Major changes to the driving test and the driver learning process, including a star-rating system for instructors, have been proposed by the Government.
Aimed at reducing the high accident rate among young drivers, the proposals, which will now be consulted on, could see changes in place within two to three years.
So that members of the public have everything they need to join in the consultation, the DSA have published a wide range of information and created a number of feedback mechanisms.
You have from now until 8th September 2008 (when the public consultation closes) to get involved.
A special Learning to Drive consultation web site has been setup
here
NEW PRACTICAL AND THEORY TEST FEES
Fees for practical and theory driving tests have increased from 1st April 2008. For the theory test the fee is now £30 for a Car or Motorcycle Theory test. The car practical test will rise to £56.50 and the Motorcycle test remains at £60 (An increase of the Motorcycle test fee is expected to increase with the new test in September 2008)
The changes can be found here
The Official NEW Highway Code out 17th September 2007
This updated edition of the only official Highway Code in the market contains the very latest rules of the road.
Many of these rules are legal requirements and must be adhered to, in order to avoid penalty – fines, penalty points, disqualification or even prison.
All road users need to be aware of the new rules.
The rules also include a reference to the legislation that creates the offence.
From 1 July 2007 smoking in vehicles used as workplaces will be banned in England. Although the legislation will only apply to instructors’ vehicles candidates for test need to be aware that if you bring your own vehicle to test it is DSA policy to provide a smoke free working environment for all staff. The examiner may therefore refuse to conduct the test if the vehicle contains tobacco smoke.
More at the
DSA Website
Increase in Theory Test Questions.
The Theory Test Questions are increasing for the Car and Motorcycle theory test from 3rd September 2007. The questions, currently 35 will increase to 50. The pass mark will be 43 and the time allowed to complete the test is 57 minutes.
For the Large Vehicle Theory Tests (LGV and PCV) there are 2 lots of increases. The first one will take place on 2nd April 2007 to 60 questions. Pass mark will be 51 and will cost £32 and the time allowed to complete the test is 70 minutes. More on the Theory Test
New Seat Belt Laws for Kids
Parents risk being fined up to £500 if they fail to strap children under 12 into a car seat.
More
LONDON PASS PLUS INITIATIVE
Great News For Pass Plus in London. The London Road Safety Unit have just launched a Pass Plus London initiative, they offer a £70.00 refund to drivers in the 17 - 25 age range who complete the scheme. To qualify for the refund and to register for the scheme the candidate must be in the 17 - 25 age range, must live within a London Borough and must have passed their car test within the last 12 months. For more details contact: Pass Plus - London, Tel no. 0845 230 17 25 or email m.cranfield@passpluslondon.co.uk
SEE YOUR TEST ROUTES ON THE WEB
DSA are currently collating and formally documenting all test routes in use across the organisation. All test categories will be covered and will soon be available on the DSA website.
More at the
DSA Website
NEW ICU-UCMe™ EMERGENCY HIGH VISIBILITY GARMENTS
Since July 2003 it became law in Italy that all vehicles must carry high visibility garments.
In July 2004 Spain will be introducing similar legislation. When getting out of a vehicle on any dual carriage way or non-urban road, an emergency high visibility garment must be worn. An on the spot penalty will be imposed on those failing to comply.
Driving Test Examiners wear high flouresent garments.
Special Offer to 2pass visitors
To celebrate the launch of the new ICU-UCMe™ emergency high visibility flourescent garments you can buy at a discount price. Click for details
BOOK BOTH THE THEORY AND PRACTICAL TESTS ON-LINE
You can book both the Theory Test and Practical Test on-line. No more keying all those numbers on the phone only to get "I'm sorry nobody is available to take your call at the moment.... Please try later!"
The booking service enables you to book the tests online - in a secure environment.
From 1st September 2003.
The pass mark for the HPT for
learner car drivers and motorcyclists is now 44 out of 75
The pass mark for learner lorry and bus drivers is 50 out of 75 and for trainee driving instructors it is 57
out of 75.
Why the increase?
Well, the DSA think the new test is too easy!
In the first six weeks of the new test, figures reveal that the candidates
are already achieving an 80 per cent pass rate in the hazard perception
element of the driving test.
Whilst candidates are preparing well for the hazard perception test, the
pass rate of learner car drivers for the multiple-choice section of the test
has dropped from 65% to 58%. The DSA believes this section of the exam may
have suffered as a result of candidates concentrating on the new section.
The overall result is that the pass rate has dropped from 65% to 50%.
With the introduction of a higher pass mark for the HPT the pass rate is
likely to fail even more.
This will result in more people having to find more money to take retests.
NEW CHANGES IN THE PRACTICAL TEST - SEPTEMBER 2003
From 1st September 2003, random technical questions will be
asked by examiners to all candidates whatever the category of test they are
taking. This is in line with the 2nd European Directive.
A candidate will have to either SHOW or EXPLAIN how to do simple
maintenance tasks.
At the start of the practical test the Examiner will ask the pupil a 'Tell
Me' question, for example "Tell me how you would change a tyre". This would
be followed by a show me question, for example "Show me where to check the
oil level".
A candidate will not FAIL a Driving Test for a wrong answer however they
will get ONE Driving Fault if they are wrong.
This test will be included inside the existing time limit for the practical
test which means less time spend out on the road.
At present a question bank has not been developed, however the DSA intend to notify the industry of the intentions in
the Autumn of this year and a further reminder in Spring 2003.
Plans to
introduce basic first aid to the driving test are also under consideration,
following a recommendation from the British Red Cross. Drivers could have to
show a knowledge of first aid and danger awareness.
Novice drivers could be banned from motorways and restricted to
small-engined cars under Government plans to reduce road fatalities.
These are two of the ideas being mooted to cut deaths among newly qualified
motorists. Others include making learners get a 'certificate of readiness'
( having to take 40 hours of lessons with a ADI) prior to taking their test
to prove they have experience of driving at night, on fast roads and in the
wet.
After passing, novices may be forced to display green "P" plates for six
months during which they would be banned from motorways and from driving
minibuses or fast cars.
At present there are no restrictions on the types of car or road a novice
can use. "A teenager can pass his test in the morning and take a Ferrari
packed with passengers on to a motorway in the afternoon; that must change,"
said a Whitehall official.
Some other countries already place restrictions on novices. In Northern
Ireland they must display an R-plate - for restricted - and drive no faster
than 45mph for the first year after passing.
In some Australian states, a P - for provisional - plate must be displayed
for a year. Britain has a voluntary P-plate system but ministers are willing
to make it compulsory.
The Government has rejected proposals to allow learners to practise on
motorways with a qualified instructor, believing this would lead to
pile-ups. More
CORSA RECALL EFFECTS THE PRACTICAL TESTS
( FEB 2001)
Vauxhall Motors are recalling over 500,000 vehicles for urgent safety inspections. The recall includes the Corsa type B (the 1993 - 2000 model Corsa), Corsa van, Combo and Tigra.
The new shaped Corsa is not part of this recall.
Vehicles affected have the following build dates:
1993 - 1999 inclusive (586,538 vehicles affected). The driver and front passenger adjuster seat rails may fracture and cause seats to become insecure.
1999 - 2000 inclusive (116,176 vehicles affected). The driver and front passenger seat belt locking mechanism may separate when loaded in a frontal impact.
Depending on the model variant, the seat rails on one or both of the front seats will be reinforced. In addition, a small number of vehicles will be fitted with new seat belt buckles on both front seats. Under long term extreme load conditions, both components may show signs of material fatigue and premature wear.
Anyone intending to use any of these models for a driving test must have these items checked by a dealer and produce written evidence from the dealer that the seat rails and/or seat belt mechanisms have been checked, and any necessary work has been completed.
With immediate effect vehicles falling into these categories will not be taken on test unless the driver/ADI can produce written confirmation from a Vauxhall Dealership that the vehicle has been inspected and all remedial work carried out. To avoid disappointment on your test day, ( and for your own safety ) please have your Corsa checked by your Vauxhall Dealership.
MOTORING CURFEWS FOR THE UNDER 25s
Young motorists are facing the prospect of motoring curfews in a radical
step to cut the number of under 25s involved in late night smashes.
Under the scheme being considered, young motorists would not be allowed to
use their car between 10pm and 6am. Statistics from the DETR show 42 per
cent of fatal accidents occur late at night while 30 per cent of all crashes
involve drivers aged between 17 to 25.
By complying with the ruling drivers would be entitled to substantial
discounts from insurance companies for taking themselves off the high-risk
list by promising not to drive late at night. News of the possible
introduction of a curfew comes after a spate of high profile accidents
involving youngsters killed in high performance motors.
LEARNER RIDER TRAINING AND TESTING RULES
Learner Rider Training and Testing Rules to change on 1st FEBRUARY 2001.
The principal changes are:
Scrapping the rule that prevents a rider renewing a provisional motorcycle
licence for a year if a test has not been passed within 2 years.
Replace with a 2 year validity period for basic training completion
certificates require newly qualified car drivers to complete a basic rider
training course before riding a moped require all learner motorcyclists and
car
drivers to take a theory test.
The Driving Standards Agency has written to motorcycling and safety
interests about the details. The Agency has also sought views on:
Improving pre-test training arrangements for motorcyclists - supported by a
logbook
Improving safety for full motorcycle licence-holders
Improving standards of motorcycle instructors
Introducing an independent appeals system for training bodies and
instructors
Adjusting the minimum distance for the eyesight check in element
A of the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course where a number plate with
the narrower font is used.
Staging the motorcycle theory test after a CBT course has been completed
Rationalising the CBT requirements when a person takes a retest
Incorporating the standard conditions of appointment for Approved Training
Bodies (ATBs) within the CBT regulations.
One in eleven newly qualified drivers now take Pass Plus.More newly qualified drivers
completed Pass Plus last month bringing the total number participating
in the scheme to over 100,000 since its launch.
Pass Plus is a scheme backed by the Government's Driving Standards
Agency and insurers to encourage newly qualified drivers to become
better drivers.
Pass Plus gives extra experience and positive driving skills that
would otherwise take a long time to acquire.
Pass Plus consists of an additional course of six specially designed
training sessions to follow on from a successful practical driving test.
NO Age Limit increase
NO Motorway driving on the Driving Test
I have received many questions from worried
teenagers regarding rumours of the minimum driving age
increasing to 18. There are currently no such plans - so
stop worrying! If I hear of any facts on this subject I
will let you know right away.
If after consultation the government decided to go ahead there would almost certainly have to be new legislation. Notice of a Bill would then perhaps be given in the Queens speech at the state opening of parliament around November 2001.
The Bill would the have to pass through both houses of parliament (assuming the Lords are still there in 2002). Passage of a Bill requiring novice drivers to have held a provisional licence for one year before taking a test would be unlikely to receive an easy passage.
A new rumour appears to be developing that motorway driving and night driving is to be incorporated into the driving test. This would be impractical. Learners will never be allowed on a motorway until they pass the practical driving test. If night driving were included in the test, it would require the tests to be conducted after 11pm in the long summer days. When you pass your test and if you are anxious about motorway or night driving, please have a few extra lessons with your driving Instructor, or better still, have a go at the Pass Plus course.
'LEARN TO LIVE' CAMPAIGN
This campaign does not advocate allowing "Learner" drivers on motorways.
'Learn To Live' campaign will continue until all newly qualified drivers are required, by law, to
undergo some form of motorway tuition.
The parliamentary select committee on Environment, Transport and
Regional Affairs has released it's Nineteenth Report into "YOUNG AND
NEWLY-QUALIFIED DRIVERS: STANDARDS AND TRAINING".
Supporters of the 'Learn To Live' campaign, and of motorway safety in general, will be disappointed
to learn that the committee rejected calls to make any form of post-test training
compulsory. They did however recommend that post-test training schemes be more
vigourously promoted.
More at:
'Learn to Live' Website
THE DRIVING TEST MARKING SYSTEM TO GET EVEN TOUGHER
A major change, heavily publicised in recent months, was the 15 driver errors on the practical driving test would result in a fail.
Research suggests that this change in the marking system, brought in on 4th MAY 1999, will lead to an extra 10,000 failures a year.
Proposals to drop the 15 threshold to 12 could add 40,000 failures.
The Government is looking at the research which has shown that candidates who commit minor errors on test are more likely to have accidents once they have passed.
The date for reducing the fail mark from 15 to 12 has yet to be announced. Watch this space...
BIGGEST SHAKE-UP OF THE L-TEST started ON 4TH MAY
The Revised driving test was introduced on 4th May 1999. The reform constitutes the widest revision of the L-test
since it started in 1935. Changes include:-
More flexible arrangements for reversing manoeuvres.
'Emergency Stop' exercise will now only be required on 33 per cent of all car tests.
An extra 10-12 minutes of driving time will be added to the test, so drivers can
be tested on routes including higher non-urban roads at speeds above 40 mph.
You can fail for having more than 15 minor faults.
Vehicles for the test must have a seat belt and head restaint and a rear-view mirror for use by the examiner.
New test times will held at 8.40, 9.37, 10.44, 11.41, 13.33, 14.30 and 15.27.
A voluntary driver's logbook will be introduced.(free initially!)
HUNDREDS OF NEW DRIVERS GO BACK TO L-PLATES
Hundreds of newly qualified drivers have been restored to learner driver status - for running up six penalty points
within the first two years of passing their test. The penalty came into effect in June 1997. Shocked drivers are discovering that not only is their full licence confiscated but they
face hefty bills to get back on the road.
The New Drivers Act introduced 01 June 1997 - in only three years, 23,365 new drivers have had their driving licence revoked.
They have to pay £17 to return to a provisional licence, an increased fee of £47.75 for a practical test, £15.00 for a theory test and an increased fee of £11 for a full licence if they pass.
Insurance premiums go up, too.
The new law was brought out to cut down on the accidents that new drivers appear to have. Government figures show that a new driver is seven times more likely to be involved
in an accident than a middle-aged person who has been driving for years. Break the Law out on the road - and this is how you could be hammered in the courts: -
OVER 250,000 PEOPLE MAY HAVE TO RESIT THE THEORY TEST
The Driving Standards Agency reports that over 250,000 learner drivers who have passed the theory test have yet to take the practical test.
The new written theory test for learner drivers started on 1st July 1996,
the practical test must be passed within two years of the theory test pass, or you will have to start again.
The DSA is writing to all theory test pass candidates to remind them of the 2 year rule.
LESS PEOPLE TAKING THE PRACTICAL TEST THAN EVER BEFORE.
The Driving Standards Agency has admitted that demand for the
practical practical driving tests has fallen to an all-time low at around 90,000 per month, about 24 per cent below the 1995/96
figure. The practical test pass rates have risen by about four points since the introduction of the theory test, with the
national average pass rate now about 48 per cent of tests conducted.
Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors.
The DSA and the driving instruction industry place great emphasis on
professional standards and business ethics. The code of practice has
been agreed between DSA and the main bodies representing ADIs; it is a
framework within which all instructors should operate.
The code leaflet can be obtained from any theory test and driving test
centres. Your Driving Instructor should be able to obtain a leaflet for
you. It is hoped that ALL Driving Instructors will formally agree to
adhere to the terms of the Code.
The DSA have launched a new 'faxback' service which offers information
to instructors and the public. All you have to do is dial the required
number from your fax machine and the information will be automatically
faxed back to you.
There are 5 different lines offering a different topic. Calls cost 50p
per minute. The new fax lines are information provides only, so they
cannot be used to book tests.
0336 800151 shows you how to book a driving theory test (includes an
application form).
0336 800152 shows how to book a practical driving test (includes an
application form).
0336 800153 gives a copy of a theory test mock paper. The paper sent is
chosen at random from four different papers.
0336 800154 gives hints and tips on passing your practical driving test.
0336 800150 shows appointment availability for each practical driving
test centre, listed by area. This information should be updated every
week.
Europe wants a driving test every ten years.
Motorists could be forced to take a driving test every ten years under
plans being drawn up by the European Parliament. Drivers will not have
their licence renewed until the test has been passed.
The scheme was reported on BBC Radio 4's Europe Now programme. The
scheme is an effort to reduce the 45,000 deaths on Europe's roads every
year while tackling the growing problem of road rage and bad driving.
Some ministers are opposed to the "expensive and bureaucratic" scheme.
The AA are also against it saying young drivers are the real problem for
the high number of car deaths in Europe.
Unsuccessful driving test candidates
From 29th September 1997 unsuccessful test candidates have to wait before retaking their test, with a three-day delay for theory tests and ten days for practical tests. This is to encourage people not to come for tests until they are ready and to take further tuition after an unsuccessful test, as a way of improving driving standards.
'Learn and Live' Campaign
When you next visit the Test Centre,
look out for the new leaflets from 'Learn and Live'. This is a parent's campaign for Safe Driving Tuition to improve road safety for the young and inexperience drivers. Did you know: - that 1 in 3 accidents involve men under the age of 20. Did you know: - That 3 young people die each and every day on the roads in Britain.
Click here to the 'Learn and Live' Site. They have produced a FREE CD packed with information on road
Safety, particularly in relation to learner and novice drivers.
Break the Law out on the road - and this is how you could be hammered in the courts: -
From June 1997 all Drivers who accumulate 6 penalty points within two years of passing their test will be made to retake the test. This may include having to sit the Theory Test again.
0FFENCE
PENALTY POINTS
FINE
No Tax Disc
None
£1000
Traffic light offences
3
£1000
Speeding
3-6
£1000(£2500 on Motorways)
Driving without insurance
6-8
£5000
Failing to identify driver
3
£1000
Failing to stop at an accident
5-10
£5000
Drink Driving
3-11
£5000
Careless driving
3-9
£2500
Dangerous driving
3-11
Unlimited
don't forget to claim your full licence
DVLA describe as a "never ending barrage" the cases of pass certificates being sent in later than the permitted two years from the test date
, despite the time limit being stated on the back of the certificate and examiners reminding customers what to do. I've been asked to remind my pupils too.
So, if you have passed your test, remember to send your certificate to the DVLA.
The DVLA web site is at:- http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drivers.htm