Leaner drivers could face changes to driving tests, it has been revealed.
Those learning to drive would be asked to wait 28 days before booking another exam if they fail.
This would see the current waiting time of 10 working days extended by 18 days now.
There is a huge demand for driving tests with the UK facing its highest ever number of applications.
But the past rate between April and September last year was over half, with 50.5% passing their tests.
According to YorkshireLive, there are a number of reasons why driving tests increased with factors relating to coronavirus.
Some of the reasons why driving tests have increases include:
- 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 Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is proposing that people will need to wait 28 working days before being able to book.
It hopes to reduce the number of people attempting the test when they're not ready.
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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
Some of the proposals have been designed to discourage learners who are not ready from taking their test too early to help tackle the current high demand.
DVSA figures show that over the last 5 years, 53% of learner drivers failed their car test.
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The agency says more than half are not yet ready to take their test or drive safely and responsibly on their own.
Mark Winn, chief driving examiner for DVSA, said: "With nearly half of all learners still failing their first car driving test, it is clear we need to do more to make sure learner drivers only take their test when they are fully prepared.
"These measures will help make sure learners who are test-ready can find appointments and give those who fail more time to get additional practice."
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