A strategic approach to CPD in the driver training industry.

This project initially examines the state of driver education up to the turn of this new Century. It details the various changes that have been made and discusses the changes' now taking place in the industry. It also demonstrates why driving instructors are reluctant to take additional training or qualifications. New drivers and high-mileage company drivers are much more at risk than other road users. This project establishes and identifies areas of support for various pressures to reduce road traffic accidents and road deaths in these groups. Specifically it promotes a Strategic Approach to CPD in the Driver Training Industry. The training programmes and qualifications presented are already being developed, but not enough students take advantage of them. However reinforcement for these ideas is offered by the Driving Standards Agency, which is keen to encourage driving instructors to improve and extend their excellence in the ways they train and re-train their clients to establish safer driving standards. Using reflective research supplemented by survey methodology, this study explores the views and reactions of various driving instructors to CPD and examines what policies, provisions and practices are needed to make it happen. The study is intended to lay the foundations for further action research which will take up various suggestions such as a research library.
The study will assist policy makers and providers in the driver training industry and will inform driving instructors of opportunities and provisions for CPD.

A Project submitted to Middlesex University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Professional Studies.