Members and guestsDIDU's AGM was held yesterday, with a special guest speaker - chief driving examiner Trevor Wedge. Trevor attended in the morning, with the afternoon reserved for our AGM.
Trevor proved to be a popular and fascinating speaker - after all, if the chief driving examiner hasn't got his finger on the pulse of driver training, who has?
The following is a précis of Trevor's presentation:

Background

Not everyone knows that Trevor's background includes teaching and running a pub - but not both at the same time! Britain's chief examiner was an ADI for seven years, and first became an examiner in 1984. It's good to know that Trevor has first hand experience at the "sharp end."

A history of the driving test

We watched an entertaining video and learned that in the year of its introduction the driving test had a pass rate of 60% and that examiners would meet candidates at a convenient place as there were no test centres. The DSA in its current form originated in 1990.

Learning to drive program

We are all aware that far too many new drivers are involved in accidents. The DSA are investigating many new initiatives, including the competence framework (a spreadsheet) and the national standard for driving. Trials for a syllabus for learners and ADIs are being held.

DSA driving standard

A chance to exchange views
The DSA is working on a driver training standard, which will help develop the skills of both clients and instructors. One small part of this was to encourage accompanying drivers to sit in on the test. The latest statistics show that in 2009 / 2010 4% of tests were accompanied. In April to October 2010 (when candidates have been asked) 14 % of tests were accompanied, and since October 2010 ( the introduction of independent driving) 26% of tests have been accompanied.

Modernising driver training - update

A steering and working group have proposed:

• Better information
• Updated qualification process
• Smarter standards checks
• CPD
• ADI training to a higher standard
• Code of practice

Due to the current economic and political climate, many of these proposals may be put on hold.

Learning trial

This is currently looking at whether driver training improves accident statistics. Trials are being conducted to see if new syllabuses work. These trials include the use of coaching and client centred learning, and recognition of these methods in check tests.

Barry and Trevor

The future

The DSA wants to work with ADIs to change perceptions; modernise the check test and qualification process; promote CPD; and to encourage ADI representative bodies to lead these changes.
There is also a European Union action plan for minimum trainer standards.

Questions from the floor

There followed an all too brief opportunity to ask Trevor questions which included:

• Concerns about control of new drivers which is not there at present: new drivers just get in a car and go. Trevor replied that enforcement is a problem and is not a decision the DSA can make. Pass Plus is due to be modernised however.
• Why insurance companies can't tailor policies to encourage safer driving in new drivers - e.g. a reduced premium if new drivers don't carry passengers at certain times to reduce the peer pressure to drive fast. Trevor replied that insurance companies are businesses some of whom are resistant to change.
• The issue of private tuition was raised and Trevor made the point that nearly all learners have had some professional driving lessons. There is some evidence that the more training a candidate has, the less safe they are. The logic of this is that the most natural and gifted drivers require less training.
• Independent driving in the driving test was questioned, and Trevor stated that the DSA have not had one phone call of complaint since I.D. was introduced.

Thank you

Barry extended everyone's thanks to Trevor Wedge for attending our AGM and for such an entertaining presentation.

Members enjoy their lunch

Afternoon session - AGM

Chairman's statement

The afternoon AGM started with Barry's chairman's statement. Thanks were given to all those who have worked so hard in the last year to serve DIDU members. In particular, DIDU's consultative status was to be celebrated, and thanks to those committee members who had worked so hard to achieve this.

Hello and goodbye

Richard and JeanThe Executive committee (E.C.) has lost two members due to personal reasons - Adrian Lewis and Tony Mills were thanked and recognised for all their hard work in the past. Richard Grindrod is not standing for re-election to the E.C., but will still head DIDU's CPD, and all his achievements in the last year were acknowledged.
New TWF editor Vernon MenezesVernon Menezes was welcomed as the newest member of the E.C. Vernon will take over from Tony Mills as editor of our magazine "The Way Forward."

The DIDU Association

It was decided by an almost unanimous vote to change the name of DIDU from "Delivering Information Developing Understanding" to "The DIDU association."
"Delivering Information Developing Understanding" will remain as our strap-line. The new name is short and simple, and should serve us well.

The future

The future of TWF was discussed, it was suggested that the publication could switch to electronic means. Alan Wood made the point that each issue cost the best part of £1000 to produce and post, and substantial saving could be made if it went electronic. Members without internet access could still elect to receive a paper version. An audit of members to find out exactly how many do not have internet access or a PC in their home should be carried out.
Cam (Cameron Smith) outlined the options open to DIDU to provide regular news and information to its members, which could include delivery of DVD media to members, and downloads of PDF files.

This year

Once again, Alan Wood (DIDU treasurer) has steered DIDU through difficult financial waters, and was able to show accounts and update members on the latest details. Alan also told us that DIDU has an important meeting with the DSA in December, and that members will be kept informed of the outcomes.
The Chuckle Brothers Ron and Cam: "To me, to you...Richard Grindrod reminded us that the two DIDU CPD seminars in 2010 were a great success, and outlined future plans which include not only seminars, but on-line CPD for members.

And finally

Many, many thanks to our guest Trevor Wedge. We all appreciate very much that Trevor has given up his valuable time to inform and update us.
Thank you to the EC for all their hard work throughout the year.
And thank you to all the members who turned up for the AGM, from all parts of the country.