High standard set for drive testers

IN reply to Denis Deely (Letters, January 31), the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a contract with SGS to deliver driving tests as part of a programme to clear the backlog.

SGS undertook a campaign of recruitment for driver testers a number of months ago.

The standards required and the recruitment process are in keeping with good employment practices.

Applicants were required to be of good character, have a full, clean driving licence and a good standard of education.

The recruitment was a competitive process by way of a psychometric test followed by an interview and an extended driving test.

Each successful candidate undergoes a similar training course to that undertaken by RSA trainees.

The training programme is set out in the RSA training manual which is structured on a modular basis covering each aspect relevant to the work of a driver tester.

The critical ‘fault assessment’ modules are undertaken by RSA training officers on behalf of SGS. Each trainee must pass these modules in order to proceed to become a driver tester.

In addition, the RSA’s training and standards officer liaises with SGS during the entire training programme.

On completion of the training programme each driver tester is intensively monitored during the first week of live tests.

This involves the supervisor sitting in on actual driving tests with the driver tester and discussing the details of the test with the tester afterwards.

Normal supervisory monitoring of SGS driving tests are carried out periodically to ensure high standards.

RSA assessment of SGS tests to date indicates that the contractor applies the highest standards.

Noel Brett

CEO

Road Safety Authority

Moy Valley Business Park

Dublin Road

Ballina

Co Mayo