Press release

New standards for driver and rider trainers

New driving instructors and motorcycle trainers framework released setting out the key competences required.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The ‘National driver and rider training standard’ sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding required to deliver driver and rider training programmes for cars, light vans and motorcycles, both before and after a candidate has passed their test.

The standard sets out what instructors need to be able to do, and the knowledge they need to have, in order to deliver effective learning that will help people to become and remain safe and responsible drivers. This covers areas such as devising effective lesson plans, understanding different learning styles and needs, and giving clear instructions and constructive feedback.

The document builds on DSA’s existing national standards that help to define safe and responsible driving and motorcycling.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

The driver and rider training industry has a vital role to play in making sure that Britain’s roads remain among the safest in the world.

The publication of this standard will help to ensure that all drivers acquire the right skills, knowledge and attitude to use our roads safely.

The DSA has developed the ‘National driver and rider training standard’ in collaboration with the driver and rider training industry, and will continue to seek feedback from trainers to ensure the standard remains relevant and up to date.

DSA Chief Executive Rosemary Thew said:

I want to thank the driver and rider training industry for their input in to the development of the standard. This document contributes to the work the DSA is doing to modernise the industry, and is an important step towards improving the way people are taught to drive and ride.

The publication of the standard fulfils the commitment made in the government’s ‘Strategic framework for road safety’ to specify national standards for professional instructors, and will help to inform ongoing discussions around the modernisation of the driver and rider training industry.

The new ‘National driver and rider training standard’ is available on GOV.UK.

Published 31 October 2011