EXAMINATIONS IN CARRIAGE DRIVING COMPETENCE

The Society has seven levels of competence set by the Test & Training Committee. This scheme is well established and has recently been completely revised. The tests are completely voluntary but Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced Certificates must be taken in sequence, with the Road Driving Assessment being pre-requisite to the Intermediate Certificate.

Preliminary Competence Certificate (Level 1)

To be capable of harnessing up and driving a single turnout safely to a basic simple standard to include an understanding of safety on the roads and basic human first aid. Consists of 3 units which may be taken on the same day, or at a different time.

Road Driving Assessment

Road Driving Assessment Candidates who have not achieved their Preliminary Driving competence accredited (Unit 2), will need to have their driving ability assessed in an enclosed area prior to proceeding onto the roads in Element 2 of the Test - Drive on the Public Highway. (see page 4 of the Road Driving Assessment Syllabus)

This test can be used as a stand alone unit and can be taken in isolation from any other BDS test. Candidates using this Test as a stand alone unit must also complete the additional requirements found on page 4 of the Road Driving Assessment Syllabus

Training Initiative

Take your BDS Road Driving Assessment Test for just £5. New training initiative is key to your future on the Road. for more information, syllabus and application forms.

Intermediate Competence Certificate (Level 2)

To show a sound theoretical knowledge of single and pair harness and be capable of driving a single turnout efficiently and safely showing an element of style. To discuss and identify vehicles and equipment, including their use and care. In order to achieve the full certificate candidates must achieve compulsory units 1,2,8,9 and 10 with one Optional Unit of their choice, however each individual unit will be accredited as it is achieved. The entire certificate must be completed within 24 months of registration. Optional units: horse driving trials; private driving; pleasure driving; driving for the disabled. There is a unit for pair driving which at this level is optional but becomes compulsory for those wishing to progress to the Advanced Certificate. Units may be taken at the same time or on separate occasions.

Advanced Competence Certificate

To be capable of producing and turnout out singles and pairs to a very high standard of competence. To show a sound knowledge of the theory, including paces and to drive to a very high standard demonstrating complete safety and style at all times. Candidates may drive their own turnout but will be required to drive one that is unknown to them. Separate units on training of horses/ponies, practical driving, and vehicles and harness. Optional extra unit for tandems and teams (4 reins).

The Preliminary and Intermediate certificates include an appropriate section on horse knowledge and care.

Teaching Element International Level I

All candidates must have passed the Advanced Level driving examination (above) and hold a recognised First Aid certificate. To plan, prepare and teach a Level I lesson, including communication skills, accident safety procedure and use of teaching aids.

Grooms Test

Only a preliminary standard of driving is required but knowledge of turnout, harness theory and stable management is to a very high standard. Those holding British Horse Society, Riding Club or Pony Club qualifications to the equivalent standards will be exempt from the stable management section. This examination can lead to a professional qualification for carriage grooms with a City & Guilds/B.D.S. Certificate. This City & Guilds of London Institute/B.D.S. Certificate for Carriage Driving Grooms is to a very high standard of professional competence and candidates are examined on a two week period assessment of their practical ability to run a small Carriage Driving Yard.

Preliminary Grooms Test

This test is designed to be achievable by trainee carriage driving grooms. It requires a basic understanding of horse knowledge and care and a basic understanding of working with the preparation of horses.

For the attention of candidates: It is strongly advised that some formal training with a qualified instructor be taken to achieve the high standard required. This is particularly relevant for Intermediate Certificate and upwards. All successful candidates will receive a certificate.

For more information about tests, please contact the BDS Secretary - click for numbers and addresses.

The syllabi for the above tests are available from the BDS - click

BDS TESTS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS

The examinations in carriage driving competence detailed above are not suitable for disabled drivers but the British Driving Society has produced four tests for them which have been specially written by Sallie Walrond. These are: Preliminary, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced, which must be taken in that order. There are also tests designed for people who are blind.

Each syllabus itemises in detail the requirements for the relevant test. These range from naming the parts and uses of a set of grooming kit and directing the putting on of a set of single harness (preliminary), to detailing the complete fitness programme required for a horse driving trial, directing the assembling of a set of pair harness and driving a specially written dressage test with a single (advanced). Trainers may wish to use these test syllabi to give a sense of purpose to their weekly group training sessions.

Test days will be arranged as required throughout the country and successful candidates will receive certificates.

Miss Sarah Wildy, New House, Ledgemoor, Weobley, Herefordshire. Tel: 01544 318606 will undertake organisation of test days.

Sets of test cards with full syllabi details are available from the BDS Office @ £1.75.

Duty of Care & Accident Preventionfor the BDS guidelines.

for a list of Carriage Driving Instructors in Britain who hold the Light Harness Horse Instructor Certificate (LHHI).