What was your background before this role?
Originally, I started out driving a delivery van after leaving university. I was advised to get my HGV1 licence when I was 21, and getting the licence basically ensured that I would never be out of work. So, for many years I was driving articulated trucks all over the UK, Europe and even into Asia. I was told by a friend that I’m a human satnav! Having worked behind the wheel, I have also done my stint behind a desk in a couple of logistics roles, for 2 large companies, marrying up loads and trucks – and also route planning.
I had the opportunity to join Bridgestone Motorsport F1 some years ago, as a driver/tyre technician. This involved global travel, moving tyres to races and then checking the quality of the tyre fit process, plus live pit garage work in an assigned F1 team during practice/qualifying and race sessions. Once I moved on from F1, I couldn’t stay away from motorsport, and I worked in a team for the British Touring Car Championship, on occasion. I joined the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as a car examiner in 2018, moving to the bike examiner role a few years later and in 2024 I applied for the CBTE role.
What do you like about your role?
I have always worked somewhere where things change on a daily, if not hourly, basis. Even when I was sitting behind a desk, the role provided a constant challenge, and that’s why I liked it. My current CBTE role is no different in this respect. No 2 days are ever the same, and the role is completely self-managed. I look after my own work diary – booking in and attending standards checks and site inspections, for example. I’m out and about for a good amount of my time and I don’t mind bad weather – we have the gear to cope with it. I love being on the move and I get to ride a motorcycle for work. I manage my own work/life balance too, what’s not to like?!
“I’m the newest CBT examiner and have found the whole team to be kind, supportive, extremely experienced and knowledgeable in our field.”
Andy Sutcliffe
What make our team culture unique?
Motorbikes. The whole team has a huge passion for motorbikes and riding. We all have a passion for contributing to road safety and to motorcycle training. I’m the newest CBT examiner and have found the whole team to be kind, supportive, extremely experienced and knowledgeable in our field. I am reassured that I can call any of the team for help and advice, and they’ll give it happily. Even as the newest member of the team, I’ve been able to provide suggestions to other team members. Team meetings, whether online or in person, are also a great help. Sharing knowledge with each other is very useful, as there’s always something new to report. The team itself is quite small, making the skillset pretty niche. Everyone in the team considers their role to be “the best job in the agency”.
Another unique feature of the role is the work motorbike. I am responsible for looking after the motorcycle (a BMW R1250RT), ensuring that it is roadworthy at all times and maintained correctly in accordance with dealership and DVSA safety guidelines.
How has DVSA helped you to upskill?
I joined the DVSA in 2018 after completing my training at Cardington. It was a tough training period, but very in depth and gave me the skills I needed to forge a path as a car examiner. My test centre manager knew of my interest in motorbikes, as I usually rode to work, and he made sure that I attended a bike examiners course when it was appropriate. As Cardington had closed by that point, I was sent off to Gillingham to take part in the bike training course. Again this was a tough training period which gave me the necessary skills to complete bike tests. After moving and settling into a multi-purpose test centre for bikes and cars, I was made aware of my current role as a CBT examiner, applied and was successful. Once again, I was sent off to Gillingham to complete the training. DVSA has always provided the best training to enable me to do my job. I can honestly say that if I wished to change roles in the agency to something different, I am confident that the best training would be provided to do that too. We have many different avenues available to us in the organisation to help us with our careers, including a government online learning hub.
A day in the life of a CBTE
On a standards check day, it’s dependent on whether I’m assessing a new instructor or an already experienced one. New instructors have to be seen to complete a full day’s CBT with a minimum of 2 trainees. Experienced instructors have to be seen every 4 years. As our geographical areas are quite large (multi-county) we have to travel to the training school’s site to complete the assessments. If I’m travelling some distance and it’s an all-day assessment, then I will usually travel the day before and stay overnight. The CBT sessions usually start fairly early in the morning. I will complete daily or weekly bike checks on my work bike (BMW R1250RT) before use, then make my way to site. After meeting and greeting the instructors, I’ll then begin the assessment. This can include all CBT elements for a new instructor, or one static and one moving CBT element for an already experienced instructor. During the static elements, I’ll make notes on what I’ve observed. During the road ride (moving element) I can only make notes if the instructor pulls the trainees up to discuss something, so I need to remember what I’ve observed in the meantime. At the end of the CBT session, I then have to conclude as to whether the assessment has been satisfactory or not. I will debrief the instructor with my findings and provide suggestions for help and development. In case of an unsatisfactory result, the instructor will have to be assessed again, in line with operating procedures. On leaving site, dependent on the time and the distance from home, it may be necessary to stay overnight again. We have to stay safe!
Our roles offer comprehensive training and the chance to make a real difference to road safety.
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