Driving test shake-up proposals revealed

11:01am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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By Sally Henfield »

MAJOR changes to the driving test and the driver learning process, including a star-rating system for instructors, were proposed by the Government today.

The proposals are aimed at reducing the high accident rate among young drivers - the subject of the Lancashire Telegraph's Wasted Lives campaign.

The plans will now be consulted on and could see changes in place within two to three years.

Announced today by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, the proposals include an improved driving test, which will require candidates to demonstrate independent driving skills, and a clear understanding of different situations on the roads.

The star-rating system for instructors will give learners an informed choice based on pass rates.

The proposals also include a foundation course in safe road use for under 17-year-olds, which will be piloted in schools and colleges in Scotland from this Autumn.

This will lead to a qualification that will be available across Britain.

The driving test will be revised to place less emphasis on mechanical manoeuvres.

For example, drivers could be asked to find their way to a specific point during the test.

The Government also wants to see a more focused and thorough learning process for candidates which looks not just at vehicle control but also the wider skills needed to be a safe driver.

This would include driving in difficult conditions - at night or in poor weather -and learning to predict and respond to other road users' intentions.

In addition there could now be new opportunities to take extra training after the test and there will also be a review of driving instructor training and testing.

Last month, the Lancashire Telegraph met with Mrs Kelly to highlight the calls of its Wasted Lives campaign.

The campaign is aimed at cutting the carnage caused by drivers under the age of 25 and is seeking a number of education and legal reforms.

Ms Kelly said: "Every year more than 750,000 people pass their driving test.

"New drivers are keen to gain the freedom driving offers them to access further education, jobs or keep in touch with family and friends.

"But too many new drivers are involved in road accidents and are not properly prepared for driving alone."

She went on: "It is time for a new approach to learning to drive.

"We must make sure that novice drivers are safe drivers when they have passed their test.

"We must also create an expectation of lifelong learning, so that people continue advance learning after their test.

"That is why I am publishing proposals which offer new drivers more opportunities to learn both before and after the test, including at school.

"Those who undertake extra training will not only be safer drivers but will have the added incentive that they could see a financial reward in terms of lower insurance premiums."

Consultation on the proposals will run until September 8.

The theory test will be updated. Proposed changes include reforming the hazard perception test to encourage candidates to take it when they have some on-road experience.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is looking at splitting the theory and practical tests into modules to enable learners to pass elements of the test as they learn.

Retakes could also be done in the same way.

The DSA is also looking at a new marking system for the practical test to make it more effective and consistent.

The foundation course proposed will cover the Highway Code, planning journeys, social attitude, peer pressure, fatigue, being safe on the road, and eco-driving.

The DSA proposes that young people will be able to start studying for this foundation qualification from autumn this year.

Other parts of the programme, such as changes to the driving test, could be in place within two or three years.

Road deaths and serious injuries have fallen by 33% since the mid-1990s, but the casualty rate for young drivers has not changed.

As many as 20% of people have an accident within six months of passing the test and a further 70% report near-misses in the same period.

Newly qualified drivers and their passengers account for 20% of all car deaths in Britain.