ACCELERATE YOUR INSTRUCTOR BUSINESS
myths & driving misconceptions
Driving Test Booking Scheme contract
Scotland tops learner pass rate
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Learner
myths & driving misconceptions debunked
Discomfiting myths about the driving test remain stubbornly persistent as one million learners fail their test annually. According to new research by the AA Driving School, a sixth of drivers believe examiners have a pass/ fail quota*. Other untrue urban myths about learners and the driving test include 27% of drivers believing you can’t wear sunglasses on your driving test.
Official Government data shows just over 1 million learners failed their test in 2024 and, according to separate data, only a third of qualified drivers are very confident they’d pass a practical retest**. Those who weren’t confident they’d pass said their most likely downfall was Highway Code knowledge
being out of date (88%) and bad habits (73%). Worryingly many drivers lack of driving knowledge goes beyond believing in myths and may land them on the wrong side of the law. One in 10 drivers don’t know that learners can accumulate points on their licence and 6% think drivers can be drunk when supervising a learner driver.
Mark Born, head of the academy at AA Driving School, said: “Just under half of all driving tests are failed. It would be massive shame, given the long waiting times to book a re-test, if learners were hindering their chances of success because urban myths have damaged their confidence or understanding of the test.
“Examiners do not have a limit on how many people they can
pass in one day – whatever time of day you take your test you have the same chance of passing so don’t feel down if you have a later slot.
“And you can wear sunglasses. Given the very sunny summer we have had so far it’s worrying so many people think they can’t wear them during their test. “Other false beliefs are potentially more damaging and even dangerous with one in twenty drivers thinking you are allowed to be drunk when you are supervising a learner driver.
“Drivers, both learners and qualified, should make sure they check whether they are holding onto incorrect information about the driving test so they don’t hold themselves back or land themselves in trouble.”
TOP LEARNER AND DRIVING TEST MYTHS (CORRECT ANSWER IN BOLD):
• There is a pass/fail quota for examiners (15% true / 85% false)
• Three-point turn is no longer part of the driving test (39% true / 61% false)
• You need to do push/pull steering on my test (32% true/ 68% false)
• You can be over the drink drive limit when you supervise a learner driver (6% true / 94% false)
• You can pass your test with 14 minor faults (15% true / 85% false)
• Learner drivers have to drive independently for 20 minutes on the test using satnav or road signs (42% true / 58% false)
• You have to go down through the gears when slowing down to prevent wear and tear on your brakes (41% true / 59% false)
• Learners can’t get points on their licence (10% true / 90% false)
• You can’t wear sunglasses on your test as the examiner can’t see your eyes (27% true / 73% false)
• The pass-rate for automatics is lower than for manuals (15% true / 85% false)
• You have to check your mirrors every 12 seconds (33% true / 67% false)
• A learner driver is allowed on a motorway for practice as long as it’s with a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor and in a dual-controlled car (39% true / 61% false)
• You have to pass your theory test before you can start taking lessons (33% true / 67% false)
• If you hit the kerb on your test it’s an automatic fail (56% true / 44% false)
• You might be asked to park on the right-hand side of the road, reverse back two spaces, then rejoin the lefthand side (40% true / 60% false)
• If you don’t pass your practical test within two years of passing your theory test you’ll have to take the theory again (90% true / 10% false)
If you’d like to find out more information on AA Driving School franchises visit: Driving Instructor Franchise Opportunities | The AA
* Yonder received 10,509 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 13th to 21st May 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. **Yonder received 10,509 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 13th to 21st May 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Parking app fines spark concern among drivers
Parking apps were introduced to make life easier for motorists, yet new research suggests many drivers are finding them more of a frustration than a help.
A survey by Temporary Car Insurance experts Uswitch found that almost half of UK drivers (47%) say they have been wrongly fined while using a parking app. A quarter report this has happened more than once, raising concerns about the reliability of these digital services.
The study also highlighted wider frustrations:
• 35% dislike having to download and register for multiple apps
• 29% experience crashes or poor signal
• 27% find the interfaces confusing
• 19% have been caught by hidden service fees
With so many different providers, drivers can feel pressured into using whichever app a car park demands, often at the risk of mistakes or unnecessary charges.
To address this, the British Parking Association is leading work on a new National Parking Platform (NPP), bringing together major providers such as RingGo, JustPark, and PayByPhone. The NPP will allow drivers to pay via one app of their choice
across participating car parks nationwide.
Encouragingly, 72% of drivers believe the new system will improve their parking experience, with half emphasising the need for clear, upfront pricing without hidden admin charges. Alerts before expiry times, real-time space availability, and one-tap payment were also seen as essential features.
For ADIs and PDIs, these findings underline the importance of helping learners understand how modern parking systems work and preparing them for the practical realities of digital motoring.
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Driving Test wait times average 22.2 weeks
The DVSA has reported that learner drivers continue to face long waits for driving tests, with the average wait time standing at 22.2 weeks as of June 25. A small rise was noted in August as the Christmas booking window opened, further stretching the system.
Currently, more than 640,000 tests are booked, with overall availability across the system at just 4.73%. These figures were shared during the latest meeting between DVSA and NASP, which focused heavily on service delivery and backlog management.
Despite the pressure on availability, the average pass rate for the financial year so far
has exceeded 50%. In August, the rate stood at 50.69%, a trend DVSA views positively in terms of learner outcomes and test quality.
DIA CEO, Carly Brookfield, said: “The dial isn’t really moving on test waiting times as it should have done. We’re still at the same average waiting time as we were in December when a 7 Point Plan, purportedly designed to tackle the problems, was launched. Another pledge for the Minister in April and still very little impact which feels meaningful. This is disappointing and disheartening for trainers and pupil’s alike and whilst a slight increase in pass rate is clearly going to be spun as a positive,
it doesn’t distract stakeholders from a lack of progress on the key issues of test resourcing and delivery.”
For ADIs and PDIs, the figures highlight the ongoing challenges of managing pupil expectations and business planning around test availability. While DVSA continues recruitment of examiners to boost capacity, the sector is still experiencing sustained demand, with approximately 1,700 applications a month to begin the qualification process.
DIA members can expect further updates when DVSA publishes its quarterly statistics in October.
Nearly 100 drink-drivers caught every day, new
figures reveal
Almost 100 motorists a day have been caught drinkdriving in Britain over the past three years, according to new data obtained by IAM RoadSmart.
A Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) revealed that 108,000 drivers received drink-drive endorsements between 2022 and 2024, equating to an average of 99 convictions per day.
The age group 25–39 accounted for the highest proportion of offences, with more than 48,000 cases. By contrast, only 3,000 motorists over 65 were convicted during the same period.
IAM RoadSmart estimates the potential financial impact of a drink-drive conviction for professional drivers could be as high as £80,000. This figure includes lost earnings, legal fees, increased insurance premiums and fines.
In the UK, drink-driving typically results in a minimum 12-month driving ban, with fines and even imprisonment possible. Offenders may be offered a rehabilitation course which can reduce the length of the ban.
Department for Transport (DfT) statistics show that in 2023, an estimated 260 people were killed in drink-drive related collisions, with around 1,600 seriously injured.
It has been reported that ministers are considering lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, bringing it in line with Scotland and most of Europe.
IAM RoadSmart says this, along with stronger enforcement, could help deliver the “shift in mindset” needed to tackle drinkdriving, reinforcing the message that the only safe option is not to drink at all before driving.
The DfT confirmed that road safety measures are currently under review, with a new strategy expected to be published this autumn.
DVSA awards contract to Kainos for new Driving Test Booking System
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced a major milestone in its plans to modernise the way driving tests are booked and managed. The agency has awarded a contract to Kainos, a digital transformation specialist, to build and develop the new Driver Services Platform (DSP).
The DSP project, first initiated more than four years ago, will replace the Testing and Registration System (TARS), which has been in operation for 20 years. Unlike a simple upgrade, the DSP is being designed as a flexible, userfocused service that will deliver a modern booking experience and reduce the risks of fraud and exploitation in times of high demand.
Why
change is needed
The pressures on the current TARS system have grown significantly, with soaring demand for driving tests and the widespread use of bots preventing many learners from accessing test slots. DVSA says the new platform will not only handle these challenges more effectively but also put customers at the heart of the design.
As a Tier 1 government project, DSP has undergone a rigorous approvals process, with a level of scrutiny similar to large-scale infrastructure projects such as new roads or airports.
What DSP will cover TARS is much more than just
a booking platform. It is used to:
• manage all practical driving test bookings,
• administer the registers for Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) and Compulsory Basic Training (CBT),
• and record mandatory training for lorry and bus drivers.
DVSA has broken down these services into separate parts to ensure DSP delivers them in a more effective and user-friendly way. The first priority will be car test bookings, with motorcycle and lorry services to follow later.
How it will work
The development will begin with a limited beta version of the car booking service, tested by a small group of users to
ensure it functions correctly and meets customer needs. Once tested, the platform will undergo assessment by the Government Digital Service (GDS) before being rolled out more widely on GOV.UK.
Throughout development, DVSA has committed to involving learners, instructors, and colleagues in testing and feedback, ensuring the service genuinely meets user requirements.
Looking ahead, the DVSA says the award of this contract marks a significant step towards modernising its digital services. The new platform aims to deliver a robust, flexible, and user-centred system that can support the driver training industry and improve the experience for learners.
Pathfinder initiative secures new funding to boost young driver safety
A pioneering scheme designed to prepare young people for safe driving before they reach test age has been awarded further funding support in Yorkshire.
The Pathfinder Initiative, which gives 15–17 year olds the chance to learn practical car control alongside essential road safety education, has received a £6,500 grant from the York and North Yorkshire Mayor’s Community Fund. The funding will allow three courses to run during school holidays over the next 12 months.
The report, originally covered by the BBC, highlights how Pathfinder aims to reduce the risks faced by newly qualified drivers. Road safety charity Brake has warned that one in five new drivers crash within
their first year, but Pathfinder says its courses reduce that figure to one in 20.
Beyond passing the test
Volunteer instructors emphasise that the course is about much more than preparing for a driving test. Teenagers are introduced to braking distances at varying speeds, peer pressure awareness, and strategies to challenge unsafe behaviour — both as drivers and as passengers.
Parents are encouraged to observe, ensuring that safety messages extend into the family setting.
A local safety priority
Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said:
“Mayor David Skaith and I are committed to delivering safe places for everyone in York and North Yorkshire and with more than 6,000 miles of roads in our area road safety, and the vital work of our road safety partnership is a major part of that. The Pathfinder programme has already had a really positive impact, reducing the number of new drivers involved in road collisions and accidents so we’re delighted to be able to provide additional funding to enable them reach more young drivers.”
With 117 of the 460 people killed or seriously injured on North Yorkshire’s roads last year aged between 16 and 24, initiatives like Pathfinder play a critical role in safeguarding the next generation of drivers.
Scotland tops learner pass rates as ALA study reveals UK’s best and worst test centres
New research from car warranty provider ALA Insurance has revealed the best and worst places in the UK for learner drivers to take their driving test, with Scotland emerging as the clear leader for first-time pass rates.
The study comes as September, traditionally the busiest month for birthdays, sees a surge in 17-year-olds looking to start lessons. But with lesson costs climbing and the average test wait standing at 14 weeks, location can make a significant difference to learner drivers.
Scotland leads with highest first-time pass rates
Scotland is home to the top 10 driving test centres with the best first-time pass rates, significantly higher than the UK average of 47.8 per cent.
Inveraray topped the table with an 85.5 per cent first-time pass rate, followed closely by Mallaig (85.2 per cent) and Islay Island (82.9 per cent). Other high-performing centres included Gairloch, Ballater, and Benbecula Island.
Top 10 driving test centres (first-time passes)
According to ALA Insurance, quieter rural roads likely contribute to these higher success rates by reducing the complexity of driving conditions.
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Birmingham and London struggle
At the other end of the scale, test centres in Birmingham and London recorded the lowest first-time pass rates.
The Pavilion in Birmingham had the UK’s lowest figure at just 30.4 per cent, while London’s Wanstead centre recorded 30.7 per cent. Belvedere, Erith, and Kingstanding also ranked among the bottom five.
Bottom
10 driving test centres (first-time passes)
Aimee Anderson of ALA Insurance noted that residents in these cities have around a one in three chance of passing their test on the first attempt. She said heavy traffic and larger, more complex roads are likely to be a major factor.
Costs vary significantly by region
The study also found that Scotland, despite high pass rates, has some of the most expensive lesson costs. Peterhead topped the list at £47.14 per lesson, compared with the national average of £37.33. By contrast, Liverpool had the cheapest average at £31.17.
Cheapest and most expensive cities for lessons
Cheapest cities Price per lesson Price to pass
Most expensive cities Price per lesson Price to pass
Long waits remain a challenge
Across the UK, learners are waiting on average 14 weeks for a test, with only six centres showing immediate availability.
Anderson advised learners to avoid booking before they are test-ready, warning that rushing can lead to preventable failures.
The research was conducted by ALA Insurance using DVSA driving test data from 2014–2024, average lesson costs from GoRoadie, and waiting times from Driving Test Cancellations 4 All, collected in August 2025.
Potholes now drivers’ biggest frustration, research shows
New findings reveal that UK drivers rank potholes as their biggest frustration, ahead of traffic jams and parking tickets.
The Under the Bonnet report, conducted by Mercedes-Benz Vans, highlights the everyday challenges faced by van drivers, with more than half of those surveyed saying they would rather face other inconveniences than risk pothole damage.
What drivers would rather do than hit a pothole
The financial burden is also significant. Almost a quarter (22%) of drivers reported spending up to £500 repairing pothole-related damage. With more than one million potholes currently recorded across the UK, the estimated annual cost to motorists reached £1.7 billion in 2024 — up 149% from £684 million in 2014.
By comparison, UK parking fines amount to £1.2 billion per year. Mercedes-Benz Vans highlighted that its Service24h roadside assistance programme, part of its Mobilo package, provides van drivers with round-theclock support. “What we can do is provide complete reliability for drivers through our Service24h. This means van drivers don’t have to worry as much about life on the road — they know they can rely on us if they hit problems at any time of the day or night,” said Iain Forsyth, Managing Director at Mercedes-Benz Vans UK.
The survey also found that potholes have become a popular talking point in Britain. Almost six in 10 people (59%) say potholes are their number one ice-breaker in conversation, while a quarter admit to being part of WhatsApp groups dedicated to sharing warnings about potholes.
The research was carried out to mark 30 years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, providing insights into the everyday realities of van drivers.
Sleep-related driving risks rise after surge in licence revocations
New figures reveal a sharp increase in driving licences being revoked due to sleeprelated medical conditions, raising fresh concerns over road safety.
Freedom of Information requests submitted by MattressNextDay to the DVLA reveal that more than 4,400 licences have been refused or revoked since 2020 on medical grounds, including 1,816 outright revocations.
Alarmingly, 2025 has already seen more licences revoked for sleep-related conditions (376) than in any of the previous five years, despite covering only the first half of the year.
Regional hotspots
The highest rates of drivers with sleep-related conditions were recorded in the Shetland Isles, Shropshire and East Riding of Yorkshire. By contrast, the West Midlands, Greater London and Inverclyde reported the lowest rates per capita.
DVLA records show that 171,870 drivers have reported a sleep-related medical condition in 2025, up 15.7% from 2018.
Rank County
Martin Seeley, senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay, stressed that fatigue can impair reaction times as much as alcohol. He advised drivers to watch for excessive yawning, heavy eyelids and difficulty focusing, and to stop driving immediately if these occur.
Recommended strategies include taking a short nap, having caffeine, stretching, and ensuring good rest habits the night before driving.
Three road signs new learners often get wrong
When waiting lists are long and the pressure to pass first time is intense, even small mistakes can cost a learner their test. Car Finance 247 has highlighted three road signs that regularly catch new drivers out – signs that instructors can proactively address to boost pupil confidence and pass rates.
Overhead Electric Cable – A red triangle with a lightning bolt warns of high-voltage hazard. While it rarely applies to standard cars, learners should still know its meaning and implications, particularly if they ever drive larger vehicles. Incorporate hazard perception discussions about when this sign would require action. By actively incorporating these signs into theory practice and in-car sessions, trainers can help learners avoid costly errors – and give them the confidence to respond instantly when they see them.
Minimum Speed – A blue circular sign with a number indicates the minimum speed, not the maximum. Many learners default to thinking all speed limit signs are maximums. During lessons, reinforce the distinction between blue minimum speed and red maximum speed signs, and set up scenarios where pupils must judge when it is safe to meet or exceed the minimum.
Vehicles May Pass Either Side – This rare sign, showing two downward arrows, allows drivers to pass an obstacle on either side. Learners can be caught off-guard and hesitate or make unsafe positioning choices. Practice approaches to central islands or roadworks where this sign could appear, teaching signalling and positioning for both options.
New Theory Test questions to include life-saving CPR skills
From early 2026, learner drivers taking their car or motorcycle theory test will face new questions on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
The update, introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in partnership with leading heart health programmes across the UK, aims to give future drivers the confidence to act quickly
in an emergency and help save lives.
Every year in the UK, more than 40,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, and fewer than 1 in 10 survive. But with prompt CPR and defibrillator use within the first 3–5 minutes, survival rates can rise to around 70%.
Why drivers?
Motorists are often first to arrive at the scene of a road traffic incident or other public
emergency. Having these vital skills means they could be the difference between life and death while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Resources already updated
The official DVSA learning resources now include the new CPR and AED content, so learners can begin preparing straight away. This applies to:
• The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills
• The Official DVSA Guide to the Theory Test for Car Drivers
• Motorcycle learning materials (updates coming soon)
• Safe Driving for Life website and official learning apps
Learning the skills
As well as studying for the theory test, learners – and anyone who drives – are encouraged to take advantage of free CPR and defibrillator training. Online guides and videos from organisations such as Resuscitation Council UK, Save a Life Cymru, Save a Life Scotland and Save a Life Northern Ireland provide simple, step-by-step instruction.
Instructors – spread the word
If you’re a driving instructor, make sure your pupils know about the update so they can start learning now. And remember, first aid and CPR training can count towards your own CPD.
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New DVSA test centres promise more capacity – but will it really cut waiting times?
The DVSA is pressing ahead with plans for new and replacement driving test centres in Reading, Grimsby, and Grantham. The Reading site, set to open at Pacific House, will replace the Elgar Road centre and is expected to host more examiners than before. In Grimsby, the agency plans to move a short distance from its current Coldwater site to new premises at Olympia House. Meanwhile, in Grantham, a proposed conversion of offices at Autumn Park Business Centre would replace a facility described as having reached the end of its operational life. While these developments are presented as steps to improve access and, in some cases, increase test capacity, there are doubts over whether they will significantly reduce the national backlog. As of May, 81% of test centres were operating at the maximum 24-
week waiting time, with more than 600,000 tests booked nationwide — a sharp increase on the previous year’s average waits of around 14 weeks.
Industry observers note that the key bottleneck is not a shortage of test centres, but the limited number of available tests and retention and training of driving test examiners. Without successfully recruiting and retaining hundreds more staff, additional test centre capacity may go unused. The DVSA’s own seven-point plan acknowledges the scale of the recruitment challenge, with measures including financial incentives for existing examiners to take on more tests, but progress so far has been slow. While improved facilities may benefit learners, instructors, and staff, replacement centres do not automatically add capacity. Without a significant and sustained increase in examiner
numbers, the new sites may do little to shorten the long waits that continue to frustrate the driver training industry and learner drivers alike.
DIA Chief Executive Carly Brookfield said: “With continuing test waiting times, a National Audit Office investigation into driving test delays and challenges from all corners as to whether DVSA can improve delivery in its core remit of testing, the pressure is on for the agency to improve performance rapidly. We were the first stakeholder to give feedback to the NAO investigation this week, and used the opportunity to feedback the immense frustration felt by our members. We’ve also asked DVSA this week to clarify their test centre strategy and give us a solid update on Examiner recruitment, in the hope some better news on test recovery is forthcoming.”
Driving Instructor Insurance from the experts
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Breakdown cover searches surge as experts issue
four-step roadside safety advice
Searches for ‘breakdown cover’ have risen by 22% in the last three months, suggesting that the UK’s recent stormy weather is prompting more drivers to think seriously about roadside safety.
While having breakdown cover in place is an important first step, knowing the correct actions to take after a breakdown is just as vital for protecting yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
According to Vertu Motors, too many drivers believe that simply having their provider’s number stored in their phone is enough. In reality, immediate safety decisions made in the moments after a breakdown can make a crucial difference.
Four essential steps to take after a breakdown:
1. Move to a safe location, if possible
If you can, remove your vehicle from traffic. On a motorway, use the hard shoulder and pull as far to the left as possible, keeping your wheels turned left. On a smart motorway without a hard shoulder, head for an Emergency Refuge Area (ERA). If you are stuck in a live lane, remain in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened, hazard lights on, and call 999.
2. Make your vehicle visible Switch on hazard warning lights immediately. In poor visibility or darkness, use your sidelights too. Avoid using a warning triangle on motorways, but on other roads it can be placed 45 metres behind the vehicle if safe.
3. Exit from the safest side Leave the vehicle using the side away from passing traffic. On UK roads, that usually means the left-hand passenger door. Move behind a safety barrier where possible, wearing a highvisibility jacket.
4. Call for help with an exact location
Use an app like what3words or motorway driver location signs to provide precise details to your breakdown provider. No signal, use a free emergency roadside phone to connect directly to the highways agency or police. For driving instructors, this advice is not just useful personally but can also be built into lessons to ensure learners know how to react in a realworld breakdown scenario.
Survey reveals gaps in driver knowledge of pedestrian crossings
New research highlights a surprising lack of awareness among UK drivers when it comes to pedestrian crossings, according to a survey of 2,000 motorists by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover. The findings show that many drivers are unclear about how different crossings work, despite their importance in keeping vulnerable road users safe.
• Zebra crossing confusion: 9% of drivers did not recognise Zebra crossings as a real crossing type.
• Penguin crossing myth: 5% incorrectly believed the
fictional “Penguin crossing” existed.
• Puffin crossing knowledge gap: 85% of drivers misidentified its purpose, with half admitting they did not know the answer.
• Zebra misidentification: 29% failed to correctly match the Zebra crossing to its description, and 6% confused it with a Pegasus crossing designed for horse riders.
The survey also revealed that Pegasus crossings were the least recognised, with only 8% identifying them as genuine.
How drivers performed on identifying pedestrian crossings
While Pelican crossings were correctly recognised by 81% of drivers, they were also the most common incorrect choice when drivers were asked to identify Puffin and Toucan crossings. Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said the results highlight how knowledge gaps can lead to hesitation or risky behaviour at crossings. She warned that even small misunderstandings could have serious consequences, particularly as 16% of drivers admitted failing to stop at a Zebra crossing when a pedestrian was waiting.
Over-70s could face driving bans under new compulsory eye tests
Motorists over 70 could be banned from driving if they fail compulsory eye tests, under a major shake-up of driving laws in Great Britain.
The government is also considering lowering the drinkdriving limit in England and Wales to match Scotland, and introducing penalty points for passengers who fail to wear a seatbelt. The measures are expected to form part of a new road safety strategy, due to be published this autumn.
A government source told the BBC: “In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying [on the roads each year], with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year. This Labour government will deliver the first Road Safety Strategy in a decade, imposing tougher
penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed support for compulsory eye tests for older drivers, saying: “I think we need to make sure that people driving on our roads and using our streets are safe.”
The plans follow an inquest into four deaths caused by drivers with failing eyesight.
Lancashire’s HM Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley described the UK’s licensing system as the “laxest in Europe” and called for action to prevent further deaths.
A government source confirmed to the BBC that the rules “need to be reassessed”.
Currently, the UK is one of only three European countries relying on drivers to self-report visual conditions. The proposed
reforms could require eye tests every three years for over-70s when renewing their licence.
Some drivers have already highlighted practical challenges. Peter Browne, 73, from Great Yarmouth, told the BBC he has glaucoma and has struggled to secure an eye appointment. “If it was found that my eyesight was not of sufficient level to drive, would it be my fault or the NHS for not being able to give me an appointment?” he said.
Edmund King, president of the AA, said drivers over 70 “are still relatively safe” but acknowledged that compulsory eye tests were “a small price to pay” for road safety. He added that road deaths peak among young, new drivers, though older drivers—especially those over 80—also account for significant numbers of casualties.
Motorists back mandatory retesting for drivers returning after long breaks
Almost three in five UK motorists believe that licence holders who have taken a long break from driving should be required to retake their practical test, according to new research by Uswitch car insurance.
The survey found that 57% of drivers think a practical retest should be mandatory after a prolonged period of inactivity, while 50% also back a compulsory theory test retake.
When asked how long a break should trigger this requirement, the most common answers were 5 to 7 years (33%) and 2 to 4 years (25%). A small
proportion (5%) felt even a break of less than two years should mean taking the tests again.
At present, any valid licence holder can legally drive, regardless of how long it has been since they were last behind the wheel.
Calls
for
refresher lessons
Almost a third of motorists (31%) think inactive drivers should have to take refresher lessons before returning to the road. A quarter (25%) believe these lessons should be required alongside a retest. Respondents suggested an average of three lessons, with similar timeframes to retesting – 5 to 7 years (33%) or 2 to 4 years (26%) of inactivity.
Safety and up-to-date knowledge key concerns
The top reasons for supporting retests or refresher lessons were:
To maintain public safety on the road
To ensure they’re aware of current driving laws and regulations
To ensure they’re still confident on the road
To ensure they’re still familiar with road rules and regulations
• Refreshing driving skills and experience (52% for retests, 56% for lessons)
• Maintaining public safety (45%, 42%)
• Ensuring awareness of current driving laws and regulations (39%, 36%)
• Maintaining driver confidence (37%, 39%)
• Familiarity with road rules and regulations (36%, 38%)
Drivers cited worries about reduced skills, lower confidence, and a lack of familiarity with updated laws, road layouts, and vehicle technology.
Driving Instructor Insurance from the experts
Carly BrookfieldChief Executive of the Driving Instructors Association
"We're pleased to see providers such as Collingwood are supporting pupils in this way, by helping them access an insurance product which covers them as they learn and incentivises learning outside of their formal lessons. Rewarding instructors who facilitate access to this product, and who actively encourage accompanied practice, is another great feature of Collingwood's product"
Peter HarveyChairman of the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain
This insurance is a fantastic way of encouraging learners to get extra practice in their own/family vehicle without risking any no claims bonus the family may already have, it also gives the pupil a good introduction to planning for their own insurance when they pass the L-test.
As an added incentive for the instructor it brings in some additional income through the affiliate scheme - as the saying goes, every little helps and that's something I've appreciated over the years I've been using the scheme.
As an MSA Member it costs you nothing to enrol with Collingwood and both pupil and parents or guardians can view the excellent website before making any decisions or financial commitment.
Sign up now: your pupils will like the extra freedom - and I'm sure you will like the extra income and benefits it generates.
What Driving Instructors Have To Say!
Katy Higgins Insight2Drive and winner of Best Woman in Business Award "I think it is a great way of learners being able to get that practice in before going for a test, and at an affordable price too. It's a win win situation."
D Shephard "Thanks for your service to us instructors, I will certainly always recommend you to anyone who needs prospective insurance cover for a learner driver, I find your assistance second to none, it's brilliant!"
S Lord "I am more than happy to help Collingwood to get young motorists on the road with as little fuss as possible. All young drivers deserve a helping hand."
D Evans "I find this scheme very useful for pupils wishing to have practice when learning with an A.D.I."
Welcome to the Collingwood Affiliate Programme
Collingwood Insurance offers you a fantastic way of earning extra income while saving your students money.
Top up your income
YOU EARN £20 for each student that you refer to Collingwood that takes out a new policy. That's regardless of how many - e.g. Just 10 referrals would get you an extra £200 per month.
With Collingwood's competitive pricing and £20 Amazon voucher rewards for students when using your code, there has never been a better time to refer your students to Collingwood. Sign up and start topping up your income.
If you are involved in Taxi Driver training you can also receive payments for referring your students to Collingwood Taxi. Full details are available upon request.
Help your students
When referring your student to Collingwood learners you are passing them over to one of the highest rated Learner Driver Insurers on TrustPilot, saving them money and giving them, their parents, relatives or friends peace of mind when the learner is behind the wheel.
By doing so, your student can get that all important extra private practice which is proven to help them pass. They can save up to £20 on their car insurance by using your unique referral code which may make them more likely to recommend you, helping you to grow your business organically.
Help with promotion LOGIN REGISTER
Once registered you get access to our marketing content which includes:
Promo Business Cards
Appointment Cards
Leaflets
Web Banners
Unique Site Links
Option to be added to our Find An
Instructor Page
To access or order any of the above, log in to your account for instant access to banners and links, and to order printed cards etc.
