test won the John Smart Road Safety award at this years’ Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) awards. The award recognises the hazard perception test’s role in reducing the number of crashes and improving road safety.

Research has shown that hazard perception training and testing could account for an 11 percent reduction in accidents, potentially saving hundreds of lives every year.

DVSA Chief Executive, Alastair Peoples, said:

“I am extremely pleased that the hazard perception test and its contribution to road safety have been recognised in this way. The theory test plays a vital role in making sure that new drivers know the Highway Code and the rules of the road, helping them to drive safely and responsibly and making our roads safer.”

congrats to Paul Davies on passing this morning with just 4minor faults. See you in a couple of weeks for that pass plus.  On a side note it was nice to be complemented myself by the examiner for my teaching style.