Top 3 wish list

1.  Name good trainers. 

The DSA currently measure an instructors ability to 'teach' by giving them a grade on their check test.  It is debateable how important that grade is to our customers, because they either don't know about the grading system or they hold it in little regard. 
Until recently, I imagined the OFSTED grading of schools in the same light.  However, with the benefit of our children now going to an 'outstanding' school, it has become incredibly obvious to us what the difference is between the grades.  So the DSA could do more perhaps to 'enlighten' our customers as to who the best graded instructors are. 
But more of a general observation is that there are no measures on performance that the DSA provide as a neutral, independent body to assist customers to know who provides quality training.  It is important to discover what IS important to our customers, because only by doing so, can you begin to identify how the DSA might be able to assist them. 
The market is flooded, completely flooded with driving instructors, and so as to provide customers with choice, there should be more transparency of who provides a good service.  At the moment, the sheer quantity of instructors means that more and more are resorting to lower and lower prices which inevitably has to resort in lower standards of training just to make it viable as a business.


2.  'Ready for test'.  

As professionals, driving instructors should be more accountable for their work. 
Currently, learners can go to test and fail many times, and this does not reflect on the driving instructor at all.  If a learner has had driving lessons from a professional, then why shouldn't that same professional be prepared to put his/her name to that test.  So if a driving instuctor takes 200 candidates to test after his training in a year, and only 40 pass first time, then that instructor has potentially, financially benefitted by taking them to test too soon; so why not make that statistic available to the customer. 
It encourages transparency, accountability and it exposes 'shoddy' workmanship.


3.  Improve the test standards.  

The driving test standard for learners and PDI's is too low.   The insurance premiums, and rate of collisions for newly qualified drivers expose that fact. 
It is not fit for purpose. 
In order for the test to actually test if a learner is set up to drive safely 'for life', then it must be improved. 
Starting points would be to add a Q&A option for examiners, so they can proactively question candidates while on the test.  Currently, they can only grade driving based on what actually occurs, but how much more demanding and a more accurate assessment if they could ask 'What if' and 'Why' questions to the candidate. 
Another option to consider is to increase the length of the test so that it more deeply tests the candidates ability.  An extra 20 minutes to the current length of around 40 minutes would enable a more thorough assessment to be made. 
Another option is to raise the pass mark standard.  Why is up to 15 driving faults considered acceptable?  10 would be a nightmare test, so 7 or less would be good for learners, and 4 or less for PDI's.