The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is all set to make significant changes to how and when you book your driving test. After a consultation run by the agency between January and March in 2022, several proposals are now set to be introduced. These include:

1. Longer waits

What? If you fail your driving test, you will now need to wait 28 working days before being able to take another car driving test. Currently, the wait is 10 working days.

Why? To ensure that learners spend more time practising before attempting another test so they have a better chance of passing.

2. Shorter cancellation times

What? If you need to move or cancel your driving test, you now need to notify the DVSA at least 10 full working days before your test date to avoid losing your test fee. Currently, you can give notice three full working days before your test.

Why? If you need more practice, the move will give the DVSA more time to cancel your test and reallocate it to a learner who is good to go.

3. Eyesight checking

What? Currently, an eyesight check is carried out at the beginning of your test in good daylight, requiring you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle from 20 metres away. Get it wrong three times and the test is cancelled on the spot.

Why? Policy makers want the change so eyesight checks can be carried out in any level of light. This in turn could expand the availability of driving tests in different conditions and at other times of the day.

4. Certification displayed

What? Driving instructors will have to display their professional certificate in their windscreen when bringing you to your test.

Why? This will enable the DVSA to note your performance and how it reflects on your driving instructor. This will help the agency to assess if the instructor’s pupils are making any similar faults. The information could also be used to offer you performance information about instructors in your area when searching for one.

5. Pass certificates

What? Instead of receiving a paper version of your pass certificate after a successful theory or driving test, you will only be given a digital pass certificate.

Why? This will save on costs for the agency as well as create a more sustainable solution.

Many of these measures are part of the DVSA’s ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign, which has been designed to improve pass rates by asking learners if they’re truly prepared to take their test. You can learn more about the campaign here.

“With more than half of people failing their driving test, it is clear more needs to be done to make sure learner drivers only take their test when they are fully prepared. These new measures will help make sure test-ready learners find appointments and give those who fail more time for more practice.”

• Loveday Ryder, CEO of the DVSA.

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Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA