Learner drivers and motorcyclists will face more theory test questions from early September when the pass marks are driven up to improve road safety.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says the increase in the number of multiple choice questions in the tests will help broaden candidates' knowledge, lead to higher standards and cover the whole syllabus.
At the moment both car and motorcycle bike tests involve 35 questions and candidates must get 30 right. But from 3 September the number of questions will rise to 50 with a pass score of 43. The time allowed for the multiple-choice part of the theory tests will increase to 57 minutes.
All car and motorcycle candidates calling or going online to book theory tests which will fall either on or after 3 September will be made aware of the increased length and cost of the test. Candidates phoning the call centre will be able to hear a recorded message whilst waiting to be connected and the booking confirmation letter which goes out to candidates will be updated to explain these changes.
Well I have to agree. The more theory these learners have under their belts, the more it will help them on the roads. But it comes at a price, as the fee will increase to £28.50 from £21.50 so I sincerely hope the DSA are doing this for the sake of the learners and not lining their vast pockets.
Jackie Violet - Female First