Category: Questions

I have just been asked whether a Driving Instructor can continue to teach after being diagnosed with Narcolepsy.

The answer is that there are no extra medical requirements for driving instructors over those for ordinary drivers. With exception of a slightly increased distance on the number plate reading test.

So if DVLA are satisfied a driving instructor is medically fit to drive then they are ok to instruct. (providing they meet the eyesight test) A person can be fined up to £1,000 if they don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition.

I spoke to a member the other day who asked “do I need to attend for my Standards Check?” of course you do I said unless you have a very good reason to postpone it, why wouldn’t you attend? I went on to state how important the test was to maintain standards and then I went on a bit about the person’s  sense of responsibility and then I went on a bit more.

I attended the MSA East Midlands training day in Nottingham a couple of weeks ago, it was really good event. However, I was surprised how many ADIs were not aware that the driving licence counterpart was due to be scrapped on 1 January 2015.

However, it seems government have changed their mind. Today 12/12/2014 DVLA has issued the MSA this statement:

I have just returned from attending a couple of MSA meetings in Cardiff and Bristol. Both were well attended and very well organised.

Congratulations to MSA Chairmen Paddy Tyler, MSA South Wales and Colin Lilly, MSA Western  who were both re-elected.

Both meetings covered a variety of topics and there was considerable interest in the new Standards Check.

I have received a couple of calls this week about the difficulties members have experienced trying to find a post office that will carry out the ID check required for their CRB check.

This service is not offered by all Post Offices although I understand the numbers are being extended.