Driving Test Requirements - Help needed ...!!

[crockers]

Hi

I am hoping that someone on here knows the answer .....

My Granddaughter is going to be taking her test next week in her 03 Toyota Yaris. On this car the speedo is a digital readout -- angled towards the driver..so the examiner can't see it without leaning over.

I have tried calling the DSA - but get into a series of press this button and press that one only to be told that all operators are busy and to save my money they are terminating the call ...most likely no-one there but that is a different subject.

I have been onto a driving instructors forum and it appears from what they say the examiner doesn't have to be able to see the speed...but they Vauxhall offer a second speedo on the corsa for driving schools so that confuses me.

I have emailed the DSA but am not holding my breath upon getting a reply in time.

Does anyone know -- for certain -- the definitive answer..??

Many thanks

 

[robert.saunders]

http://www.excellencedrivertraining.co.uk/

Doesn't seem to worry these trainers

 

[crockers]

http://www.excellencedrivertraining.co.uk/

Doesn't seem to worry these trainers

I think the latest ones lets the passenger see the speedo.....

 

[robert.saunders]

I see.....

In that case, I'll keep investigating

 

[robert.saunders]

Interesting a post-55 plate Yaris is not suitable according to DSA, without any recall modifications:

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/recall.asp?id=SXC133-A782BC63&cat=500

Assume you have seen this already, but it's not overly helpful:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_4022543

 

[crockers]

yes she got an email from them -- but as hers is an 03 plate is that by definition ok?? confusing or what..lol

 

[robert.saunders]

Agree: confusing. Wish I could help more, but I've drawn a blank, which is better than shooting them I suppose

 

[st13phil]

but I've drawn a blank, which is better than shooting them I suppose

That depends upon your intentions

 

[st13phil]

Does anyone know -- for certain -- the definitive answer..??

Just a suggestion: Why not call or visit the test centre you're grand-daughter is scheduled to take her test and ask an examiner? As with an MOT there are some items about the vehicle that are at the discretion of the examiner (I'm not saying visibility of the speedo is one of them) so asking one of them - hopefully the senior one - should provide an answer to your question.

 

[crockers]

Just a suggestion: Why not call or visit the test centre you're grand-daughter is scheduled to take her test and ask an examiner? As with an MOT there are some items about the vehicle that are at the discretion of the examiner (I'm not saying visibility of the speedo is one of them) so asking one of them - hopefully the senior one - should provide an answer to your question.

Thats too obvious......can't think of why I didnt think of it..

Will do that tomorrow,...thanks..

 

[glojo]

I've been following this thread with interest and I congratulate you on being coincerned. My gut feeling would be taht it would be wrong to penalise the owner of a car that is fully compliant with all traffic laws, but gut feelings are of no use regarding this very important isue.

Good luck getting the answer and hopefully common sense will prevail

Yours sincerely
John

Daughter just passed her theory test

 

[recycled]

get a gps reader that sits in the middle

 

[crockers]

Well spoke with examiner and have been told no need for them to see the speedo -- they know "by experience" if the driver is driving too fast...so all's ok...

 

[robert.saunders]

Sweet!

 

[crockers]

In case anyone needs it - email from DSA

copy of email received today...


"
Thank you for your email dated 06/05/08.

I can confirm that your granddaughter can present a private vehicle for her practical driving test; however it must be mechanically sound and in a roadworthy condition. The fact that the speedometer is digital and/or not clearly visible from the passenger seat will not prevent the test from going ahead.

For your convenience, I have listed below the DSA policy for candidates wishing to take their test in a private vehicle:

All equipment by law must be fitted and working correctly. The controls, seating, equipment or any other articles in the vehicle must be arranged so that they do not interfere with the conduct of the test. The vehicle does not need to be fitted with dual controls.

The vehicle will be deemed unsuitable for testing if:

·it has no clear view to the rear – other than by use of the exterior mirrors,
·is fitted with only a driver’s seat,
·it is loaded or partly loaded.

You will be required to supply an extra rear view mirror for use by the examiner which is available from most car accessory stores. L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) must be clearly visible on the front and rear of the vehicle. The car must have a seatbelt and headrest fitted as standard to the front passenger seat – a slip-on type head restraint will be unsuitable.

Additionally, the car must be a smoke free environment due to recent legislation regarding smoking in the workplace.

You may wish to contact your insurance company to verify that you are covered to take the test in your vehicle as this will be asked on the day of the test.

When driving the vehicle you are required by law to be accompanied by someone who has a full EC/EEA licence in the category you are learning for more than 3 years, and is also aged 21 or over. If you wish for that person to accompany you on the test you must advise the examiner at the time of the test.

Please check that your vehicle is not on our recall list. You can find the recall list on our website www.direct.gov.uk/motoring.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again should you require any further assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Dodds
Driving Standards Agency
Tel: 0300 200 1122
Fax: 0300 200 1155
Email: [email protected]"

 

[glojo]

Nice to see that common sense prevails and your grand-dauighter will know when the examiner is about to check her speed

Good luck and best wishes
Regards
John

 

[verytalldave]

Read the papers today?

Seen the all new 4 part test soon to be introduced?

I suggest she takes and passes her test ASAP.

 

[PJH]

get a gps reader that sits in the middle

No. The examiners will ask that non-standard equipment without a safety certificate be removed. I've had an examiner object to an air freshener. They can be a fussy lot.

Secondary speedo info here
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SX75CB-A782C4B1


Glad you got a reply from the DSA.