At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct driving tests and ensure road safety while supporting nervous drivers.
- Company: Join the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, a vital public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by helping people gain their driving licence.
- Qualifications: Must be 23+, hold a full UK/EU driving licence for 3 years, and have strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 34100 - 38200 £ per year.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Driving Examiners. This vital public service role plays an important part in keeping Britain’s roads safe, as well as connecting people and their communities.
Responsibilities
- Work at a DVSA driving test centre with a team of professionals.
- Conduct driving tests; each test is approximately 57 minutes long and Examiners working full-time are expected to complete 7 tests a day.
- Communicate clearly with members of the public, giving clear instructions.
- Put nervous drivers at ease.
- Keep yourself, the driver, and other members of the public safe.
- Have a strong awareness of your surroundings both within and outside of the car.
- Use a tablet to record results during tests, maintaining accurate records.
- Assess the competence of drivers undertaking practical driving tests, evaluating their ability to drive safely and responsibly under varying road and traffic conditions.
- Ensure that only those who meet the required standards are granted a driving license.
- Hold difficult conversations with the driver and deliver driving test outcomes sensitively, clearly, and professionally.
- Collaborate with colleagues, discussing the current local traffic conditions on test routes and finding alternatives if there are problems like roadworks.
- Share ideas about how to improve the service for customers.
- Perform light admin such as writing up feedback for test candidates, checking your schedule, and answering customer queries.
At all times, our Driving Examiners uphold impartiality, professionalism, and integrity, and act as a role model for the DVSA and Civil Service.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About you
Person specification
- Aged 23 or over (a requirement of the 3rd EU Driving Licence Directive - Directive 006/126).
- Have held a full manual UK or EU driving licence continuously for the last 3 years.
- Have no more than 3 penalty points on their licence at time of application.
- Understand and can demonstrate what safe driving looks like.
- Are resilient and remain calm under pressure.
- Can multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Have strong observational skills and attention to detail.
- Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to give clear instructions, hold difficult conversations, and deliver messages sensitively.
- Can adapt their style to a diverse range of customers to ensure that every driver feels respected.
- Make fair, impartial, evidence-based decisions.
- Willing to travel to various test centres as required.
Training
Once the recruitment and onboarding process is complete, successful candidates will start a 7-week Driving Examiner training programme, which will equip you with everything that you need to know for the role. All Driving Examiners must pass this training programme. It is comprehensive and fast-paced so before you apply, please ensure that you are ready and willing to undertake this:
- Week 1: at your designated test centre.
- Week 2: online.
- Week 3 & 4: test control training at a local test centre.
- Week 5, 6, & 7: practical assessment training & guidance at a regional training facility, this may be residential, with expenses covered by DVSA.
How to Apply
Read the full job description and apply via the link provided.
Driving Examiner in Edinburgh employer: Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
Contact Detail:
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Driving Examiner in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the DVSA and its values! Research their mission and how they contribute to road safety. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on common questions for Driving Examiners. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Driving Examiners if you can. They can provide insider tips on what to expect during the recruitment process and share their experiences, which could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the DVSA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Driving Examiner in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what being a Driving Examiner is all about, so make sure you highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the role.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a Driving Examiner, clear communication is key! In your application, give examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. This will help us see that you can handle those tricky conversations with drivers.
Be Yourself: We’re looking for genuine individuals who can connect with a diverse range of people. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for road safety and helping others!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure you apply through our website for the best chance of success! It’s super easy, and we’ll get your application directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Driving Examiner. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like conducting driving tests, communicating clearly, and maintaining safety. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Practice Clear Communication
As a Driving Examiner, you'll need to give clear instructions and hold difficult conversations. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play with a friend to simulate the types of conversations you’ll have during tests. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview.
✨Showcase Your Observational Skills
Highlight your ability to observe and assess situations effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've had to make quick decisions or evaluate someone's performance. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and your capability to make fair, evidence-based decisions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Prepare by thinking about how you would manage nervous drivers or unexpected road conditions during a test. Having specific examples ready will help you respond thoughtfully and show your resilience.