Rather than cluttering the tangentially meandering thread on raising the driving age, I thought I'd post the latest news from the Driving Standards Agency separately. I can't link directly as the news comes from a subscriber digest
(DSA) Driving up theory test pass marks for road safety
Learner drivers and motorcyclists will face more theory test questions from early September when the pass marks are driven up to improve road safety.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says the increase in the number of multiple choice questions in the tests will help broaden candidates' knowledge and lead to higher standards.
Jill Lewis, DSA's Head of Lifelong Learning said: "It is important that candidates prepare thoroughly for their theory tests in the same way they would any other exam. Increasing the number of questions means that the test ensures comprehensive coverage of the whole syllabus."
At the moment both car and motorcycle bike tests involve 35 questions and candidates must get 30 right. But from 3 September the number of questions will rise to 50 with a pass score of 43. The time allowed for the multiple choice part of the theory tests will increase to 57 minutes and fees will also increase.
The updated version of the Official theory test book and CD Rom is now available in shops, or by clicking on the official bookstore button on the DSA website (http://www.dsa.gov.uk).
All car and motorcycle candidates calling or going online to book theory tests which will fall either on or after 3 September will be made aware of the increased length and cost of the test. Candidates phoning the call centre will be able to hear a recorded message whilst waiting to be connected and the booking confirmation letter which goes out to candidates will be updated to explain these changes.
I'm slightly bemused by the title attributed to Jill Lewis. What does she do as head of 'Lifelong Learning' ? After people have passed their test, normally they have no further dealings with the DSA
Susie