Committee Members Present for the AGM:
Joe Weir; Brian McMinn; David Johnston; Mark Higgins and Pat Deehan.
Apologies:
David McClements
Speakers:
AA DriveTech 
Neil Totten – AA DriveTech. NI Area Manager
Neil Totten gave a talk on the history of the company, he went on to explain the speed awareness courses and gave us an idea of how they were structured and a DVD film shown on the courses was played to the meeting, which was well received.
DVA 
Brian Morrison – DVA Chief Driving Examiner
Brian made a welcome return to our AGM and gave a very informative talk on forthcoming changes within the industry, including the “Independent Drive” scheduled for June 2011. Highlights of Brian’s Talk as follows:
Changes to the Driving Test This
Year and Beyond
• New vehicle safety questions
• Independent driving
• Reduction in the number of manoeuvres
• Non-publication of theory test questions
• Modernising Driver Training consultation
• Introduction of 3rd EU Driving Directive
New Vehicle Safety Questions
• Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a collision please.
• Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use it please. Please do not start the engine.
• Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to
main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car, please don’t start the engine.
• Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car please. I can assist you. If you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine.
• Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the antilock braking system please.
Independent Driving
• Traffic Signs
• Diagrams
• Mixture of traffic signs and diagrams
Reduction in manoeuvres
• Manoeuvres reduced to 1 from 3
Non-publication of Theory Test
Questions
• Randomisation of distracters
• September this year answers to the back of the book, knowledge remains with the question
• New case study questions to be introduced in 2011
• January 2012 new questions will no longer be published in any material
• January 2012, 20 new car tests forms and 10 new bike test forms to be introduced
Modernising Driver Training
Consultation
• Explore ways of helping applicants to decide whether
they are suited to the ADI role before embarking on
expensive training
• Consider how the current Trainee scheme could be
improved
• Review the initial training and examination process for Trainee Instructors.
• Introduction of continuing professional development (CPD) and personal growth post registration
3rd EU Driving Directive
• Minimum riding ages: moped:16 years; A1:17 years,
A2:19 years; A (progressive access):21 years; A (direct
access):24 years
• Moped category Changing to AM
• Test option for progressive access
• All category A2 and A learners accompanied by
authorised trainers
• Driving Examiner qualification and periodic training
Brian concluded with any questions.
Election:
The election of officers then took place with Chair declaring all offices vacant and Eamon Connolly of the GMB Union taking over the Chair to conduct the election:
President – Pat Deehan, Lifetime position - accepted.
Chair – Brian McMinn, proposed by Tom Burns, seconded by Colin Hagan, - accepted.
Vice Chair – Joe Weir, proposed by Billy Marks, seconded by Mark Higgins –accepted.
Treasurer – David McClements, proposed by Brian McMinn, seconded by Joe Weir – accepted in absence.
Secretary – David Johnston, proposed by Joe Weir, seconded by Tony Devlin – accepted.
Committee:
Mark Higgins, proposed by Brian McMinn, seconded by David Johnston - accepted
Joe Herbinson, proposed by Joe Weir, seconded by David Johnston – accepted in absence.
Tony Devlin, proposed by David Johnston, seconded by Billy Marks – accepted.
Vacancy, unfilled
New Chair Brian McMinn took over the meeting to applause and asked the final speaker to begin.
GMB Union 
Eamon Connolly - GMB Union
Eamon spoke about the unfairness of the PDI system, persuading the DVA to cap the ADI register and other concerns facing ADIs. He called for ADIs to join and handed out info packs/application forms.
GMB Information and online membership available at www.gmb.org.uk
A.O.B:
Next meeting Monday 8th May 2011 at 8.00pm
Dunsilly Inn Antrim
There being no other business Brian McMinn closed the meeting.
