Driving test changes: What you need to know about the new rules when booking your practice
- The DVSA is looking at changing certain aspects of practical exams
- Paper certificates will be scrapped and replaced by digital versions
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will be making changes to practical driving tests to ensure learner drivers are better prepared.
The government started a trial in February 2023 to see how driving tests can be improved and modernised.
But what exactly are the new driving test rules? When do the new driving test rules come into effect?
Here you will find everything you need to know about the new rules when booking your practice.
Digital certificates will be issued as part of the changes, replacing the paper version (pictured)
What are the new driving test rules?
The content of driving tests does not change, candidates are subjected to the same maneuvers.
Ministers are considering proposals, including other ways to perform eyesight checks that do not rely on lighting conditions or reading a vehicle’s number plate.
After consultation, the ministers agreed to the proposal to issue digital passports to drivers who pass their theory and driving test instead of paper versions.
The proposed changes will apply to England, Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland administering driving tests under its own system.
Loveday Ryder, CEO of the DVSA, encouraged learner drivers to check the agency’s website for full details before booking a test.
She said: ‘With more than half of people failing their driving test, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that learner drivers do not take their driving test until they are fully prepared.
“These new measures will ensure test-ready students find appointments and give those who fail more time to practice more.
‘I also encourage students to read our Ready to Pass? website to make sure they’re ready – and postpone their test if they’re not.
“This will help make more tests available and prevent them from having to pay to test again.”
Why are driving tests changing?
The DVSA said the system will change to discourage drivers from booking tests before they are ready to take them.
This in turn will free up slots for those who are.
Tests were banned due to the lockdown, resulting in a backlog that left some drivers waiting months before they had a chance to pass their test.
The costs of a practical test will not change. The standard rate of £62 for weekday daytime slots and £75 for evenings, weekends or bank holidays remains the same.
DVSA data from February 2023 showed that 53% of tests failed, with examiners having to intervene for safety reasons on more than 12% of tests.
Pictured: A driver tearing up his L-plate after passing his driving test. The driving test will change the system to discourage drivers from booking exams before they are ready to take them
When do the new driving test rules come into effect?
The government has not set a date for the new driving test rules to take effect.
The government’s website says: ‘After the trials are complete, we will be looking at feedback from those involved to help identify what went well and what could be improved.
‘This allows you to determine which options are most successful and map out the next steps.
‘We will keep you informed of the progress of this project.’