Driving News and Updates

Keep up to date with all the latest news from DSA and Times Online

Cancellation of identity cards: changes to ID requirements

The government has passed legislation cancelling identity cards for British citizens. From 21 January 2011, those identity cards that have already been issued will no longer be legal forms of identification.

This means you will no longer be able to use the identity card as a valid document to prove your identity for a practical driving test or for Driver CPC periodic training.

If you do not have a photo card licence and counterpart to prove your identity but have an old-style paper one, you must bring this and a valid passport.

12 January 2011

Driving tests and bad weather

Some driving tests may be affected by winter weather over the next few days.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) doesn't conduct practical driving tests in adverse weather conditions, for example when the roads are icy. This is for the safety of both the person taking the test and the examiner.

If you're due to take your practical test, follow the advice given on your appointment email or letter. Call your test centre only if there is snow or ice in your local area on the day of your test.

24 November 2010

DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests

The Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning announced today.

This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.

The move follows the introduction of independent driving into the driving test and the DSA's decision to stop publishing test routes in October 2010, to make sure the test assesses a learner's ability to drive and not their capacity to memorise routes.

01 November 2010

Electronic parking brakes suitable for tests

From 1 November vehicles fitted with an electronic parking brake will be allowed to be used for practical driving tests.

There are usually two ways of releasing an electronic parking brake:

• using the footbrake while releasing the parking brake, then coordinating the accelerator and clutch to move away
   
• coordinating the accelerator and clutch - when the electronics sense the clutch is at biting point the parking brake releases automatically

The parking brake will not usually release automatically if:

• the accelerator is not used
   
• the controls are not coordinated correctly

If there is no loss of control either method is acceptable.

If the examiner needs to take action to stop the vehicle, and it's not fitted with dual controls, they will apply and hold the electronic parking brake - this will bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

01 November 2010

DSA and SQA honoured in road safety awards

An innovative road safety qualification developed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) in partnership with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) will today receive a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.

The Safe Road User Award is aimed primarily at 14-16 year olds. It aims to influence young people's attitudes to road safety and give them a solid grounding in safe road use before they learn to drive. Holders who go on to learn to drive can take a shorter version of the car theory test. The qualification was piloted at Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy.

The Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards are presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to improving road safety.

27 October 2010

Independant Driving Introduced Into Tests

Ford to offer drivers a talking Twitter service

Hands-free tweeting is coming to Britain. New technology being fitted to some Ford cars will give drivers Twitter updates read out loud to them robotically while they’re driving. Future versions will enable drivers to dictate their own tweets via a voice recognition system without taking their hands off the wheel.

09 May 2010

Nissan Leaf leads the electric race

It will be built in Britain and it is the world’s first mass-produced, purpose-built electric car. The new Nissan Leaf goes on sale in the UK early next year, and should give the electric car market the jolt it needs.

25 April 2010

American TV revs up for Top Gear remake

For years, Top Gear has held the dubious distinction of being the television programme that is illegally downloaded in America more than any other show.

Now, the popular motoring programme is to be remade in the US, with a new trio of male presenters. The British presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond will be replaced by Adam Ferrara, a comedian, Tanner Foust, a film stunt driver, and Rutledge Wood, a roving reporter.

25 April 2010

Scrappage scheme stalls as cash starts to run dry

Thousands of car buyers hoping to take advantage of the scrappage scheme before it ends may have already missed their chance. Six of the biggest car makers have announced that they have run out of funding — two weeks before the scheme was supposed to close at the end of this month.

14 March 2010

Drivers face ban if they drink a pint

The government has signalled that it plans to cut the drink driving limit to less than a pint of beer or a glass of wine.

Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, expects an official review of the law to recommend reducing the legal limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

He said he would take this “very seriously” and added: “A strong case has been made to have a lower limit.”

14 March 2010

Learner drivers 'need level crossing tests'

Network Rail is calling for the driving test to contain compulsory questions on what action motorists should take at railway crossings.

Thirteen people died on level crossings in the UK in 2009 and there were many near-misses.

10 March 2010

Toyota and Peugeot Citroen car recall

Toyota and Peugeot Citroen have announced recalls of some of their vehicles in Europe over the weekend. DSA will continue to take Toyota and Peugeot Citroen vehicles out on tests until formal risk assessments have taken place and, if necessary, vehicle recall notices have been issued.

01 February 2010

Driving Standards Agency wins e-Government award

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has been awarded the e-Government National Award for Working in Partnership.

21 January 2010

Driving in snow? THINK!

Much of the United Kingdom is now in the grip of an arctic blast, creating treacherous road conditions throughout.

08 January 2010

The Highway Code is for life - not just for learners

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published a Highway Code advert on its YouTube channel. Voiced by comedian David Mitchell, the advert encourages people to visit Directgov and keep up to date with the Highway Code.

16 December 2009

Taxi testing in Worthing

• Test for new taxi drivers • Examiners’ new roles • Road safety initiative

14 December 2009

New test centre for Sunderland - media invitation

• Improved facilities • Reduction in running costs • Improved parking facilities

14 December 2009

Driving test cheats given jail sentences

• Fraudsters made money by taking people’s driving tests for them • Pair are believed to have impersonated 43 candidates • DSA welcomes prison sentences

15 December 2009

Taxi testing in Selby

• Test for new taxi drivers • Examiners’ new roles • Road safety initiative

10 December 2009

New arrangements for testing for the Barry area

• Review of service • Alternative facilities • More cost effective estate

10 December 2009

New test centre for Ashfield and Mansfield area – media invitation

• Improved facilities • Reduction in running costs • Improved parking facilities

10 December 2009

Taxi testing in Kirklees

• Test for new taxi drivers • Examiners’ new roles • Road safety initiative

10 December 2009

DSA in line for e-Government award

• DSA makes top five shortlist for e-Government award • Nominated for ‘working in partnership’ • Winner to be announced 20 January 2010

26 November 2009

DSA wins first national identity crime award

• Fraud investigation team honoured • More than 900 suspects arrested • ‘Hundreds of criminals kept off public roads without passing tests’

20 November 2009