The work situation of driving test examiners is characterised by a complex combination of cognitive, informatory, emotional and physical factors of strain. These factors of strain essentially result from the demands through the nature of the task, through the working conditions, through the companies' situation and through limited possibilities of professional development. The consequence is a situation of mental, psychological, nerval, physiological, emotional and musculoskeletal strain. Psycho-mental and cognitive demands of decision making in the form of uncertainty and doubts come along. The specific working conditions, e.g. traffic noise, exhaust fumes, vibration, insufficient temperature controle etc. constitute particurlarly serious strains, which impair not only the cognitive efficiency but also the well-being, even so the individual factors of strain, especially physiological strain, do no exceed the acknowledged limits of industrial science and industrial medicine. Nevertheless the examiners feel their work situation to be stressful when their activity persists throughout a long period of time. On the other hand the scope for action being implied in the duty which not only are necessary for the proper order during the driving test but also permit the examiner to positevely influence their stressful working conditions, but without an adequate organisation of breaks. The conclusions of this analysis consists of propositions to improve the situation of strain, particularly concerning the working conditions. Consequently, the main focus is the ergonomical organisation of the working place, which is the car seat, completed by technical measurements of improvement e.g. the installation of airconditioning systems, air filters and coloured windows. Alternatively it is possible to conduct the driving tests while being seated on the passenger seat of the car. Concerning the organisation of the work it seems appropriate to vary the forms of work and to improve the organisation of the breaks. A more healthy organisation of the work as well as the adaptation of cognitive and verbal techniques ought to be subject of future education and further training. Ultimately an improvement of the education in the driving school also contributes to the contentment which increases the service quality of the examiner.
Abstract