News from the very latest Driving Instructor Conference held by DIA on 17/11/2017
One of the assurances that BIG TOM can provide to customers is that we continue to stay in touch with all that is going on in the industry; the latest research, technology being used on driving lessons, quality driving instructor training that is available and important people and organisations involved in road safety in the UK. There are actually approximately 39,000 driving instructors in the industry however, only in the region of 200 actually attend these types of national events, reinforcing the fact that not all driving instructors are the same. BIG TOM attendance further demonstrates our commitment to ensure that the service being provided is aligned with ‘best practice’ in the industry.
Dr Fiona Fylan is a Health Psychologist and presented on her latest work within Brainbox Research regarding what should be included in a resource to help qualified driving instructors teach young people to drive on motorways. Her research involved 546 driving instructors, 93 novice drivers and 6 focus groups. Her presentation raised awareness of some of the feelings and challenges being felt about conducting driving training on motorways when it becomes legal (believed to be Spring of 2018).
Samantha Jackson from Highways England (formerly Highways Agency) presented regarding the latest initiative her organisation are working on towards their mission of “No-one is hurt on roads”.
Gareth Llewellyn (Chief Executive of DVSA) spoke about the very latest news from the governing body and this was followed up with Q&A which included Lesley Young (Chief Driving Examiner DVSA), Mark Magee (Head of Central Policy Team DVSA) and Mark Winn (Head of Motor Cycling Policy DVSA).
Mark Jaffe who is a motorcycle trainer then presented regarding the challenges of spotting motorcyclists on the roads and why this actually occurs.
Dr Damian Poulter and Professor Richard Rowe from the Medical Research Council presented regarding the crash risk of novice drivers. A very informative piece of work involving the thoughts and feelings of 13 newly qualified drivers looking at driving skills and driving style. Information was given regarding a further survey of 1614 participants, between 17-21 years of age and driving experience between 0-6 months.
Carly Brookfield (CEO of DIA) then presented regarding the very latest training available on Safeguarding.
