New plans to overhaul driving tests, including changing the age and using satnavs
Proposals to change the driving test to increase the pass rate could see the age changed and the test involving satnavs.
New plans to overhaul the driving test are being drawn up which could see the age limit raised and part of the test using satnavs.
The Department of Transport is drawing up a consultation to help increase the pass rate which include a controversial part-privatisation of the practical examination.
It could see the closure of test centres, job losses at motor agencies and fees for services such as personalised number plates increased, according to the Independent on Sunday.
According to the paper the document states: “We will also consider how we might meet continued strong customer demand for the practical driving test, through exploring partnerships with other organisations. This might include
operating from a range of different sites, or delivering some elements of the test through partners.”
Another proposals is raising the age at which drivers must declare that they are fit to drive from 70 to 75.
• New driving test involving satnav is rolled out for trial
The paper reports the consultation will form the basis of next year’s formal strategy on the future of the country’s three motoring agencies – the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the Driver and
Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Vehicle Certification Authority (VCA).
Presently the pass rate for learner drivers is under 50 per cent and the plans could see more tests being made available on evenings and weekends.
It is presently piloting an examination that asks learner drivers to follow satnav directions for 20 minutes.
If the trial is successful, it could be the biggest shake up of the test since the written theory exam was introduced in 1996.
The changes, proposed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, could see the three-point turn and reversing round a corner scrapped.
These will be replaced with more commonplace manoeuvres such as reversing out of a parking bay.