VIENNA DOVER TEST SYSTEM
1. Introduction
Dover Systems was established in 1982 as the importer of the Vienna Test System. The Dover is a culture-free and valid psychometric tool, used to assess the skills and competencies required of drivers/operators in the mining, construction and transport environments. The system and methodology of testing is also approved by the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Safety, performance and state of readiness are applied in the routine equipment vehicle checks. It should therefore be logical for these aspects to feature prominently in driver selection procedures, as many accidents/incidents can be contributed to human error in performance, i.e. incorrect actions and reactions, behavioral patterns and thoughts, or attitudes.
2. Methodology
The Dover Systems can be described as an all-encompassing competency measurement tool to enhance operator/driver safety performance and productivity. Numerous tests are compiled into a battery to more accurately assess the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle or mining equipment, i.e. hand-eye-foot coordination, auditory discrimination, sustainability of concentration in a distracting environment, and visual perception (among others). The performance level is assessed using time constraints as a stress factor. A candidate, who is unable to cope under pressure or recover adequately thereafter, often becomes a danger to himself and others. The cost implications related to accidents/incidents that could have been avoided can therefore be dire to any company.
Computer-aided assessment is presented to the candidate as a screen based task, using only a dedicated response panel and screen. No prior computer exposure and/or experience are therefore required. The entire assessment process is in line with the Codes of Good Practice of Assessment, and measures are taken to ensure that the incumbent is properly instructed on the use of the necessary input devices during the practice phase of the tests. Responses to test items are scored and reported to ensure objectivity and reliability.
3. Advantages
- Tool for fleet owners to identify high risk drivers/operators or to select new drivers
- Minimise or eliminate accidents/incidents
- Cost effective (curbs high down time and production loss)
- Objective
- Reliable
- Culture-free
- Provides in-house testing facilities
- User friendly, no computer knowledge is required
- Provides an instant profile
- Blanket Union Acceptance
- Excellent recruitment, selection and placement tool
- Excellent tool to use in promotional screening processes
- Reduce accidents and property damage
- Receives worldwide acceptance
Additional benefits:
3.1 Eye Check (Fatigue)
The apparatus provides quick and reliable information on levels of fatigue with or without the presence of any drugs or alcohol.
3.2 Mobility
The test station is mobile and can be moved from one point to another to meet customer needs.
3.3 Screening
Unemployed persons could also be tested for ability for future employment opportunities.
3.4 Health and Safety
High risk employees could be placed in low risk occupations which in turn could reduce high accident rates.
3.5 Recruitment
The Dover assessment station could be utilized to recruit, select and place the right person in the right job.
3.6 Results
Assessment results are immediately available for immediate decision making by the client.
Results are categorised by means of symbols or colour coding or a combination of both depending on the client’s requirements
Symbol classification:
A – Good
B – Average
C – Poor
Color coding:
Green – Good
Orange – Average
Red – Poor
4. Dover Systems Implementation
4.1 Mining, Construction and Transport Sectors
The Dover test is used extensively in recognized construction, Surface Mining, mechanized and conventional underground mining as well as the transport industry to identify required operator/driver skills, competencies and abilities. The Dover test is used by large mining corporations worldwide and has scientifically proven itself to be a culture-free, fair and valid assessment for all the driver/operator skills that are required in today’s construction, mining and transport environments.
4.2 Technical Selection
The Dover test has proven itself extremely helpful in the selection of technical trainees in all fields from initial training to advanced training. The culture free and fair nature of the testing makes it the ideal tool for use in multi-cultural societies.
5. Dover Systems Test Batteries
Determination Test: The Determination test assesses a candidate’s hand-eye-foot coordination and auditory and visual discrimination abilities. It also measures reaction times, daily productivity, crisis management and decision making abilities under a variety of conditions.
Cognitron Test: The Cognition test assesses levels of concentration and spatial perception (i.e. general awareness of size and shape, as well as comparative size), as well as visual acuity and reaction times.
Signal Detection Test: The Signal Detection test assesses a candidate’s levels of concentration in unstimulating and routine situations, as well as assessing his ability to identify small changes in his environment.
Two-hand Coordination Test: The Two-hand Coordination test measures a candidate’s two-hand coordination as well as giving the indication of the training ability of a candidate.
Time Movement Anticipation Test: Measure time, movement and distance estimation.
