Drivers could get money if they pass test first time

Plan to give cash back to learners in bid to boost road safety

Learner drivers could get money back from their driving test fees if they pass first time.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering the proposal in a bid to encourage learners to only take the test when they are ready and confident of passing.

It is hoped this will mean new drivers are less likely to have an accident in their first months of having a full licence. Just 47.6% of learners pass first time. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency conducts some 1.5 million practical tests each year but only 21% result in a first time pass. Some 53% are failed and 26% are passed by learners who are on at least their second attempt.

Under the proposal, the practical driving test fee – which costs up to £75 – would be reduced. The learner would also be required to pay a deposit to be returned if they pass.

This is part of a consultation aimed at finding ways to improve road safety and increase efficiency in Government agencies. An exact figure for the deposit has not been determined.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We want to make learning to drive safer and more affordable.

“This change will give those who pass first time some money back and provide an incentive for learners to be more prepared before they take their test. These common sense proposals mean that all learner drivers can feel the benefit.

“This consultation is a really important step and we want to hear all views.”

Motoring research charity RAC Foundation welcomed the proposal.

The organisation’s director, Steve Gooding, said: “We support measures that will encourage learner drivers to get the experience they need to pass their test first time with flying colours, rather than barely scraping through or failing and having to repeat the process a few months down the road at yet more expense.”

Carly Brookfield, chief executive, Driving Instructors Association, said: “There are some bold suggestions in this consultation and we do have to think more boldly about how to get more young people, and drivers generally, to properly evaluate the responsibility and risk of driving.

“If there are motivational tools we can use to achieve that aim and better prepared novice drivers as a result, then let’s have a proper and open-minded debate about what those tools could be.”

The consultation also proposes offering tests from a range of venues and the introduction of more flexible time slots to reduce delays.

The DfT is considering changing the providers of some services to get better value for money.

The consultation will also look at ways to tackle the shortage of Large Goods Vehicle drivers.

This could include streamlining the application process to help those with the correct qualifications obtain their licence and start work sooner.

The consultation will close on January 8 and the DfT will then issue a response.

I passed first time and no one gave me anything back. It would be quite a good suggestion though. My grandsons both passed first time too.

Phyllis Thain, 64, Dundee.

I passed my motorbike test, my tractor test my car and my PHV test first time.

Allan McCombie, 64, Dundee.

I’m waiting for my brother to finish so I can use the car. If they gave you money back I would probably wait to take the test as it is quite a lot of money to lose out on.

Samantha Warskyj, 17, Dundee.

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. Learner drivers could get their driving test fees back if they pass first time under proposals being considered by the Department for Transport.