Belgium, famously, did not have one until comparatively recently. The UK’s is about to become a little harder….
Lesson in Life
Belgium, famously, did not have one until comparatively recently. The UK’s is about to become a little harder.
I am referring of course to the driving test. The Driving Standards Agency has announced that, from next month, candidates sitting the theory part of the UK test will have to answer 50 questions instead of the present 35.
This move comes as the Government looks at ways to improve teaching and testing of learner drivers. I thought the DfT would eventually put up some formal proposals for public consultation but the change process seems to have started already.
There was a speculative announcement a few weeks ago that the minimum driving age might be raised to 18. Now there’s this tweak to the theory test.
According to a DSA spokesperson: “Pass marks are being driven up to increase safety.” Well, not exactly. Asking a few more questions will certainly be more challenging but the new pass mark of 43 correct questions out of 50 is, at 86%, exactly the same as in the current theory exam.
Candidates will actually be allowed proportionally more time to complete the test. And, needless to say, the price of taking it will also increase – by a third, to £28.50.
In effect, the candidate’s journey though the theory test will remain the same. It will just take longer and cost them more.
Which, when you come to think of it, is an apt metaphor for the real-life driving experience awaiting many of them when they ultimately throw away their L-plates.
I particularly liked the fact that the longer test was announced by the DSA’s “Head of Lifelong Learning”. Who says Government agencies don’t do subtlety?
Despite a few shortcomings, our system helps give the UK the safest roads in the EU in terms of deaths per passenger kilometre. Training drivers properly is truly a lesson for life.
