The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published their digital strategy for 2018 to 2022, which sets out how they are going to become a digitally enabled organisation.
DVSA’s digital, data and technology objectives are split into 3 main areas:
- transform – which is about creating and running more great digital services for drivers, vehicles and enforcement
- enable – which is about improving the way people work through better digital services, technology and data sharing
- deliver – which is about delivering end-to-end services, backed up by plans, principles and the right technology
Using tablets during the driving test
As part of this, DVSA are transforming services for driving tests and motorcycle tests, including allowing driving examiners to record test results directly onto a tablet, rather than on paper, by the end of the 2018.
During a driving test, the examiner is observing and assessing the learner’s skills (regulation 16 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999). During the test, the tablet screen won’t be visible to the learner driver, and the rest of the tablets functions will be turned off. Look out for more information from DVSA soon.
Using a tablet while practising
It is the driving instructor’s responsibility to supervise a learner driver at all times. You should not use a tablet or mobile device while the vehicle’s engine is switched on.