Latest statistics released by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), show that the number of driving theory tests and practical tests taken in the UK, fell between April – June 2018 when compared with figures for the same period in 2017. Here’s what we know…
Between April and June 2018:
* 518,861 driving theory tests were taken * 478,224 practical tests were taken
Compared with April to June 2017, this represents:
* a decrease of 5.1% across all theory tests taken
* a decrease of 1.4% across all practical driving tests taken
Car tests accounted for 88% of theory tests and 89% of practical tests between April and June, 2018.
While the number of driving theory tests and practical exams for cars was down, the number of practical vocational tests taken for Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) saw an increase of 1.9% when compared with figures from 2017.
Meanwhile, DfT and DVSA figures revealed that as of the end of June 2018, there were 39,195 Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) on the official, statutory register.
Practical Test Changes and Rising Costs Responsible for Declining Numbers
The DfT and DVSA attribute declining driving theory test and practical test numbers to the rising cost of motoring and changes made to the practical test in December 2017. With pass rates for driving theory tests slumping, the cost of having to rebook and retake a theory test is proving expensive for many.
Meanwhile, practical driving test pass rates have fallen too, among both men and women. Changes to the exam, launched on 4 December, 2017, marked the biggest shake up to driver testing for more than a decade. While many learner drivers appreciate the test being modernised, many are bemoaning that it’s much more difficult to pass.
Reducing the Cost of Driving Theory Tests
In August 2014, the DVSA announced that the fee for driving theory tests would be reduced from £31.00 to £23.00, which has helped to reduce the cost of learning to drive… for some. However, with the average learner driver taking three attempts to pass the DVSA theory test, it can cost up to £69.00.
As an alternative to booking via the DVSA, Book Theory Test Today will book your theory test on your behalf, and unlike the government, we offer a pass protection scheme. We offer up to three, free retests if you fail – provided you meet certain terms and conditions. Our service has helped thousands of people successfully pass the theory test at low cost.
Book Your Theory Test, Today
Our service makes booking a theory test and practical exam easy, cost-effective and hassle free. Try us out today and once you’ve booked, access all the resources you need to get you started on a lifetime of safe driving.
We offer an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…
No. We’re not affiliated with the DVSA or the gov.uk website, but that does not make us a scam. You’re charged an admin fee to cover our staff costs and the process of booking a theory test or practical exam on your behalf.
