Learner drivers who pass their driving test first time could be given a refund on part of the cost, as part of wider plans to shake up the motoring agencies.
Under moves put out to consultation, the Department for Transport suggests that candidates could receive a reduction in the test fee through a deposit that would be refundable if the candidate passed.
Learners who fail will get no rebate on the £62 charge under the plans.
‘The proposal would not lead to a revenue increase to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as retained deposits would be used to fund a reduction in the basic practical test fee,’ officials added.
Around 1.5m tests are conducted each year; only 21% result in a first time pass, the remainder are fails (53%) or people who pass on their second or subsequent attempt (26%).
In an effort to boost the number of large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers, there are also plans to streamline the application process.
Officials said they also explore how improved information sharing between agencies could help LGV drivers with the required qualifications to obtain their licence and start work sooner.
The consultation also sets out proposals to:
- introduce more driving test appointment times, including weekends and evenings
- offer tests from a range of venues
- review fees for all services provided by motoring agencies
- change providers for some services
- combine services at motoring agencies
The changes could see a major shake up of the three motoring agencies - the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the DVSA and the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA),
As well as moves to merge services, there will be a big push towards digitisation following the recent elimination of the paper tax disc and the driver licence counterpart and a push towards the privatisation of services.
‘We will also look at whether there is an appetite for agency mutualisation or other forms of private sector involvement,’ officials state.
The consultation closes on 8 January 2016 and the Government plans to publish a strategy for the future direction and development of the agencies in the spring of 2016, running up until 2020.
