21.02.05 - The Driving Instructors Association report that THE NATIONAL PASS RATE for car driving tests has fallen for the third successive year to a new low of 42.8 per cent. To read the full story go to the DIA site.

10.12.04 - DSA have made a statement about how they are tackling the waiting time for driving test candidates when they apply for a test. Some of the measures they are introducing include employing extra examiners (170 this year with 100 more currently being trained), 7.30 am test times (if we wanted one of these slots I'd be collecting you about 6.15 am!), and Sunday morning tests.
One of the biggest problems with backlogs in test applications is the poor pass rate - about 43% nationally. Again the message is "be absolutely ready for your test before applying". No one can guarantee a pass on the driving test but you and your instructor should be confident that you have a good chance of success when you attend.

08.12.04 - Fees for the driving tests change today! The cost of a car driving test will now be £42 during normal hours and £51 for an out of hours test.
Add this to the cost of your instructors car for the test and a "warm up" lesson and this could total around £90.
My advice to all my pupils is don't rush - take your instuctors advice regarding when you'll be ready to go for your test - being unsuccessful means considerable expense and no real learning on the day (other than getting a better understanding of how the test is conducted). It's often better to be patient, spend your money on extra lessons and make sure you are really ready for the test before applying.
For more details on test fees go to www.dsa.gov.uk

05.10.04 - DSA have just released the figures for new drivers who have been disqualified under the ‘New Drivers Act’ for May to July this year. In May 1205 new drivers lost their licences. In June 1265 and in July 1443. This is just crazy. They pay for all those lessons and put so much work into passing the test, just to get 6 points and lose their licences. More info on the new drivers act coming soon, but the message really is crystal clear . . . don’t speed, don’t drive like an idiot and keep your licence.