Everything you need before, during, and after your 5-year emergency response driving requalification.
New legislation requires all ambulance trusts to re-certify drivers who claim emergency response exemptions every 5 years, bringing NWAS in line with the other emergency services. It's 4 hours of contact time with a driving instructor, culminating in a practical driving assessment. Pass, and your exemption authority runs for another 5 years. Fail to meet the standard, and you're referred for further development.
Reassessments are judged holistically — instructors weigh your overall performance, not isolated incidents — and you're not held to the same bar as someone fresh off a 4-week driving course. Operational experience counts, but the drive must still show the System of Car Control and consistently meet the core standards below.
| Segment | Time |
|---|---|
| Pre-course | 0 hrs |
| Classroom | 0 hrs |
| Total driving time | 3.45 hrs |
| Summary / paperwork / feedback | 15 mins |
Full attendance is mandatory. Be aware you may be asked to perform your normal staff role and respond to an actual incident during the session.
| Outcome | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Basic skills | Safety checks · defect reporting · pre-driving checks · parking/manoeuvring · reversing assistance · attitude & professionalism · mirror use · traffic signs · road markings/lights |
| Prepare & drive at high speed | Observation & anticipation · cornering · systematic vehicle control · positioning · signals · overtaking (moving & stationary) |
| Drive at speed on motorways & MLC | Joining procedures · appropriate speed · signs/matrix/gantry instructions · exiting procedures |
| Undertake ERD | Justify EWE use & exemptions · hazard ID/analysis · communication via signals/position · brake tests · duty of care · appropriate EWE use |
Assessment methods: practical driving assessment, direct observation, professional discussion, Q&A, and evaluation of decision-making, risk management, and professional behaviours — across a range of road types and traffic environments.
If deferred, you'll be given clear reasons and guidance on further development, then prioritised for a re-sit. Failing removes your permission to claim emergency exemptions under the Road Traffic Act until you pass.
Reassessment is required every 5 years with 4 hours of direct contact time. There's an online theory element delivered via ESR. As long as you maintain current practice and regularly use your skills, your authority stays current for the full 5-year period.
No certificate is issued, but you'll get a copy of the assessment record, and completion is logged in ESR under your training record. Comprehensive feedback against Safe/Smooth/Legal is given throughout and at the end of the session, with any recommendations for continued development.
Complaints/appeals: raise it informally with the instructor first for clarification. The Driving Instructor's final decision cannot be changed.