Driving test costs ‘could be stopping some from learning’
SOME people could be priced out of learning to drive, with the cost of taking a test rising by about 22%, according to one local driving instructor.
From this week the price of a driving – or motorcycle – test has increased from £75 to £92 while the theory test goes up from £38 to £47.
‘It’s quite an increase, especially with the amount of time that pupils have to wait for a test now,’ said Driving School of Motoring owner Dave Sheppard.
With the local average pass rate standing at 52%, many people will have to find money to take their test again, and they would also have more lessons to pay for ahead of doing so.
‘Soon it’s going to price out some youngsters from being able to drive,’ he said.
If parents were not giving young drivers some tuition, the student would probably require about 20 lessons, although some people needed more, and that all added to the overall cost.
Collette Quertier, of In-Tuition Driving School, said UK prices were £23 for at theory test and £62 for the practical.
Most of her clients were sixth-formers who had financial help from parents.
‘However I do have some students who fund their own driving lessons and tests through their part-time employment and I do feel for them as this will hit them hard.’
She did not think the increase would put them off, however, since they were so eager to drive.
‘I have 48 students on my books at present and have had no indication that any of them will be ceasing lessons.
‘The problem arises when they are not successful first time around and have to pay for further tests.
‘Based on my personal 2022 figures, just over 50% passed first time, leaving just under 50% who have had to retake – two students resat twice, and two resat three times.’
She said that some students found the theory test ‘extremely difficult’, in particular those who struggled with non-practical exams.
Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay de Sausmarez said this was the first time in six years that the fee for the practical test had been increased, and it was seven years since the theory test fee went up.
‘The committee has agreed that, from 6 March 2023, these fee increases are to be implemented in line with the rate of inflation since their last increase,’ she said.
