Learner drivers to see cost in qualifying increase by £500

Government plans are under way to bring in new more thorough testing for learners and driving instructors in a bid to reform driver training.

The announcement, expected sometime this month, will increase the number of lessons a learner needs to complete in order to show that they have attained key skills before being allowed to take the practical test.

And its not just the learners who will have more training time, as the instructors themselves will have to under go more training to increase the standard of tuition being given.

Under the grading system for driving instructors only 7 per cent have attained the top grade 6 with the majority holding a grade 4 licence, which is only one grade above the unsatisfactory level requiring a re-test.

According to the Driving Instructors Association the average cost of lessons will rise to around £32 as instructors face increased training costs and less competition with fewer part-time instructors about.

Coupled with taking up to ten lessons extra it’s easy to see how the average bill for learning to drive will soar. It will also result in fewer 17 year olds passing their tests, as the process takes longer to complete.

The AA, although welcoming the move for greater training, but was concerned at how this would affect lower income families being able to afford lessons. The association was also worried about the impact it would have on the prospects of employment for the young and that it may punish those less academically gifted.

The Government is confident that standards will rise with less young drivers expecting to teach themselves once they have passed.

News provided by insuremyvehicle.co.uk

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