The DVSA have announced they are launching a consultation today on raising the test fees for the theory and practical tests for learner drivers.
The test fees could be set to increase
With millions of people struggling to book a practical test since lockdown lifted mid-April, waiting times for tests have racked up for months leaving learners looking for cancellations and using third-party apps.
And now the governing body are suggesting a 1.5% increase to the test fees that could come into effect as early as this year.
As running costs increase, the DVSA are looking to raise the price of a driving test for the first time in over 10 years.
The proposed new test fees
| Type of test | Current fee | Proposed fee for 2021 to 2022 |
| Theory test (car and motorcycle) | £23 | £23.40 |
| Car driving test (normal hours) | £62 | £62.90 |
Source: DVSA.
Under the new plans, the theory test would increase by 40p from £23 to £23.40. The practical test would see the sharpest rise of the regular weekday slots of 90p, bringing it up to £62.90 from £62.
The weekend and evening tests would increase by £1.10 to £76.10 from £75.
The DVSA has said:
Over the last few years we’ve worked on several improvements to our services, to make sure they better meet the needs our customers… The small increase will allow us to continue to make essential improvements to our services.
In 2019, the last full year of ‘normality’, 1,599,566 practical driving tests were taken in the UK (though we will surely see a record bumper year for driving test statistics next year). At that rate, and with the new fees in place, the DVSA could expect to see an increase in revenue of around £1,439,609 from driving tests alone.
The proposals come as the body look to recruit more examiners to tackle the COVID backlog.
The first increase since 2010
The new proposals would mark the first increase to the driving test fee in over a decade. Had it kept up with inflation, the DVSA reports that the driving test would be £75 today, with a theory test setting you back £38.
But this will come as little consolation to learner drivers, who are already contending with massive backlogs for driving lessons, tests and battling expiring theory certificates.
You can read more about the consultation by clicking here. The consultation closes on the 2nd of September with no date given as yet for the proposed changes.
Dave Foster MA, Dip.DI (or Driving School Dave) is the most qualified driving school owner in the country, after completing his Master’s Degree in Driver Training Education in 2011 at Middlesex University. He also holds a diploma in Driving Instruction and is a Cert Ed. qualified teacher. Dave is the founder and Managing Director of 1st 4 Driving Ltd, and also looks after over 15 driving schools across the country on a consultancy basis.
