Not a lot in fact. Coming in at a mere 1.5%, the increase is very small, only increasing the cost of your driving test from £62 to £62.90.

The figure was approved after a public consultation that saw 2,573 respondents air their views with 68% stating that the planned increases across the services provided by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) were fair.

Good value?

The cost of the driving test last increased in 2009 to £62 with theory test prices actually dropping in 2014 and 2015.

Importantly, the DVSA has previously pointed out that if the car driving test fee had been increased in line with inflation, you’d currently be paying £75 for a test.

And with inflation rates currently the highest in 30 years, who knows where we could have ended up by now?

What instructors think

The reaction from driving instructors has largely been positive with some even arguing the increase should have been higher.

For instance, the chairman of the Motor Schools Association (MSA) GB says the increase is very modest and, “it would have helped if it had been more of a deterrent to people taking driving tests when not fully prepared.”

Deep dive

Digging deeper into the consultation’s data reveals that:

  • 92% of respondents agreed the DVSA should continue modernising its services to take account of new technology
  • 19% disagreed the increases are a fair way to ensure current service levels are maintained, presumably because of the issues the DVSA has faced over the past months as it struggles to address the waiting times many learner drivers are experiencing
  • The biggest criticisms made by respondents were that driving test waiting times were too long and the DVSA has offered a poor service during the pandemic
  • The largest number of respondents stated the increase is not enough. Others said the fee increase was fair so long as it actually helped the DVSA improve its services.
Pros and cons

Respondents were also given the opportunity to air their individual views. For instance, those in favour of the rise stated:

“I think it’s trivial you are even asking opinions on a price rise of less than 2% over 10 years. My prices have gone up 25% in 2 years in comparison.”

“Such a small increase for a valuable service. Totally justified.”

“I cannot understand why you would bother changing the costs unless there is a worthwhile benefit in the revenue. You have said they have not changed for a decade, so at least make sure you cover your costs of change plus a worthwhile margin.”

Those not in favour of the rise stated:

“I don’t think the increased cost should be passed to learner drivers as it is already extremely expensive to learn to drive.”

“Strongly disagreeing on grounds of closing Theory Test centres, shortened tests when Serious Fault occurs, lack of Test availability and Cancellation Apps forcing learners to subscribe to have any chance of finding a cancellation themselves. Although the increase is small it’s totally the wrong time to even consider it. Sort things first then have the consultation.”

The increase itself won’t be introduced until later in 2022 to “allow time for the necessary changes to regulations,” states the DVSA. As ever, Theory Test Pro will let you know when the fee finally does go up.

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