Driving test fees to rise on April 1st 2008
Modernising Arrangements For Driving Tests
The Driving Standards Agency today confirmed the driving test fee structure that was proposed last summer.
Theory tests for car drivers and motorcycle riders from 1 April will be £30 while practical tests for car drivers will be £56.50 from that date.
When the new, more demanding, practical motorcycle test is introduced on 29 September, the fee for that test will be £80. A new off-road part is being introduced to the test before riders will be allowed to progress to the on-road element, which requires a new network of test centres to be constructed.
Chief Executive Rosemary Thew said:
“The Driving Standards Agency has to cover its costs in providing driving and riding tests to learners throughout the country. We are already planning to make efficiency savings of £4.8m this year and a further £6.0m in 2008/9, but to make sure we continue to offer an excellent service the fees we charge must match our costs.”
The new fee structure was confirmed as the DSA published its response to the Improved Services for Customers and General Fee Increases for 2008 consultation.
The complete Response to Consultation Report is available on www.dsa.gov.uk
See the full story by clicking here
19 February 2008
Driving with Headlights
MOTORISTS in new cars will have to drive with dipped headlights on during the day even in midsummer under a “barmy” EU directive, it emerged yesterday.
The move is going ahead despite Government opposition and fears for road safety.
Legislation – for new models of cars and vans from early 2011 and buses and lorries from the summer of 2012 – is aimed at bringing drivers in line with continental counterparts.
Critics say the law for day lamps – inspired by Scandinavian states where it is dark all day in winter – is “lunacy”.
They warn it could lead to a rise in death and injury particularly among motorcyclists who already keep lights on in daytime.
The latest example of EU meddling was revealed by Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick in a written answer to Liberal Democrat Greg Knight.
Mr Fitzpatrick said: “The UK has been successful in arguing against the introduction of mandatory use of dipped headlamps during daylight hours by drivers of existing vehicles.”
But he added: “From early 2011 all new types of passenger car and light van will have to be fitted with dedicated daytime running lamps.”
Lib Dem Transport spokesman Norman Baker said yesterday: “This European Directive is not only unnecessary, but dangerous, particularly for motorcyclists, who will lose the advantage they presently have as the only vehicles regularly to use lights in daytime.
“It will also cause confusion for drivers between rear lights and brake lights. “The last thing we need is road safety compromised by barmy directives from Brussels.”
See the full story by clicking here