Learner drivers who fail their test will now have to wait longer than ever to book their next attempt after one rule change soon to be introduced.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) announced the new change today (Thursday 30 March), saying it is intended to ‘help improve pass rates’.
It follows new data that shows around 53 percent of learner drivers are failing their driving test – with examiners having to intervene for safety reasons in one in eight tests, according to the DVSA.
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This, the agency said, is a clear sign that the majority of learner drivers are not ready to either take the test or drive safely without assistance.
As such, the DVSA is introducing a number of changes to the process that will encourage learners to take their time before rushing into a test.
This includes ‘extending the period that those who fail their car test have to wait before booking another test from 10 to 28 days’.
“This will give learners more time to practice between tests,” a press release said.
Another revision to the system is ‘extending the notice period during which a cancelled car test will result in a lost fee, from 3 to 10 days’.
“This will encourage learners who need more practice to give DVSA more notice when cancelling giving better-prepared learners more chance to take advantage of short-notice test appointments,” it explained.
These changes are due to come into effect in 'summer 2023'.
The DVSA continued: "The statistics from February 2023 show that around 53 percent of learner drivers are failing their car driving test and driving examiners are having to physically intervene in 1 in 8 tests for safety reasons.
"This suggests that more than half are not ready to take their test or drive safely and responsibly on their own.
"These changes are intended to help improve pass rates, make more tests available for those who are ready, helping reduce driving test waiting times. They are part of a package of measures that were publicly consulted in 2022."
The agency said a consultation on extending the booking period resulted in 37.1 percent of approved driving instructors who responded were in favour.
‘Most industry organisations and road safety organisations’ were also ‘supportive’ and agreed with the proposals, while one in three learners said it would encourage them to only book their test when ready, even if waiting times remained the same as now.
A total of 42.8 percent of learners said this measure would encourage them to only book their test when ready, even if waiting times were reduced, compared to 42.2 percent who said it would not change their behaviour.
Jess Hardiman