Vehicle Roadworthiness

As the driver you are responsible for ensuring the vehicle you are going to drive is roadworthy

Failing to do so could lead to you receiving points or fines. In a worst case scenario, driving a vehicle that is not roadworthy could lead to you causing an accident and putting yourself, other road users and members of the public in danger.

As an ADI it is your responsibility to explain to your students the importance of checking the roadworthiness of the vehicles they will be driving as well as the implications if they fail to do so. You should lead by example and incorporate ways to check a vehicle’s roadworthiness into lessons.

You should encourage your students to regularly check the following:

Power (what type of fuel is needed for a particular vehicle)
Oil
Water
Damage (both existing damage and new)
Electrics
Rubber
Yourself

You should encourage all of your students to complete the POWDERY checks and check the vehicle for damage before driving. You should also reinforce to your students that they need to check that the vehicle they will be driving is insured for them to drive, has a current MOT test certificate and up to date vehicle tax.

Top Tip

Regularly checking your vehicle can also help to reduce running costs. You will identify potential issues early before they become a major problem. Keeping your tyres in good condition and inflated to the correct pressures will also help to increase fuel efficiency. In many modern cars, many of the mechanical parts are sealed and can only be checked by a qualified mechanic but there are some checks that you must do. Look at your vehicle’s handbook to see which checks you can make and how to do them.

If you are a fleet trainer you will also need to be confident when explaining the importance of vehicle roadworthiness and vehicle checks to occupational drivers. Occupational drivers may have to drive multiple vehicles during their working week so it is vital they understand the importance of vehicle checks and how to do them. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring the vehicles they drive are roadworthy, even if the vehicle isn’t owned by them, and you should encourage them to raise faults they find and follow their company’s reporting procedures should any work need carrying out.

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Terms and Conditions

By purchasing this product you agree that you have read and understood the requirements of the test that you are applying for.

Refund policy: Once a booking has been confirmed with a trainer directly for either a one-to-one standards check or mock test session you will need to give seven days notice to cancel, otherwise the fee will be lost and a new booking and payment will be required.

NOTE: For all training sessions and mock tests you and your trainer must wear a suitable face covering. Your trainer cannot provide one for you, trainers are only responsible for their own face covering and PPE protection. If a suitable face covering is not in place, your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost. If you have a medical exception to wearing a face covering, this must be provided as proof of exemption to your Diamond trainer. You must demonstrate that your car has been cleaned, using anti-viral wipes to clean passenger handles inside and outside, the dashboard and any other touch points for the trainer. If your vehicle is not fit for purpose your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost.

Candidates should not attend a training session or mock test if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they identify core symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as a persistent cough or fever). We ask candidates to notify the DIA of any possible exposure to, or diagnosis of, coronavirus as soon as possible. If you are unable to take a test due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or possible symptoms, your session will be postponed without losing your fee and you will not be permitted to rearrange your standards check session or mock test within the next 14 days following the cancellation.

Once you have paid for your standards check session and/or mock test, your details will be forwarded to your nominated Diamond trainer local to you, who will be in touch with you within 48 hours (Monday-Friday) with a view to booking you in at a mutually convenient location, date and time. Some flexibility will be required in terms of location, taking into account trainer availability at regional level and where restrictions with COVID-19 may be taking place. Your Diamond trainer will make arrangements to meet via text, email or telephone. We do not have specific meeting locations and your Diamond trainer will discuss any other queries with you once your booking has been made online.

You will need to use your own vehicle for the standards check session and mock test, which is suitable for training and allows for your Diamond trainer to role play a suitable candidate, with the relevant insurance in place to allow for this. All Diamond trainers are qualified ADIs with a Diamond examiner qualification in place. You will need to show relevant insurance cover to your Diamond trainer, either before or on the day of your agreed booking date and time. The vehicle you supply must be both roadworthy and legal for the purposes of the standards check session and mock test and your session will be cancelled if you do not present a suitable car with the relevant insurance. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your standards check or mock test session you will lose your booking and the fee will need to be paid again.

You will be asked to read a number plate at the required distance, full details can be found at www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules. Your standards check or mock test session will be cancelled if you cannot reach these requirements. You will need a current and valid driving licence which will be checked by your trainer should you need to drive as part of your standards check or mock test.

Online classes

To attend the Zoom sessions you will need a PC, laptop or tablet that can run Zoom and must also have a camera and microphone so you are able to participate fully in the sessions. You are responsible for ensuring you can access and navigate zoom and that you have a strong enough internet connection. If you cannot join the session due to technical difficulties, we cannot guarantee that you will be moved to another session. Session dates are subject to change.

During this course you will be placed into small ‘live’ discussion groups and will need to converse. Please be aware of how to mute and unmute your microphone for the general discussions that will also be taking place.