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The DIA - what's in it for you?

Founded in 1978 to represent the interests of the professional driving instructor, the DIA is regularly consulted by all the relevant Government bodies, has representation in Parliament, and enjoys influence in Europe and throughout the world. Becoming a member will help give you and the driver training industry a voice for the future as well as offering a host of invaluable membership benefits such as professional indemnity and public liability insurance, competitive insurance, an up-to-the-minute news service, business advice and career development opportunities.As a professional working in the field of driver training, do you want the security and peace of mind afforded by having the backing of the largest independent driver training association in the world?Do you want to be kept fully up to date on all the latest industry news?Do you want your views to be represented effectively to the people who matter?

Representation

With ever-more stringent road legislation, European safety regulations, and stricter controls on training, it is essential the views of the driver training industry are heard at Government level.As individuals, those in the driver training industry may risk being ignored, but as part of a large and powerful association like the DIA they can be assured their views will count.The DIA is consulted by the DfT, DSA, DVTA, DVLA and other Government agencies. It has representation in Parliament, in Europe through the EC and OECD, and internationally through the International Association for Driver Education (IVV) and United Nations.

Free members' indemnity and liability insurance

DIA members, who continue to pay their membership fees in full, will obtain exclusive insurance at no additional cost to themselves.

Professional indemnity

The cover provides protection for DIA members in the event of a claim arising out of a breach of professional duty, e.g. for alleged errors or omissions in providing tuition etc. to pupils or customers. The sum insured is up to £3,000,000.

Public liability

The cover provides protection for DIA members against claims by third parties for legal liabilities following bodily injury or damage to property. The sum insured is up to £5,000,000.

Free publications

Membership of the DIA entitles you to free subscription to its two bi-monthly publications: Driving Instructor and Driving Magazine.

Driving Instructor

Driving Instructor is the 'Voice of the professional driving instructor' the leading industry publication keeping members up to date with all the latest news, views and reviews from the driver training industry and providing a forum for debate.

Driving Magazine

For holders and trainers of the DIAmond Advanced Motorist and DIAmond Special Test qualifications, Driving Magazine is a specialist publication catering for advanced drivers and all those with a professional interest in automotive transport and road safety. It provides the latest industry news, technology, special features, motoring stories from around the world, plus reviews of all the latest cars and accessories. Additionally, members will have full access to the DIA's dedicated website offering up-to-the-minute news and information in a fast changing industry.

DIA specialist publications

The DIA publishes many regularly updated technical and training books for members, including the leading updateable publication for driving instructors
The Driving Instructor's Manual.

DIA direct insurance

DIA Direct Insurance is a special training car insurance scheme for our
professional members.With extremely competitive premiums, it offers the best value cover available in the industry today.DIA Direct is backed up by motor legal expenses cover and a replacement dual controlled training car service.

Personal insurance

Insurance protection schemes have been negotiated with reputable companies against accident, illness and disability.
In addition, hospital plans and pension schemes are available.

Accountancy bureau

Efficient business management is essential for all driving school operators. The DIA's qualified accountants specialise in handling the tax affairs of driving instructors, whether they are single or multi-car operators.

Seminars and training

The DIA offers a comprehensive programme of seminars and training for all instructors. Some are annual events, others are meetings arranged in response to special requests to deal with particular issues.

Training conferences are held regularly to provide Continuing Professional Development and to enable instructors to ensure their training methods are up-to-date, efficient and effective.

DIA helpline

Members have access to a wealth of expert knowledge and advice on all matters relating to driver education from highly qualified ADIs on our staff and other experienced staff members.

The DIA Helpline is accessed via a local-call rate number.

DIAmond Advanced Motorist Visa card

MasterDriver Club members and anyone in the road safety industry may qualify for a fee-free Visa card, administered by MBNA, one of the largest banks in the world issuing credit cards. Silver, Gold and Platinum Plus cards are available.

Training vehicle testing and hire

The DIA regularly tests all new cars for their suitability as training vehicles and reports on them in Driving Instructor and Driving. Many of these vehicles are also available to members for temporary hire. Ex-hire vehicles are occasionally available for members to purchase.

Business and teaching aids

DIA Mail Order stocks a comprehensive range of professional business and teaching aids, with special membership discounts on most items. DIA Mail Order is a 'one stop shop' for the busy professional.

DIA Quality Assurance

No matter what qualifications you have achieved or how well you teach, your business will need to establish its credibility. BS EN IS0 9001 quality assurance can be obtained at budget rates. This will enable members' businesses to be fully accepted on a par with the best in any industry, irrespective of the size of
the business.

Higher qualifications

The DIA provides opportunities for ADIs to take further qualifications to improve their status. These include the Diploma in Driving Instruction (Dip. DI), the DIAmond Advanced Instructor and Examiner qualifications, and the Corporate and Driver Improvement Trainer qualification.

Resource material and home study workbooks are available from the DIA Mail Order department. These qualifications can lead to a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Driver Education. Masters and Doctorate qualifications can also be achieved by further study and research.

More business

The DIA has new pupil introduction schemes, and strongly advocates
post-test training in both corporate and vocational sectors. It promotes Pass Plus and the DIAmond Advanced Motorists Test as additional training opportunities for all members' customers.

Objectives

To promote the interests and welfare of those involved in professional driver training· To raise the standard of road user education· To increase awareness of road safety issuesThe DIA's General Purposes Committee is democratically elected at the Annual General Meeting. There are also other committees assisting with various aspects of the Association's work. Considerable time and effort is given to consulting and negotiating with government agencies to help secure a safe and prosperous future for the individual driving instructor.The DIA is a trading company, the proprietors being DIA (Int.) Ltd, and members are protected from any financial liability. The Driving Instructors Association is a registered charity No. 146734.Becoming a member is essential to you as a practising professional. How else will your views be heard?

Let your voice be heard

To enable the DIA to continue to campaign effectively, representing majority views, on all important issues involving the industry
· To promote and develop ideas and projects which aim to improve the status and livelihood of the professional driving instructor
· To liaise with other key organisations concerned with forming future legislation and policy pertaining to the industry
· To disseminate important information through Driving Instructor and Driving Magazine and other media to the general public about driver education
· To increase public awareness of legislation relating to driver education and the related training industry.

Are you eligible for membership?

Any professional driving instructor, anyone planning to enter the driver training industry or anyone actively involved in road safety education is invited to apply for membership.For an application form or for further information, contact:

DIA (Int.) Ltd
Safety House
Beddington Farm Road
Croydon CR0 4XZ

Tel: 0845 345 5151
Fax: 020 8665 5565
Email: dia@driving.org

Driving Instructors Association DIA