Candidates planning to take their driving test from April 2014 onwards will only have the option of taking their test in English or Welsh. In the past when teaching foreign learners how to drive over 19 languages were supported, with voiceovers and interpreters made available for both the theory and practical test. This practice has now been stopped, due to concerns over safety on the roads.
The Minister for Transport Stephen Hammond has stated that it is essential that UK road users have developed the correct skills to safely use the UK’s roads. There were also concerns that the interpreters involved in the driving test may have been providing support or guidance during examinations. This could mean that candidates were passed as road safe when they hadn’t actually answered questions correctly or followed directions as delivered by the examiner without undue support from the interpreter.
Since 2008 there have been 1,300 theory test passes revoked due to investigations into fraudulent interpreters. Even more shockingly, between 2008 and 2009 over a fifth of all theory tests where an interpreter was involved with found to be fraudulent.
Fraudulent interpreters have found themselves serving jail sentences for their misdemeanours, and there is hope that the change to the regulations which will now stop all foreign language tests, will lower this fraud level.
There are also hopes road safety will be boosted as all drivers should be able to demonstrate the ability, in English or Welsh, to read road signs and understand UK road rules.
Teaching Foreign Learners to Drive
Driving instructors may find new challenges in teaching foreign learners, as communication in English, without an interpreter must become the norm. Many foreign learners take a family member or interpreter along on lessons to aid communication, but this will only hamper progress now the test regulations have changed.
If you’re a driving instructor or driving school owner then ensuring foreign learners are prepared may take some extra preparation. All your standard practices including driving instructor insurance and professional registration with the DSA and other schemes should be guaranteed. You may also want to invest time in communications training and ensure your dual controls are in perfect working order.
Whether or not this change in regulations will make a difference to our roads remains to be seen, but as an instructor you need to be prepared for some changes.