Big rule change for driving tests that means learners will have to wait longer to retake after failing

LEARNERS who fail their driving test will have to wait a month before having another go under new plans.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said it hopes learners will be “better prepared” when they take their first test.

How long must you wait before booking a new test?

Under current rules, learners who fail a driving test can book another one after just 10 working days.

If come into effect, that window will be stretched to 28 working days.

The agency said it hopes the change will “reduce the number of people attempting the test when they’re not ready”.

It said the longer window will also encourage learners who fail their tests to take further training before having another go.

Roads safety minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said the change “will help you to pass the driving test and keep you safe at the crucial point that you drive on your own for the first time.

“It will also set you on your way to a lifetime of safe driving.”

Plans in the newly launched consultation are not final – and motorists can in a government survey.

How else will driving tests change under the new plans?

Other proposals include asking drivers to give more notice if they need to change or cancel their test.

Currently, you only need to give three days notice to get a full refund, but this could be increased to 10 days so that fewer test slots go to waste.

Driving instructors may also be legally required to display their registration certificate in the windscreen when their car is being used for a driving test.

And instructors could be placed in a new database where learners can see how their pupils fare.

Data published would include the average number of pupil faults and serious faults per test, and their overall pass rate.

Eyesight checks will be changed to assess learners’ vision at numerous light levels, not just in the daytime.

And lastly, paper pass certificates would be replaced by digital ones.

The consultation opened on Tuesday (January 25) and will close on March 8, so make sure you get your answers in soon.

According to the DVSA, a “summary of responses”, including which of the proposals will go ahead, will be published within 3 months of the deadline.

If you have any questions about the survey or the proposals, you can email the DVSA policy team at: consultations@dvsa.gov.uk.

Meanwhile, the DVLA has warned drivers make sure their licences are updated – or risk a £1,000 fine.

And a RED driving instructor advised Sun readers on how to pass their test, including avoiding coffee before the assessment.

Plus, keep up to date with the latest Highway Code changes coming into place this weekend.