This story came in on the newsfeeds. An organisation called PoliceWitness is suggesting that driving test candidates record their tests – covertly if necessary – to:
…ensure that the test was carried out fairly and an unsuccessful outcome was the correct decision.
This bunch appears to have ideas well above its station. It is implying that tests are NOT carried out fairly, and that the examiners’ decisions are NOT correct. It is also worth noting that PoliceWitness sells dash-cams – though I’m sure this has absolutely nothing to do with it at all!
PoliceWitness appears to be an online version of the Neighbourhood Watch. On its FAQ page it says:
We are not the Police, we do not answer to the Police, we only answer to you. No politics, no bureaucracy, no red (blue) tape! We help ensure the things that are important to you are dealt with in a way that you want.
In fact, the advice might actually be illegal. Most test centres have a notice posted warning that recording of tests is not allowed. PoliceWitness is getting itself into a very muddy area, since unless an examiner gives permission such recording could be a breach of the Data Protection Act. Again, on its website, PoliceWitness says:
Can I legally film someone in a public place, even without their consent or knowledge?
Yes, most definitely. Think about the thousands of CCTV cameras in our town centres, a news crew capturing a feature, or indeed the paparazzi who chase and ‘snap’ celebrities. Anyone in a public place can be captured legitimately.
There are always exceptions, one being footage that maybe used for the purposes of committing terrorism, and another is focusing on an individual persistently, without their consent, which may constitute the criminal offence of harassment. The filming of children may also constitute a criminal offence.
Capturing video evidence from your car is perfectly legal, as is standing by the roadside and filming as the world goes by!
The inside of the car during a driving test is NOT a “public place”, so PoliceWitness is talking bollocks. Filming is even more of a problem when it has been specifically forbidden, and the warning given that if a recording device is discovered during a test then the test will be terminated.
The simple fact is that in 99.9% of all driving tests, the outcome is fair and correct. It matters little that candidates or instructors disagree.
As for driving instructors like the one in the article claiming it would help them teach their pupils, that’s more bollocks. If you do your job properly you don’t need to see a video of the test – in any case, you can sit in the back if you’re that desperate to nit-pick what the examiner does. Pupils fail because they make mistakes, even when they can actually drive quite well. Live with it.
As of September 2014 there are rumours that the DVSA has reviewed its stance on cameras (though NOT to allow tests to be recorded). I haven’t seen anything official and will hold off commenting until I do.