Cashback incentive for new drivers could make UK roads safer

Newly qualified drivers could be refunded a portion of their learning costs if they pass first time, under new reforms being proposed.

The plans, announced by Department for Transport (DfT), are intended to reduce the cost of learning to drive whilst improving the standard of newly qualified drivers on UK roads.

Under the new proposals, learner drivers would pay a deposit when they take their test, which they get back if they pass at their first attempt. Currently, only one in five driving students pass at their first attempt (21%).

If introduced, the idea would mean drivers were less likely to have an accident in the months following the test, and would be better equipped for driving independently. Driving tests at weekends and evenings are also being proposed.

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Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We want to make learning to drive safer and more affordable.

“This change will give those who pass first time some money back and provide an incentive for learners to be more prepared before they take their test.

“These common sense proposals mean that all learner drivers can feel the benefit. This consultation is a really important step and we want to hear all views.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “We support measures that will encourage learner drivers to get the experience they need to pass their test first time with flying colours, rather than barely scraping through or failing and having to repeat the process a few months down the road at yet more expense.”

DfT also aims to address the shortage of LGV drivers by streamlining the application process and how information is shared between agencies. It is hoped that this could help LGV drivers with the required qualifications to obtain their licence and start work sooner.

Furthermore, the government has revealed a desire to streamline and improve the delivery of motoring services, currently provided through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), in the consultation.

The consultation is open until January 8, 2016 - click here to have your say.

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Gerry Keaney, Chief Executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, welcomed the proposals but called on the DfT to do more to reduce the administrative burden on fleets, after scrapping the paper road tax disc and driver licence paper counterpart.

“Some of the changes have been rushed through and poorly communicated, with too little attention paid to the needs of the fleet sector,” he commented.

“We think that now is a good time to take stock of where the DVLA and DVSA are, and how they can best meet motorists’ needs in what is a rapidly changing automotive environment.

“It is no coincidence that this latest plan for ‘innovative and streamlined’ motoring services comes at a time when the department is under pressure to deliver huge budget cuts for the Treasury.”