Cost of driving theory test to drop by 25%
Thu, 10 Apr 2014Mercedes-Benz
The government has announced that the cost of the driving theory test is to be cut by 25%, saving learner drivers in excess of £100 million over the next nine years.
Under the new plans the cost of a car theory driving test will drop from £31 to £25 in October 2014, with a further drop of £2 more planned in October 2015.
The cost of a car theory driving test will drop from £31 to £25 in October 2014
The transport minister Stephen Hammond said:
"We are determined to keep motoring costs down, so we want to make sure theory tests offer the best value for money while continuing to meet rigorous standards.
"The theory test plays a vital role in making sure that new drivers know the Highway Code and the rules of the road and today’s announcement shows we are determined [to] provide cost-effective services that keep our roads among the safest in the world."
Under the current scheme, it can cost new drivers up to £106 to take their driving test, with an evening, weekend or bank holiday practical driving test costing £75, combined with the theory test of £31. A weekday driving test costs slightly less at £62.
Figures released this week suggested that playing computer-based driving games could help you pass your test sooner, with 73% of gamers passing their test the first time round, compared with an average of 58%.
There are no plans to reduce the cost of the practical driving test, although the government has launched a consultation that sets out proposed reductions for motorcycle, bus and lorry theory tests.
The consultation closes on 15 May 2014.
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By Gavin Braithwaite-Smith, Motoring Research