THOUSANDS of driving instructors could leave the profession in the wake of controversial new Government legislation, putting pressure on an already chaotic driving test system in the UK.

Under the proposed legislation, approved driving instructors (ADIs) who qualified prior to the introduction of the new hazard perception part of the driving test have been told they will have to retake the entire theory-based qualifying exam or face losing their jobs.

The hazard perception test, which involves candidates correctly identifying road hazards in a video clip by clicking a computer mouse, was the subject of controversy when it was introduced to the theory part of the test last year. Many within the industry saw it as trivialising an important aspect of road safety by turning it into a video game.

The news that instructors with many years of driving experience will have to take the test has appalled most within the industry. To add insult to injury, instructors will also have to retake the multiple choice theory part of the test, answering rudimentary questions.

Eddie Barnaville, general manager of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. An exam certificate is not worth the paper it’s printed on if you have to rip it up every time the Government moves the goal posts. Our members are professionals and deserve to be treated accordingly.”

Driving Standards Agency chief executive Gary Austin admitted the agency’s performance had not been acceptable but insisted the new legislation would not add to their administrative headaches but was part of a drive to improve standards.