Local driving instructors set up their own association
GUERNSEY’S driving instructors have formed their own association, after worries about a lack of consultation with instructors over important changes.
The Guernsey Driving Instructors Association has 23 members, representing more than 80% of the island's licensed instructors.
Chairman Wayne Stokes, who runs Roadcraft Driving School, has been teaching for over 30 years.
He said the association’s purpose was to help inform the public through the local media, support fellow driving instructors, and liaise with deputies and States departments, in particular Environment & Infrastructure.
‘For the past 10 years there has been no consultation between driving instructors and the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure,’ said Mr Stokes.
‘During this time that committee has presented a report to the States in December 2014, and a register of driving instructors' law in December 2018, which is not yet enacted.
‘The States had been misinformed on both occasions that there had been consultation, implying driving instructors agreement with the proposals. The association is now seeking to address and resolve some issues resulting from this, and ensure that there is a good working relationship for the future.’
He added that the island’s driving instructors had recognised the need for and benefit of acting in a coordinated manner.
‘We work with parents, other co-drivers and the examiners, to help improve the safety of our roads during and after the learning experience,’ he said.
‘We also look forward to working together as an association to help achieve this through liaison with the appropriate departments and organisations.’
The association has agreed the requirement that all driving instructors should hold an enhanced DBS check to ensure the safeguarding of pupils while they learn to drive.
Mr Stokes said that during this process, members of the association had liaised with E&I.
‘There are often issues that crop up and that the association needs to ensure that instructors are treated fairly,’ he said.
‘This can generally be resolved through empathy, an understanding of the situation and good lines of communication.’
E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez welcomed the formation of the new association.
‘We look forward to working in partnership with them,’ she said.
‘Traffic & Highway Services has set up regular meetings with the association to maintain open lines of communication.’
