For the first time in nearly a decade, more practical driving tests were taken in 2017 than any other year, according to new data released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Despite changes to the driving exam, introduced in December, there has been a surge in the number of learners taking the test…
Across the UK, DVSA examiners invigilated 1.8 million tests, plus 80,000 vocational driving exams and an additional 125,000 practical motorcycle tests in 2017. Despite the biggest overhaul of driver testing since the introduction of the theory test, the number of practical driving exams taken in 2017 was more than any other year in the last 10 years!
The newly launched driving test saw manoeuvres such as the three-point turn scrapped in favour of bay parking and sat nav use. The impressive growth in the number of driving tests taken is being widely shared by the DVSA with test centres across the country.
The news has been included in 8,000 brochures, which guide motorists through the test and highlights the role of DVSA staff.
DVSA plays role in reducing road deaths
In partnership with the police and various road safety groups, the DVSA has played a crucial part in cutting road deaths by 44% between 2006 and 2016 – attributed to the modernisation of driver testing.
Lesley Young, the DVSA’s chief driving examiner, said: “The number of tests being taken represents a huge achievement. The DVSA’s priority is to help motorists through a lifetime of safe driving and that’s exactly what our nearly 2000-strong team of driver and rider examiners does every time they oversee a driving or motorcycle test.
Ms Young stated that she was proud of DVSA staff for their commitment to making Britain’s roads safer and thanked them for the extra hours they put in to help reduce driving test waiting times.
However, in December 2017 following the launch of the new test, many driving examiners staged a strike, opposing additional working hours. Perhaps Ms Young’s comments were an attempt to alleviate any hard feelings!
DVSA to launch new recruitment campaign
Despite an increase in the number of driving tests taken, many test centres across the country still face huge backlogs due to a shortage of examiners. In the coming weeks, the DVSA is set to launch a new recruitment campaign to hire more examiners, in an effort to reduce waiting times across the agency’s driving test outposts. Watch this space.
Now’s the time to take your practical driving test!
With tests taken on the rise and new examiners set to be hired, now’s the time to book your practical test!
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Tags: Better Driving Guide
