New rules have come into force this week in a bid to protect driving instructors during lessons.
As of January 25, examiners will begin to wear body cameras to tackle the issue of abuse which is said to be increasing, according to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
In total, there have been 1,702 "overall assaults or abuse incidents at driver and rider tests by financial year". The number of physical assaults is smaller however.
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With the new rules in place, it means that learners who either verbally or physically assault their driving examiner face having their record marked meaning it could take longer to get a future test if centre managers deem them enough of a risk that they need two examiners in the car as a safety precaution.
What have the DVSA said to instructors?
In an e-mail to driving instructors yesterday, the agency wrote: "From today (January 25) driving examiners will begin to wear body worn cameras to help tackle an increase in abuse.
"We’ve taken this decision due to an increase in unacceptable violent and abusive incidents against driving examiners since testing restarted after the pandemic restrictions.
"Although the most recent figures show incidents of abuse have dropped since, they still remain on course to be higher than before the pandemic."
When will the cameras be used?
The cameras will be an essential part of the new uniform, for examiners' safety.
Cameras will only be switched on if an examiner feels threatened or to capture inappropriate behaviour.
The footage will then only be used if required to prosecute if abuse occurs, with the cameras not available to be used to dispute a candidate's test result.
How will instructors let pupils and candidates know?
Instructors are being asked to inform pupils and candidates that they will start to see body cameras worn and in use.
Candidates will be informed of the serious consequences of abusing an examiner, with the risk of cancelling tests or even prosecution.
"Body worn cameras are not new to DVSA, our enforcement examiners tackling road-side issues have worn them for several years" the DVSA explained.
How many incidents has there been?
Number of overall assaults or abuse incidents at driver and rider tests by financial year:
- 2018-19: 319
- 2019-20: 332
- 2020-21: 162
- 2021-22: 610
- 2022-23: 285 (financial year until 20/12/22)
Total – 1,702
Number of physical assaults at driver and rider tests by financial year:
- 2018-19: 8
- 2019-20: 12
- 2020-21: 10
- 2021-22: 17 (financial year until 20/12/22)
- 2022-21: 11
Total – 58
Peter Hearn, DVSA’s Director of Operations told Glasgow Live : "Our colleagues have every right to feel safe at work. One assault is one too many and we will not tolerate any form of abuse.
“Although the majority of people are courteous, we hope that the cameras will help our examiners feel safer from the abusive minority.”
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