Driving incentives for first time passes

New proposals to improve the driving test in the UK, including incentives to be better prepared, are part of a government consultation, aiming to make the driving test more apt for the 21st century.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched proposals to improve the driving test as part of a wide ranging review of motoring services in Great Britain. The proposals include reducing the driving test fee and offering incentives to those who pass first time.

The DfT revealed that only 21 per cent of driving tests result in a first time pass, with the majority of tests being repeat examinations. This, it is claimed, is in part due to people applying for their test before they begin lessons and then working towards that date, rather than booking a test when instructed to do so, which the DfT recommends.

Under the new proposals the driving test fee would be reduced by requiring learner drivers to pay a deposit when they take their test, which they get back if they pass. This will help make sure learner drivers are better prepared for taking their test and driving independently, and could therefore be less likely to have an accident in the months following the test.

The consultation also sets out proposals to: introduce more driving test appointment times, including weekends and evenings; offer tests from a range of venues; review fees for all services provided by motoring agencies; change providers for some services; and combine services at motoring agencies.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We want to make learning to drive safer and more affordable. This change will give those who pass first time some money back and provide an incentive for learners to be more prepared before they take their test. These common sense proposals mean that all learner drivers can feel the benefit.”

Steve Gooding director of the RAC Foundation echoed his support for the proposed changes. He said: “We support measures that will encourage learner drivers to get the experience they need to pass their test first time with flying colours, rather than barely scraping through or failing and having to repeat the process a few months down the road at yet more expense.”

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