S08049                                                                                               08 May  2008

SAFER ROADS WITH IMPROVED “L” DRIVER TRAINING & TESTING

The Government has launched a "Learning to drive" consultation on how to improve driver training and testing. Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney says the consultation will be of particular interest to young drivers but that everyone has an interest in improving road safety:

“This consultation looks at good ideas like a new foundation course offered in schools and colleges leading to a qualification on safe road use and equipping learner drivers with the wider skills needed to be a safe driver, from driving in difficult conditions (for example at night or in poor weather) to learning to predict and respond to other road users' intentions.

“It suggests we update the training syllabus to ensure learners understand what is required of them to become responsible drivers. An improved driving test would then require learner drivers to demonstrate their driving skills and clear understanding of different situations on the road.

“I especially like the proposal for new opportunities to take extra training post test. The insurance industry and employers in the driving for work sector will be asked to help develop new courses and qualifications to be taken after the driving test that could lead to lower premiums and a better chance of securing a career in the driving for work sector.

“I would encourage everyone to take part in this consultation. We will be designing training and testing for a generation or more of future drivers. We all want safer roads and fewer road casualties, and this is the obvious starting point.”

This consultation will run for 16 weeks, closing on 8 September.

Editor’s Note:  Key facts about learning to drive in Britain:

• Two million people take a car driving test every year.  

• The pass rate is 44%, meaning the average learner takes more than two tests before passing.
• 750,000 people qualify for a licence 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:

     - The theory test - a multiple-choice answer knowledge assessment (since 1996); and 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)

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