Q: Has there been any rethink on extending ADI Certificates?

A: The maximum duration of two years between passing the Part 1 and a tests is in place to ensure that a PDIs knowledge is current. This validity period is set in legislation and the Government has no current plans to lay further legislation to extend it. However, through existing mechanisms, DVSA has made arrangements to provide additional support.

Regulations require that a part 3 test is booked, not taken, before the expiry of the part 1. PDIs whose part 1 pass is due to expire soon can book a test online or if no tests are available they can book a test to hold. This meets the regulatory requirements.

DVSA are advising anyone whose trainee licence commenced at the start of January that they can ask for the licence to be re-issued when restrictions are lifted. Anyone in that position should contact the ADI team at PADI@dvsa.gov.ukand we will advise them of their options.

Furthermore, we are encouraging trainees not to apply for a trainee licence they know they cannot use, however, we need to take into account the regulatory requirements so advice for one trainee may not be appropriate for another so each should seek their own advice from the ADI team. Once restrictions are lifted, trainees should give DVSA as much notice as they possible when they want their licences to start. DVSA will prioritise these and it is likely they will be issued the same or next working day. Once issued we will send the trainee an email that tells them that they can teach for reward.

These arrangements, which were already permitted in legislation, have been widely communicated through DVSA Direct messages, webinars and has now been published on gov.uk.

DVSA continue to prioritise P2 & 3 tests, and have temporarily suspended routine Standards Checks to free up additional capacity to do this.