Proposed driving test changes could have a big impact on learner drivers

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are proposing six changes that will help learner drivers have a 'lifetime of safe driving'.

DSVA say they would like to hear from the public during this consultation before making any final decision.

Roads Safety Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton believes the changes will benefit learners in the future.

The baroness said: "Safe driving is a lifetime skill and something that improves with experience. But obtaining a broad range of skills, knowledge and understanding, and driving experience, during the initial learning to drive stage is vitally important.

"It will help you to pass the driving test and keep you safe at the crucial point that you drive on your own for the first time. It will also set you on your way to a lifetime of safe driving."

It is also hoped that the changes will help reduce the longer than usual waiting times for tests that have resulted from the suspension of testing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Below, we take a look at the six proposed changes.

1. Encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test

Proposal: People will need to wait 28 working days before being able to book another car driving test after failing one, rather than the current 10 working days.

2. Reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted

Proposal: People would need to move or cancel their car driving test at least 10 full working days before the appointment to avoid losing their test fee, rather than the current three full working days.

3. Collect better data about how well driving instructors prepare learner drivers

Proposal: Driving instructors would be legally required to display their approved driving instructor or trainee driving instructor registration certificate in the windscreen of their car when they bring people for driving tests.

4. Give learner drivers better information about driving instructors

Proposal: Find out if learner drivers would benefit from having better information about driving instructors and their performance in preparing people to be safe drivers.

5. Update when and how we check someone’s eyesight at the start of the driving test

Proposal: More flexibility on how the eyesight check is carried out, including being able to check in different levels of light and using other methods, such as a tablet.

6. Replace paper pass certificates with digital pass certificates

This would include all types of tests, such as cars, motorcycles, HGVs, buses, tractors and special vehicles.

If you have any questions about the survey or the proposals, you can email the DVSA policy team at: consultations@dvsa.gov.uk

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