UK Driving test reforms: learners on motorways and driverless tech ~ station of gear

A new Government report lays out the future of learning to drive in the UK with wide reaching reforms planned

2016-05-13 16:40

Learner drivers could be allowed to practice on motorways and driverless car tech is set to be introduced into the UK driving test under reforms proposed by the Government to make learning to drive more “real world”.

The report published this week sets out future changes to the whole process of getting a driving licence with a commitment to changing the law to allow learners to drive on motorways when accompanied by a qualified driving instructor in a dual-controlled car.

• Practical driving test: how to pass

The report states: “We see value in supporting a broader range of driving experiences for learners, such as driving at night and on motorways, ahead of candidates obtaining their driving licence.”

Learner, driving test, driving licence, pass, l plate

A pilot scheme to use sat navs as part of the test is already underway, and the Government has made further promises to revamp the test to prepare learners for driverless cars.

Driving test to mirror 'real world' car use

It stated: “The DVSA will reform the driving test (and, thereby, pre-test learning) to encourage more real life driving experience and ensure that it takes account of local variations and increasing vehicle automation.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the policy shows ministers “have their eyes firmly on the road ahead”. He added: “The day will come when levels of automation could mean programming the destination might be the only thing we do before sitting back and enjoying the ride. We are not there yet but it’s good to see the rapidly changing face of motoring being considered.”

• History of the UK driving test

A voluntary electronic logbook for learners to track progress will be set up, too, so people take the test when they’re ready - part of the Government’s push to raise the first time pass rate up. Research will also be done into how financial incentives might contribute to persuading learners to practise more.

There will be a voluntary scheme for ADIs to publish pass rates of pupils, too, so learners can base choice of instructor on more statistics rather than word of mouth.

More tests slots will be made available, too, outside of the general weekday hours and test centres will have routes reviewed. AA president Edmund King said: “These are generally sensible proposals. Greater driving test flexibility will ease the roadblock on new drivers.”

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Joe Finnerty

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