Home   Kent   News   Article

Back to driving school as tougher test looms

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Would you pass a tougher driving test? The county's learner drivers could face much sterner examinations before they are let loose on the roads - if the Government gets its way.

A four-month public consultation on proposed changes to the driving test is in progress. If the plans go ahead, the new test will focus on safety ahead of mechanical manoeuvres.

According to the Department for Transport's latest figures, there were 802 injuries or deaths on Kent's highways in 2006-2007. Nationally, one in five deaths involves newly-qualified drivers and 750,000 learners pass their test every year.

Experienced drivers may be revelling in the knowledge that their days of lessons and test preparation are over - but one Kent driving instructor says that needs to change.

Mike Howard, who runs the Alpha Driving School in Chatham, said: "The rules of the road change, the amount of traffic on the road increases, manoeuvres in the test have changed a lot.

"Going back into having to think about your driving, possibly every 10 years, would be a good thing."

• Well, we all know bad habits can dog our driving after years on the roads – but I thought I would see how I fared after a decade behind the wheel. You can see how I got on in the video at the top of this page.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More