BDS Road Driving Assessment

[sweetpea]

Hi, has anyone done their road driving assessment and what sort of things did you have to do out on the road and how was it ?

I'm supposed to be doing mine at the end of November and am getting a bit nervous as it gets nearer

I'm ok with the tacking up, putting to and naming the harness parts etc , but not sure what sort of questions to expect out in traffic.

Have revised spares, balancing a vehicle and what to do in an emergency. Anyone think of anything else?

Cheers.

[harleydales]

I've never done it but will be interested to hear how it goes!!

Out of interest, does anyone know if you need this to do commercial work such as weddings??

I would look at things like signals, what to do at junctions and lights, maybe what to do on a single track road, driving at night/in darkness... things like that.
What happens if you google it?

[kaz]

I did mine a couple of years ago. Its really not that bad at all. They will ask you the kind of thing like, what you would do if you came accross some sort of incident, or if your turnout was involved in an incident. Have you got the sylibus ? It is quite good and covers what they want to know. They will also ask about the legalities of driving out on the road, like ages for drivers for juinors etc, also legal requirements for the vehicle with regard to reflectors etc

[cadeby]

Oct 28, 2009 19:33:52 GMT -1 harleydales said:

Out of interest, does anyone know if you need this to do commercial work such as weddings??

We stopped doing weddings five years ago when we moved to France, but at that time, all of the insurance companies insisted on some form of documentary proof of competence for the third party liability insurance which is essential but expensive!

The chap I worked for had "grandfathers rights" but I think the BDS Road Driving Assessment is now the required minimum standard?
Carriagehouse Insurance were excellent and would tell you what is required Jane. I am probably well out of touch!


Good luck with your test Bev

[sweetpea]

Hi Guys. Whoopee I passed !!! I was pathetically nervous and had the driest tongue ever when it came to answering questions but when I got up into the carriage I was fine.

Had a really lovely drive out with the most prestigious Minta Winn, who was the assessor, and nearly cried when she said I'd passed.

Am hoping to join a few driving clubs now and hope to have ago at HDT (at beginners level obviously !!)

Happy New Year !

[harveydales]

Congratulations!

[cadeby]

Congratulations - judging by the time of your post, it looks like you were still celebrating into the early hours of the morning!

[lucydales]

Very well done!

What questions did you get asked in the end??

[sweetpea]

Thanks everyone !

Hi Lucy, I was asked about parts of the harness as I put it on and had to name it, explain how to fit it and describe its function. She also asked about spares kit and vehicle maintenance as I put to and then when we were out on the road she asked about the impact on the pony when driving in different kinds of weather or in company.
She asked about the rationale behind coachman style rein handling, whip use and hand signals. I also had to explain what I'd do in the event of coming across a motorbike accident and what to do if we hit an animal whilst out on the road.

That doesn't seem a lot does it ? It did at the time so I must have blanked out all the questions I had to gubber my way through and have simply put them from my mind LOL!

Are you thinking of taking yours or have you already passed ?

Bev

[harleydales]

Congratulations - I'd love to have a drive out with Minta Winn - lucky, lucky you! Did she give you any tips?

[tinkerdorisalison]

I'd love to do this too one day/year

forgot to say - Well Done!!

[diamonds]

Congratulations, I am so pleased for you. I am too scared to take mine and Magic is an old pro at driving. Its her favorite thing to do and has done it for years. Its me who is the novice but she is so good and really looks after me!
Maybe... one day....