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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the driving instruction industry

25/7/2026

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Ex-ADI Des O'Connor is outlining opportunities to use AI in educating "safe driving for life", and thriving (or just continuing) in business.  Here is a summary, produced by AI itself, as a small example:

[... text awaited from ChatGPT now Des agrees ...]

It's all excellent, especially Des's conviction and way of delivering this complicated (and somewhat threatening) topic.  There are undoubtedly benefits.  But I still have serious concerns about where this is leading, and at a largely uncontrolled pace.  What will it do to human relationships (the pace of life and stress, physical and mental health by-products)?  Who and what will we know to trust?
At best, are we encouraging a businesses' arms race, like with SUV proliferation (making it harder for the most vulnerable of us to have a fair share of the planet's space, including out time, access to light and air, ...).

At worst, are we not up-ending an already turbulent world (maybe like the Industrial Revolution did, but with  an unbridled ... and unbridle-able) pace?  The founding fathers of that didn't know about effects on the climate.  In the US Declaration of Independence, also 250 years ago, the founding fathers couldn't envisage how "right to bear arms" might be overblown and abused in following decades, leading to increased murder, distrust, ongoing imperial mindset and deadly geopolitical consequences.

What becomes "truth"?  You may think I'm being a naysayer and alarmist.  I just don't know.  We'll all discover, and very soon.  :) ...or :(
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Amanda Lane (DVSA) at MSAgb (25-Jul-26)

25/7/2026

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As with Pauline Reeves' presentation, Amanda delivered information appreciably faster and with more conviction (than when Loveday Ryder was in post).

Vast majority of learners (and others) surveyed said they were aware of recent changes.

"Ready to Pass" has been updated in many ways: retitling to reduce focus on test; how to choose an instructor; differences between fully qualified and trainee instructors; parental support (including encouragement to trust the professional instructor); managing nerves (10% of test failures).

Q&A (to both Pauline and Amanda):
  1. Test fee (unchanged for 15yr) is a matter for HM Treasury.  A previous Minister rejected uplift on grounds of "putting an unfair burden on young people";
  2. New tests (and examiner availability) are now added at any time during the week;
  3. TIPs are not the sole reason the Registrar may call ADIs for Standards Checks: failure to display a certificate on test is a factor;
  4. No-shows for test can't be quickly reassigned to another candidate who's present and willing to go: there's lots of back-office requirements to be met, but LDTMs will try to offer the "swap";
  5. "Government Wallet" model may mean only one individual can access THEIR OWN services (so instructors may never be able to book on behalf of learners);
  6. Publication of waiting times per test centre are planned.
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Pauline Reeves (DVSA), at MSAgb (25-Jul-26)

25/7/2026

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Took up post Sep-24, ex-road safety policy at DfT.  Operating on 24-week booking window (so Xmas holidays are the current, more difficult, period being offered).  Her role is primarily to bring waiting times to 7 weeks.  Overtime programme incentives are due to end Nov-26, but she's tracking to bring target forward from Dec-27.

In June, 1645 examiners (1589 delivering tests).  Modelling is "really accurate".  It's tough to compete in London and SE, especially, for salary.  However, attraction of applicants is being helped greatly by ADI organisations.  Main UK cities are being targeted as in greatest need.
Driver Services Platform: process will be more user-focused with better UX.  Specialist contractor "Kainos" have a clear goal to "design for the [all the] people who use it".  Following research, their development includes DVLA (of course) and is being piloted by one examiner at Durham TC (till Oct-26).  Despatch will share progress.  Further testing events will occur till Dec-26.

Pauline then recapped formal changes in recent months for test booking.

DVSA is alerting Apple/Google to remove test-reselling apps (17 so far, including "Testi"), reporting social media accounts (27 removed), suspending business accounts, and now offering an online reporting service (via Despatch).  Pauline "loves" collaboration with Peter Harvey and other national groups, leading to updating ADI Code of Practice (for early release); ORDIT workshop to review the scheme and agree underpinning principles; and is "passionate about reinstating partnership events" at local test centres.
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Robot invasion !

21/7/2026

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Does it feel more dangerous lately, walking about on the streets?

It could be because of automated delivery vehicles ... and not just drivers leaving their cars on the pavement!

Nowadays, we all want stuff we see at our fingertips, at the touch of a button, delivered to the door, within hours if not minutes.  And that comes at a price, not just an economic one.

Click the graphic to read more.
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How traffic is managed on a motorway

8/7/2026

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How does active management work, these days, to minimise the chance of traffic delays?

There are about 5 systems, all managed by National Highways from Birmingham.  (They hold free public open days, which are worth seeing).

The theory is explained here.  It feels counter-intuitive, but experience shows it works in practice.
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