Radio presenter Tony Livesey has ‘retaken his driving test’ as part of a 5live feature exploring the proposed changes set out by the DVSA.
Available to watch on the BBC website, the clip was first aired yesterday (25 August) the day after the DVSA’s public consultation on the proposals closed.
The proposed changes are designed to make the driving test a ‘better assessment of the candidate’s ability to drive independently in modern driving conditions’.
They include increasing the ‘independent driving’ part of the test from 10 to 20 minutes, and asking candidates to follow directions from a sat nav.
35-years after taking his original test Tony Livesey tried out the proposed changes, which also include more ‘real-life’ scenarios (such as driving into and reversing out of a parking bay) and answering a safety question while driving.
After taking the test (and passing), the BBC presenter said: “That was more stressful than I thought it would be, I have never used my indicator finger so much in 31 years. But I passed, which is the main thing.
“Personally, if someone to me you had to retake your test every 20 years I wouldn’t object because you do learn new things all the time – I’ve been told off for getting too close to people at traffic lights.”
Well, it’d certainly reduce those unemployed…
David Weston, Corby
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The sentiment behind retaking driving tests every 10 years may be sound. However, the reality is different. Drivers will simply raise their game leading up to the test and then fall back again. With regard to numbers of additional tests required daily to cover off those required to undertake would be in the region of 15,000 a day. A number the DVSA could not handle. Also who is selected to start first with the retakes? The older drivers so as to catch them sooner?
Keith
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I only would object to this if I had to pay. 10 years is sensible, it already matches with the expiry date of photographic licences, for those who have them. Motorists pay enough as it is, don’t you think?
David Weston, Corby
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I completely agree with Mick’s suggestion that drivers need to be to tested every 10 years. The people who object are those whose driving standards are poor and they know that they will fail a test.
Keith – Northampton
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All drivers should take the driving test every ten years. Heating engineers have to be assessed re competence every five years so why shouldn’t drivers. In both instances they handle lethal equipment ie gas can explode & kill so can a car or a bike.
Mick Hall Nottingham
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