Call Us: 0800 266 266   E-mail: info@howsmy.co.uk

How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips

New plans to overhaul driving tests

The Department of Transport have recently proposed changes to the driving test in order to increase the pass rate, which will include a part-privatisation of the practical examination. According to the Independent on Sunday this proposal could see the closure of many test centres across the country and rapid job loss at motor agencies.

To the actual driving test itself the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) has recommended that the three-point turn and reverse round a corner should be scrapped and replaced with more commonly used manoeuvres, for example, reversing out of a parking bay. At present the DVLA are conducting pilot examinations which asks learners to follow satnav directions for 20 minutes and if this trial is successful, this could in fact be the biggest change to test since 1996 when the written theory test was first introduced. Satnavs are one of the most commonly used items in the car, does it seem only right that we are testing everyone on their ability to use and follow directional signs from a satnav?

Currently the pass rate for learner drivers is under 50% and these suggested plans could see more tests being made available on evening and weekends, to allow people a quicker opportunity to re-take their test. As well as plans for the DVSA, DVLA and the VCA to agree unanimously that the age in which drivers must declare that they are fit to drive should be raised from the existing 70 years to 75.

What do you think about this driving test shake up? Do you think it’s needed to bring the driving test into the 21st century or do you think they are making it too easy? We would love to know your thoughts!

12 September 2015

Blog Archive

2025 July

More Than a Badge: 30 Years of Driving Change with How’s My Driving?

2025 May

New HGV Drivers’ Hours Rules: What Fleet Managers Need to Know

2025 April

Protecting Horse Riders on UK Roads: Why Awareness and Caution Are Key

2025 March

Dangerous Driving and the Role of Real-Time Monitoring

2025 February

Loving Your Tyres This Valentine’s Day Could Save Lives

2025 January

Paving the Way to Better Roads

2024 December

A Year in Review: Road and Cycle Safety Changes, Updates, and More...

2024 November

Essential Tips For Driving Safely in Wet and Cold Weather

2024 October

Schools Leading the Charge on Road Safety

2024 September

Cycling Safety: Parliamentary Debates and Future Changes

2024 August

The Push for Mandatory Safety Features in New UK Cars

2024 July

The Rising Drug-Drive Deaths in the UK: Raising Awareness and Prevention

2024 June

Drink-Drive Limits in the UK: A Road Safety Focus

2024 May

Just the Ticket for Young People in Transport Careers

2024 April

Should First Aid Training Be Mandatory for UK Drivers?

2024 March

Managing Driver Mental Health: A Fleet Manager's Guide to Duty of Care

2024 February

Managing Health Among Drivers

2024 January

Enhancing Road Safety: A Call for Regular Eye Examinations for Drivers Over 60

2023 December

Looking ahead to 2024: Navigating the future of driverless car technology

2023 November

Navigating Winter Roads: 10 Safer Driving Tips

2023 October

New Sentencing Guidelines for Driving Offences in the UK: What You Need to Know

2023 September

Starting a Rewarding Career as an HGV Driver in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

2023 August

Making Roads Safer: A Shared Responsibility

2023 July

Navigating the road to well-being: The impact of driving on mental and physical health

2023 June

Your Ultimate Guide To Logistics: Fleet Management 101

2023 May

Top tips for staying safe on the roads

2023 April

Using the How's My Driving? Service to promote a safer culture

2023 March

Top 5 tips to run a sustainable fleet

2023 February

Your Satnav could soon offer you the route with the cleanest air

2023 January

Changes to Welsh speed limits to launch in 2023

2022 December

Our guide for driving in different weather conditions

2022 November

Driver wellbeing: Why it is good to talk about mental health

2022 October

The Ultimate Winter Car Kit

2022 September

Road collision rates sliding back towards pre-pandemic levels

2022 August

New government plans could see self-driving vehicles rolled out by 2025

2022 July

Did you hear? The UK Government has launched Road Safety Investigation Branch

If you would like to get in touch with us to discuss setting your company up with the scheme, you can phone us on 01279 415 480. or email us at info@howsmy.co.uk.