New and improved driving test;
This year there have been a number of proposals to improve the UK driving test. The overall drive for these proposals has been the incentive to ensure that drivers are well-prepared and therefore more likely to pass their test first time. Major changes to the UK driving test are set for the near future and could be the biggest shake up of the test in many, many years.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has encouraged these proposals to improve the driving test following a wide review of motoring services in the UK. It was found that only 21% of drivers pass their test first time and that the majority of the annual 1.5 million tests are repeat examinations, which is why the DfT seek to improve the readiness of drivers before booking their test.
Reducing driving test fee for first time passes;
One of the new proposals would be that the driving test fee would be reduced. This would involve the learner driver paying a deposit when taking their test, which they would receive back if they pass first time.
This will ensure that learner drivers are more prepared for the test and independent driving thereafter, are less likely to have an accident in the recent months after passing and also encouraged individuals to only take their test when they are truly ready.
For more information on this proposal, please see one of our earlier blog posts directed at this subject in particular.
Why are these incentives important?
The incentive to be prepared is extremely important as it makes new drivers more confident and independently capable. The DfT have emphasised that this will benefit all drivers as the roads will be a safer place and also that individuals taking their test will be more likely to pass with flying colours rather than barely scrape through or failing altogether.
The incentive to increase road safety and driving efficiency is equally as important as once again the issue of safety is emphasised. Not only this, but increasing the efficiency of test centres will mean that new test appointment times will be introduced, such as weekends and evenings, a wider range of test venues will be introduced and also the combination of services at motoring agencies will be increased somewhat.
Want to have your say?
The DfT have made it very clear that they are aware that these changes are a bold move. However, they also value your opinion and wish to put the users at the core of the services by letting you have your say. The consultation for these proposals is set to close on the 8th January 2016 and the DfT are required to respond soon after.
To give your views on these proposals, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/motoring-services-strategy-a-strategic-direction-2016-to-2020.
