September 30, 2025
Fast Track or Slow Lane?

Learning to drive is one of life’s biggest milestones-right up there with graduating, getting your first job, or finally parallel parking without traumatising the curb. But when it comes to lessons, learners often face a fork in the road: intensive driving courses or weekly lessons. So, buckle up-we’re about to take this debate for a spin.

Intensive Driving Courses: Pedal to the Metal
Pros:
• Speedy Pass: Need your licence yesterday? Intensive courses are the motorway to freedom. Britannia Driving School offers 15-hour packages over just six days at shockingly sensible prices. That’s faster than your mum saying, “I’m not your taxi service.”
• Full-Throttle Focus: With lessons packed tighter than the Tube at rush hour, you’ll barely have time to forget clutch control.
• Confidence Boost: The non-stop immersion makes driving feel less like an alien activity and more like… well, driving.

Cons:
• Brain Drain: Four hours a day in a car can leave your brain running on empty. (Warning: coffee not included.)
• One-Size Doesn’t Fit All: Some people need more pit stops. If you learn best with breaks, you may find yourself stalling.
• Pressure Cooker: Tests often follow immediately. It’s like doing karaoke in front of Simon Cowell when you’ve only practised in the shower.

Weekly Driving Lessons: Cruise Control
Pros:
• Steady Progress: One to three lessons a week means you learn slowly, like a slow-cooked stew. And who doesn’t prefer that over a microwave meal?
• Easy on the Wallet: Pay-as-you-go (with block booking discounts) keeps your bank account from skidding into overdraft.
• Fits Around Life: Whether you’re balancing school, work, or a Netflix marathon, weekly lessons slide neatly into your schedule.
• Great for Nervous Drivers: Extra time between lessons lets you reflect—without reflecting off someone’s bumper.

Cons:
• It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: With around 45 professional hours needed, weekly learners may be in it for the long haul.
• Forget-Me-Nots: Long gaps risk you forgetting what you’ve learned-like mirror-signal-manoeuvre turning into mirror-signal-erm… what was it again?
• Booking Battles: Snagging your favourite instructor’s slot can feel harder than finding parking in central London.

What Do the Experts Say?
At Britannia Driving School, learners get the best of both worlds. Nervous beginners thrive under patient instructors, while fast trackers benefit from competitively priced crash courses.

One Trustpilot reviewer nailed it: “My instructor was patient, calm, and really boosted my confidence. I passed first time!”. That’s the kind of testimonial that makes stalling almost sound cute.

Final Thoughts: Which Lane is Yours?
If you’re racing against the clock, intensive courses are your turbo boost. If you’d rather enjoy the scenery (and the occasional tea break), weekly lessons are your best lane. Either way, Britannia Driving School will steer you right-with expert instructors, modern cars, and prices that won’t make your wallet put on the handbrake.
Because whether you’re zooming or cruising, the finish line is the same: confidence, independence, and that sweet, sweet Driving Licence.

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September 20, 2025
Automatic vs Manual Cars: Which is Best to Learn in 2026?

For decades, the classic rite of passage in Britain was learning to drive a manual car. Mastering the clutch was almost a national sport, with hill starts ranking just below cricket in terms of stress and tradition. But times are changing. Automatic cars are no longer just for the lazy, the nervous, or the Americans—they’re rapidly becoming the new normal. Let’s have a light-hearted look at why this shift is happening, what the UK test requirements say, and where the future is heading. And of course, how Britannia Driving School can steer you in the right direction (pun intended).

The Case for Manual Cars
Manual cars have long been seen as the ‘proper’ way to learn. They give you more control, can be cheaper to buy, and until recently, were everywhere. Plus, once you’ve got that manual licence, you can drive both manuals and automatics. It’s like getting the full buffet instead of the salad bar. The downside? Stalling at roundabouts, grinding gears, and clutch control that feels more like a medieval torture device than a learning experience. Learners often spend half their early lessons just figuring out how not to bunny-hop down the road.

Why Learners Are Shifting to Automatics
Enter the automatic car, the smooth, gear-free saviour of nervous learners everywhere. The rise of electric vehicles (which are all automatic by design) and the increasing popularity of hybrid cars has made automatics far more mainstream. No clutch, no stalling, and no sweating bullets when traffic on Wimbledon Hill decides to grind to a halt just as you’re pulling away. For many learners, automatics offer less stress, faster progress, and fewer grey hairs for their instructors. In fact, DVSA stats show that demand for automatic tests has doubled in recent years, and for good reason: learners want simplicity.

The UK Test Requirements
Here’s the important bit: if you pass your test in a manual car, you’re allowed to drive both manual and automatic cars. If you pass in an automatic, however, you’re limited to automatics only. So, while automatics are easier to learn in, they do restrict you (for now). That said, with automatics and EVs becoming more common, that restriction is looking less dramatic every year. Soon, “I can’t drive a manual” might be about as relevant as saying “I can’t churn butter by hand.”

The Future Outlook
With the UK planning to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, and most carmakers shifting their line-ups to electric and hybrid models, it’s clear the future is automatic. In 10 years, finding a manual car might be trickier than finding a phone box that still works. The tide is turning, and learners today are already ahead of the curve if they choose the automatic route.

How Britannia Driving School Can Help
Whether you want to conquer clutch control like a traditionalist or glide smoothly into the automatic era, Britannia Driving School has you covered. Our instructors across London—from Wimbledon to Battersea-are patient, professional, and more than capable of helping you pass in whichever gearbox you choose. Want to master the manual? We’ll guide you through every stall and start. Prefer to keep things stress-free in an automatic? We’ll make sure you’re test-ready faster than you can say “gearbox.”

At Britannia, we believe learning to drive should be about confidence, not chaos. So whichever path you choose-manual, automatic, or eventually electric-we’ll get you there with humour, patience, and a licence you can actually use without fear of stalling.

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September 14, 2025
Driving Test Fraud UK…

Avoid risky driving test scams. Learn why impersonation is fraud and how Britannia Driving School Wimbledon helps learners pass safely, honestly, and confidently.
We’ve all heard stories of learner drivers stalling at traffic lights, nervously fumbling gears, or breaking into a sweat at the sight of a roundabout. But here’s a twist: in the UK, some so-called “learners” at test centres aren’t learners at all. They’re experienced drivers pretending to be learners—for money. Yes, it’s a thing, and no, it’s not clever. It’s fraud, and it’s dangerous.

How the Driving Test Scam Works
The setup is simple (and illegal). A struggling learner, tired of failing or unwilling to learn properly, pays a more experienced driver to sit their driving test. Armed with a forged provisional licence featuring their own face swapped with the learner’s details, the impersonator turns up, aces the exam, and hands over the pass certificate. The learner gets a licence without knowing how to parallel park, and the impersonator walks away with cash in their pocket.

Why It’s a Road to Nowhere

It might sound like a fast-track to freedom, but it’s a crash course in bad decisions. First off, impersonation during driving tests is criminal fraud. Those caught have faced hefty fines, bans, and even prison sentences. The learner also risks having their licence revoked and being barred from retaking the test. Not to mention the safety nightmare of untrained drivers sharing the road. Imagine someone who’s never done an emergency stop barrelling down Wimbledon High Street—it’s a recipe for disaster.

Why People Are Tempted
So why do people risk it? The answer lies in the pressure. With DVSA test waits averaging around 22 weeks, nerves running high, and almost half of learners failing their first attempt, frustration boils over. Add the costs of repeated lessons and tests, and suddenly a shady shortcut looks appealing. But while it might save a few months in theory, it could cost years in penalties—and put lives at risk.

Britannia Driving School’s Approach
At Britannia Driving School, we say there’s only one way to earn your licence: through proper practice, patience, and professional guidance. No shortcuts, no scams, just solid driving lessons that prepare you for real roads. Our instructors across London, including our wonderful, endlessly patient Samai in SE25 and SW16, specialise in turning anxious learners into confident drivers. In Richmond upon Thames, Wimbledon, and beyond, our team has helped thousands pass their test legitimately—and with a smile.
Instead of worrying about test fraud, we help you tackle the real challenges: clutch control, hazard awareness, and not panicking when a cyclist suddenly appears out of nowhere. We also support learners with booking advice to navigate long DVSA waits, so there’s no need to panic or even think about paying someone else to do your test.

The Safer, Smarter Choice
At the end of the day, cheating might sound like a quick fix, but it’s the wrong turn—legally and morally. Driving is a skill you’ll use for life, and it’s too important to fake. With Britannia Driving School in Wimbledon, you’ll get expert instruction, patient teaching, and the satisfaction of knowing you passed your test honestly.
Because nothing feels better than sitting in the driver’s seat, licence in hand, knowing you earned it fair and square. Fraudsters may fool the test centre for a day, but Britannia learners are road-ready for life.

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September 7, 2025
Why Do Learner Drivers Switch Instructors So Often? And How Britannia Driving School in Wimbledon Keeps You on Track (and laughing)

Ever wondered why so many learner drivers end up with not one, not two, but three different instructors by the time they finally pass their driving test? Spoiler: it’s not because they’re building a Top Trumps collection of driving instructors. There are real reasons behind the switcheroo—and, thankfully, there’s also a way to avoid it. At Britannia Driving School in Wimbledon, we’ve cracked the code (and we promise no Pokémon-style swapping involved).

Why Do UK Learner Drivers Change Driving Instructors So Often?
It’s surprisingly common for learners to go through multiple instructors before they get their licence. Here’s why the instructor merry-go-round keeps spinning.

Finding a Driving Instructor Who Matches Your Learning Style
Some instructors bark like drill sergeants, others are so laid-back you wonder if they’re powered by herbal tea. If the vibe doesn’t match the learner, it’s game over. One minute you’re learning clutch control, the next you’re googling “driving instructors near me” again.

Unreliable Driving Instructors: Why Learners Switch
There’s nothing worse than gearing yourself up for a lesson, only for your instructor to cancel because “something came up.” Translation: you just lost two hours, your Saturday, and probably your patience. Cue another switch.

How Clear Driving Lesson Plans Boost Confidence
Learners love a clear roadmap. Without feedback, it feels like being stuck in traffic with no ETA. You want an instructor who tells you: “Next stop, roundabouts!” Not one who says, “Just drive around until I get bored.”

Why Safe, Modern Driving School Cars Matter
Let’s face it—if the car rattles more than your nerves before a hill start, you’re out of there. Dual controls are a must, but so is a car that doesn’t smell like last week’s takeaway.

Long DVSA Test Wait Times and Switching Driving Instructors
DVSA waits are longer than the queue at Greggs on a Monday morning. Learners switch to instructors who can help them beat the booking chaos—or at least sympathise with the suffering while handing over a biscuit.

Why Choose Britannia Driving School in Wimbledon for Consistent Driving Lessons
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to hop between instructors like you’re on some driving-themed reality TV show. At Britannia Wimbledon, we keep it simple—you, one patient instructor, and a clear path to passing. Here’s how we save you from the circus:

• Patient, Personable Instructors – Our Wimbledon team adapts to you. Nervous wreck? Speed demon? Somewhere in between? We’ve got the patience of saints and the humour to keep you sane.
• Reliable & Consistent Lessons – No vanishing acts or last-minute cancellations. Your instructor will turn up, on time, every time (and no excuses about “mystery flat tyres”).
• Clear Progress Tracking – We set goals, give real feedback, and celebrate your wins—yes, even if it’s just surviving your first hill start without stalling.
• Modern, Safe Cars – Our cars don’t creak, rattle, or double as storage for fast-food wrappers. They’re clean, dual-controlled, and confidence-boosting.
• Booking Support – Test dates got you stressed? We’ll guide you through the DVSA jungle so your theory doesn’t expire while you’re still figuring out the indicators.

Pass Your Driving Test in Wimbledon with Britannia Instructors
Across the UK, learners often juggle three instructors before passing. In Wimbledon, we make sure you only need one—the right one. With our combo of professionalism, patience, and good humour, Britannia Driving School makes your journey less about stress and more about success.
Because learning to drive shouldn’t feel like musical chairs. Stick with Britannia Wimbledon, laugh through the lessons, and drive straight to your pass certificate.

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August 31, 2025
Driving Lessons, Eye Tests & Payment Tech

If you thought learning to drive in the UK was just about stalling gracefully at roundabouts and pretending parallel parking isn’t terrifying, think again. 2025 has brought a flurry of changes for learners and drivers alike—some useful, some eyebrow-raising, and all guaranteed to spice up the road to your license. But don’t panic—Britannia Driving School, with our ever-patient instructors in Richmond upon Thames, has you covered.

1. Scotland’s Driving Test Shake-Up (And Why It Matters to You)
Scotland recently rolled out a seven-point plan to tackle horrendous wait times for driving tests. Think: 450 new examiners, a better booking system, and stricter cancellation rules. Translation? Less time refreshing the DVSA website and more time practising three-point turns. While the reforms are Scotland’s test track for now, the rest of the UK could soon follow. At Britannia, our Richmond instructors are already helping learners plan smart, so when those changes hit London, you’ll be ready to ace your test instead of queuing endlessly.

2. Eye Tests for Older Drivers (Yes, Gran, This Means You) ️️
The government is steering towards mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70, with re-checks every three years. Add in whispers about tighter drink-driving limits, and it’s clear road safety is the big headline. While Granny might grumble, the truth is clear (pun intended): sharp eyesight keeps everyone safer. Britannia’s instructors often joke that checking your mirrors is only useful if you can see them. In Richmond, we mix patience with practicality—whether you’re 17 or 71, we make sure you’re confident, safe, and not mistaking a bus for a bike.

3. Payment Tech is Revving Up
Cash is so last decade. With schools across the UK turning to smarter payment tech, learners can now book and pay for lessons as easily as ordering takeaway. At Britannia, we’ve embraced the trend too—smooth booking means you spend less time fiddling with coins and more time mastering clutch control on Richmond’s charmingly narrow streets. Tech aside, our instructors remain proudly old-school in one way: they still deliver patient, calm, human instruction (no app can do that).

4. Learner Costs & Test Scheduling Woes
Here’s the kicker: costs are creeping up. Theory prep, apps, and those DVSA books all add up. On top of that, many learners are sweating over test dates, with long waits risking their theory expiring before they even get a shot at the wheel. At Britannia, we’ve seen this stress firsthand, and we guide our learners through it with good humour. We keep lessons efficient, practical, and fun—because the last thing you need when juggling costs is more pressure.

Britannia’s Advantage
From new rules to old frustrations, the UK learner landscape is shifting gears. But Britannia Driving School remains the go-to pit stop. Our instructors—patient, professional, and blessed with a sense of humour—make the difference. We believe in keeping learning accessible, affordable, and stress-free.

So, whether it’s eye tests, payment tech, or the dreaded DVSA booking screen, Britannia Driving School helps you navigate it all—with a smile, a laugh, and eventually, a pass certificate.

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August 17, 2025
Britannia Driving School: Shifting Gears and Taking the Lead in London & Surrey

Looking for driving lessons in London or Surrey and tired of the same old road? You’ve probably noticed one name zooming ahead of the pack: Britannia Driving School. From TikTok testimonials to glowing five-star reviews, Britannia isn’t just coasting-it’s accelerating into the fast lane of driving education. So, what’s causing all the buzz? Buckle up, we’re taking a scenic route through their success story.

30 Years on the Road—and Still in Top Gear

Let’s face it: in a world full of “pop-up” driving schools that disappear faster than your Uber Eats order, Britannia is a welcome classic. With over three decades of experience, they’ve taught entire generations how to handle roundabouts without panic, reverse park without tears, and navigate test routes like seasoned pros.

These instructors aren’t guessing what examiners want-they know. It’s like being taught by a driving Jedi who’s seen it all and lived to teach about it.

Lessons Built for Real Life (Not Just the Test)

Need flexible hours? Crash course before your theory test next week. Lessons in automatic because manual feels like trying to drive a dinosaur. Britannia has it covered.

They tailor lessons to suit you-whether you’re a terrified first-timer or someone dusting off an expired license from 2006. Plus, their pricing is fair and transparent, with DVSA-licensed instructors who are more “friendly mentor” than “grumpy driving school sergeant.”

And yes, they work evenings and weekends, because your job/university/kids/pet parrot won’t teach you how to drive.

Tech That Keeps You in the Driver’s Seat

Britannia isn’t stuck in the stone age of spiral-bound logbooks and phone-tag scheduling. Their website is as smooth as a clean gear change-allowing you to book lessons, see prices, and track your progress online.

They even offer online theory test support that doesn’t involve ancient CD-ROMs or guesswork. You’ll feel prepped and confident-without memorising the entire Highway Code in one sleepless weekend.

Praise That’s Fuelling the Fire

Hop onto Reddit, TikTok, or Google Reviews, and you’ll find learner drivers practically writing love letters to Britannia’s instructors. The consensus? They’re kind, patient, encouraging, and somehow manage to explain clutch control in a way that makes sense.

Review sites are full of five-star ratings, glowing thanks, and emotional pass-day selfies. If applause could be heard over an engine, Britannia would need earplugs.

Driving With a Bigger Purpose

Britannia isn’t just trying to get you to squeak by the test-they’re committed to building safe, skilled, road-savvy drivers for the long haul. That means they’ll teach you how to handle the unpredictable world of UK roads-rain, cyclists, potholes, and all.

With the DVSA constantly raising the bar on standards, that long-term mindset could make the difference between passing the test and panicking at a roundabout.

 Final Verdict? Britannia Isn’t Just Riding the Wave-They’re Leading the Convoy

Whether you’re itching to get your first license or picking up driving again after a break, Britannia Driving School offers the perfect mix of experience, modern convenience, and learner-first thinking. With a smart tech platform, flexible lessons, and instructors who care, it’s no wonder they’re getting noticed.

In short? Britannia isn’t just teaching driving-they’re redefining it. And judging by the buzz, they’re doing a pretty fine job of it.

 

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June 23, 2025
Start Your Engines WIN A FREE DRIVING LESSON!!

 

This week we have an exciting competition launching!! With the chance to win a FREE DRIVING LESSON!! To be in with the chance of winning this amazing prize all you have to do is:

  • Follow us on Facebook or Instagram
  • Like & Share the competition post via one of social media platforms
  • Tag 3 friends
  • Take our first time drivers quiz

You may enter your answers below in the comment section

 

Winner to be announced on Monday 7th July

Good luck to everyone!!!!!

*Competition closes Sunday 6th July

 

NEW DRIVER QUIZ:

What does a RED traffic light mean?

A. Proceed with caution

B. Stop and wait at the stop line

C. Stop only if there is other traffic

D. Prepare to go

When can you use a mobile phone whilst driving?

A. When the car is moving slowly

B. Only if you are using hands-free

C. Any time if its on speaker

D. Never under any circumstances

What is the national speed limit on a single carriageway road for cars?

A. 30 MPH

B. 50 MPH

C. 60 MPH

D. 70 MPH

What should you do when approaching a roundabout?

A. Stop no matter what

B. Give way to traffic coming from the right

C. Accelerate to merge quickly

D. Always take the inside lane

It is legal to drive in the UK without a seat belt if you are over 18

A. True

B. False

You should flash your headlights to let others know you have the right away 

A. True

B. False

You are allowed to cross a solid white line in the centre of the road to overtake a slow-moving vehicle

A. True

B. False

Driving with snow or ice on your windscreen is illegal 

A. True

B. False

You can park on the pavement if there is no double yellow lines

A. True

B. False

You are driving at 60 mph on a country road when a sharp bend appears ahead, what should you do?

A. Maintain your speed

B. Brake hard into the bend

C. Slow down before the bend

D. Swerve if necessary

You see a horse rider on the road, what should you do?

A. Sound your horn to alert them

B. Pass quickly

C. Slow down and pass wide and slow

D. Turn around

You are at a junction with poor visability, what is the safest way to proceed?

A. Edge forward slowly and look

B. Pull out quickly

C. Flash your lights and go

D. Wait for someone to let you out

Answers will be put up here on our blog week commencing Monday 7th July

 

 

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May 22, 2025
Testing Times

 

Three major changes to the UK driving test are being trialed with the goal of accelerating the exam process for thousands of learner drivers.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing the revised test format at 20 selected centres across the country as part of efforts to boost both testing efficiency and road safety.

This initiative follows data collected between 2019 and 2023, which showed that 48% of injuries in crashes involving young drivers happened on rural roads.

The same data also revealed that 16% of young motorists involved in accidents were not wearing seat belts — the highest rate across all age groups.

The new test format is designed to better reflect real-world driving conditions, helping newly qualified drivers feel more prepared for everyday situations.

Additionally, the updated approach aims to streamline the process, allowing more learners to take their tests sooner.

Lets take a look at the proposed changes:

Independent Driving:

The tests currently being conducted will include a period of independent driving accompanied by sat nav, under the new tests the learner will have to navigate the whole test independently

Emergency Stops:

Emergency stops will decrease from the current one in three to one in seven.

Number of stops:

At the moment learners will have to carry out four stops but during the trial this will be reduced to three.

The trial comes to light following the recent changes to the frame to cancel a test came into play, increasing the previous time period of 3 working days to 10.

According to the official government website, the main reason behind the proposed rule changes is the growing number of unused driving test appointments.

Many learner drivers choose to cancel or reschedule their test at the last minute, often because they don’t feel adequately prepared as the date approaches.

However, when changes are made so close to the appointment, it becomes difficult for others to step in and take the slot—resulting in many tests going unused.

In 2024 alone, around 60,000 driving test slots were wasted due to candidates not showing up, as reported by the government.

This has contributed to longer waiting times and made securing a test appointment more challenging. In response, the DVSA is exploring new measures to discourage last-minute cancellations.

At present, learners must wait 10 working days before booking a new test if they cancel or miss their appointment. However, this waiting period may be extended in the future.

The DVSA is also considering introducing a penalty fee to reduce the number of last-minute changes and no-shows.

Exceptions will still be made for those facing special circumstances, such as illness, injury, bereavement, or if they need to attend an academic exam or have had their licence stolen. In these cases, a refund can be requested.

You can book a Practical Driving Test directly here : https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test

Check or change a Practical Driving Test here : https://www.gov.uk/change-driving-test

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September 25, 2023
DVSA Crack Down

If you’ve been one of the many learners trying to book a practical driving test in recent months, then you will understand the frustration it causes. Logging on to the DVSA website after being given the green light from your instructor to go ahead and book a driving test, to be greeted with 0 tests available. Very disheartening to say the least, these tests have been most likely snapped up by ‘bots’ designed to buy any test dates and then the hacker will re sell them on to desperate learners looking for a test date, at an extortionate price.

The buying and selling of tests has been likened to similar situations in the music industry where concert tickets are bought and resold simply to gain a profit. This has not only caused many learners to pay out hundreds for a test date, but it has also increased the number of learners either turning up to their tests unprepared or even worse turning up to the test center on the day of the test to find out there is no test!

However, the DVSA is in the process of now blocking nearly 5,000 unauthorized accounts that were using the system designed specifically for driving instructors and driving schools to book multiple tests at a time. Also implementing tougher security measures to block the use of any automated software to mass book tests.

The blocking of authorized accounts will help clear some of the backlog of tests, but despite the high demand, the DVSA has said 6,000 test slots per month are wasted by candidates who fail to turn up.

A further 1,100 are unable to take their tests due to the following reasons:

  • Turning up late to the test
  • Do not bring their provisional license
  • The car doesn’t meet the requirements

A text message service is being launched which will send test date reminders to learners in a bid to prevent wasted test slots.

An estimated extra 425,000 tests have taken place since April 2021, the DVSA said, after more examiners were recruited and more tests offered at weekends and on bank holidays.

 

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April 3, 2023
4 Vital Changes Regarding Your Driving Test

Last week it was announced the DVSA will be making some important changes to government policies regarding Driving Test bookings.

They ran a consultation between 25 January and 8 March 2022 about changing some policies that affect learning to drive and driving tests.

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test
  • reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted
  • update when and how we carry out the eyesight check at the start of the driving test

They currently have very high demand for driving tests. There are 3 main reasons for this:

  • fewer tests than usual have taken place because of restrictions and other factors related to the pandemic
  • learner drivers who are not yet ready to take their test have heard that waiting times are high, causing them to book earlier than they normally would
  • the pass rate for driving tests – for many years, less than half of people pass on their first attempt, meaning they’ll need to take at least one more test

Many driving instructors have said that some learner drivers want to pass their driving test as quickly and cheaply as possible. They say they are unable to stop their pupils from booking a test before they are ready.

They put forward some of these proposals because they think they’ll:

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared for their driving test
  • help to reduce the number of driving test appointments that are wasted
  • give us more flexibility in how and when we can carry out driving tests

Other proposals were to help them to:

  • find out more about what information learner drivers and their families want to know when choosing a driving instructor – which in the longer term will help learner drivers to find the best driving instructor for them
  • move to replace paper pass certificates with digital versions, saving millions of sheets of paper each year

1. Encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the period a candidate can take another car driving test from 10 working days to 28 working days.

They have decided this because:

  • the period gives candidates time to take extra training
  • it will have a positive impact on car driving test waiting times
  • gaining more knowledge, skills and experience will help keep new drivers safe at the crucial point that they drive on their own for the first time
  • better prepared drivers should have a positive effect on road safety
  • one-third of learner drivers admit this will encourage them to only book their test when they are ready while waiting times remain the same – this increases to 42.8% if waiting times reduce

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

2. Reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the notice period a candidate must give to change or cancel a car driving test from 3 full working days to 10 full working days.

They have decided this because:

  • it is currently difficult for DVSA to make tests cancelled with 3 working days’ notice available to another candidate, which means that a test slot is wasted
  • it will free up wasted test slots, which means these slots can be offered to other candidates to make tests available more quickly

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

3. Update when and how we check someone’s eyesight at the start of the driving test

 

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to introduce the proposals to:

  • do the eyesight check in the driving test in any level of light – not just good daylight
  • use more methods of checking people’s eyesight when they take the driving test

We will look at options available to introduce an alternative means to conduct an eyesight test that is not dependent on good daylight or reading a car number plate, but that will continue to ensure a driver’s eyesight is assessed consistently with the current test.

What will happen next

We are exploring alternative means of assessing eyesight. This is being done with DVLA’s Medical Panel. This is necessary because DVLA is the driving agency responsible for licensing drivers and it is important for any new procedures to meet the standards that currently apply. It will be necessary to ensure that any alternative is thoroughly tested and assessed to ensure it replicates the requirements of the current test and is sufficiently rigorous.

In the consultation, a majority of respondents supported the proposal for DVSA having the flexibility to conduct the eyesight test by means other than reading the number plate attached to the vehicle. This will enable us to provide driving tests at more times, in different levels of light, and will give us the flexibility to test eyesight if there are few vehicles parked nearby.

4. Replace paper pass certificates with digital pass certificates

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to modernise the administrative process of notifying candidates that they have passed their test by replacing the current paper pass certificates with digital test pass certificates.

What will happen next

It will be necessary to update legislation to do this. This will require both primary and secondary legislation. We plan to make provision which requires primary legislation when an opportunity is available.

We will need to make sure that the electronic record, when provided without a paper version, will be available to successful candidates as soon as a test is passed.

 

 

 

 

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