What was your background before this Job?
I have had a variety of roles throughout my working life, but as my career developed, I spent more time building experience within customer focused positions. I have around 12 years of call centre experience, progressing through several roles, including Sales Adviser and Sales Coach. These opportunities allowed me to travel internationally and develop my communication skills, training, and people management skills.
My career then led me into motorcycle training. I initially worked in a customer service role, answering calls and making bookings, before being trained as an instructor to provide additional support when needed. What started as a secondary responsibility quickly became my passion and the highlight of my career.
I spent 17 years as a motorcycle instructor, a role that suited me perfectly as it involved working with a wide variety of people and helping them achieve an important personal goal. During this time, I trained thousands of riders and also helped develop and train a number of motorcycle instructors. I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest names in the motorcycle industry, gaining valuable experience and professional relationships that have shaped who I am today.
Overall, my background has given me extensive experience in customer service, coaching, training, communication, and working effectively with people from all walks of life. These skills continue to support me in my current role.
Why I joined DVSA
I joined the DVSA to further develop my skills and take on a new challenge. After spending many years as a motorcycle instructor, I felt I had achieved everything I wanted to in that role and was ready for a new direction in my career. The position of CBT Enforcement Officer/Examiner seemed like a natural fit, allowing me to build on my existing knowledge and experience while learning new skills.
I was also thinking about my future. While working as a motorcycle instructor had many benefits, the DVSA offers a wider range of opportunities. The Civil Service provides excellent career progression, a very favourable pension scheme, and working hours that offer a much better work-life balance than I had previously experienced. In addition, all the equipment and support needed to carry out the role effectively is provided.
Before applying, I was fortunate to know several people already working in the role. After speaking with them about their experiences, I felt confident that it was the right move for me. Initially, stepping outside of my comfort zone felt like a significant change, but I am extremely glad that I took the opportunity.
The journey to where I am now felt like a long one, but it has been well worth the effort. Any concerns I had about the role were quickly addressed through the excellent training and support provided. The team responsible for my training did an outstanding job, and that support has continued beyond my initial learning period. There is always help available when needed, and the willingness of colleagues to share their knowledge has made settling into the role much easier.
Joining the DVSA has been one of the best career decisions I have made, providing both personal development and long-term career opportunities.
What training is available for someone interested in your field?
Although I already had experience within the motorcycle training industry, I was surprised by how valuable the training was. It expanded my knowledge in many different areas and taught me a great deal that I had not previously considered.
The course was delivered in a way that made the learning easy to understand and apply. In fact, I feel that someone with no prior experience could successfully carry out the role after completing the training.
I was advised to read several books before attending the course and this proved to be far more beneficial than I initially expected. The training I received was of the highest standard and covered everything I needed to prepare me for the role. It gave me the confidence, knowledge and skills required to carry out my job effectively.
What makes our team culture unique
I have only been with DVSA for a few months, so I can’t speak for other departments, but the CBT examiner team really stands out. They’re a great bunch cheeky, funny and incredibly helpful. From day one I’ve been made to feel part of the team, welcomed in with open arms.
I’ve had some contact with other departments we work alongside, and the same positive attitude comes through there as well. It’s clear there’s a strong, supportive culture across the board.
Being bikers gives us a natural bond and a strong sense of camaraderie, which really comes through in how people work together. The team genuinely makes it a great place to be and I’m looking forward to seeing how things develop with our first big face to face meeting coming up. I’m looking forward to meeting the whole team in person.
Interested in being a Traffic Examiner?