Transport Minister Baroness Vere has announced that learner drivers in the UK will be able to book their driving tests independently from 12 May. This change removes the need for driving instructors to book tests on behalf of their students, instead allowing learners to take charge of their own bookings.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has stated that this change aims to simplify the booking process and give learners more control over their test dates. Previously, instructors would often book tests for their students, but this system has been found to be 'inefficient' and 'disadvantaging' for some learners.
The DfT has also announced that the driving test booking system will be improved to make it more user-friendly and accessible for learners. This includes the introduction of a new online system that will allow learners to book and manage their tests more easily.
Labour's Shadow Transport Minister, Louise Haigh, has responded to the announcement, stating that 'this change is long overdue' and 'should have been introduced years ago'. However, she also cautioned that the government must 'take responsibility' for ensuring that the new system is 'robust' and 'fair' for all learners.
The change is part of a broader effort by the Government to improve the UK's roads and reduce the number of accidents. The DfT has stated that the new system will help to 'streamline' the booking process and 'give learners more flexibility' when it comes to selecting their test dates.