New proposed driving test changes are set to impact people who need to take their test multiple times.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) wants to reduce the number of drivers taking their test when they're not ready.
In a new proposed rule change, people will need to wait longer - 28 days - if they fail their test to book another one.
The current rules allow people to book their test again after 10 days.
Demand for driving tests have soared in the UK, with the pass rate for between April and September 2021 being just 50.5%, Yorkshire Live reports.
The reason for this includes:
- fewer tests than usual have taken place because of restrictions and other factors related to the pandemic
- learner drivers who are not yet ready to take their test have heard that waiting times are high, causing them to book earlier than they normally would
- the pass rate for driving tests - for many years, less than half of people pass on their first attempt, meaning they’ll need to take at least one more test
The DVSA is proposing that people will need to wait 28 working days before being able to book another car driving test after failing one.
It hopes it will reduce the number of people attempting the test when they’re not ready, because these people would know they would have to wait longer to be able to take it again.
It would also mean that people who fail have more time to take further training before taking the test again.
Other changes to the rules they are proposing include:
- Reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted
- Collect more data about how well driving instructors prepare learner drivers
- Give learner drivers better information about driving instructors
- Update when and how the DVSA check someone’s eyesight at the start of the driving test
- Replace paper pass certificates with digital pass certificates
For more information on the changes visit the DVSA website here.
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