Driving test looks ahead to automated cars
The RAC Foundation has welcomed the measures included in the Motoring Services Strategy published today.
In the document ministers have made the following pledges:
- We will consult on changing the law to allow learner drivers accompanied by an ADI to drive on the motorway network in a dual controlled car.
- We will look to expand the range of test slots available outside daytime weekday slots, on a permanent basis, across a wider range of centres than at present.
- We are exploring whether other models of service delivery might offer a better service to road users, either as an alternative to the current arrangements or to complement them, including involving the private sector in delivery.
- DVSA will reform the driving test (and, thereby, pre-test learning) to encourage more real life driving experience and ensure that it takes account of local variations and increasing vehicle automation.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:
“This strategy shows ministers have their eyes firmly on the road ahead. Last year the government started trials of a new-style driving test at 32 test centres around the country. The trials include more independent driving and new manoeuvres such as driving into, and reversing out of, a parking bay.
“Use of a sat nav in the driving test is also already being trialled, but the day will come when levels of automation could mean that programming the destination might be the only thing we do before sitting back and enjoying the ride in our driverless car. We are not there yet but it’s good to see the rapidly changing face of motoring being considered.
“Countless other services are now offered beyond normal office hours so it is welcome that the chance to sit the driving test at times convenient to the customer rather than the provider are being considered.
“Neither the learner driver nor the public is really concerned about who provides the examination services – the government or private contractors – as long as standards and costs are consistent.”
In the strategy, ministers also promised that:
“We will explore the development of a voluntary electronic logbook, which will enable learner drivers and their instructors to record progress, and give them confidence in deciding when to go forward for the practical test. Anonymised data from the logbook system might also be a source of information for DVSA in planning ahead to provide test slots. We will consider whether the logbook should cover not only those competencies needed to pass the practical test, but also behaviours that will inculcate a positive attitude to eco-driving and courtesy towards other, especially vulnerable, road users.”
Steve Gooding said:
“Aggressive driving is a factor in at least one in fourteen fatal accidents, and that’s probably a large underestimate. Encouraging our future motorists to mind their Ps and Qs would sensibly recognise that safe driving is much a matter of behaviour behind the wheel as it is of technical skill.”
ENDS
Contact:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
[email protected] | 020 7747 3445 | 07711 776448 | 020 7389 0601 (ISDN)
Notes to editors:
The RAC Foundation is a transport policy and research organisation that explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users.
The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist. All the Foundation’s work is available at: www.racfoundation.org