Skip advert
Advertisement

Driving test changes: plan for 28-day wait before learners can re-book tests

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency seeks to discourage learner drivers from booking their test before they’re ready

Learner drivers on Motorway

Learner drivers may have to wait longer to re-book their practical driving test after failing if new measures are introduced. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is proposing a series of changes to the test, some of which aim to discourage learners from booking their test before they’re ready.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the last five years, 53 per cent of learner drivers failed their first practical driving test. The current rules require them to wait 10 days before re-booking, but the DVSA is proposing extending this period to 28 days.

Another change would be extending the notice period within which a cancelled test results in a lost fee from three days to 10 days. This, the agency says, will encourage learners who need more practice before their test to give more notice before cancelling and create more late-notice slots for learners who are ready.

The DVSA is also looking at increasing the flexibility of the test by allowing the eyesight assessment to be carried out in different lighting conditions or by reading from a tablet. This will allow more tests to be conducted on darker winter days, as well as address the fact that 61 per cent of new drivers say they do not feel confident driving in the dark and 35 per cent of road accidents involving young drivers occur at night.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The proposed driving test changes are subject to a public consultation, which is running until 11:59pm on 8 March 2022.

Mark Winn, chief driving examiner at the DVSA, said: “With nearly half of all learners still failing their first car driving test, it is clear we need to do more to make sure learner drivers only take their test when they are fully prepared.

“These measures will help make sure learners who are test-ready can find appointments and give those who fail more time to get additional practice. Changing the eyesight test will help more tests go ahead in the darker winter days.”

Check out the latest on the driving test changes to preserve the manual gearbox...

First Cars on Auto Express... 

First cars graphic FINAL

Everything you need to know about learning to drive, getting your driving licence and choosing your first car...

Learning to drive

Passing your driving test

Getting your first car

For all the latest car news, features, tips and advice, follow Auto Express on Twitter and like us on Facebook...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Cheapest cars to insure in the UK 2024
Cheapest cars to insure - header image
Best cars & vans

Cheapest cars to insure in the UK 2024

Looking for a car that’s cheap to insure? We’ve listed the cars with the cheapest insurance group ratings on sale in the UK today
8 Mar 2024
Motorway driving lessons: what to expect
Learner drivers on Motorway
Tips & advice

Motorway driving lessons: what to expect

The thought of driving on a motorway can be intimidating for a learner driver but our guide will help boost your knowledge and confidence.
1 Feb 2024
Pass Plus scheme: pros, cons, cost and insurance discounts
Pass Plus
Tips & advice

Pass Plus scheme: pros, cons, cost and insurance discounts

Extra driver training is always welcome, but do insurance discounts make the Pass Plus prices worth paying?
1 Feb 2024
Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024
Best first cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

A new car for a first time driver should be cheap, easy to drive and safe. Here are the 10 best first cars
19 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024