Published: 16 July 2008
Ideas to drive the future
Formula One Racing star David Coulthard is waving farewell to the fast lane and encouraging young drivers to share their ideas on how we can produce better, safer drivers.
He is backing the government's campaign and four month nation-wide consultation tour in a bid to collect public thoughts on how to overhaul driver testing and training and make Britain's roads safer.
David may be retiring, but he urges those starting out on their driving career to have their views heard on proposals for improved driver training and testing.
Although the number of people killed in road accidents fell by 7% between 2006 and 2007 it still remains that 30,720 people were killed or seriously injured on our roads.
David said:
"One in five deaths on British roads involves newly-qualified drivers.
I was appalled to hear that the statistics are so high. I know how much young people enjoy the freedom that driving brings, but it is also a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously.
Changing the way that people are taught to drive, and making the test more real, can only be of benefit.
The Government has set out proposals to change this system - and now it's up to you to have your say.
We all use our roads in one way or another so it is important you register your view before the consultation closes."
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly launched proposals on May 7 for updating & improving the learning to drive and testing process.
She is keen to look at the way drivers are trained & tested with the objective of ensuring newly-qualified drivers possess the safety skills needed to drive on Britain's busy roads.
During the consultation the DSA aims to gather opinions on a range of proposals, including;
· Changes to the theory test
· Making the practical test more realistic
· Providing a pre driver qualification in road safety
· Introducing a student workbook
· Providing more information to help choose a driving instructor
Visit http://www.dsa.gov.uk/learningtodrive and find out where the nearest event to you will take place.
Remaining venues are:
· Brighton July 21
· Cardiff July 25
· Newcastle July 29
· Croydon August 12
· Glasgow August 19
· Inverness August 28
· Exeter September 2
You can also share your views online.
Key facts about learning to drive (all for Great Britain)
· Two million people take a car driving test every year
· The pass rate is 44%, so the average learner takes more than two tests before passing
· 750,000 people qualify for a license every year - three quarters of these are under the age of 25
· Current average cost of a lesson is approximately £21 - up to £28 in London
· The average learner has 52 hours of lessons and spends £1,500 learning to drive
· Current fees for the driving test (for a car) are £30 for the theory test (which includes the hazard perception test); £56.50 for the practical test (£67 if you want an evening or weekend)
· A newly qualified male driver faces an insurance premium from £1,200; and a female driver of same age faces a premium from £800
The current car driving test is in two parts -
· The theory test - a multiple-choice answer knowledge assessment (since 1996); and a computer screen-based hazard perception test (since 2002)
· The practical test - of general driving on the road and standard manoeuvres (the three-point turn, reversing round a corner, and emergency stop): this part of the test also includes an eye sight test, and a 'show me-tell me' test of knowledge of the car (since 2003)
The consultation ends on 8 September 2008.
Further information
Online booking service
DfT – Learning to Drive
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