Driving Examiner - National
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 14th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
1.9 million opportunities to make Britain’s roads safer.
We’re looking for proactive, friendly, and safe drivers who’d like to train to become Driving Examiners. We test over 1.9 million new drivers a year. Helping people connect to the communities, moments and opportunities that define their lives - Driving Examiners make sure that everyone gets their driving futures off to the best possible start.
Most importantly, our work saves lives.
Job description
You’ve already got the skills. We’ll give you the training.
Our test centres are grouped geographically, and you get to choose a cluster near you. Once we’ve offered you a job, you’ll start your training with one week at the test centre, then a further week online, then do two weeks test control training at a local test centre. Afterwards, you’ll have two weeks practical assessment training and guidance at a regional training facility, this may be residential, with expenses covered by DVSA. The training is comprehensive and fast paced. It’s designed to prepare you for anything you could be faced with on the job, and you’ll be fully supported from day one.
Once qualified, you’ll oversee seven driving tests a day. You’ll use your exceptional people skills to put nervous customers at ease, use a tablet to record results during tests, determine whether customers meet the expected standards. Crucially, you’ll give both positive and constructively critical feedback sensitively and clearly.
What do I need to succeed?
Our Driving Examiners come from all walks of life. Here, there’s no one size fits all. Whether you’re coming from the forces, retail or anywhere in between, if you’ve got the passion and ambition to succeed, we’ll support you.
It's really important to us that every learner and driving instructor feels respected. So you’ll have a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity, and exceptional verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Calm and unflappable under pressure, you’ll be a safe driver who has held a UK or EU driving licence for at least three years. You’ll also have no more than three penalty points on your licence. Crucially, you’ll be friendly and team-spirited, with a passion for assessing the standards that will serve drivers their whole lives.
What’s in it for me?
Aside from a deeply satisfying career and ongoing training and development opportunities. We offer excellent work-life balance through flexible working, 25 days of annual leave, all public holidays, and an extra privilege day. You’ll also get a range of benefits, including an employer contribution to your pension of up to 28.97%.
This is a fantastic opportunity to start a dynamic, hands-on career full of challenge and opportunities for growth.
Person specification
You must be aged 23 or over (a requirement of the 3rd EU Driving Licence Directive - Directive 006/126)
You understand and can demonstrate what safe driving looks like, but you don't need a background in driver training or a driving-related profession. We are looking for people who can give outstanding customer service and have the necessary abilities, dedication, and focus to offer excellent public service. You need to have the skills to quickly build rapport with people and the confidence to make and explain your decisions. It's essential that you can work effectively with others, as you will be working at a test centre with a team of professionals, all focused on helping people start a lifetime of safe driving.
Additional Information
To find out more about the role please visit: Driving Examiner Careers Page
Full-time driving examiners work 37 hours a week over seven days and are expected to complete seven driving tests each day. One weekend day is required to be worked each month, but you’ll get a weekday off each time one is scheduled.
Please take note that DVSA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Cluster Information
During your application, tell us which cluster you wish to be considered for. If successful, you will be placed on a reserve list of candidates for that cluster, and offers will be made in merit order. We advise you to carefully consider your choice, as declining an offer for your preferred cluster will result in your application being withdrawn. If your preferred cluster is already filled, we may offer you an alternative cluster within a reasonable travelling distance. You will not be offered locations outside a reasonable travelling distance.
Information for existing civil servants
You must discuss and agree the following with your current department before accepting a post:
- If you are successful in your application as an existing civil servant, you will be appointed on inward loan and subject to the terms of a short-term loan agreement for the period of the DVSA new entrant training.
- If you are unsuccessful at the mandatory training for the role, the expectation is that you will return to your previous post/department at the end of the loan period.
- Once you have successfully completed the new entrant training, you will be transferred permanently to DVSA in the normal way.
Licences
You must have held a full UK or EU driving licence continuously for the last 3 years
You must have no more than 3 penalty points on your licence at time of application.
Applicants with an EU licence please note that, if you are successful in the recruitment process and offered a post, you must exchange your licence for a GB equivalent before attending the new entrant training course.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Official DVSA Theory Test
Benefits
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits.
This includes:
- a generous annual leave entitlement.
- attractive pension options with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Colleague discount scheme.
- flexible working.
- good career development opportunities.
- a variety of career paths.
- inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application form, you will be asked to provide a CV with brief career history. Please note this will not be scored and is for information purposes only.
Please make sure you have selected your preferred location/cluster.
Stage 1 – Civil Service Customer Service Test
After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Skills Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the next stages of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 11.30 on Tuesday 15th October. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn.
Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the Civil Service Jobs website.
Stage 2 – Interview
Candidates that meet the standard of the online test will be invited to undertake an interview using the Microsoft Teams platform. As part of the interview, you will have the opportunity to respond to questions that have been selected for this role.
The interview offers you the following benefits:
• The chance to bring your skills and attributes alive.
• Really demonstrate why you're ideal for the job.
• Demonstrate your communication skills in 'real time'.
Interviews are currently planned to be held between Monday 14th October and Friday 1st November.
If you fail to book and complete the interview before the deadline your application will be withdrawn.
We’ll try to meet the dates we’ve set out, but there may be occasions when these dates could be subject to change. We’ll give you plenty of notice of any change to important dates.
Stage 3 - Theory Test
If successful at interview you will be contacted by telephone to arrange a time and date at one of our Theory Test Centres to conduct a Theory Test. You will need to have your Driving Licence to hand, in order to arrange this part of the process.
Theory Tests are planned to be held between Monday 28th October and Tuesday 15th November.
If you are unable to agree a date and complete this test at a Theory test centre before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn.
Stage 4 – Driving Assessment
The driving assessments will take place during a morning or afternoon slot at a convenient test centre.
The driving assessment will be in a manual car provided by DVSA. You will be expected to drive on various types of roads and in different traffic conditions. This will include a section of independent driving. You’ll be asked to give a short talk-through of your observations, including how you prioritise risks and plan your responses accordingly. Safety and technique will be assessed, while being mindful of safe and sustainable driving techniques.
Driving assessments are planned to be held between Thursday 21st November and Friday 13th December.
If you are unable to agree a date and complete the driving assessment before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn.
We’ll try to meet the dates we’ve set out for each selection stage in this advert, but there may be occasions when these dates might change. We’ll give you plenty of notice of any change to important dates.
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Document Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you cannot access the information on our website for any reason, please email DRGComms@dft.gov.uk for assistance.
Further Information
For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website.
You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.
Pre-employment Checking
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : DVSA Frontline Recruitment Team
- Email : recruitment.newcastle@dvsa.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here
