News
Youngsters get
extra time on driving consultation
The consultation period on Learning to Drive –
which considers possible changes to the way new drivers are trained
and tested - has been extended by an extra 30 days and will now
conclude on Monday, October 6.
Launched on May 7, 2008, by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, the
consultation has been extended to allow extra time for participation
by young people, especially those in education, at universities,
colleges and schools.
The consultation is being conducted by the Driving Standards Agency
and DSA chief executive, Rosemary Thew explained: “We have had good
turnouts with strong attendance at events from those involved in
learner driver training and other road safety professionals.
“However, one of our main target audiences are the younger
generation and a mainstay of this consultation is about better
driver education at an earlier stage and how we can help learners
develop into safe and responsible drivers.”
“The information obtained from this consultation will be used to
help reform and re-shape our national driving test. This is an
important process and that is why we are extending the consultation
period to reach out to and attract greater participation from
younger audiences.”
The DSA consultation is already backed by motor racing star David
Coulthard who is
urging road users to have their views heard on proposals for
improved driver training and testing.
David wants road users to speak to the DSA during the five-month
nationwide consultation.
He commented: "One in five deaths on British roads involves
newly-qualified drivers. I was appalled to hear that the statistics
are so high. I know how much young people enjoy the freedom that
driving brings, but it is also a huge responsibility that must be
taken seriously.
“Changing the way that people are taught to drive, and making the
test more real, can only be of benefit. The Government has set out
proposals to change this system - and now it’s up to you to have
your say. We all use our roads in one way or another, so it is
important you register your view before the consultation closes."
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is keen to look at the way drivers
are trained and tested with the objective of ensuring
newly-qualified drivers possess the safety skills needed to drive on
Britain’s busy roads.
During the consultation the DSA aims to gather opinions on a range
of proposals, including;
• Changes to the theory test
• Making the practical test more realistic
• Providing a pre driver qualification in road safety
• Introducing a student workbook
• Providing more information to help choose a driving instructor
• Further options for learning and qualifications
Visit www.dsa.gov.uk/learning to drive to take part in the
consultation and let us have your views.
Timing:
• Consultation on the proposals runs for 20 weeks up to October 6.
• Some trialing for new elements in the test is already in progress,
and work is advanced on drawing up a new syllabus.
• No changes will be made to the test until Ministers have fully
considered the results of the consultation and any proposed changes
have been assessed.
• The Driving Standards Agency plan that young people in Scotland
will be able to start studying for a foundation qualification in
safe road use from autumn 2008. Other pieces of the programme - such
as changes to driving tests - could be in place within two or three
years.
Proposals for changing the test include:
• Updating the theory test to do more to assess a student’s
understanding of safe driving, using new types of questions such as
case studies
• Considering whether the theory test question bank should continue
to be published.
• Introducing independent driving to the practical test when the
candidate is asked to set their own route for part of the test and
'situational judgement' when the candidate is asked to explain what
they did in a situation and why.
• Revising the number of manoeuvres in the practical test and the
way they are carried out
• Splitting the theory and practical tests into modules, to enable
learners to pass elements of the test as they learn and better
feedback at the end of the test, whether successful or not.
Background:
The Department for Transport announced plans in February 2007 to
consult on a fundamental reform of driver training and testing as
part of the second review of its road safety strategy.
The review promised a new framework for driver education, training,
testing and lifelong learning, including developing and refreshing
skills, remedial training, work-related driving and support for
drivers at various stages of their driving career to develop and
maintain safe driving for life.
Key facts about learning to drive (all for Great Britain)
• Two million people take a car driving test every year.
• The pass rate is 44%, so the average learner takes more than two
tests before passing.
750,000 people qualify for a license every year - three quarters of
these are under the age of 25.
• Current average cost of a lesson is approximately £21 - up to £28
in London.
The average learner has 52 hours of lessons and spends £1,500
learning to drive.
• Current fees for the driving test (for a car) are £30 for the
theory test (which includes the hazard perception test); £56.50 for
the practical test (£67 if you want an evening or weekend).
• A newly qualified male driver faces an insurance premium from
£1,200; and a female driver of same age faces a premium from £800.
• The current car driving test is in two parts:
1. the theory test - a multiple-choice answer knowledge assessment
(since 1996); and
2. a computer screen-based hazard perception test (since 2002).
The practical test - of general driving on the road and standard
manoeuvres - the three-point turn, reversing round a corner, and
emergency stop. This part of the test also includes an eye sight
test, and a 'show me-tell me' test of knowledge of the car (since
2003)
Main points in reform proposals
The Government proposes to reform the way people learn to drive, and
the way they are tested. The proposed changes fall into 4 main
areas:
1. An improved learning process, so that candidates are better
prepared for the test and beyond, without necessarily increasing the
costs of learning to drive
2. Improved and broader driving tests that give a more realistic
assessment of whether someone is ready to drive on their own
3. Further options for learning and qualifications to help develop
well-rounded drivers and
4. Better information about instructors and improved instructor
training.